For Kids: Jesus Cares About You | Lectionary 13 (Pentecost 5) | Year A
Opening Song: The Apostles' Creed
Note: Today's lesson is based on Matthew 10:40-42 in the Lectionary readings.
Big Idea: Jesus loves and cares about children...
Story: "Share God's Love" | Spark Story Bible, pg. 326
Ask: This story was about sharing God's love. Do you think that only adults need God's love? ... Do you think only kids need God's love? ... Who needs God's love? ...
Sometimes grown-ups forget that kids need to know about God's love too, so Jesus reminds us. Let's watch a video about that...
Lesson Video | Jesus and the Children
Ask: Tell me about a time when you felt loved... Tell me about a time when you didn't feel very loved... Which one felt better? ... How does it feel to know that Jesus loves you? ... Is there anything that helps remind you that Jesus loves you? ...
Say: In the Gospel lesson for today, Jesus tells the disciples that whoever gives a little child a glass of water will not lose their reward in Heaven. Jesus was reminding his disciples to take care of children.
Have any of you been to a desert? ... Is there a lot of water there? ... In Jesus' time, water wasn't always easy to get. They didn't have stores like we do or sinks in their house (they didn't even have showers in their houses!). They usually had to go to a well - a hole in the ground - to get water. So, Jesus tells His followers to remember to care for the children that may be thirsty.
It's nice to know that there are grown-ups who take care of us, isn't it? It's nice to know that God cares for us too, right?
How can we care for others this week?
Song for Kids: Amazing Grace
Activity Sheets or Play
After the song, hand out the activity sheets. Younger children are welcome to play with the Duplos (encourage them to play out a story that fits with the lesson).
End with the Lord's Prayer when the Usher comes to let you know the prayers have started.
(If you need more time)
Go around the room and ask the children to share something they are thankful for this week.
Ask them if there is anything or anyone they would like to pray for this week.