Read: Acts 2:14a,32-41

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:36,37

What Should We Do?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 24, 2023Devotion based on Acts 2:36,37
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20230424fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It’s a day off from school, a day off from work, what should we do? Should we head to the park? Go to the movie theater for popcorn and a show? What a fun decision. But imagine that a doctor has just given you some bad news. “Uh-oh, what should we do?” you ask him. The question becomes much more serious.

Peter was talking to a large crowd of people. He explained Jesus’ death and resurrection to them. Peter had seen these things with his own eyes! He gave the crowd proof that Jesus was the perfect match for all the Old Testament prophecies. He is the Savior! This good news is for everyone. Jesus’ work gives hope to the whole world.

But here’s the “uh-oh”: Peter was talking to the same crowd who rejected Jesus earlier. They felt terrible. The Bible says they were cut to the heart. “What should we do?” the people wondered. This was a serious question. They knew they had sinned against God. They wanted to know if it was too late for them. They wanted to know if there was any hope.

We might feel the same way when we think about our sins. The guilt makes us feel terrible! Sometimes, we try to make up for our sins. Maybe I can fix this on my own! We know sin is serious and we want to do something to get rid of that guilt. Can we be forgiven? Is there hope for us?

Peter’s words gave those them hope. “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” God connects his Word with the water of Baptism to give us new life in him. Our sins are forgiven. We are baptized into this same hope. Our sins are forgiven, and we have a new life.

So, what should we do? Take this good news to heart. “God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Though our sins are serious, God has forgiven them. Study the Bible to learn more about Jesus, your Savior. Rejoice that through Baptism, God has forgiven your sins and made you his dear child. And share this good news with others.

Closing Prayer:Dear God, please help me take to heart the good news that my sins are forgiven. Encourage me to focus on the certain hope of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Peter told the crowd some good news. What good news do you have to share?
• Ask you parents to tell you about your baptism. Why is it so important?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to repent?
• What day was your baptism? How could you celebrate it as your “second birthday”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What can you take with you from today’s devotion the next time guilt weighs on your heart?
• Think of one way that will help you remember your baptism every day for the rest of this week.

Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.