Ministry-to-Children.com

This Week in Children’s Ministry for 2/09/2010

Tony Kummer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:05:20 +0000

It’s been a crazy few weeks around my family and church, but I’m back with another roundup of interesting and newsworthy links related to kids ministry. Be sure to check out our Big List of Children’s Ministry blogs to see all the latest posts. Enjoy!

News Worthy

The new Narnia Movie is coming out December 2010.
One Magazine picks Hero Headquarters as the “Best VBS”
Some Trends Affecting Church Budgets
Some churches helping Haiti through VBS
Karl reflects on Luke turning 4
Win an iPod Nano (or cash) for taking a nursery survey from RBP

Practical Help

Building the Tabernacle (Preschool Bible Lesson)

Felicia Mollohan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:21:22 +0000

This printable lesson plan is designed to teach preschool aged children about the story of the building of the Tabernacle. It could be used in any setting with children age 2-5 at church, including a preschool Sunday School class or a preschool children’s church class. As always, consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Please leave any feedback or suggestions for improvement in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

Bible Story: God’s People Build the Tabernacle
Scripture: Exodus 25:1-9
Target Age Group: Age 2 – 5 (U.S. preschool ages)
Time: 20 Minutes
Learning Context: Church Preschool Class
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Learning Objectives: After this lesson, the children will demonstrate an understanding of giving (offering) by thinking of things that they could give to Jesus and sharing that with the class.

Items Needed:

Bible, Exodus 25:1-9
“The Building of the Tabernacle” Story Booklet
Building Blocks
Large piece of paper labeled “Our Gifts to God”, magazines, glue
1 piece of construction paper per child, 6 craft sticks per child, glue construction paper scraps, marker to write their name on their papers

Worship: You can print off these “Moses Songs” (PDF file) to use to lead the children to sing before the Bible lesson.

Welcome Activity: Welcome activities are things to have out for the children to do as they are arriving for class. These activities will get them engaged as soon as they arrive and will help the transition from their parents.

Building with blocks – allow the children to make buildings with blocks

Worship: Moses Songs

Bible Lesson Introduction
“Have you ever been given a gift? (allow for responses) Have you ever given anyone a gift? (allow for responses) We all have been given many things. Who gives us those things? (allow for responses – most likely parents) God actually gives us everything that we have. We are going to read a Bible Story about the people of Israel giving things to God. This is called “offering”.

Bible Lesson
Read Exodus 1-9 (NIRV) aloud to the children. There is also a book that you can print out that has the story along with simple pictures to help the children understand what is being read.

Read the verses (story) to the children. If you are using the print out story, point to the pictures as you read the story so that the children can better understand what you are saying.

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel to bring me an offering. You must receive the offering for me from all whose hearts move them to give.
3 “Here are the offerings you must receive from them.
“gold, silver and bronze
4 blue, purple and bright red yarn and fine linen
goat hair
5 ram skins that are dyed red
the hides of sea cows
acacia wood
6 olive oil for the lights
spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet-smelling incense

7 onyx stones and other jewels for the linen apron and chest cloth
8 “Have them make a sacred tent for me. I will live among them. 9 Make the holy tent and everything that belongs to it. Make them exactly like the pattern I will show you.

Read the verses (story) again, but this time have the children build a tabernacle as a class using the blocks.

Discuss the Bible Reading: When you are finished reading the story the second time, ask the children the following questions so that you can know they understood it.

“Who was in the story?” Moses, the people of Israel
“What were the people asked to do?” Bring things in order to build the tabernacle (church)
“Did they bring items to help?” Yes

Bible Lesson Craft / Activity: Use the following activities to reinforce the learning goals. If time is short, move on to the evaluation portion of the lesson plan.

Activity: Building a Tabernacle

“In our Bible Story today, the people of Israel built a tabernacle (or a church) so that they had a place to worship God. Let’s build our own.”

