Mark 2.1-12
This story demonstrates that Jesus has the power to heal, but also to truly forgive sins. What makes this story unique though is that four friends discovered that only with Jesus we can work together to change someone’s life! As we come to Jesus, we get to bring others along with us. Continue reading → Through the Roof: Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
Luke 5.1-11
The calling of the disciples is central to the gospel story and it comes up in all four of the gospels. The fact that Jesus chooses people and equips them for his work is as true for us today as it was back then. We want the kids to know that Jesus is on a mission to save the world and that he has invited us to be part of that incredible mission! Sometimes it means leaving things behind, but we will never be disappointed. Continue reading → Jesus Calls Peter
Matthew 3.11-17
John the baptizer was surprised that Jesus wanted to be baptized. John recognized that Jesus was the Messiah who would take away the sins of the world and it was dramatically confirmed when the Holy Spirit came down on him and the Father spoke from heaven! The baptism of Jesus demonstrated that Jesus was going to redefine what it meant to be cleansed from sin. Continue reading → The Baptism of Jesus
Matt. 4.1-11
Jesus was tempted in the same ways that we are but he did not give in; he used his knowledge of God’s Word to resist. He showed his readiness to carry out his role as the Son of God on earth. We want the kids to know that Jesus is more powerful than sin!
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
– Colossians 3.16a (ESV) Continue reading → The Temptation of Jesus
Luke 2.41-52
This is the only account we have in Scripture of Jesus as a child. Luke’s emphasis is on the fact that Jesus demonstrated wisdom and was aware of his unique relationship to the Father, even at an early age. Firstly, we want the children to know that they are never too young to seek God’s wisdom and his purposes! We want them to “increase in wisdom and stature” (v. 52), just as Jesus did! Secondly, we want them to understand that the wisest thing that they can do is put their faith in Jesus. Continue reading → The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2.8-20
Jesus was born against a background of humble simplicity with modest unassuming parents. Despite the lack of fanfare, nearby shepherds were visited by angels, who announced the birth of the Savior. This is a great reminder that the birth of Jesus is Good News, and something worth getting excited about! The fact that the announcement went out to a marginalized group of people is also a great reminder that God’s Good News is for everyone, not just the ‘important’ people in the world. Continue reading → Shepherds Hear Good News
Luke 1.31, 32, 35; Luke 2.1-7
The birth of Jesus was the birth of the Messiah-king that God had promised his people for hundreds of years and that Israel had been waiting and waiting for! Fittingly, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which was also the birthplace of his great-great-great-great … grandfather king David to whom God had promised that an eternal king would one day sit on the throne. A major turning point in history was set in motion on that night, but as Silesius the old medieval mystic said, “though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born, if he’s not born in me, my heart is still forlorn.” Continue reading → Jesus Born in Bethlehem
Matthew 2.1-12
The magi responded to the birth of Jesus by finding him, worshipping him and bringing him gifts. They understood that Jesus was not just any king; he was the fulfillment of God’s promise! When they gave him gifts, it was a way of honoring him for being the king who would make a way for all the world to come to God. When we give gifts to others it’s an opportunity to express the love of Jesus to the person we’re giving a gift to. It’s also a way of celebrating our love for Jesus! As part of this lesson we’ll be packing Restart Kits for refugees who are being settled in the city of Portland. Continue reading → Wise Men Bringing Gifts
Leviticus 23.33-44
When the Israelites were in the wilderness it was easy to remember that they needed God day by day because they were living in tents and God was sending them manna and quail. God wanted the Israelites to always remember that they are dependent on him, even when they were living in the Promised Land. God commanded that they should have an annual celebration called Sukkot to remember and celebrate his provision. By celebrating the good things that God has done for us we are reminded that we can put our trust in him. Continue reading → Sukkot Thanksgiving Lesson
Jonah
God’s desire is that all people would turn to him and acknowledge his great love for them. Jonah had a hard time understanding God’s love for everyone. God sent Jonah to call the Ninevites to repentance but instead he went the opposite direction. After 3 days in the belly of a big fish Jonah came to his senses and went to preach to the Ninevites. The story of Jonah points us to Jesus who obediently brought God’s message of salvation to an undeserving people. Jesus referred to his own death, burial and resurrection as “the sign of Jonah” (Matt. 12.39; 16.4). Continue reading → No Love for the Ninevites
Resource for Kids Ministry 