Lesson: Matthew 11:30 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Matthew 11:30 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

Jesus is telling us that following Him is not hard or heavy like carrying a big, heavy backpack. When we walk with Jesus, it feels light and easy, like wearing a comfy, soft sweater. He helps us with everything we need, just like when a parent holds a child's hand to cross the street. Jesus loves us so much that He makes our journey through life feel light and happy, like holding a bunch of colorful balloons that float gently in the sky.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little lamb named Lily who had a big bag of wool to carry. She struggled and huffed, feeling very tired. Along came a kind shepherd named Sam, who said, "Let me help you, Lily. We can share the load together."

So, Lily and Sam put the bag of wool on a yoke, a wooden beam that helped distribute the weight evenly. As they walked together, Lily realized the yoke made the heavy burden feel lighter. She smiled and said, "This is much easier with your help, Sam!"

Just like how Sam helped Lily carry her load, Jesus wants to help us with our burdens. He promises that when we walk with Him, our troubles will feel lighter. Jesus is always there to share our struggles and make things easier for us.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for making things easy for me and helping me with my burdens. Please help me remember that with You, my load is light. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think Jesus means when He says His yoke is easy to bear?
2. How do you feel when you think about Jesus helping you carry your burdens?
3. Can you think of a time when Jesus made something hard feel easier for you?
4. How do you think we can trust Jesus to help us with things that feel heavy or difficult?
5. What are some ways we can show Jesus that we are thankful for His help with our burdens?

Life Application

Jesus wants us to know that when we follow Him and spend time with Him, He helps us with everything we need to do. Just like a yoke helps animals carry heavy things, Jesus helps us carry our worries, tasks, and challenges in a way that is not too hard for us. So, when a child is feeling worried, scared, or overwhelmed, they can talk to Jesus through prayer and ask Him to help them. Jesus will make things easier for them and give them the strength they need to get through anything.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help young children understand Matthew 11:30 is to create a simple craft of a yoke using paper plates. You can cut out the center of two paper plates to create the shape of a yoke. Then, write "Jesus' yoke is easy" on one plate and "His burden is light" on the other. Have the child decorate the plates with pictures of animals or symbols of burdens. As they work on the craft, you can explain to them that just like a yoke helps animals carry heavy loads easily, Jesus helps us carry our burdens with love and support. This hands-on activity can visually reinforce the message of the verse in a fun and memorable way for young children.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Jesus is our friend so dear,
His yoke is easy, have no fear,
With Him, our burdens feel so light,
In His love, everything feels just right!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Matthew 11:30 is "My God Is so Big" by VeggieTales. This fun and catchy song reminds children that God is bigger and stronger than anything they may face, making their burdens light when they trust in Him.

Another wonderful song is "The Joy of the Lord" by Rend Collective. This song celebrates the joy and freedom we have in Jesus, reminding children that His yoke is easy to bear and His burden is light, bringing joy and peace to their hearts.

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