Bible Lesson 7/12

Gospel Project: Unit 23, Lesson 2
Story Point: Following Jesus is not easy, but He is worth it.
PRESCHOOL 
Read: Matthew 8,16;  Luke 9,14
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tu12aC2KhA
Song: 

• You Are My God 
• Follow Me 

Ask: (pick the questions that work for your kids) 
1. Did many people want to follow Jesus? (yes) 

2. Did Jesus teach that following Him is easy? (No, Jesus taught that following Him is not easy.) 

3. Why would Jesus teach that following Him is not easy? (He wanted people to think and choose carefully.) 

4. Is following Jesus worth it? (Yes! Always.) 

5. What did Jesus promise to those who give up everything to follow Him? (Life with God forever) 

​ELEMENTARY 
Read: Matthew 8,16;  Luke 9,14
Videos: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oDokUjh5NI

Songs:  

• I Have Decided
• I Will Follow 

Ask: (pick the questions that work for your kids)

Younger Elementary: 
1. Jesus said the Son of Man has no place to what? (Lay His head, Matt 8:20) 

2. What did Jesus say a person must take up to follow Him? (His cross, Matt. 16:24) 

3. What did Jesus say about a king going to war? (He must consider whether his army can win; Luke 14:31) 

4. Why do you think we must be willing to give up our family and even our life to follow Jesus? (Jesus is the most important. If we truly love our families, we will want to put Jesus first so that we can help them see that He is best for them. If we love anything, even families or other good things, more than we love Jesus, those things have become idols.)  

5. What are some ways you might suffer for Jesus' sake? (Discuss what can happen if kids stand up for what's right against friends or other kids at school. Discuss missionaries who move away from home. Talk about places where Christians are not allowed to worship God and might be arrested or killed for their faith.) 

6. What do we gain by following Jesus? (Help kids think about the rewards we have through Jesus, both in this life and the next. Remind them that Jesus gives us peace, love, joy, and wisdom. Help them see that no matter what hard situations we face now, someday we will rule with Jesus when He returns.)  

Older Elementary: 
1. What do you think Jesus mean when He said that anyone who is unwilling to suffer cannot be His disciple? (Jesus later told His disciples that because the world had persecuted Him, they would be persecuted. Believers should expect to suffer in a fallen world. We can endure suffering, fixing our eyes on Jesus and looking forward to eternity with Him. Read John 15:18-20)

2. Why is it important to understand the cost of following Jesus? (Following Jesus without understanding the cost may make it difficult to persevere in trials. Though Jesus does not offer us an easy life, He offers us Himself. He is better than anything the world offers.)

3. How can we encourage others who aren't sure if following Jesus is worth it? (Prompt kids to consider the importance of praying for others. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to follow Jesus. Kids can also point others to Jesus, remembering that suffering is temporary and one day Jesus will make all things right.)

Monthly Memory Verse and Question Memory Verse: John 14:25-26 "I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you." (CSB) 

Big Picture Question: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him. 

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Children Minister Ms. Valerie.