Give each child a piece of construction paper, Bible Verse and glue
Let the children glue their Bible Verse on their paper
While the children are gluing, go around and write each child’s name on their paper
Demonstrate to the children how to glue the craft sticks onto their paper in the shape of a building (each child’s building will look different – encourage their creativity)
Demonstrate to the children how to tear the scraps of construction paper and glue them onto their building

Activity: Bible Verse Memorization
“Everyone who wanted to give offerings to the Lord brought them to him.” Exodus 35:21 (NIRV)

Have the children do the following hand motions along with repeating the words after you, to help them learn the Bible Verse:

Everyone: point to others in the class
Who wanted to give offerings: put arms straight out as though giving something
To the Lord: point to the ceiling
Brought them to him: put arms straight out as though giving something
Exodus 35: hold 3 fingers on one hand and 5 fingers on the other hand
21: hold 2 fingers on one hand and 1 finger on the other hand

Do this a few times with the children. Make it fun for them to do the motions and say the words. Involving them in active learning is essential for memorization at this age.

Bible Verse Activity: “Our Gifts to God” Class Collage
“In our Bible Verse today, the people brought what they had and gave it to God. We are going to make a class project of things we could give to God.”

Lay the large piece of paper on the table or floor
Let the children look through the magazines for things they could give to God
When they find something, they can rip it out of the magazine and glue it to the large piece of paper

Evaluation: Have the children think of things that they could give to Jesus and share that with the class.

Need More Preschool Ideas? Then browse our list of preschool Bible lessons or check out some printable Bible coloring sheets.

Kids Bible Lesson: Building the Tabernacle

Felicia Mollohan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:11:57 +0000

This free Children’s Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students. It covers the story of Moses and the people of Israel building the Tabernacle. This material could also be used as the Bible lesson for children’s Sunday school. Be sure to consider your own ministry context and modify it as needed. Please leave any feedback or suggestions for improvement in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

Bible Story:The Building of the Tabernacle Offering
Scripture: Exodus 25-30
Target Age Group: Age 6 – 11 (U.S. Kindergarten – 5th Grade)
Time: 20 Minutes
Learning Context: Children’s Church
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Learning Objectives: After this lesson, the children will demonstrate an understanding of giving (offering) by talking with their neighbors about what special gifts they could give to God.

Target Age: Kindergarten – 5th
Items Needed:

Bible: Exodus 25-30. There is a detailed explanation below to help bring out some of the important parts of the story.
Building blocks
Magazines, glue, large piece of paper labeled “Our gifts to God”
Picture of tabernacle model (www.ebibleteacher.com)
1 piece of construction paper per child, craft sticks, Bible Verse written on slips of paper, glue, construction paper scraps, marker

Worship: Use Moses Songs (extra print out) to lead the children to sing before the Bible lesson.

Teaching Plan: The Building of the Tabernacle

Welcome Activity
Welcome activities are things to have out for the children to do as they are arriving for class. These activities will get them engaged as soon as they arrive and will help the transition from their parents.

Building with blocks – allow the children to make buildings with blocks.

Worship: Moses Songs

Bible Lesson Introduction

Have the children work together to build a building with all of the blocks.

Bible Lesson

What part of the Bible is Exodus in? The Old Testament
What book of the Old Testament is Exodus? #2

Read Exodus 25:1-9 (NIRV) aloud to the children.

Discuss Bible Lesson
Pass around the picture of the tabernacle model so that the children will have an idea of what it might have looked like

Skim through Exodus 25:10-30:38

These are all of the details given from God on how to build the tabernacle
Talk about some of the details
Talk about how God gives us detailed directions on what to do and how to do it
Remember that the Israelites had never seen, let alone built, a tabernacle before. God had to go step by step with them so that they would get it right. That way, also, they knew that God was in charge and not them!

Bible Lesson Activities
Use the following activities to reinforce the learning goals. If time is short, move on to the evaluation portion of the lesson plan.

Activity: Building a Tabernacle

“In our Bible Story today, the people of Israel built a tabernacle (or a church) so that they had a place to worship God. Let’s build our own.”

