This Sunday school lesson will help the children understand that Jesus can comfort and heal them during those times when they are not feeling well.
TOPICS
Caring, Friendship, Healing, Kindness
AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes)
Get Well Cards
Before the class begins, have the following items ready on the table: crayons or colored markers, blank sheets of light colored construction paper folded evenly in half to make a greeting card, and stickers. Write in large letters on the board GET WELL SOON. As the kids arrive, have them create their own "Get well soon" greeting card by drawing pictures, designs, using sticker, or whatever. Let the children know that they will be taking their cards home with them after class. When someone they know is sick or not feeling well, they can give them the card. After the cards are finished, ask the children what other things they could do besides giving a nice card that will help make someone feel better. For example: they might bring flowers, or pretty drawings, help around the house, bring a pillow, etc.
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man (Optional Coloring Page) Click here
WORSHIP TIME (5 minutes)
Further info? Click here
BIBLE VERSE (7 minutes)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort."
2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV
Explain to the children the meaning of compassion and comfort. Jesus is our healer because He has compassion for us. He also wants to comfort us in our times of need. Split this verse into two sections and have the children repeat one section at a time several times.
BIBLE STORY (15 minutes)
Gather the children around you in preparation for story time. After the introduction, read the story right from the Bible. If possible, use a Children's Bible so it will be easier for the kids to understand.
Introduction:
Today we are going to learn about a time when some men cared deeply about one of their friends. This friend was crippled and could not walk. But they knew that if they brought their friend to Jesus, he could be healed. So they went to find Jesus. But when they found Him, it was almost impossible to get to where Jesus was. As I read the story from the Bible, listen to hear what the men did to help their friend.
Read Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus Heals a Man)
Discussion Questions:
1. Why was it almost impossible for the men to get their friend to where Jesus was? (Because it was so crowded.)
2. How did they solve this problem? (By cutting a hole in the roof and lowering him down on his mat.)
3. Did Jesus heal the crippled man? (Yes.)
4. Did Jesus show compassion and provide comfort for this man? (Yes.)
5. How would you feel if you were one of the people who saw this miracle taking place? (Allow for answers.)
6. Have you ever been sick, and prayed to God to make you better? What happened? (Allow for answers.)
7. If you were crippled like this man, and Jesus made you walk again, what would you do? (Allow for answers.)
FUN TIME (15 minutes)
The Mat Race (Game) Click here
PRAYER/SNACK (10 minutes)
Further info? Click here
For today's snack, bring an assortment of healthy foods, such as grapes, raisins, oranges, apples, etc. Start by praying to God and thanking Him for taking care of us when we are not feeling well. As the children eat their snacks, tell them "God is always there for us when we are sick, but He also expects us to take care of our bodies. That is why today we are having delicious fruit because it is a healthy snack."
CLOSING ACTIVITY (5-10 minutes)
Help Me Get Well (Activity) Click here
NEXT WEEK
Have you ever been lost or afraid? Come back next week to learn how Jesus takes care of us like a good shepherd takes care of frightened sheep.
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home [PDF]. Click here