Lesson: Matthew 27:15 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Matthew 27:15 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

In this verse, it talks about a special tradition where the governor would let the people choose one prisoner to set free during a big celebration. Imagine it like being at a birthday party, and the birthday child gets to pick a friend to have a special treat with them.

This tradition reminds us of how God sent Jesus, His Son, to be like a special gift for all of us. Just like the people could choose a prisoner to set free, Jesus chose to take our place and set us free from our mistakes and wrong choices.

It's like when you share your favorite toy with a friend to make them happy. Jesus shared His life with us so that we can have a chance to be close to God and be forgiven for the things we do wrong. This verse teaches us about God's love for us and how Jesus sacrificed Himself to give us a second chance.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time in a bustling town, there was a kind bear named Benny. During the annual festival, the governor would let the townspeople choose one prisoner to set free.

Curious Benny wanted to understand why this happened, so he asked his wise friend, Owl. Owl explained, "Just like the governor gives the people a choice, God gave us a choice to be free from our sins through Jesus."

Benny thought about this and realized that just as the governor showed mercy to one prisoner, God shows mercy to us by giving us the chance to be forgiven. He decided to be kind and forgiving like the governor and God.

From that day on, Benny made sure to forgive his friends when they made mistakes, just like the governor forgave the prisoner. And he felt happy knowing that God's love and forgiveness are always there for him.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us and always being with us. Help us to be thankful for the freedom we have because of Jesus. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the governor released a prisoner during the festival?
2. How do you think the people felt when they got to choose who to release?
3. What do you think it means to show kindness and mercy to others?
4. How can we make good choices like choosing to do the right thing?
5. Why do you think it is important to treat others with love and compassion, like Jesus taught us to do?

Life Application

In this verse, we see a tradition where the governor would release a prisoner chosen by the crowd during a festival. For young children, this verse can teach them about making fair and kind choices. They can apply this message in their lives by learning to treat others with fairness and kindness.

At home, children can practice taking turns and sharing toys with siblings or friends, just like how the crowd chose a prisoner to be released. They can also learn to forgive and show kindness to others, even when it's not easy.

At school, children can remember to include everyone in games and activities, just like how the crowd had the power to choose who would be released. They can stand up for someone being treated unfairly and be a good friend to those who need one.

With friends, children can practice making fair decisions when playing games or resolving conflicts. They can also learn to show love and compassion to others, just like how Jesus showed love and compassion to all people.

By applying the message of this verse, children can learn to make choices that are fair, kind, and loving in their everyday lives.

Craft or Activity

To help young children understand and remember the message of Matthew 27:15, you can create a simple role-playing activity. Gather some dolls or stuffed animals and designate one as the prisoner and another as the governor. Encourage the children to take turns being the governor and the crowd. They can act out the scene where the governor offers to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. This hands-on activity will help them grasp the concept of the governor's decision and how the crowd influenced his choice. It can also spark conversations about fairness and making tough decisions.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When the festival came around each year,
The governor would spread good cheer.
He'd set a prisoner free, you see,
Chosen by the crowd, happy as can be!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Matthew 27:15 is "My God is So Big" which emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God. Another wonderful song is "God Will Make a Way" by Don Moen, which reminds us that God always has a plan and can make a way even in difficult situations like the one described in Matthew 27:15. Both songs can help children understand God's control over all situations, even when things seem uncertain.

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