Give each child a piece of construction paper, Bible Verse and glue
Let the children glue their Bible Verse on their paper
Make sure that each child writes their name on their paper
Have the children glue the craft sticks onto their paper in the shape of a building (each child’s building will look different – encourage their creativity)
When their “building” is complete have them tear scraps of construction paper and glue them onto their building

Activity: Bible Verse Memorization
“Everyone who wanted to give offerings to the Lord brought them to him.” Exodus 35:21 (NIRV)

Have the children do the following hand motions along with repeating the words after you, to help them learn the Bible Verse:

Everyone: point to others in the class
Who wanted to give offerings: put arms straight out as though giving something
To the Lord: point to the ceiling
Brought them to him: put arms straight out as though giving something
Exodus 35: hold 3 fingers on one hand and 5 fingers on the other hand
21: hold 2 fingers on one hand and 1 finger on the other hand

Do this a few times with the children. Make it fun for them to do the motions and say the words. Involving them in active learning is essential for memorization.

Activity: “Our Gifts to God” Class Collage

“In our Bible Verse today, the people brought what they had and gave it to God. We are going to make a class project of things we could give to God.”

Lay the large piece of paper on the table or floor
Let the children look through the magazines for things they could give to God
When they find something, they can rip it out of the magazine and glue it to the large piece of paper

Evaluation: Have the children talk with their neighbors about what special gifts they could give to God.

Need More Ideas? Then browse our list of children’s Sunday School material or find a children’s church game.

Esther Bible Lessons for Children: Part 8

Beckie Stewart — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:37:51 +0000

This lesson teaches children the way in which the Lord overcomes the evil schemes of Haman and the provision given to the Jews in regard to the decree to annihilate them. It also helps teach eternal security. This lesson works well for Children’s Church or for Sunday School.

Note: The book of Esther can be difficult to relate back to Jesus and his Good News. One clear connection is the promise that the Savior would be born from the family of Abraham. The plot to eliminate the Jews (the promised family) was a threat to God’s promise. When God saved Esther and the Jews in Persia, he was also protecting the future birth of Jesus according to his promises. The saving work of Christ was directly tied to God’s saving work in the book of Esther.

Bible Story: God Saves Esther and Her People
Scripture: Esther 8:1-17
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Time: 20 Minutes
Learning Context: Children’s Church
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Learning Objectives: After this lesson…

Children share their knowledge of the key people and events learned in this chapter with an activity.
Children share what they understand about a decree being sealed by the king’s signet ring.
Children share what they understand about the Lord’s provision to save the Jews from annihilation.

Material Needed:

Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
Bible: Esther 8:1-17. Prior to the lesson highlight the important points to ensure specific explanation of them.
Visual Aids: Pictures of King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, and Mordecai. Have a large ring to use as an example of a signet ring. Have paper, pens, envelopes, and cross stickers. Try searching those names on Google Images.

Children’s Teaching Plan:

Establish the lesson by briefly reviewing the previous chapters. Help the children to understand the Lord’s perfect timing of Esther revealing her family heritage and the reason the Lord kept it a secret. Make sure the children understand the Lord sees when evil plans are being made against His people and in His timing and way He protects them.

Prepare the children for the lessons in this chapter by briefly explaining the key people in the chapter by showing pictures of King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, and Mordecai. Have the children repeat their names.

Prior to reading the chapter, divide the children into two groups and ask one half to listen for what this chapter teaches about the seal of the king’s signet ring on a decree. Ask the other half of the children to discover the way the Lord provided protection for the Jews from being destroyed.

Read (and Recap) Esther 8:1-17. Read with different voices and stop to involve the children into the chapter. Use the ring to demonstrate the importance it had on sealing the king’s decree. Reinforce the lessons by asking questions. What is Esther still upset about after Haman’s hanging? The decree still exists to annihilate the Jews. Who has been placed in charge of Haman’s house? Esther. Who did the king give the signet ring? Mordecai. Say to the children, “If we are honest, we don’t always understand the way the Lord works in our lives.”

