Lesson: Matthew 1:19 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Matthew 1:19 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

In this verse from the Bible, we learn about Joseph, who was going to marry Mary. Joseph was a good man who loved God very much. When he found out that Mary was going to have a baby, he was confused and didn't understand because the baby was not his.

Even though Joseph was sad, he didn't want to hurt Mary or make her feel bad in front of everyone. Instead, he decided to quietly end their plans to get married. This shows us that Joseph was kind and cared about Mary's feelings.

Just like Joseph, we can learn to be kind and gentle to others, even when things are confusing or difficult. It's important to think about how our actions can affect other people's feelings. God wants us to be loving and considerate, just like Joseph was to Mary.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy. Sammy loved to collect acorns and build cozy nests in the trees. One day, while gathering acorns, he saw his friend, Bunny, looking very sad.

Bunny explained to Sammy that she accidentally knocked over all the nuts he had gathered. Sammy felt hurt and angry, but then he remembered the story of Joseph. Instead of yelling at Bunny, Sammy took a deep breath and said, "It's okay, accidents happen. Let's work together to gather more nuts."

Bunny was surprised by Sammy's kindness and apologized. They worked together, and soon they had even more acorns than before. Sammy showed Bunny that it's important to forgive others and be kind, just like Joseph forgave Mary. And from that day on, Sammy and Bunny became the best of friends.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for teaching us how to be kind and righteous like Joseph. Help us to always choose love and forgiveness in difficult situations. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly instead of making a big fuss?
2. How do you think Joseph showed that he was a good and kind person in this situation?
3. Can you think of a time when you chose to be kind even when it was hard?
4. What do you think it means to be righteous like Joseph?
5. Why do you think it's important to treat others with love and respect, even when they make mistakes?

Life Application

This verse teaches us about Joseph's kindness and righteousness when he found out Mary was pregnant. Children can learn from this by being kind and understanding when someone they know makes a mistake or does something they don't understand. They can choose to forgive and show love instead of getting angry or being mean. Children can also remember to think about others' feelings and be gentle with their words, just like Joseph was in this situation.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity that can help children understand the message of Matthew 1:19 is to act out the story using dolls or action figures. Encourage the child to use one doll to represent Joseph and another doll to represent Mary. Have the child narrate the story as they play, explaining how Joseph, being a righteous man, chose to divorce Mary quietly instead of publicly shaming her. This hands-on activity can help the child visualize the story and understand the importance of Joseph's kind and merciful actions.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Bethlehem town, Joseph was a righteous man,
He chose to divorce Mary as was the plan.
Quietly and kindly, he did what was right,
Showing love and mercy, shining so bright.

Songs or Videos

One Christian song that relates to the message of Matthew 1:19 is "Joseph's Song" by Michael Card. This song beautifully captures Joseph's perspective and his willingness to do what was right, even in a difficult situation.

Another song that children may enjoy is "Joseph's Lullaby" by MercyMe. This song reflects on Joseph's role in caring for and protecting Mary and Jesus, emphasizing his love and obedience to God's plan.

Both of these songs can help children understand the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God, just like Joseph demonstrated in the Bible verse from Matthew 1:19.

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