Discipleship Cliff

Welcome to Week Three of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – United in Christ!

The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to the church in Ephesus while he was under house arrest. Instead of focusing on his own tough times, Paul used the opportunity to strengthen and encourage Christ-followers. Ever since he encountered Jesus in the book of Acts, his life had been marked by a commitment to preach the gospel and build up churches. The goodness of the gospel fueled Paul’s passion to plant churches and encourage believers wherever God sent him.

This week, Paul shows us how Jesus brings peace and unity, tearing down walls that once divided people and making us one family in God’s household.

Note for Parents: The post is divided into two parts. The first section is for parents, giving you a deeper look at the passage before you teach it to your kids. Feel free to highlight and make notes as you go. The second section is the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, discussion questions, and a family activity.

Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22 – “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Big Idea: Jesus’ gift of salvation brings us peace with God and brings us into God’s family.

Introduction

This passage in Ephesians continues Paul’s excellent explanation of the gospel. In the first half of chapter 2 (that we learned about last week), Paul shows us that God takes us from being dead in sin to being made alive in Christ. Starting in verse 11, Paul shows how this salvation not only reconciles us to God but also reconciles us to one another. The cross tears down barriers and unites us as one family of God’s people.

Before Jesus: Separated and Without Hope 

It’s good to be reminded of what our lives would be like apart from Jesus’ redeeming work. Paul does that at the beginning of this passage in Ephesians 2. He reminds the Gentile believers in Ephesus what life was like before Jesus. They were separated from Christ and alienated from God’s people, the Israelites. They were on the outside looking in. Cut off from God’s people and without hope. Why? Because they were separated from God. These verses highlight the fact that, apart from Jesus’ redeeming work, everyone is far away from God. 

In Christ: Brought Near and Made One 

This next section of the passage brings us the good news: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

The cross changes everything. Jesus is our peace. And Jesus brings peace where a wall of hostility separated us from God and from God’s people. The wall of hostility that divided Jews and Gentiles has been taken away. These verses give us a picture of Gospel-centered reconciliation. No one has to be on the outside looking in anymore. We all have access to the Father through Jesus’ work and the work of the Holy Spirit. 

A New Identity 

Followers of Jesus have a brand new identity. They are no longer strangers and aliens. Instead, they are fellow citizens with God’s people, members of His household, and part of a spiritual temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Himself is the cornerstone—the most important part of the structure that holds everything together.

Family Study Guide: United in Christ

Opening Prayer: Father God, thank You for bringing us together as a family to learn from Your Word. Help us see how Jesus unites us, breaks down walls, and brings peace to our hearts. Open our minds to understand Your truth and guide our hearts to live it out. May our time together grow our love for You and for one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Note for Parents: If you feel that your kids are ready for the entire passage to be read out loud, please go for it. However, my suggestion for this week’s study is to break up the larger passage we just studied (in the parent guide) into two smaller passages to read. Use the Parent Guide and any notes you wrote down to explain the passage to your kids! 

Read Our Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:13-14 and 19–20 (ESV)

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” 

Discussion Questions

What does Paul say Jesus did for people who were far away?

How does Jesus make peace between people?

What does it mean to be part of God’s household (family)?

How can we live like one family in Christ this week?

Do you have any other questions about the verses we just studied? 

Note for Parents: You know your kids better than anyone else, so feel free to adjust the questions to work for your family. Enjoy!

Family Life Application

The Wall and the Cross

Supplies: A few building blocks (like LEGO, Duplo, or Jenga) or even sheets of paper/books.

Activity

Work together as a family to stack the blocks into a wall. 

Talk about how walls separate people—like how sin and differences can separate us.

Then, remove the blocks one by one as you can say some things Jesus did to bring peace – Jesus forgives our sins, Jesus loves everyone, and Jesus makes us one family. 

When the wall is gone, place a cross (you can draw one quickly or make a cross out of Legos or Mega Blocks) in the center and say: Jesus tore down the wall and brought us together as one family in Him.

Closing Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for bringing us into Your family through Jesus. Thank You that He is our peace and our cornerstone. Help us to live together in love, remembering that we are all part of one family in Christ. Amen.

Additional Resources: 

Ephesians for Families – Week 2 – Alive in Christ

The Trailhead: Devotions For Disciple-Making Parents – Edition 3

Teaching Respect: 5 Verses for Families 

Join our family discipleship community! Sign up for weekly emails with encouragement and practical ways to help your kids grow in Christ.