When you’re finished reading the chapter, use the pictures to review the important people and events in this chapter.

Ask for a response from the children about their listening assignment. What did the seal of the king’s signet ring mean? How did the Lord provide protection for the Jews?

Give each child a piece of paper, envelope, sticker, and writing utensil. Have the children write down something important that they don’t want anyone but the Lord to know what the paper says. Have them seal the envelope and place a sticker over the back seal. Emphasize the truth that the sticker is like the king’s signet ring. It is an extra seal, placing extra protection on the importance of what is written on the inside and the desire for it not to be broken.

Use this object lesson to demonstrate the truth that when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the Holy Spirit is given as a seal to confirm that salvation. Help the children understand that just like the king’s decree could not broken when sealed by the signet ring, our salvation is sealed by the Holy Spirit and makes it secure too.

Children’s Lesson Evaluation:

Ask for a volunteer to retell the important lessons learned from this chapter about the king’s signet ring and the Lord’s provision of protection for His people.

Give a list of possible lessons and ask the children to raise their hands if it was part of this chapter of Esther.

Mordecai revealed a plot to Esther regarding a threat on the king’s life. True, but not part of this chapter.
Esther feared for her life to appear before the king without being summoned. True, but not part of this chapter.
Haman’s decree for the Jews annihilation could not be revoked. Yes.
Esther had two banquets that she invited the king and Haman? True, but not part of this chapter.
The king gave Esther charge of Haman’s house? Yes.
Mordecai came up with a decree to save the Jews? Yes.

Need More Help? Be sure to check out all our Sunday School lessons for children or find music for your children’s church.

3 Sunday School Crafts Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Tony Kummer — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:12:22 +0000

Valentine’s Day is one of those cultural holiday’s in the United States that is getting harder to overlook. But Christians have so much to say about real love, I think it’s a great time to use a special craft or lesson in your Sunday School. With all these crafts, you should join them into a relevant Bible lesson about love. Valentine’s Day is a great chance to point kids back to God’s great love for us in the Gospel. Here are three video demonstrations from Cullen’s Abc’s that will help you plan a great Valentine craft. I really appreciate the way she explains the projects step-by-step.

“Gardening With Love” Valentine Craft

In the video she talks about using this for Mother’s Day, but it would be a perfect multi-week object lesson & craft for Valentine’s Day. I would maybe do it the week before, then send the project home once the grass has begun to sprout.

“Cut Out Heart” Valentine Craft

This is a simple option and won’t need too many extra supplies. Be sure to demonstrate the craft to the children first, so they will know what to do. After the have the heart shape, they can decorate it or write whatever you like. I might have them write John 3:16 and talk about God’s love for us. They could also write a prayer note to tell God that they love Him.

“Heart Blot Painting” Art Idea

This creative project is a little easier on the supplies, but will be just as fun for your class. It will requires some cleanup, so make sure you have a few extra grown-up helpers around.

For more great videos like these, check out Cullen’s channel on YouTube or her songs and crafts for Valentine’s Day.

Need More Help? Then check out our valentine’s ideas for Sunday School and John 3:16 Valentine’s Day Coloring page.

Giveaway: 5 Copies New Book “Holy Subversion”

Tony Kummer — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:25:52 +0000

Earlier this week, my friend Trevin Wax sent me a copy of his new book “Holy Subversion.” I’ve been a fan of this book since he started writing it a few years back. He even let read a draft when he was finishing up.

Now that the book is finally out, I am glad to recommend it. Trevin shares some real insights into being a Christ-follower in our modern culture. This book will challenge you to give your first allegiance to Jesus, no matter what pretender “Lords” our society follows.

How To Win 5 Copies of Holy Subversion

I am going to give away 5 copies of this book to one reader. To enter, check out the video or sample chapter. Then leave a comment on this post to share your first impressions about the book. I will randomly draw the winner next Thursday 11 February. I will only be able to ship to US addresses on this one.

