Lesson: Matthew 22:31 (Ages 6-8)

📖 Matthew 22:31 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

In Matthew 22:31, Jesus is talking about something very special - the resurrection of the dead. This means that one day, those who believe in God will come back to life after they have died. It's like when a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly. Just like the butterfly is a new and wonderful creation, we will be made new and live forever with God in heaven.

Jesus wants us to know that even though our bodies may grow old and one day stop working, our souls - the special part of us that loves and knows God - will live on forever. God promises us that we will be with Him in a joyful place where there is no more pain or sadness.

So, when Jesus said, "Haven't you read what God said to you," He was reminding us to trust in God's promise of resurrection and to find comfort in knowing that we will be with Him for eternity. It's like a beautiful story where God is the author, and we are the beloved characters who get to live happily ever after with Him.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a curious little squirrel named Sammy who loved to collect acorns. One day, while digging for acorns, Sammy found a shiny, magical acorn that glowed with a warm light. Excited, Sammy showed the special acorn to his wise old friend, Mr. Owl.

Mr. Owl explained that just like the magical acorn transformed into a beautiful tree, God has a wonderful plan for us after we die. He read to Sammy from the Bible, "Now about the resurrection of the dead, haven't you read what God said to you:" and shared that God promises eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Sammy was amazed by the idea of resurrection and was comforted to know that just like the acorn turned into a majestic tree, God promises us a beautiful life after we pass away. And from that day on, Sammy collected acorns with even more joy, looking forward to the promise of eternal life.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us and giving us hope for the future. Help us remember that you have the power to bring us back to life, just like you promised in the Bible. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think "resurrection of the dead" means?
2. Why do you think it's important to read and understand what God says to us?
3. How can knowing that God promises us resurrection give us hope?
4. Can you think of a time when you read something from the Bible that made you feel happy or comforted?
5. How can we show others that we believe in the promise of resurrection?

Life Application

God's message in Matthew 22:31 reminds us that there is life after death because of Jesus' resurrection. For children aged 6-8, they can apply this by remembering that Jesus gives us hope and promises eternal life with Him. They can share this hope with others by talking about Jesus' love and how He conquered death for us. In their daily lives at home, school, or with friends, they can show kindness, love, and forgiveness, just like Jesus did, to reflect the hope of resurrection and eternal life in their actions and words.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand and remember the message of Matthew 22:31 is to create a "Resurrection Garden." You can use a shallow container, fill it with soil, and then add small rocks to represent the tomb. Place a small plant or flower in the soil to symbolize new life and resurrection. As you create this garden together, you can talk about how Jesus conquered death and rose again, just as the plant in the garden represents new life after being buried in the soil. This hands-on activity can help children visualize and internalize the concept of resurrection in a tangible way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Matthew twenty-two thirty-one,
God's promise of new life has just begun.
Resurrection of the dead, so true,
God's words remind us, He's speaking to you!

Songs or Videos

A great song for kids that relates to the message of Matthew 22:31 is "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." This song reminds children that God is in control of everything, including the resurrection of the dead.

Another wonderful song is "I Believe in Jesus" by Hillsong Kids. This song reinforces the belief in Jesus and His power over life and death, tying in beautifully with the message of resurrection in Matthew 22:31.

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