Lesson 4: Jesus brings rest.
Passage: Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus encourages his followers to come to him when they are tired and weary, and he will give them rest for their souls. The “yoke” or “burden” of Jesus’ teachings is light because he gives us strength in our weakness and helps us to carry them.
Big Idea: Jesus helps us through hard times.
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 and explain what you will be doing today. Ask the children if there is one thing they would like to share about their weekend.
Warm Up Activity: — Animal Game
Similar to Hot Potato, children will sit in a circle and pass a ball around while music is playing.
When the music stops the child or leader holding the ball shares a name of an animal. (Ex. elephant)
Then the music starts again and when it stops, the child or leader holding the ball must say a different animal that hasn’t been said yet. Play until everyone has had a turn to share.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’ll be learning about how Jesus said that when it gets hard, he’s there to help us!
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Play video: Teacher | Jesus brings rest
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Can you think of a time when you did something that was really hard?
Did you do it all by yourself or did you ask somebody for help?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the teaching of Jesus that we learned today about how you give us rest when we’re tired and strength to follow your teachings when it gets hard. Please help us to remember that we can always pray to you for help when we need it, because you listen to us and you care about what we’re going through. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Activity: Wikki Stix creations — Activity Leader
Use Wikki Stix to create art related to today’s lesson.
Colouring pages will also be provided.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Check out children using the iPad roster. Make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — All Leaders invite children to sit near the TV, introduce yourselves and welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: — Activity Leader
Animal Game
Similar to Hot Potato, children will sit in a circle and pass a ball around while music is playing.
When the music stops the child or leader holding the ball shares a name of an animal. (Ex. elephant)
Then the music starts again and when it stops, the child or leader holding the ball must say a different animal that hasn’t been said yet. Play until everyone has had a turn to share.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re going to be learning about another one of Jesus’ teachings! Last Sunday we learned that sometimes it might hard to follow Jesus’ teachings, but that it’s still worth it because Jesus teaches us the best way to live!
Can you think of any of Jesus’ teachings that might be hard to follow?
Today we’ll be learning about how Jesus said that when it gets hard, he’s there to help us!
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Can you think of a time when you did something that was really hard?
Did you do it all by yourself or did you ask somebody for help?
Do you think it’s good to ask for help when something is really hard for you?
If some of Jesus’ teaching are hard to follow, who can you ask for help?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the teaching of Jesus that we learned today about how you give us rest when we’re tired and strength to follow your teachings when it gets hard. Please help us to remember that we can always pray to you for help when we need it, because you listen to us and you care about what we’re going through. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Activity: Wikki Stix — Activity Leader
Using Wikki Stix create something that relates to today’s lesson. Colouring pages will also be provided.
Dismissal: Use the iPad roster to check out each child 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: — Activity Leader
Roll 2 Dice and answer the question on the Page based on what you roll.
Play until everyone has had an opportunity to answer a question.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Ask if anyone would like to read the verse: Matthew 11:28-30?
Today we’ll we talking about another one of Jesus’ teachings, this time it’s a little bit more of an encouragement about how Jesus helps us when things get hard.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Play video: Teacher | Jesus brings Rest
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Can you think of a time when you had to do something that was too hard for you to do by yourself and you needed to ask for help? What was it?
Is asking for help something that’s easy for you to do, or do you prefer to figure things out for yourself?
Has there ever been a time when you’ve asked God for help and your prayer was answered? What happened?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the teaching of Jesus that we learned today, about how you’re with us through the hard times, giving us rest and strength to keep on following you even when it’s not easy. Thank you that you also give us other people who help and encourage us along the way, whether it’s our friends or parents or teachers. You always provide just what we need for every situation, no matter how difficult it might seem. Please help us to remember that we can always turn to you and that we don’t have to carry everything by ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Wikki Stix creations — Activity Leader.
Using Wikki Stix create something that relates to today’s lesson.
Activity Pages are also available.
Dismissal: Check out each child on the iPad roster and 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?
Can you think of some things that are hard to do?
When something is too hard to do by yourself, who do you ask for help?
What do you think are some ways that God helps us when we’re having a hard time?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What are some things that you find hard to do on your own?
Who are the people that you usually go to for help when you need it?
What are some ways that God can help us when we’re having a hard time?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think it’s sometimes hard for people to ask for help when they need it?
What do you think would happen if we tried to do everything by ourselves?
What are some ways that God might send us help in difficult times? Have you ever experienced that?