Here is my short video review. For more information, you can download a sample chapter from WTSbooks.com

Parable of the Two Sons (Bible Lesson for Lent)

Nicole VanderMeulen — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:57:40 +0000

This lesson is the first lesson in a series of five that explore the Lenten theme “Walk His Ways” using a parable Bible story. Lent is the period of the liturgical calendar leading up to Easter. It is more popular with mainline denominations, but many Christian groups embrace the traditions of the Lenten season.

Lent is a 40 day journey (not counting Sundays!) to focus on God and prepare to remember and celebrate Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the grave to save each of us. Many people decide to “give up” things for Lent to help them remember that Jesus gave his life for us, but you can also “take on” doing good things, just like Jesus did. Through the exploration of parable Bible stories, the “Walk His Ways” Lent lessons help children discover how we can attempt to live and serve as Jesus did in the kind of kingdom he envisioned. Each of the five lessons addresses “walking his ways” with a different parable and theme. This lesson explores home and family with the story of The Parable of the Two Sons.

Bible Story: The Parable of the Two Sons
Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32
Target Age Group: Age 3 – 12 (U.S. preschool – 6th Grade)
Time: 45 Minutes
Learning Context: Children’s Church
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Learning Objectives: Children will experience the Parable of the Two Sons story, discussing the difference between saying you’ll do something and actually doing it and begin exploring how we can serve Jesus and each other by “walking his ways”.

Items Needed:

Shoe picture on heavy paper
Scissors
Crayons
Hole Punch
Yarn or String
Puppets (2 female/1 male)
Garbage Bag
Pink Balloon
Tack
Puppet Curtain/Stage (optional)
Paper
Walk His Ways Kids’ Guide PDF (inspired by www.livelent.net)

Introduction: Begin by inviting each child to create a shoe nametag. Provide the outline of a shoe on heavy paper or cardstock. Instruct children to decorate, cut out, and write their name on the shoe. The shoe nametags may be hung around the child’s neck by adding holes with a hole punch and tying on a piece of yarn or string. Discuss these questions: What shape is your nametag? What do we need shoes for? “Walk His Ways” is our Lent theme. Who is “his” talking about? What are some things we can do to “Walk His Ways”?

Game: “Shoe Are You?” Each child removes one shoe and they are tossed into a big pile. Everyone picks a shoe that is not their own, finds the owner, learns their name, and shares the answer to a question given by the leader like, “What’s your favorite color?” or “What grade are you in?” etc. Several rounds may be played. After last round, have children sit in a circle and put the shoes in a pile again. The object this time is for everyone to find their own shoe and put it back on, but they CANNOT TOUCH their own shoe. Debrief/discuss.

Story: The parable story is taught in this lesson using the following puppet script. You may also want to read Matthew 21:28-32 from the Bible. Use these follow-up discussion questions after the puppet show: What happened? Which daughter did the right thing? Is it better to say you’ll do something or to actually do it? I wonder how the father felt? Do you ever say you will do things and not do it? What do you do to help your family? How do you feel when you’re helping others?

Parable Puppet Show: The Two Daughters

Matthew 21:28-32

Materials: two female/one male puppet, puppet curtain, trash bag, gum or balloon, tack

Dad: (holding garbage) uh. Ugh UGH!?!?!? This garbage smells horrible and it weighs a ton! Did something crawl in here and die? P.U.!!!! Jenna? Julie? GIRLS! Where are you?

Jenna: Here I am, Dad! Wanna hear my new song? (sings obnoxiously and loud, something like “Tomorrow” from Annie or another song…)

Dad: (interrupts the singing) Jenna, Jenna, JENNA!??!?! Your song is um…ah…..beautiful honey, but I need your help.

Jenna: Help? What is it, Dad?

Dad: I’m running late for my meeting, but we have to get this garbage out of here before our whole house starts smelling like a toxic waste dump. Could you just take the bag out to the garbage can in the backyard?

