It is a few weeks after the holidays now. You may notice things are getting back to normal. But you know one thing I wish would remain all year long? The generosity we see. Strangers helping strangers. Ordinary people giving a little extra tip while out to dinner, passing out blankets and coats to the homeless, inviting distant family and friends to church. God blesses us throughout the entire year, so let us remember His teachings when He tells us to share those blessings with the people He puts in our path. You never know, God may be using you and the gifts He has blessed you with to answer the prayers of another.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Jesus teaches us that we can share our stuff. (Bigger Barns • Acts 2:45; Luke 12:16-21)
Memory Verse: “The crowds were amazed at his teaching.” Matthew 7:28, NIV
Key Question: Who teaches you important things?
Bottom Line: Jesus teaches me important things.
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 for God.
Bible Story Video – Bigger Barns (link)
Worship – My Forever Friend (link)
Worship – There Are Promises (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We will practice this verse all month. Be sure to use the hand motions as it helps the kids to remember. Also, think of a fun reward you can give them at the end of the month when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
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 man and a barn. But the man didn’t want to put animals in his barn. What did he want to put in his barn? (Pause.) Yes! Food! Jesus told a story about a man who had A LOT of food. He had way more food than he could eat. He had a choice. He could share his food with people who didn’t have any OR he could build a bigger barn and save all of the food for himself. What did the man in the story decide to do? (Pause.) You’re right. The man said he would build a bigger barn and keep all the food.
“Jesus told this story so we can know that it’s important to share our stuff. Where can we read the stories that Jesus told? (Pause.) You got it! The Bible! Jesus teaches us lots of important things in the Bible. Who teaches you important things? (Together.) [Bottom Line] Jesus teaches me important things.
“Jesus is an amazing teacher, and the Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember that. It says . . . ‘The crowds were amazed at his teaching,’ Matthew 7:28. Let’s stand up and say that together with the motions.
“‘The crowds (arms out and around) were amazed (hands to eyes like binoculars then open and close) at his teaching (hands to mouth),’ Matthew 7:28.” (Open hands like a book.) (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“Wow! You said that so well! (Give fist bumps.) Since Jesus teaches us that it’s important to share, I think we should make a list of things we can share. The man in our story could have shared his food. So, what can we share? (Have each family member list something they can share.) This is a great list! Thank you for making it with me. Now let’s pray. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, we don’t want to be like the man in Jesus’ story who didn’t share his food. We want to be kind and share with others. Help us share things like (read the list your family made). And God, thank You for sending Jesus to be our friend forever and teach us important things about You. You are the best, and we love You. In Jesus’ name, 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.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
