Big Idea: Jesus can do BIG things with the little bit that we give him.
Bible Basis: Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-14
Key Verse: “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us.” Ephesians 3:20
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?
If you were the little boy, would you have given all of your food to Jesus? Why or why not?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about Jesus?
Do you think the disciples ever imagined that Jesus could multiply the bread and fish to feed the people? Why or why not?
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 to Jesus. Tell Him how amazing He is for doing BIG things with the little bit that you give Him.
Journal Station prompt: Think about a time when you gave Jesus something small, but He did something BIG with it. Maybe it was a few encouraging words or a small amount of time doing something nice, but it made a big difference for someone. Write about it..
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: John 6:1–14. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Think of something you can give to Jesus. Draw a picture of it.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Freeze Frame Community Builder
- Say: We’re in the middle of a series called “Freeze Frame.” We’ve talked about some really amazing miracles that Jesus did. Who remembers what a miracle is? (Take answers.) Great answers! A miracle is something amazing that only Jesus can do. In today’s story, we’re going to hear about a crowd of people who were SUPER hungry! When I say “Freeze Frame,” show me what you look like when you’re SUPER hungry. 3, 2, 1…“Freeze Frame!”.
- Question: Tell us about a time when you were super hungry! What was the food you most wanted to eat?
+ Growing Gifts (Application Activity)
- Supplies: Orbz water beads or something similar
- Say: Today we learned that Jesus can do BIG things with the little bit that we give Him. Sometimes you might think that what you have to offer God isn’t all that special or great, but that’s not true. We’re going to do something now to help us think of things we can give to Jesus and be reminded that He can do great things with even the smallest gifts.
- Directions: Place a bucket of water about 10 feet away from your small group. Give each kid a plastic spoon. Tell the kids that the object of the game is to get all 5 of their beads into the bucket. To do so, they must answer a question. After discussing the answer, each kid will receive one water bead, put the handle of the spoon in their mouth, place the bead on the spoon, move to the bucket in the manner indicated with the question, then drop the bead into the water. As the beads sit in the water, they will expand in size. Continue until all of the questions have been discussed. At the end of the activity, note how the beads began so small, but have grown so much bigger. Allow kids to play with the beads and remind them that God can use even tiny gifts to do big things. NOTE: If you want to allow kids to see fully grown water beads, you may wish to place some dry beads in the bucket of water in advance to give them more time to grow.
- Questions:
- How can you use your time to do something good for Jesus? Be specific. (Walk backwards to the bucket!)
- How can you use your talents to do something good for Jesus? Be specific. (Crawl to the bucket!)
- How can you use your money or possessions to do something good for Jesus? Be specific. (Bear crawl to the bucket!)
- How do you think Jesus might take your small gift of time, talent, or money and do something BIG? (Crabwalk to the bucket!)
- Have you ever done something seemingly small that Jesus used in BIG ways? Tell us about it. (Army crawl to the bucket!)
- How can you use your time to do something good for Jesus? Be specific. (Walk backwards to the bucket!)
- Say: These waters beads started off so tiny, but now they’re way bigger. That’s kind of like what Jesus does with the time, talents, and money that we give Him. Even though our gifts might seem so small, Jesus can do BIG things with them.
+ Slap It (Bible Memorization Activity)
- 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. Today’s Bible verse says: “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us.” Ephesians 3:20. When ready, remove the Bible verse sign and choose 2 kids to battle one another. Give both kids a set of Bible verse cards. Tell them to mix the cards up and spread them face down on the floor in front of them. Each card has a portion of the Bible verse on it. When ready, have them quickly flip the cards face up and slap them in the correct order while saying the word(s) on each card. The first kid to slap the cards and say the verse in the right order wins the round. For younger kids, their set will have numbers on the top of each card to assist them if needed. Continue playing until every kid has had a turn. If time permits, play an elimination tournament until there is only one champion.
- Question: God’s power helps us do BIG things for Him—bigger than we can even imagine. How could you use God’s power this week to do something big for Him?
+ WIKKI® PRAYERS (Prayer Activity)
- Set-up: 2-3 Wikkie Stix® for each person.
- Directions: Give each kid in your group 2–3 Wikki Stix®. Tell them to form their sticks into the shape of their prayer request. Their request can be something they’re thankful for, something they need help with, or something they’re sorry for. After a few minutes, choose a kid to show their creation. Let the other kids guess what it is. After the rest of the group is finished guessing, allow the artist to reveal the answer and tell a little bit more about their request. When everyone has had a chance to share, open the kids in prayer by sharing your own request. Following your prayer, allow the kids in your group to pray aloud as well.
(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 dying on the cross to take away all my sins. Help me to use the time, the gifts and abilities, and the money that you give me wisely. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-14
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!