Lesson Objectives:
Review Matthew 25:31-46 for a true meaning of Servanthood.
Come to understand that our purpose as Christians is to serve others.
Materials:
Items listed within context.
Duty of Servanthood Wordsheet for children 6-8 yrs. (PDF Link Found Below)
Lesson Ideas:
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus speaks of the everlasting judgment which is to come. Jesus considers favors shown to His people as shown to Himself, and explains how He will reward them accordingly.
When we as parents teach and model basic kindness, compassion & meekness for our children, we lay a foundation for communicating the value of godly work and charity (servanthood) as Christ would have us to instruct them.
Some worthwhile aspects of servanthood found in
Matthew 25:31-46 include:
1. Compassion and empathy: Around the time they start talking, children are capable of empathy. It's critical that we nurture within them this inherent concern for others by bringing them to Christ's standard of charity.
2. Godly work ethic: Idleness is frequently warned against in the Bible, asserting that it leads to ruin. Work is not a punishment but a means by which we develop godly character. Children who comprehend the purpose of work and who find satisfaction in a job well done are most likely to behave in ways that will improve their world.
3. Serving and giving to others: In God's economy, our time and money are not our own. We are stewards of His earthly kingdom. By our kindness to the poor, needy, and sick we show attachment to Jesus and how we love His eternal cause.
This week our wordsheet is:
Matthew 25:40 "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."
To save and print this pdf wordsheet go here:
Children's Bible Lesson - Duty of Servanthood
Memorization Tip:
If your child can read, help them find the selected text in their Bible, then read the selected text aloud to your child. Have your child highlight each word to help him focus on the words as he says them.
Activity Suggestions:
1. Be alert this week & seek out an emotionally hurt family member or friend. Think of ways you and your child can work together showing them the love of Christ. Shine forth kindness, compassion and sympathy /empathy as you serve the hurting.
2. Invite your child's friends over to make homemade soup for lunch (or any other recipe you choose). Ask each child to bring one ingredient. Have the children work cooperatively to prepare the vegetables. Talk with the children about how servanthood along with cooperation builds up the body of Christ. Point out that each child's contribution has resulted in more for everyone. (The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.)
You can also, plan an Act 2:42 party. Make enough soup (or whatever dish you choose) so that some can be shared with those of the household of faith. Discuss with the children the concept of "extra" and "excess" and about the sharing of resources with those who have less. Compare the first Century Christian's way of life to modern Christian living, Acts 2:42-47.
3. "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 Find the needy and help where you can.
Who Is World Vision? World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. ~ And, there are many other organizations just waiting for our help.
__________________________________________________________
Please tell us what you think about this lesson post your comments in our resource directory today.
If you like to share your favorite teaching activities with others, be sure to let us know and we'll add it to our website. We'd enjoy hearing from you and I'm sure others will be encouraged as well ~ just send us an email, contact us.
