Lesson: Matthew 11:24 (Ages 6-8)

📖 Matthew 11:24 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is talking to some people who saw Him do amazing things but still didn't believe in Him. He compared them to the city of Sodom, which was very wicked and didn't listen to God's warnings.

Imagine if you had a friend who kept playing with matches even though you told them it was dangerous. You warned them over and over, but they didn't listen. That's like what happened in Sodom - they didn't listen to God's warnings to change their ways.

Jesus is saying that on the day when God judges everyone, it will be less harsh for the people of Sodom, who didn't know any better, than for those who saw Jesus' miracles and still chose not to believe in Him. It's a reminder for us to pay attention to God's words and follow Him with our whole hearts.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a vibrant town called Joyville, there was a mischievous squirrel named Sammy. Sammy loved playing tricks on his friends, always trying to get the biggest laughs. One day, Sammy played such a big prank that it hurt his friend's feelings.

Feeling sorry, Sammy went to see Wise Owl, the wisest animal in Joyville. Wise Owl read Sammy the verse from the Bible, Matthew 11:24, and explained it to him in a simple way. The verse meant that some people who knew God's rules and still chose to do wrong things would be in more trouble than others who didn't know God's rules.

Sammy realized he had known what was right but still chose to hurt his friend. He apologized and promised to be kinder. From that day on, Sammy was known as the most thoughtful and caring squirrel in all of Joyville.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for your love and for teaching us important things in the Bible. Help us to always listen to your words and follow them, so that we can make you happy. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus said that the people in Sodom would have a more bearable time on judgment day than some other people?
2. How do you think we can make sure we are following Jesus and doing what he wants us to do?
3. What do you think Jesus wants us to learn from this verse about how we should live our lives?
4. How can we show love and kindness to others, like Jesus wants us to?
5. Why is it important to listen to Jesus and follow his teachings?

Life Application

This Bible verse from Matthew 11:24 is a reminder that God holds us accountable for the knowledge we have. For young children, this verse can be applied in their daily lives by encouraging them to be obedient and grateful for the teachings and guidance they receive.

Children can apply this message by being respectful and obedient to their parents and teachers, who are there to teach them right from wrong. They can also show gratitude for the love and care they receive from their family and friends by being kind and helpful in return.

When faced with choices, children can remember this verse and make decisions that align with God's teachings, knowing that they will be held accountable for their actions. By following God's word and being obedient, children can strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him and show love and kindness to others.

Craft or Activity

To help children understand the message of Matthew 11:24, you can create a visual representation using building blocks or Legos. Have the child build two cities out of blocks or Legos, labeling one as Sodom and the other as a city representing the listeners in the Bible verse. Then, you can explain that Jesus was comparing the two cities and teaching a lesson about how God views different situations. This hands-on activity can help children grasp the concept in a concrete way and remember the lesson more effectively.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Sodom, they were not kind,
But Jesus' words they did not mind,
He warns us all to love and obey,
So on Judgment Day, we'll be okay!

Songs or Videos

A great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Matthew 11:24 is "God's Love is Bigger" by Yancy. This song reminds us of God's immense love and teaches us about the importance of listening to His words and following His ways.

Another wonderful song is "Jesus Loves Me" by Listener Kids. This classic song reassures children of God's love and encourages them to always remember that Jesus loves them unconditionally.

Both of these songs can help children understand the concept of God's love and the importance of living according to His teachings, just like the message in Matthew 11:24.

📄 Download as PDF