How have you helped someone lately? Or better yet, how have you not helped someone lately? You know, those times you see that someone could use help, but you did not have time, or you were not in the mood? We have all had those moments when we knew we should help someone but, instead, went on with our own lives. No, we cannot possibly help every need we see. But we know those times we should have helped but did not.
As we continue to show our kids what it looks like to love like Jesus, we will look at one of the many times Jesus demonstrated how to love well. It was with the simple, yet likely unpleasant act of washing the disciples’ feet. They travelled everywhere by wearing sandals. Who knows what all they stepped in but, the Son of God kneeled down and washed their feet.
Jesus demonstrated that there was no task beneath any of us when it comes to showing the love of God. If we want to be that light, as we learned last week, then we need to do those things that will show people we are different, we are in Christ, and He loves them. So, I will ask again, how have you helped someone lately?
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: When you love like Jesus, you can be a good friend. (Washing Feet • John 13:3-17)
Memory Verse: “Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12,
NIV
Key Question: Who can love like Jesus?
Bottom Line: I can love like Jesus.
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 about loving like Jesus and loving one another.
Bible Story Video – Washing Feet
Worship – Love Like Jesus
Worship – Love One Another
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
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Jesus washed His friends’ dirty feet to be a good friend and show them He loved them. Let’s make a list of things we can do for our friends to show them we want to be a good friend.” (Have each family member, including you, list a way they can help a friend. You will use the list when you pray.)
PRAYER: “Dear God, we want to be a good friend and love others the way Jesus loves us. Will You help [family member’s name and what they listed] and [next family member’s name and what they listed] . . . (continue with the family’s list) . . . so we can be good friends and love others the way Jesus loves us? 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.
“O that there such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!”
Deuteronomy 5:29
Angela Moody is the Early Years Ministry Lead at Abundant Life.
