Lesson: Mark 9:36 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Mark 9:36 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

In this Bible verse, Jesus is showing us how important it is to have a heart like a child. Just like how He held the little child in His arms, Jesus wants us to come to Him with trust, love, and innocence, just like children do.

Imagine when you are scared or need comfort, you run to your parents or a loved one and they hold you close, making you feel safe and loved. That's how Jesus wants us to come to Him, like a child running into the arms of someone who cares deeply for them.

By telling us to be like children, Jesus is teaching us to be humble, trusting, and full of wonder and joy in our relationship with Him. We can learn so much from children – their curiosity, their forgiveness, and their ability to love without holding grudges.

So, let's remember to have a heart like a child when we come to Jesus – full of trust, love, and a willingness to learn and grow in our faith just like the little child Jesus held in His arms.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a colorful meadow filled with flowers and butterflies, a little lamb named Lily felt sad because she thought she was too small to help anyone. One day, Jesus came to the meadow and saw Lily looking down. He picked her up gently and said, "You are important, no matter how small you feel."

Jesus then showed Lily how even her little actions, like spreading joy with her playful jumps, made a big difference to the other animals in the meadow. Lily realized that she was loved and valuable just the way she was. From then on, Lily happily shared her playful spirit with everyone, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness are precious in God's eyes.

Just like Lily, we are all important and loved by Jesus, no matter how small we may feel.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank You for loving us like Jesus loved the little children. Help us remember that we are precious to You and that You always hold us close in Your arms. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus wanted the children to be near Him?
2. How do you think the little child felt when Jesus held him in His arms?
3. What do you think Jesus might have said to the children to show them His love?
4. How can we show love and kindness to others like Jesus did to the little child?
5. How do you feel knowing that Jesus loves you just like He loved the little child in the Bible verse?

Life Application

In Mark 9:36, Jesus shows us the importance of caring for and valuing children. Children aged 3-5 can apply this message in their lives by being kind and loving towards others, just like Jesus was towards the little child. They can show love and respect to their family members, friends, and classmates by being helpful, sharing toys, and using gentle words. By treating others with kindness and care, children can reflect the love of Jesus in their everyday lives.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity you can do with young children to help them understand and remember the message of Mark 9:36 is to have them reenact the scene using dolls or stuffed animals. Encourage the children to take turns being Jesus and the little child, just like in the Bible verse. This hands-on activity can help them visualize the story and understand the message of Jesus' love and care for children.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Jesus loves the little ones so dear,
In His arms, He holds them near.
Mark 9:36, this verse we know,
Jesus' love for children, it does show.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Mark 9:36 is "Jesus Loves the Little Children." This song emphasizes how Jesus cares for all children and how they are precious to Him. Another good song is "Jesus Loves Me," which reminds children of Jesus' love for them and how they are important in His eyes. Both of these songs can help reinforce the message of Mark 9:36 in a fun and engaging way for children.

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