Have you ever gone somewhere and not known anyone? Were you brave enough to strike up a conversation or lucky enough that someone started the conversation with you? Or even better, have you ever been that person that made someone else feel like they belonged even when you were surrounded by people you knew? Sometimes we’re the ones that don’t fit and other times we can be the ones that make someone feel seen or known.
God sees each and everyone of us. And while Jesus could teach many things to the 12 men that followed Him, Jesus looked for and took the time for the ones that were lost. He wanted to include everyone. So while it may be more comfortable to stay in our “group”, I challenge you to look for the ones that are lost or separated. How can you be that light that brings them Jesus?
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Jesus teaches us that we are important to God. (The Lost Sheep • Luke 15:3-7)
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 – The Lost Sheep (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: “Today’s Bible story was about another story Jesus told. In this story, there was a shepherd who had lost one sheep. Did the shepherd say, ‘I have enough sheep. Who cares about one lost sheep?’, OR did the shepherd leave all of his sheep to look for his one lost sheep? (Pause.) Yes! The shepherd cared about ALL of his sheep, so he looked for his lost sheep. What did the shepherd do when he found his lost sheep? (Pause.) You’re right! The shepherd was SO happy that he told all of his friends!
“Jesus told this story so we can know that we are important to God. Where can we read the stories that Jesus told? (Pause.) Yes, the Bible! (Hold up 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.
“Yes, He does! Jesus is an amazing teacher, and the Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember it! It says . . . ‘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.)
“Great job! (Give two thumbs-up.) Today, we’ll make a list of things that are important to us. Maybe it’s your favorite blanket or toy, a special book or someone you live with. It can be anything or anyone that is important to you. (Have each family member name someone important to them; don’t forget to name someone yourself.)
“These are some very important things. But if God was making a list, He would write YOUR name! Because YOU are important to God. It’s true! You are important to God. Let’s pray and thank God for sending Jesus to teach us that we are important to Him. 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 have things and people that are important to us, like (read the list the your family made). All of these things and people are very important. That’s why it’s so special that we’re important to You! (Name each family member) . . . and I are all important to You. Thank You for loving us and thinking we are important. Help us treat everyone like they are important, too. We love You, God. 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
