Think of a time when something exciting happened for you. Who was the first person you wanted to tell? Was it so exciting that you felt almost compelled to tell everyone you met, even perfect strangers? When we are excited about something, we tend to want to share it with everyone.
Does the fact that God loves you so much make you want shout about it from the roof tops? If not, why? Jesus laid down His life so that each of us can live. Who else has done that for you? It is one of the most amazing acts of love yet many of us keep it to ourselves. While that sacrifice was meant just for you, it was also meant for everyone else. God’s love is so big, He wants us to share that news with everyone.
So, while it may be difficult for a young child to share that actual gospel (death, burial, and resurrection) they can share the news that God loves them and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. In fact, Jesus told us to share the news about Him with everyone, everywhere because when we love people like God loves people, we want them to know all about Him.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: I can tell others about Jesus. (Great Commission • Matthew 28:16-20)
Memory Verse: “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
Key Question: Who wants to be your friend forever?
Bottom Line: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance that Jesus is the very best friend.
Bible Story Video – Great Commission
Worship – Very Best Friend
Worship – My Best Friend
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We have practiced this verse all month so they should be ready. Be sure to have a reward (it can be a special snack, a sticker, or any prize of some sort) you can give them during the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page (2 pages)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Our
Bible story, today, was about a very important job Jesus gave all of His friends. He told them to go tell everyone, everywhere that He loves them and wants to be their friend forever. We can go in a boat or on an airplane or just walk to a friend’s house and say, ‘Jesus loves you, and He wants to be your friend forever.’ Today, we’ll make a list of people we can go tell that Jesus loves them and wants to be their friend forever. (Have each family member list someone and you will use the list when you pray.)
PRAYER: “Dear God, we want everyone, everywhere to know that Jesus loves them and wants to be their friend forever. Please help us go tell (read the list your family made) about Jesus. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
Angela Moody is the Early Years Ministry Lead at Abundant Life.
