Lesson 3: Turning the other cheek.
Passage: Matthew 5:38-42 - Jesus taught that while the Law of Moses called for justice through the principle of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” his followers are called to a higher standard of non-violence and radical grace. Instead of retaliating against those who wrong them, they should turn the other cheek, give more than what is asked, and go the extra mile when compelled to do so. He also urged his followers to be generous to those who ask and a willingness to lend without refusal.
Big Idea: Jesus’ way is peace.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are going to learn more about what Jesus taught his followers.
First, we learned that we can spread God’s goodness and love in the world like sprinkling salt on food or shining a light in the dark. Then we learned about always telling the truth and saying what we mean.
Today we’re going to learn about what we should do if someone else is not so nice to us.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Questions — Bible Story Leader
Does anyone remember what Jesus said about what we should do if someone is not nice to us? Should we be mean back?
What are some things we can do instead?
Do you think we can still be kind to people who aren’t kind to us? What do you think might happen if we did that?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for teaching us that we can be kind to people even if they aren’t kind to us, just like Jesus did. Please teach us to share, to help others, and to choose love and kindness instead of fighting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: — Activity Leader
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit near the TV. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are continuing our series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is when he taught people from the side of a mountain.
So far, we’ve learned about how Jesus said we are like salt and light when we spread God’s goodness and love in the world, like sprinkling salt on food or like shining a light in the dark. We also learned that Jesus taught us not to make promises like “I swear I’ll do this” or “I swear I won’t do that”, but to speak truthfully and say what we mean.
Today we’ll be learning about what Jesus said we should do if someone is mean or does something wrong towards us.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Questions — Bible Story Leader
Does anyone remember what Jesus said about what we should do if someone hurts us? Should we fight them and try to hurt them back?
What are some ideas of things you can you do instead?
Do you think that we can still be kind to people who aren’t kind to us? What do you think might happen if we do that?
What if someone keeps hurting you or doing the same thing again and again? What do you think is the best thing to do in that situation?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for Jesus’ teaching about turning the other cheek and being kind to people who aren’t kind to us. Please show us how to follow your ways and be people who are peaceful and kind, so that we can be a good example and others might be able to see you through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: — Activity Leader
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Welcome the kids to class, ask how their week was.
Warm Up Activity: — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are continuing our series on the Sermon on the Mount, which is all about the teachings that Jesus gave to his followers from a mountainside.
Does anyone remember what some of those teachings were that we learned so far?
First, we learned that Jesus said we are like salt and light when we spread God’s goodness and love in the world (like sprinkling salt on food or shining a light in the dark).
Then, we learned about how we shouldn’t make promises or oaths, but instead, we should speak truthfully and say what we mean.
Today we’re going to learn about what Jesus taught his followers to do when someone hurts or wrongs them in some way.
Read: Matthew 5:38-42 and John 18:22-23
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Questions — Bible Story Leader
What do you think Jesus meant when he said that we should turn the other cheek? Do you think we should just let people hurt us and not protect ourselves?
In the passage where the high priest slapped Jesus in the face, what did he do in that situation?
What can learn from both Jesus’ example and his teaching together?
Do you think Jesus’ standards for us are pretty high? Do you think these teachings would be easy or difficult for you to follow?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for Jesus’ teachings that challenge us to live as people of peace. Although it’s not always easy to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile, help us to follow Jesus’ words and example and become more like him each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: — Activity Leader
Dismissal: Collect tags 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?
What do you usually do when someone isn’t being nice to you?
What did Jesus say we should do?
Is it easy or hard to be kind to someone who isn’t kind to you?
What do you think is the best thing to do instead of fighting back? (Ask them to stop, talking to an adult that you trust)
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Has someone ever done something hurtful to you? How did you react?
What does Jesus teach us is the right thing to do in this situation?
Do you think it’s easy to be kind to someone who isn’t kind to you?
What do you think is a better way to solve a problem you have with someone instead of fighting back?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Have you ever wanted to get someone back for hurting you? What did you do in that situation?
What do you think about Jesus’ teaching about turning the other cheek? Did he practice what he preached?
Do you think Jesus wants us to let people hurt us without doing anything about it?
What are some healthier ways we can respond instead of fighting back?
