Have you ever been worried about how you would make your material resources last? With the rise in gas prices and other goods, many of us are finding it difficult to make our finances last paycheck to paycheck. Even our groceries are having to be stretched to last us longer.
When these moments arise, give Jesus your time, resources, and finances. You may be stressed but trust in Jesus. Just as on the beach when He fed 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, Jesus can take your resources and fill your every need.
*If you need help with groceries, Abundant Life has an amazing Food Pantry available. Please visit our website for locations and times.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Jesus is a good friend to everyone. (Feeding 5,000 • Mark 6:31-44)
Memory Verse: “‘Come and follow me,’ Jesus said.” Matthew 4:19, NIrV
Key Question: Who can be friends with Jesus?
Bottom Line: Everyone can be friends with Jesus.
Bible Story and 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 – Feeding 5,000 (link)
Worship – Wherever He Goes (link)
Worship – Hosanna Rock (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We have practiced this verse all month long. If you can, have a fun reward you can give them when they are able to say it all by themselves during our “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 (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Follow the following script to recap the story, practice the memory verse and demonstrate to your young children how to pray. (You’ll make a list with your family to pray over so have a pen a paper ready.)
Say: “Our Bible story was about something amazing Jesus did. Do you remember what Jesus did in our story? (Pause.) Yes! Jesus fed A LOT of people! And He did it with only five loaves of bread and two fish! Jesus fed all of the people because Jesus is a good friend to everyone. Jesus wants everyone to be His friend and follow Him. And the Bible verse we learned will help us remember that. It says . . . ‘“Come (motion towards self) and follow me,” (march) Jesus said,’ (hands around mouth) Matthew 4:19. (Open hands like a book.) (Practice the verse once and then allow each child to say it by themselves. Give a small reward for all their hard work.)
“Great job! (Give two thumbs-up.) Today, we’ll make a list of foods we eat. When we pray, we can thank God for our food the way Jesus thanked God for the fish and bread! So, tell me one food that you eat. (Have each family member list a food. Don’t forget to list one yourself.)
“Yum! This list of food is making me hungry! Let’s use it when we 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, Thank You that Jesus is a good friend to everyone. I pray that we will all want to be friends with Jesus and follow Him. And God, we also want to thank You for the food You give us. Food like (read the list your family made). 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.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
3 John 1:4
