Lesson: Luke 7:30 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Luke 7:30 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Luke 7:30, it says that the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves because they had not been baptized by Him. This means that they didn't accept the special plan God had for them.

Imagine you have a friend who wants to give you a special gift. But if you don't open your hands to receive it, you won't get to enjoy it. That's what happened with the Pharisees and experts in the law. God had a wonderful plan for them, but they closed their hearts and minds to it.

Baptism is like a special way of saying, "Yes, God, I want to follow You." It's a way of showing that we believe in Him and want to be part of His family. The Pharisees and experts in the law missed out on this opportunity because they refused to be baptized.

So, the lesson here is to always be open to God's plans for us. Just like we eagerly unwrap a gift, let's eagerly accept God's love and guidance in our lives. Let's remember to say "yes" to Him and trust in His wonderful purpose for us.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a bustling village, there was a curious squirrel named Sammy. Sammy loved exploring and meeting new friends. One day, he overheard the wise old owl, Mr. Hoot, talking about the importance of accepting God's purpose.

Sammy was intrigued and asked Mr. Hoot to explain more. The owl told him about the Pharisees who rejected God's purpose because they didn't follow His ways. Sammy realized that sometimes he ignored his parents' guidance, just like the Pharisees ignored God.

Determined to change, Sammy asked Mr. Hoot to baptize him in the village pond as a symbol of accepting God's purpose. As the water dripped off his fur, Sammy felt a sense of peace and understanding wash over him.

From that day on, Sammy lived with purpose, always remembering to listen to God's voice in his heart.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us and showing us Your purpose. Help us to always be open to Your guidance and not to reject Your plans for us. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What do you think it means to reject God's purpose for ourselves?
Why do you think the Pharisees and experts in the law did not want to be baptized by John?
How do you think we can make sure we are open to God's purpose for us?
What do you think it means to be baptized by God?
How can we learn from the Pharisees' mistake in this verse?

Life Application

This verse teaches us the importance of being open to God's plans for our lives. Just like the Pharisees and experts in the law missed out on God's purpose because they refused to be baptized, children can learn to be open to God's guidance and direction in their lives.

Children can apply this message by being willing to listen to God's voice through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking guidance from trusted adults. They can also choose to obey God's teachings and follow His ways, even when it may be challenging or go against what others are doing.

At home, children can show their openness to God's purpose by being obedient to their parents, showing love and kindness to their siblings, and being helpful around the house. In school, they can demonstrate God's purpose by being respectful to their teachers, being kind to their classmates, and standing up for what is right.

With friends, children can apply this message by being a positive influence, encouraging others to make good choices, and sharing God's love through their words and actions. By being open to God's purpose and following His ways, children can experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living a life that honors Him.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand and remember the message of Luke 7:30 is to create a "Purpose Path" craft.

Materials Needed:
- Large piece of paper or poster board
- Markers or colored pencils
- Stickers or small pictures
- Scissors
- Glue

Instructions:
1. Write the verse, Luke 7:30, at the top of the paper/board.
2. Draw a path on the paper/board, leading from the top to the bottom.
3. Along the path, write or draw different choices or actions that show accepting or rejecting God's purpose.
4. Have the children decorate the path with stickers or pictures that represent following God's purpose.
5. Cut out small footprints from paper and write words like "accept," "follow," or "trust" on them.
6. On one side of the path, have the children glue down the footprints with positive words.
7. On the other side of the path, have them glue down footprints with negative words like "reject," "ignore," or "doubt."
8. Discuss with the children how the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves and how we can choose to accept God's purpose in our lives.

This hands-on activity can help children visualize the importance of accepting God's purpose and the consequences of rejecting it, making the message of Luke 7:30 more relatable and memorable.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Luke seven thirty, we see,
The Pharisees missed God's great decree.
They turned away, they did not see,
God's purpose for them, so lovingly.
Baptism shows our faith so true,
In Jesus Christ, our Savior too!

Songs or Videos

A great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Luke 7:30 is "Every Move I Make" by Hillsong Kids. This song reminds us to follow God's purpose for our lives and trust in His plans for us. Another wonderful song is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective, which speaks about how God guides us and helps us stay on the right path, just like how He wanted the Pharisees to follow His purpose for them.

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