A Special Adventure with Libby, Gigi, and Jesus Devotional for Little Hearts – “Following Jesus All the Way” (Based on Luke 9:56-62 NIV)

Scripture to Read Together: Then Jesus and His disciples went to another village. As they were walking along the road, a man said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” He said to another man, “Follow Me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

The Adventure Begins

One bright afternoon, Libby (a cheerful seven-year-old with soft blond hair that bounced in the sunshine and sparkling hazel eyes full of wonder) skipped along a grassy path with her best friend, Gigi. Gigi, the wrinkly three-year-old Old English bulldog, waddled beside her, her stubby legs working extra hard to keep up. Her big jowls flopped with every step, and she let out happy little snorts.

Suddenly, Jesus appeared walking right beside them, smiling gently. “Hello, Libby. Hello, Gigi! Would you like to join Me on a walk today?”

“Yes, Jesus!” Libby cheered, grabbing His hand. Gigi gave a joyful “woof!” and leaned against His leg.

As they walked, Jesus began to tell them a story from His time on earth. “Some people wanted to follow Me, but they had big ‘but first…’ ideas in their hearts.”

Jesus Explains the Bible Story

Jesus sat down on a big rock under a shady tree. Libby plopped in His lap, and Gigi rested her heavy head on His foot, looking up with big, loving eyes.

“First, a man said, ‘Jesus, I’ll follow You anywhere!’ That sounds wonderful, right?” Jesus asked.

Libby nodded excitedly. “I would follow You anywhere too!”

Jesus smiled. “I told him, ‘Foxes have cozy dens, and birds have warm nests. But when you follow Me, sometimes you won’t have a comfortable bed or a fancy house every night. Following Me means being ready for adventures—even when it’s not easy.’”

Libby thought for a moment. “Like when I share my toys even if I don’t want to?”

“Exactly, sweet girl,” Jesus said, ruffling her blond hair. “It’s choosing Me first, even when it costs something comfortable.”

Then Jesus continued, “Another man said, ‘I’ll follow You, Lord… but first let me bury my father.’”

Libby tilted her head. “Burying family is important, right?”

“Yes, it is,” Jesus nodded kindly. “But sometimes people use good things as excuses to wait. I told him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead. You go and tell people about God’s kingdom right now!’ The kingdom of God is so important that it comes first—even before very good things.”

Gigi gave a big sigh, as if she understood. Jesus scratched behind her ears. “And one more man said, ‘I’ll follow You… but first let me say goodbye to my family.’”

Jesus looked at Libby with love. “I told him, ‘If you start plowing a field but keep looking back, you won’t do a good job. Following Me means keeping your eyes on Me and not always looking back at what you’re leaving.’”

Libby hugged Jesus tight. “I don’t want to look back, Jesus. I want to follow You with my whole heart!”

Talking with Jesus (Prayer Time)

Jesus asks Libby and Gigi (and you!):

• What “but first…” things sometimes get in the way of following Me with all your heart?

• Are you ready to trust Me even when it’s not the easiest or most comfortable choice?

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for inviting us on adventures with You! Help Libby, Gigi, and me to follow You first—before toys, TV, friends, or even good things. Give us brave hearts that don’t look back. We love You more than anything! Amen.

Gigi licked Jesus’ hand as if to say, “Amen!”

Family Activity – “Eyes on Jesus” Game

Draw or color a picture of a straight path with Jesus at the end. On the sides, draw things that might make you look back (toys, games, family fun). Then draw big eyes on the path looking straight at Jesus. Talk about how you can keep your eyes on Him this week!

Memory Verse to Hide in Your Heart: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

May your hearts be full of joy as you follow Jesus on every adventure—Libby, Gigi, and all who read this! 💛