In this Sunday school lesson, children discover that they are very important to Jesus. They are special in His eyes because they are God's children.
TOPICS
Child of God, Love, Special
AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)
Have crayons or colored markers and blank sheets of paper on the tables before the class begins. As the kids arrive, tell them to think of someone who is very special to them, and then draw a picture showing why they are so special. When finished, ask for volunteers to talk about their drawings with the rest of the class.
WORSHIP TIME (5 minutes)
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BIBLE VERSE (7 minutes)
"Let the children come to me, Don't stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14 NLT
Discuss what "Kingdom of God" means. Then, ask the children the following questions:
1. What does it mean to belong to something?
2. What does it mean to belong to the Kingdom of God?
BIBLE STORY (15 minutes)
Gather the children around you in preparation for story time. After the introduction, read the story about Jesus and the little children right from the Bible. If possible, use a Children's Bible so it will be easier for the kids to understand.
Introduction:
One day, many people were gathered around Jesus, asking him difficult questions. Questions like who will be the greatest in Heaven, when is it okay to get a divorce, who can cast out demons? Jesus was very busy giving God's answers to these difficult questions, when suddenly, he stopped. Something was happening that Jesus believed was more important than these questions. Let's find out what it was. Our story continues in the Book of Mark.
Read Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus and the little children)
Discussion Questions:
1. One of the verses we read said Jesus was displeased. Why do you think He was displeased? (He didn't want the disciples to stop the children from coming to Him because they were important.)
2. Does the Kingdom of God belong only to grown-ups? (No, to children also.)
3. Do you think Jesus felt that spending time with children was more important than answering difficult questions? (Jesus stopped what He was doing to welcome the children.)
4. How would you feel if you were one of those children that Jesus took in His arms? (Allow for answers.)
5. Do you know that Jesus has His arms around you right now? (Allow for answers.)
FUN TIME (15-20 minutes)
Be Thumb-body With Jesus (Craft) Click here
ALTERNATE FUN TIME (15 minutes)
A Chair for a Crown (Game) Click here
PRAYER/SNACK (10 minutes)
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Start by praying to God and thanking Him for His great love and for being such a wonderful Heavenly Father. Then serve the children cream filled cupcakes or sandwich cookies. Ask the children, "What makes these treats so special? It is the creamy filling inside, and we are special too, because we have Jesus inside of us.
CLOSING ACTIVITY (5-10 minutes)
As the children wait to be picked up, mention the names of several Bible characters, or have the children choose their favorite Bible character. Then, have them tell what makes that character special. For example: David was special because he was able to kill a big giant with God's help.
NEXT WEEK
Do you ever get sick or feel icky? Come back next week to learn how the love of Jesus can help us when we are not feeling well.
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home [PDF]. Click here