Big Idea: Jesus made us his #1 priority in saving us, so we can make time for him first.
Bible Basis: Luke 10:38-42
Key Verse: “But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do.” Matthew 6:33a
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Why do you think it was a better choice to sit and listen to Jesus than it was to get the house ready?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about Jesus?
Why do you think Jesus said that Mary had chosen what is better?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer asking Jesus to help you put him first in your life.
Journal Station prompt: What kind of things keep you busy during the week? How can you put Jesus before all those things? Write about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it yourself: Luke 10:38-42. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell him why you like it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a picture of yourself sitting at the feet of Jesus, just like Mary did.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Suck It Up (Application Activity)
- Say: In today’s story, we heard how Martha was too busy to make time for Jesus. If we’re not careful, that can happen to us too. Sometimes we need to stop what we’re doing so that we can spend time with Jesus, but other times, we can figure out how to make Jesus a part of our activities. We’re going to play a game right now that will help us think of ways that we can make Jesus a part of our activities.
- Directions: Have the kids sit in a fairly tight circle. Give every kid a plate with 5 M&Ms® on it and a drinking straw. Tell them they’ll have one minute to get rid of all the M&Ms® from their plate. To do so, they have to use only the suction from their straw to pick up an M&M® from their plate and release it onto the plate of the person to either their left or right. If they drop the M&M® outside of a plate, they can pick it up with their hand and return it to their plate. After one minute, tell the kids to stop and count how many M&Ms® they have. Congratulate the kid(s) with the fewest M&Ms®. Next, ask them to count how many M&Ms® of a particular color they have. For each M&M® of that color on their plate, have the kid give that number of answers to the corresponding question below. (For example, if a kid has 2 brown M&Ms®, they have to say 2 ways they can make Jesus a part of their time at school.) When the kids are finished answering the question for a particular color, play another round and repeat the question with another color. You can play up to 6 rounds using the 6 different colors/activities below.
- Question: How can you make Jesus a part of your time…
- Brown: at school?
- Yellow: in the car/bus?
- Red: playing sports?
- Green: hanging out with friends?
- Blue: before going to bed?
- Orange: watching TV?
- Question: What are some other ways that you can make Jesus a part of your day?
+ Say It If... (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Butcher block paper, marker, Post-it® Notes
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. When everyone is ready, turn the sign over so they can no longer read it. Today’s Bible verse says: “But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do.” Matthew 6:33a. For each round, have the kids stand up and say the Bible verse if they match the descriptions below. Tell the kids to “Say it if…”
- You’re the youngest kid in your family.
- You like hamburgers more than hotdogs.
- You can touch your nose with your tongue.
- You like to play sports.
- You took a bath or shower today.
- You are wearing red anywhere on you.
- You like the beach more than the mountains.
- Question: What are some ways that you can put God’s kingdom and Jesus first in your life?
- Question: Part of putting God’s kingdom first is praying and reading your Bible before you do other things. When are you going to pray and read your Bible this week?
+ M&M Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Supplies: A bowl of M&Ms.
Directions: Place a bowl of M&Ms® in the middle of the group. Tell the kids they can take 5 M&Ms®, but don’t eat them yet. Before a kid can eat an M&M®, they have to share something based on its color.
- Blue: What is something you’re thankful to God for?
- Green: What is something you’re sorry for?
- Yellow: Why do you think God is so great?
- Red: What is something you need God’s help with?
- Orange: Who do you know that needs some help?
- Brown: Who do you know that doesn’t go to church or doesn’t know who Jesus is?
When everyone has finished answering questions and eating their M&Ms®, tell the group that they’re going to pray for some of the things they shared. After opening the group in prayer, allow the kids time to pray aloud. When the kids are finished praying, close the group in one final prayer.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus to forgive all my sins and make me part of your family. Help me to put you first in my life in all that I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Luke 10:38-42
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!