Jesse Tree -- Day 4

Day 4 -- Noah and the Flood

Scripture Passage: Genesis 6:5-8:21, 9:12-17
(This is a long passage, my friend. Small children would struggle to sit through it. My recommendation is that you read it ahead of time, and then when you sit with your children, alternate between (1) reading selective portions straight from the scripture and (2) simply telling the story. Key portions to read would be 6:5-8 and 18, 7:23-24, 8:18-21, and 9:12-17. I think you could easily fill-in with the narrative between these portions of scripture.)
This part of the redemption story is so rich for discussion! For one thing, so much of the character of God is seen: we see his justice (toward mankind in general), his mercy (toward Noah and his family), his provision (to provide for Noah's family), his compassion and covenant-making (as he promises to never again destroy every living thing as he has done), his faithfulness (as he promises to remember his covenant), and so much more! Also, the larger story of redemption is symbolically woven through the smaller story of Noah: man sins and dies (for the wages of sin is death), but God provides a means of rescue (in this case, for Noah and his family). And finally, as he saves the lives of Noah's family, God carries on with his plan to redeem a people for himself. These are just a few of my quick thoughts on it.

Key Verse: Genesis 9:15a: "and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh."

Suggested Symbol: rainbow