Jenna: What are you, crazy? Future singing stars don’t do garbage, Dad. Ewww! What would that do for my image? I can’t touch that smelly stuff. No way! Besides, I can’t take even a second away from my practice, not even a second! (begins singing again and goes behind curtain)

Dad: OH for crying out loud! Julie, Julie, JULIE!??! Get in here please! Where are you?

Julie: (pops up with a big bubble, either gum or a balloon, and we can’t understand her words because of her bubble) sdakjkdffl;aksdfjakl!

Dad: What?

Julie: (still can’t understand here) arfjdlskafjsdklfj

Dad: (pops the bubble) Enough nonsense! I need your help. I’m super late for my meeting, this garbage smells just horrible, and your sister is too wrapped up in her silly singing to be helpful, so would you please just take this outside for me? I have to go!

Julie: No prob, Bob! I mean…Dad! Get outta here. I’ll take that smelly stuff to the garbage can. You can count on me.

Dad: Thanks, Dear! You’re the best! I’ll leave the bag by the door. (goes behind curtain) Seeya later!

Julie: Whatever…Now where was I? I have to top the world’s largest bubble record. I just have to! (makes blowing noises, as she disappears behind the curtain)

Jenna: (returns, carrying garbage) Ewwww! What is this still doing in here? Maybe I can sing and take care of this smelly garbage at the same time. Garbage can, here I come! (sings song about garbage maybe? and moves behind curtain).

THE END

Art Activity: Help children write and draw coupons to give to family members, redeemable for caring, helpful things like: a hug, setting the table, folding laundry, reading a story, etc. It may be helpful to brainstorm ideas for the coupons as a group before you begin the project. While working on the project, discuss how these coupons could be walking his ways. Ask whether the children think it’s more important to give someone a coupon or to actually fulfill what the coupon offers.

Prayer: Consider using a “repeat after me prayer” to close each of the Lent lessons. Pause between every few words, allowing the children to echo what you have said. Dear Jesus,/You are/so good./Help us/to walk/your ways/and serve others/as you would serve./Amen.

This lesson is by contributing writer, Nicole VanderMeulen, Children’s Ministry Coordinator at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Renton, Washington.

Children’s Bible Lesson: You, Joseph, and Greatness

Kristin Charles — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:32:35 +0000

The following Children’s Message is intended for grades 1^st-6^th and was initially utilized for a Christian Elementary School Chapel. However, it can also be adapted to meet your specific ministry needs. It would serve well as a large group children’s church lesson or even with your kids Sunday School class.

Lesson Plan Focus: Children often get asked the following question: What do you want to be when you grow up? While it is good for children to have dreams and to pursue them, it’s also imperative that we teach our children that they are of great value now. This message teaches children to reflect on their character now. It utilizes Joseph as an example of greatness.

Before the Lesson: Announce to the students ahead of time that you would like for them to come dressed as who they want to be when they grow up. Give examples to spur thinking. Send home a note to the parents as a reminder.

Try to come dressed in costume yourself – either who you wanted to be when you grew up or who you are now.

The Bible Lesson:

Who do we have here today? I see we have some teachers, a fireman, doctors, soldiers, athletes, veterinarians, mechanics, carpenters, mommies… (Invite children to share what they are dressed as.) It looks like we have some amazing people here today. It is so nice to meet you all!

Can you guess who I wanted to be when I grew up? Here are some clues. (When I did this lesson I brought props as clues: a tutu -ballerina, a globe – teacher, and a baby – mommy.)

I am so proud of each of you for wanting to be someone special when you grow up. Please tell me that you will all work hard to be the best that you can be. Repeat after me: I will work hard to be the best that I can be. (again and again)

Hard work is very important. But, it isn’t everything. TRULY GREAT PEOPLE HAVE TWO THINGS IN COMMON:

They Love God.
They Love People.

If you have your Bibles, turn with me to Mark 12:30. Right before this verse, one of the Pharisees (a religious guy) asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important? (12:28) Mark 12:30 is his answer. Let’s read it together.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

(Repeat the verse 2 more times, using sign language to facilitate their memory.)

