Lesson 1: Jesus and the children.
Passage: Matthew 19:13-15 - Once when Jesus was teaching a large crowd, some people were bringing their children to Jesus so that he could pray for them. However, the disciples rebuked them and tried to keep the children away. Jesus responded by telling his disciples to let the children come to him and not to hinder them, because the kingdom of God is for them too. Then he blessed them and went on his way.
Big Idea: Children are precious to God.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — All Leaders
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class and introduce yourselves.
Warm Up Activity: — Activity Leader
Stand up Sit down game
Using the prompt sheet provided in the classroom have all kids start standing up. Ask them to sit down if they have the item. The last child standing is the winner.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re going to start a new series all about the teachings of Jesus.
Did you know that Jesus was a teacher?
What do you think are some of the things that Jesus taught us?
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Play Teacher: Lesson 1 Jesus and the children.
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Do you feel like sometimes it’s hard being a little kid? Are there some things you’re not allowed to do or places you can’t go that grown ups can?
How do you feel when grown ups say “you cant do this” or “you can’t do that”? Do you think sometimes there’s a good reason?
Do you think it was fair when some of the grown ups in the story told the people not to bring their little children to Jesus?
What did Jesus say about that? What do you think that tells us about how Jesus feels about little children?
Do you know that you can talk to Jesus anytime you want by praying to him? What kind of things would you want to say to Jesus?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for how you taught us that you love all the little children so much, and that they are just as precious and important to you as grown ups. Thank you that we can talk to you whenever we want, when we’re happy or sad or lonely or when it feels hard to be a little kid sometimes. You always listen to us and you will never send us away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Activity Leader
Snowflake colouring sheets.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Dismiss children using the Roster iPad and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — All leaders
Welcome the Kids to class and introduce yourselves and share what you will be doing today.
Warm Up Activity: — Activity Leader
Stand up Sit down game
Using the prompt sheet provided in the classroom have all kids start standing up. Ask them to sit down if they have the item. The last child standing is the winner.
Preliminary Discussion: Today we’re going to start a new series all about the teachings of Jesus.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Play video: Teacher | Lesson 1
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
How do you feel when grown ups say “you cant do this” or “you can’t do that”? Do you think sometimes there’s a good reason?
Do you think it was fair when some of the grown ups in the story told the people not to bring their little children to Jesus?
What did Jesus say about that? What do you think that tells us about how Jesus feels about little children?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for how you taught us that you love all the little children so much, and that they are just as precious and important to you as grown ups. Thank you that we can talk to you whenever we want, when we’re happy or sad or lonely or when it feels hard to be a little kid sometimes. You always listen to us and you will never send us away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: — Activity Leader
Snowflake craft sheet
Using the supplies provided create a neat snowflake.
Dismissal: Dismiss children using the iPad roster and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — All Leaders
Introduce yourself and welcome the kids to class.
Warm Up Activity: Would You Rather Bowl - Activity Leader
Sitting in a circle by the TV.
Have kids reach into the bowl and pull out a Would you rather question. Have the child answer the question and then pass the bowl to the next child and so on until everyone has had a chance to answer a question.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re starting a brand new series on the teachings of Jesus.
Did you know that Jesus was a teacher?
What do you think are some of the lesson Jesus taught?
Today we’ll be learning about what Jesus taught his followers about how God feels about little children. Before we play the video could we get a reader to read? The scripture is Matthew 19:13-15.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Play video: Teacher: Lesson 1
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What do you think is the hardest thing about being a kid?
Do you think it was fair for the disciples to tell the people to stop bringing their children to Jesus? Why do you think they did that?
What was Jesus’ response and what do you think that says about how God views children?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for this new series that we’re starting on the teachings of Jesus. Please help us to learn and gain wisdom from the different teachings that we’ll be talking about, and help us to understand more of who you are and who we are meant to be as your children. Thank you for what we learned today about how Jesus welcomed the children and didn’t send them away, and how that teaches us how you view children as just as valuable and important as adults, and that we are all have a part in your kingdom no matter how young or old we are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Activity leader
Snowflake art craft. Create a unique snowflake using the materials provided.
Dismissal: Dismiss children using the iPad roster. Make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Do you think that Jesus was a good teacher? What was his teaching about little children?
How do you think God feels when you pray?
What kind of things would you want to talk to God about?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Do you think that Jesus was a great teacher? What was the lesson he taught his followers in the story?
Do you think that Jesus sometimes taught by his words and other times by his actions?
What did his actions in the story say about what God is like?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Do you think that Jesus was a great teacher? How was he different from the other teachers?
Do you think Jesus teaches through his words, actions, or both?
What did his words and actions say about how God feels about children and their part in the kingdom?
