Big Idea: I can praise King Jesus.
Bible Basis: John 13:1-17
Key Verse: “Blessed (do jazz hands) is the one (hold up one finger) who comes (march in place) in the name of the Lord (spread arms like a cross).” Psalm 118:26 (extend hands like holding a book).
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.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?
If you were one of the disciples, how would you feel if Jesus washed your feet?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.
+ God Toe-Tally Loves Me
- Supplies: "God Toe-tally Loves Me” printout, finger paint, baking pan or plastic bin, bin of water, towel, chair, plastic tarp
- Directions: Cover the bottom of the baking pan or plastic bin with finger paint. One at a time, have the children sit down in the chair, take off one of their socks and shoes, step in the paint, then press their footprint onto the “God Toe-tally Loves Me” printout. When finished, have them put their foot in the bin of water as you wash the paint off for them, then dry their foot with the towel. As you wash and dry each child’s foot, say the following to them:
- Question: How does it feel to have someone wash your foot? (Child answers.) Is that a nice thing to do? In today’s true Bible story, Jesus washes the disciple’s feet just like this. We’re going to hear all about it in just a little bit.
+ Praise Him! (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: Jesus is the King of everything—that’s why we praise Him. Let’s play a game that helps us think of all the people who can praise King Jesus.
- Directions: Say to the children, “You can praise King Jesus if…” then insert one of the descriptors listed below. All of the children who fit the description must jump to their feet and shout, “I can praise King Jesus,” then sit back down. When finished with the list, ask the children to come up with their own ideas and continue for as long as time and interest allows.
- Descriptors:
- You’re a boy.
- You’re a girl.
- You have short hair.
- You are wearing blue.
- You have a sister.
- You have brown eyes.
- You have two eyes.
- You have a brother.
- You have curly hair.
- You like ice cream.
- You have a nose.
- You can make a silly noise.
- You have long hair.
- You are wearing red.
+ Servant Charades (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: In our true Bible story for today, Jesus washed His disciple’s feet. If King Jesus can help and serve people, we can help and serve people too. Let’s play a game of charades that helps us think of ways we can help and serve others.
- Directions: Act out each of the charades from the list below or choose a child to act it out. After the children guess each charade, ask them the question below. When finished with the list, ask the children if they can think of other ways to help and serve people, then act it out as a group.
- Charade:
- Sweeping the floor
- Walking the dog
- Making your bed
- Picking up toys
- Giving someone a hug
- High five someone
- Feeding the baby
- Helping set the table for dinner
- Question: Have you ever done that before? What was it like?
+ Animal Party (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Picture Dice
- Today's Bible Verse: “Blessed (do jazz hands) is the one (hold up one finger) who comes (march in place) in the name of the Lord (spread arms like a cross).” Psalm 118:26 (extend hands like holding a book).
- Directions: Practice the Bible verse together until the children can remember it. When ready, choose a child to roll the picture dice, then have all of the children say the Bible verse like they are the animal that is face-up on the dice. If the dice lands on Topher the Gopher, have all of the children say the verse with buck teeth like a gopher. Continue playing until all of the children have had a turn rolling the dice.
+ Maisy Has a Message (Bible Story Review Activity)
- Supplies: Maisy the Mailbox, Maisy Question Cards, envelopes (4)
- Preparation: Print the “Maisy Question Cards” on 8½ x 11 cardstock paper and cut apart. Place each card in a separate envelope. If you have multiple small groups, you might want to use different colored envelopes for each small group.
- Directions: Lead your group in shouting, “Maisy has a message!” then send one or two children to open Maisy the Mailbox and retrieve one envelope. Take the question card out of the envelope and read the story review question to the children. After they have answered the question, repeat the above instructions until all 4 messages have been retrieved.
+ Sick, Sad, or Hurt (Response to God Activity)
- Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for children to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of someone who is sick, sad, or hurt. While they’re drawing, ask them if they or someone they know is sick, sad, or hurt. Ask for details.
- Say: One way we can help and serve others is by praying for them. Let’s say a prayer for the people we know who are sick, sad, or hurt.
- Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by asking Jesus to help or heal each of the people who the children shared about.
+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)
- Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, give them a snack to eat and ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
- Question: If you were one of the disciples, how would you feel if Jesus washed your feet?
- Question: Would you ever wash someone’s feet for them? Why or why not?
(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 Jesus, You are the best King ever! Thank you for taking care of us, And for serving us with your a life. Help me care for others. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read the account of Jesus washing his disciples feet in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.
Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).
Read the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in the Bible in John 13:1-17 with your child.
Do more of the activities above!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!