Lesson: Mark 12:4 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Mark 12:4 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

In this story from the Bible, a man sent his servants to deliver a message, but the people they went to were not kind to them. They hurt the servants and did not treat them nicely.

This verse teaches us about being kind to others and treating them with respect, even when we don't agree with them. It reminds us to always show love and kindness, just like Jesus teaches us to do.

Imagine if you had a friend who wanted to play with your toys, but instead of sharing nicely, you hit them on the head. That wouldn't be very kind, right? We should always treat others the way we want to be treated, just like how God wants us to show love and kindness to everyone around us.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to share his acorns with his friends. One day, Sammy decided to give some acorns to the birds in the forest. But when he offered them the acorns, the birds pecked his head and flew away! Sammy felt sad and confused.

Sammy remembered a story from the Bible where a servant was treated badly by others. He realized that sometimes, even when we try to help others, they may not be kind in return. Instead of feeling upset, Sammy decided to forgive the birds and continue sharing his acorns with those who appreciated his kindness.

Just like Sammy, we can learn from this story to always be kind, even when others are not. It's important to forgive and keep spreading love and kindness to everyone around us, just like Jesus teaches us.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us even when others are unkind. Help us to be kind to everyone, just like you are to us. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the people in the Bible treated the servant shamefully?
2. How do you think the servant felt when he was treated badly?
3. What do you think we should do when someone is mean to us?
4. Can you think of a time when someone was unkind to you? How did you feel?
5. How do you think God wants us to treat others, even when they are not nice to us?

Life Application

This verse from the Bible teaches us about being kind and respectful to others, even when they are not kind to us. Children can apply this message by remembering to treat others with love and kindness, even if they are treated badly. They can respond to unkindness with gentleness and forgiveness, just like Jesus taught us to do. This may mean being patient with a sibling who is being mean, sharing toys with a friend who is not sharing back, or helping someone who has been unkind to them. By showing love and kindness to others, children can help spread God's love in their everyday interactions.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand and remember the message of Mark 12:4 is to create a simple skit or role-playing scenario. Encourage the children to take turns being the servant, the ones who struck him, and Jesus. They can act out the scene where the servant is sent, and the others mistreat him. This hands-on activity can help bring the verse to life for young children and make it more memorable and understandable.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When God's messengers came to call,
Some people treated them so small.
They struck them down with shame and dread,
But God's love still shines ahead.

Songs or Videos

There are many great Christian songs for kids that can help them understand the message of Mark 12:4. One song that relates to this verse is "This Little Light of Mine." It teaches children to let their light shine even in the face of challenges or mistreatment.

Another song that kids might enjoy is "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." This song reminds children that no matter what happens, God is in control and watching over them. It can help them trust in God's protection and care, even in difficult situations.

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