Lesson: Matthew 21:43 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Matthew 21:43 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

This verse from the Bible is like a story with a lesson for us. Jesus is talking to some people who were not following God's ways. He tells them that if they don't do good things and show love, they won't be a part of God's kingdom anymore. Instead, God will choose people who will do good things and show love to others to be a part of His kingdom.

It's like when you have a tree in your backyard that doesn't give any fruit. If the tree doesn't do what it's supposed to do, like bear apples or oranges, then you might decide to plant a new tree that will give yummy fruit. In the same way, God wants us to do good things and show love to others so that we can be a part of His special kingdom.

This verse teaches us that God wants us to be kind, helpful, and loving to everyone around us. When we do these things, we are producing good fruit, just like the tree bearing delicious fruits. God's kingdom is a place filled with love, joy, and peace, and He wants us to be a part of it by living in a way that pleases Him.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a beautiful garden, there was a little squirrel named Sammy. Sammy loved to gather nuts and fruits from the trees. One day, the owner of the garden asked Sammy to help take care of the trees and make sure they produced lots of delicious fruits.

Sammy was excited and worked hard every day, watering the trees and taking good care of them. But as time passed, Sammy became lazy and stopped looking after the trees. The owner was disappointed and decided to give the garden to another squirrel named Lily, who was eager to work hard and help the trees grow.

Sammy learned that when we are given responsibilities, we must take care of them with love and dedication, just like how God wants us to use our talents and blessings to help others and spread His love.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for reminding us that we should bear good fruit for Your kingdom. Help us to always follow Your ways so that we can be a part of Your kingdom. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think Jesus meant by saying the kingdom of God will be taken away from some people?
2. Why is it important for us to produce good fruits in our lives for God?
3. How can we show that we are part of the people who will produce fruits for God's kingdom?
4. What are some ways we can help spread God's love and kindness to others?
5. How can we make sure we are always ready to receive and share God's blessings with others?

Life Application

This Bible verse is reminding us that God wants us to bear good fruit in our lives by following His teachings and spreading His love to others. Children can apply this message in their daily lives by being kind, helpful, and loving towards others. At home, they can show love and respect to their family members by helping with chores and being obedient. In school, they can be good friends by sharing, being inclusive, and standing up against bullying. With their friends, they can be a positive influence by encouraging good behavior and making choices that honor God. By doing these things, children can produce the fruit of God's kingdom in their own lives and share His love with others.

Craft or Activity

One fun craft activity to help children understand and remember the message of Matthew 21:43 is to create a fruit tree craft. Provide children with paper, markers, and stickers to draw and decorate a tree. Encourage them to write or draw different fruits on the tree branches.

As they work on their craft, explain to them that just like a tree needs to produce fruit to be healthy and strong, we also need to produce good fruit in our lives to show that we belong to God's kingdom. You can discuss with the children what kind of "fruit" they can produce in their lives, such as kindness, love, patience, and generosity.

This hands-on activity can help children visualize the message of the verse and reflect on how they can bear good fruit in their own lives to be a part of God's kingdom.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Matthew 21:43, Jesus did say,
The kingdom of God will be taken away.
To those who don't show love and care,
To others who are willing to share.

So be kind and treat others right,
Show God's love with all your might.
For those who bear good fruit each day,
Will have His kingdom to stay.

Songs or Videos

One song that relates to the message of Matthew 21:43 is "This Little Light of Mine." It teaches kids to let their light shine for Jesus and produce good fruit for the kingdom of God. Another great song is "The Fruit of the Spirit" based on Galatians 5:22-23, which reminds children of the importance of producing good fruit through the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. Both songs emphasize the importance of living in a way that honors God and bears fruit for His kingdom.

📄 Download as PDF