Jesus says that loving Him is the most important thing that you can do in your life. What else is important? Look with me at Mark 12:31. It says:

The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.

(Repeat this verse 2 more times, using sign language again.)

Let’s review. TRULY GREAT PEOPLE HAVE TWO THINGS IN COMMON.

They Love God.
They Love People.

So, let’s think about this:

If you can score a winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, does that make you great? (No. It makes you a great football player, but not necessarily a great person.)

If you come up with a cure for a terrible disease, does that make you great? (No. It makes you a great scientist and your discovery will mean great things for so many people. But, it doesn’t necessarily make you a great person.)

If you become a famous actor or actress and everyone goes to see your movies, does that make you great? (No. It means you are great at acting. That doesn’t necessarily mean you are a great person.)

If you are who you are now and you love Jesus and those around you, does that make you great? (YES!!!!!!!!) It makes you a GREAT PERSON NOW. Not when you grow older, but now.

You know, sometimes people don’t believe that kids can be GREAT NOW. The disciples sure didn’t. When a bunch of children came up to Jesus, the disciples wanted to send them away. Maybe they were loud, obnoxious, had too much energy, had eaten fifty too many candy bars… But Jesus says in Matthew 19:14:

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Jesus believes in YOU. He believes that you can be GREAT NOW. I believe in you too. Truly great people have what 2 things in common?

They Love God.
The Love People.

Let’s look at someone in the Bible who was a great person. Joseph was great because he loved God and people. He probably had great dreams of who he wanted to be when he grew up. In fact, I know he did! He was a dreamer, remember? Here’s a quick review of Joseph’s life. (You may or may not want to use props as tools for memory and to keep students engaged. Prop suggestions are in parenthesis. When I did this lesson, I invited a student up to be Joseph, put a robe on him, and had him act everything out.)

1. At 17, he is a shepherd. He takes care of sheep (stuffed animal sheep). His Dad loves him. His brothers hate him (Fancy robe). His brothers plan to kill him, but at the last-minute decide to sell him (money). Aren’t they kind?

But the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered. – Genesis 39:2

2. Joseph ends up in Potipher’s house – a really important Egyptian leader. Pretty soon, Joseph is in charge of everything because God blesses whatever He does (Flex muscles.) But, then Potipher’s wife lies about him and he ends up in jail (handcuffs or rope to tie wrists).

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. – Genesis 39:21a

3. So, he is put in charge of everything in the prison. God gives Joseph success in whatever he does (Thumbs up). Then people have these dreams, he tells them what they mean, and they come true. Two years go by in prison (Look at watch, fiddle thumbs.) Then Pharaoh has a dream and Joseph is asked to interpret it. Joseph tells Pharaoh the dream. Pharaoh thinks he’s awesome and gets him out of jail. (Loud cheers!) Not only that, but Pharaoh says this about him and gives him a ring:

Can we find anyone like this man, in whom is the Spirit of God? Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all of my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. – Genesis 41:38-40

4. Joseph is in charge of Egypt. There are seven years of lots of food. (cereal, apples, pop tarts) Joseph saves it all up. Then there are seven years of famine – no food. People from all over go to Pharaoh begging for food. Joseph feeds many (distribute food). His own brothers come to buy food. Long story short: They don’t know who he is at first. He could have sent them away hungry. Instead, he forgives them, loves them, and even ends up saving them. It’s a happy ending because of forgiveness. (If an actor plays Joseph, give him a round of applause.)

NOW THAT IS A GREAT STORY. JOSEPH WAS A GREAT PERSON. WHAT MADE HIM GREAT?

He Loved God. (And God was with Him through good times and bad times.)
He Loved People. (His dad, brothers, leaders, prisoners, workers, everyone!)

Each of you can live a great story too. Each of you can be great. Not ONLY great when you grow up, but NOW. Remind me one more time. How can you live a great story now?

We Can Love God.
We Can Love People.

Close in prayer.

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