From the Cross to His Coming Kingdom
Month 6: The Cross — Why Jesus Died · Family Worship
Today's Scripture
Read together: Philippians 2:8–11
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Memory Verse
“But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”— Romans 5:8 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: 2 Kings 1–4
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 180 of 365 — the prophet Elisha and God's miracles of mercy.)The Heart of It
The story of the cross does not end at the cross. Paul traces the whole arc: Jesus "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him" (). See that little word therefore. Jesus went all the way down. He was born as a servant. He died as a criminal in our place. So now the Father has lifted Him all the way up and given Him "the name which is above every name." The lowest point in history became the doorway to the highest throne in the universe. The same Jesus who hung on a cross now reigns as King.
And there is a day coming when everyone will see it. "Every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (vv. 10–11). This is where our month lands. It lands at the feet of a living, ruling King. We don't worship a sad memory. We worship a victorious Savior who is alive and coming back. As we close "The Cross — Why Jesus Died," let your family feel the wonder. The God who died for us "while we were still sinners" () is the very King to whom one day all of creation will bow. And we get to bow now, gladly, out of love, long before the rest of the world will.
Around the Table
Jesus didn't stay on the cross. He's alive, and He's the King of everything!
Let's do it: Get down low like a servant. Then reach up high and cheer, "Jesus is King!"
Jesus went low for us, and the Father lifted Him high. One day everyone everywhere will bow to Him.
Let's talk: What is the difference between being made to bow someday and getting to bow gladly right now?
The cross and the crown belong together, because humility led to honor. And Jesus' path is the pattern for His followers too.
Let's go deeper: Where could God be calling you to "go low"? Where could you serve when no one notices, trusting Him to lift you in His time?
💬 Conversation Starter
If a real king walked into our house right now, how would we act? How should knowing Jesus is King change the way we live today?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Many scholars recognize as an early Christian hymn. Believers were already singing that Jesus is Lord, exalted above all, within just a couple of decades of the cross. The first Christians didn't slowly invent a divine Jesus over centuries. They worshiped Him as Lord from the very start ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
A month on the cross can leave the heart heavy. So finish by lifting your family's eyes to the exalted Christ. Jesus is not a tragic hero. He is the reigning Lord whose kingdom cannot fail. Tony Evans presses dads to remember that we lead under a higher authority. Every command we give and every value we model is meant to point our children to the One who truly rules. When your kids see you gladly bowing your own will to King Jesus, quick to repent and slow to demand your own way, they learn that submitting to Him is not loss but life. So lead them toward the day every knee will bow. Bend your own knee first, today.
Draws on: Tony Evans, Kingdom Man.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus went low to save us. And now He reigns as King over all. We gladly bow to Him today. Help us live for our King until He comes again. In Jesus' name, amen."
Jesus went all the way down to save me. Now He reigns. I get to bow to my King gladly today.