Lesson: Luke 11:53 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Luke 11:53 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

After Jesus left a place, some important religious leaders called scribes and Pharisees started to argue with Him a lot. They asked Him many questions trying to catch Him saying something wrong.

Imagine if you were playing a game, and someone kept trying to trick you or make you lose. That's a bit like what the scribes and Pharisees were doing to Jesus. They were not being kind or friendly; they were trying to make Him look bad.

But even when people were mean to Jesus, He stayed calm and wise. He always answered them with love and truth. This teaches us that even when others are unkind to us, we should respond with kindness and patience, just like Jesus did. It's important to be gentle and kind, even when others are not.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, a curious squirrel named Sammy wanted to learn more about the world around him. One day, he noticed a wise old owl named Ollie perched on a branch, and Sammy eagerly asked him many questions.

But instead of answering kindly, Ollie started to criticize Sammy's questions and tried to make him feel bad for asking. Sammy felt confused and hurt by Ollie's harsh words. Just then, a kind rabbit named Rosie hopped by and saw Sammy looking sad.

Rosie sat down next to Sammy and gently explained that it's important to ask questions and seek knowledge, but it's not right to put others down or be mean about it. Sammy realized that just like the scribes and Pharisees who opposed Jesus, Ollie was being unkind in his eagerness to correct others.

From that day on, Sammy learned to ask questions with kindness and understanding, just like Rosie had shown him.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for being with us always. Help us to remember that even when people oppose us, You are always by our side. Just like Jesus faced opposition from the scribes and Pharisees, help us to stay strong and trust in You. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the scribes and the Pharisees opposed Jesus and cross-examined Him?
2. How do you think Jesus felt when the scribes and Pharisees questioned Him?
3. Can you think of a time when you were questioned or opposed for doing the right thing? How did you handle it?
4. What can we learn from Jesus' response to the scribes and Pharisees in this verse?
5. How can we show kindness and love to others, even when they oppose us or question us?

Life Application

Sometimes, when we try to do what is right and follow Jesus, we may face opposition or people who disagree with us, just like Jesus did with the scribes and Pharisees. When this happens, we can remember to stay true to what we believe in, stay kind and respectful in our responses, and trust that God is with us no matter what. We can also remember to pray for those who oppose us, just like Jesus did. Even when facing challenges, we can continue to show love and kindness to others, just like Jesus did, and trust that God will guide us through any difficult situations we may encounter.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity you can do with children aged 9-11 to help them understand and remember the message of Luke 11:53 is to have a role-playing session. Divide the children into two groups - one group can pretend to be Jesus, and the other group can pretend to be the scribes and Pharisees.

Have the group of scribes and Pharisees come up with different questions and challenges they would pose to Jesus, based on the verse. The group portraying Jesus can respond with wisdom and kindness, just like Jesus did in the Bible.

This interactive role-playing activity can help the children understand the tense situation described in the verse and also allow them to experience how Jesus handled opposition with grace and truth. It can make the verse come alive for them in a memorable way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees came,
Opposing Him fiercely, questioning His name.
They tried to trip Him up, but He always knew,
His love and wisdom shining through.
Remember this verse, always stay true,
Jesus' light will guide you, in all you do.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Luke 11:53 is "Jesus Loves Me" as it reminds children of God's unwavering love even in the face of opposition. Another song that may resonate with this verse is "This Little Light of Mine," which encourages children to let their light shine in the world, even when faced with challenges or opposition. Both songs emphasize the importance of standing firm in one's faith, just as Jesus did when confronted by the scribes and Pharisees.

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