Lesson: Luke 12:38 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Luke 12:38 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

In this Bible verse, Jesus is telling us a story about being ready for something special. Imagine if you were having a sleepover with your friends, and you were all getting ready to have a fun time. Then, in the middle of the night or very early in the morning, a surprise guest showed up at your door! If you were all wide awake and excited to see your surprise guest, that would make them very happy.

Jesus wants us to be like those good friends who are always ready for something amazing to happen. He wants us to be prepared and watchful for the good things God has for us. When we are alert and ready for God's blessings, it makes Him very happy, and we are blessed too!

So, just like getting ready for a surprise visit from a friend, we should always be ready and excited for the special things God has in store for us. Being alert and prepared for God's goodness brings joy to Him and to us as well.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to play and have fun all day long. One night, as Sammy was snuggled in his cozy nest, he heard a soft knock on his tree. It was his friend, wise Owl Oliver, who reminded him of the importance of being alert and ready.

Sammy didn't understand why it was essential to be awake in the middle of the night. But Owl Oliver explained that just like how a surprise visitor can come at any time, Jesus can come back too. And if we are ready and watching for Him, we will be blessed!

From that night on, Sammy made sure to be alert, not just during the day, but also at night. He learned that being prepared for Jesus's return is the best way to show love and faithfulness.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for always watching over us and loving us. Help us to be like the good servants in the Bible who are ready and alert for you. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What can we learn from this verse about being ready for Jesus to come back?
Why do you think it’s important to be alert and ready for Jesus?
How can we show that we are ready for Jesus to come back?

Life Application

This verse from Luke 12:38 teaches us the importance of being prepared and alert for Jesus' return. For young children, this can mean being ready to show love and kindness to others at all times. They can apply this message at home by being helpful to their family members without being asked, showing love through kind words and actions.

At school, children can be attentive and respectful to their teachers and classmates, always looking for ways to be a good friend and help others in need. With friends, they can be inclusive and show love by sharing toys, taking turns, and being understanding and forgiving when disagreements arise.

By being kind, loving, and helpful in their everyday interactions, children can reflect the love of Jesus and be ready for His return, just like the servants in the verse who were found alert and blessed by their master.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Servant Watch" craft!

Materials needed:
- Paper plate
- Markers or crayons
- Craft stick or straw
- Stickers or decorations (optional)
- Glue or tape

Instructions:
1. Have the child decorate the paper plate to look like a clock, drawing numbers around the edge and coloring the hands to show the time.
2. Write the Bible verse, Luke 12:38, in the center of the clock.
3. Attach the craft stick or straw to the back of the paper plate to create a handle for the child to hold.
4. Encourage the child to pretend they are a servant watching over their home, holding the "Servant Watch" craft.
5. Talk about how important it is to be alert and ready, just like the servants in the Bible verse, so they can be blessed when Jesus comes.

This hands-on activity will help the child engage with the message of the verse and remember the importance of being alert and ready for Jesus.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When Jesus comes in the dead of night,
Or when the first hint of dawn is in sight,
May we be watchful, hearts so true,
Blessed are we, in all we do!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Luke 12:38 is "Build Your Kingdom Here" by Rend Collective. This song encourages us to be alert and ready for Jesus' return, just like the servants in the Bible verse. Another song you might enjoy is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective, which reminds us that Jesus is our light and helps us stay alert and prepared for His coming. Both of these songs have fun tunes and powerful messages that kids can easily understand and enjoy.

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