Lesson: Matthew 8:17 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Matthew 8:17 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

This verse in Matthew talks about how Jesus took our sicknesses and diseases when He was on earth. It means that when Jesus healed people who were sick, He was fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah had said long ago.

Imagine if you were feeling very unwell with a bad cold or a tummy ache. Now, think of Jesus coming to you, putting His hand on your forehead, and all of a sudden, you feel better! That's because Jesus has the power to take away our sicknesses and make us well again.

Just like how a superhero saves the day in movies, Jesus is our real-life hero who saves us from our illnesses. He loves us so much that He doesn't want us to be sick or in pain. So, when we are not feeling well, we can pray to Jesus and ask Him to help us feel better, knowing that He is always there to heal us with His love and power.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Lily who loved helping others. One day, she saw her friend Max feeling sick with a high fever. Lily remembered the verse from Matthew 8:17 about Jesus taking away our illnesses. She decided to show love to Max by making him a card and praying for him to get better.

As Lily prayed, she felt a warm sense of peace in her heart. The next day, Max's fever was gone, and he felt much better. Lily realized that just like Jesus cared for people's sicknesses, she could also show kindness and love to others in need.

From that day on, Lily made it her mission to spread love and comfort to those who were unwell. She learned that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life, just like Jesus did.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to take our sicknesses and carry away our diseases, just like Isaiah the prophet said. Help us remember that when we are sick, we can trust in Jesus to heal us and take care of us. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means that Jesus took our illnesses and carried away our diseases?
2. How does this verse show that Jesus cares about our sickness and wants to help us?
3. Why do you think it was important for this prophecy from Isaiah to be fulfilled through Jesus?
4. How can we show our thankfulness to Jesus for taking our illnesses and diseases?
5. How does knowing that Jesus took our illnesses and diseases make you feel?

Life Application

This verse from Matthew 8:17 teaches us that Jesus took our illnesses and diseases upon Himself. Children can apply this message in their lives by remembering that Jesus cares for them and can help them when they are sick or feeling unwell.

When a child is feeling sick, they can pray to Jesus for healing and comfort, asking Him to help them feel better. They can also trust that Jesus is with them during their illness, providing strength and peace.

Additionally, children can show kindness and compassion to others who are sick by offering to pray for them, sending a card, or helping out in practical ways. By doing so, they are sharing God's love and showing that they care for others just as Jesus cares for them.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Healing Hands" craft to help children understand Matthew 8:17.

You will need:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Glue

Instructions:
1. Trace your hands on the construction paper and cut them out.
2. On one hand, write "He Himself took our illnesses."
3. On the other hand, write "and carried away our diseases."
4. Decorate the hands with colorful designs or symbols of healing.
5. Glue the hands together, overlapping the wrists slightly to form a pair of praying hands.

As you create this craft, talk about how Jesus took our illnesses and diseases upon Himself to bring us healing and wholeness. Encourage the children to reflect on the meaning of this verse as they make the "Healing Hands" craft.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Jesus healed the sick,
His power is grand,
Fulfilling the words
Of Isaiah's hand.
He took our pain,
And carried our woes,
In Him we find healing,
This truth He shows.

Songs or Videos

One Christian song that relates to the message of Matthew 8:17 is "He Took My Infirmities" by Hillsong Kids. This song beautifully conveys the truth that Jesus took our illnesses and carried away our diseases, just as the Bible verse says.

Another song that children might enjoy is "Heal Me, O Lord" by Judy Rogers. This song is a prayer asking the Lord to heal our minds, hearts, and bodies, reminding us of His power to heal and restore us.

Both of these songs can help children understand and remember the message of Matthew 8:17 in a fun and engaging way.

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