Lesson: Matthew 10:39 (Ages 6-8)

📖 Matthew 10:39 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

This Bible verse means that if we always try to keep everything for ourselves and never share or help others, we might not be truly happy. But if we are kind, share what we have, and help others, we will find real joy and happiness. It's like when you have a big bag of candy and you share it with your friends – you all feel happy together!

Jesus wants us to think about others and be loving and generous, just like He is to us. When we care for others and follow Jesus' teachings, our hearts feel full of love and joy. So, remember, when we let go of being selfish and think of others, we find the best kind of life that Jesus wants for us.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved gathering nuts more than anything else in the world. He would spend all day searching for the biggest, shiniest nuts to fill his tree trunk home.

One day, Sammy saw a group of birds building a nest together. They looked so happy and peaceful. Curious, Sammy asked the birds why they worked together instead of hoarding nuts like him. The wise old owl explained, "Sometimes, letting go of what we have can bring us something even better."

Sammy thought about this and decided to share his nuts with the other animals in the forest. To his surprise, he felt happier and more fulfilled than ever before. He learned that by letting go of his precious nuts, he gained friendship, joy, and true life.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God,

Thank you for loving us and teaching us how to find true life in You. Help us to let go of things that hold us back so we can follow You. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to “hold on to your life” in this verse?
2. Why do you think it’s important to let go of things for Jesus’ sake?
3. How do you think we can show that we are letting go of our lives for Jesus?
4. What do you think “receiving true life” means in this verse?
5. Can you think of a time when you had to let go of something for Jesus’ sake?

Life Application

This Bible verse from Matthew 10:39 is teaching us that when we try to hold onto things in our lives too tightly, like our own way of doing things or always wanting to be in control, we might end up feeling unhappy or missing out on something better that God has for us. But when we choose to let go of trying to control everything and trust God instead, we can find true joy and peace in Him.

Kids can apply this message in their daily lives by learning to let go of their own desires and instead trust God's plan for them. For example, at home, they can practice being kind and sharing with their siblings or family members instead of always wanting things their way. At school, they can choose to be a good friend and show love and forgiveness to others, even when it's hard. And with their friends, they can learn to be understanding and patient, putting others' needs before their own.

By letting go of their own wants and desires and choosing to follow God's ways of love and kindness, children can experience true life and joy that comes from living for Him.

Craft or Activity

To help children understand and remember the message of Matthew 10:39, you can have them create "Life Giving Trees." Provide each child with a small tree template or draw a tree outline on a piece of paper. Ask them to write or draw things that make them happy or that they hold dear in the branches of the tree. Then, have them write or draw things they can do for others or ways they can show love and kindness on the roots of the tree.

Explain to the children that just like the tree needs to give to the roots to stay healthy and grow, we also need to give of ourselves and our lives to others to experience true life as Jesus teaches in the Bible verse. This hands-on activity can help reinforce the message in a creative and memorable way for young children.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When we hold tight and never let go,
We may lose the life we hope to know.
But if we trust in Jesus, bold and true,
He'll give us life that's good and new.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Matthew 10:39 is "Lose Myself" by TobyMac. This song encourages us to let go of our own desires and live for Jesus. Another wonderful song is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective, which reminds us that Jesus is our light and guide, and when we let go of our own ways and follow Him, we find true life. Both of these songs can help children understand the importance of surrendering to Jesus and finding true life in Him.

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