Jesus is Willing To Heal

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 8: 1 - 4

 

This passage shows the NEED of a DESPERATE leper for Healing. Every CHILD HAS NEEDS. They are desperate to be LOVED, ACCEPTED, HEARD and PROTECTED. They have Physical needs, Emotional needs and Spirtual needs. Some needs are not known to them for they are still young ~ like spiritual needs. Some needs which they cannot handle themselves ~ sickness.

 

How important for us parents and custodians to say like Jesus "I WILL" to children for their sake.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Jesus is Willing

Jesus is compassionate and loving; He does not turn away those who call out to Him. He MEETS needs. He has time for those who turn to Him.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Children must be TAUGHT that they can come to Jesus ANYTIME for ANYTHING. 

Jesus is WILLING to hear them out; heal them; forgive their sins when they confess (1 John 1:9). Encourage children to call out to Jesus in whatever situation. He hears them.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 8:2-3  Pair up children; one to recite verse 2, the other verse 3. Switch roles until they can memorize the passage.

 

ACTIVITY:

 

Have children THINK about a NEED they have. Write it down on paper. Have them pray the leper's prayer kneeling. (V2) believing Jesus is willing (V3)

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, THANK YOU for being WILLING to heal and bless when we make time for You. YOU are SO faithful and wonderful. Glory to you. Amen.

 

Identify the Counterfeit Through Genuine

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 7: 15 - 20

 

For the children's sake, I have chosen "identifying false prophets" which may not be a popular passage to teach them as we consider children too young to understand but that is not true.

 

In this time and season, it is vital to 'open the spiritual eyes' of children towards evil. They must be equipped with God's Word about the enemy so that they will know how to overcome and be victorious. Knowing the TRUTH will set them FREE (John 8:32).

We must SOW GOOD SEEDS ~ God's Word which is the Christian's SWORD!

 

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Identify Counterfeit with TRUTH

 

Children must be TAUGHT God's Word with FULL Understanding today to overcome their Enemy; otherwise, they can be caught by DECEPTION through the earthly pleasures. They must know how to identify 'wolves' and learn not to associate with them (Psalm 1). Teach them ALERTNESS through God's word.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ God's WORD is the SWORD for DEFENSE and OFFENSE. Just as Jesus was tempted by the devil and used Scripture to overcome the wiles of the devil, God's children should follow that example. (Matt 4)

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 7:15-16 

Use actions to learn these verses. Older children, try whole passage.

 

ACTIVITY:

 

Blindfold the children. Then choose one to say some info without giving the name.  Have the other children identify who the informer is. Informer can take on a false tone.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to teach children Your word correctly so that they will not be lost in their life but grow to be Your mighty army today and tomorrow. Lord, what we desire for tomorrow, we must start preparing today. Help us Lord to prepare our children for Your glory. Amen.

 

Effective Vessel of God Thru Fasting

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5: 16 -18

Another Great chapter to check our Christian Character path. Today is on fasting which not many can understand the reason to fast and how to fast. Many like myself struggle to fast but the rewards are great. Lets learn it! I personally exercised it for my mom's salvation; praise the Lord, she is saved for 20+ years now!

 

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Effective through Fasting

 

Fasting is part of the Christian Character building where the body is subdued. The heart and mind take over to focus on the things of God. There is full fast or part fast where fasting is for the whole day or part of the day. Full fast can also mean full abstenance or part; liquid fast or solid fast.

Children must be TAUGHT to FAST today to prepare for their tomorrow. Look at the youth or young people today and we would understand the importance to getting the children learn God's ways NOW.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ God will use those who prepare themselves rightly for His glory. Children who fast would draw closer to God and be cleansed as His vessels.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 5:16 - 18

Break up passage by pausing at the right places while reciting. Recite one by one to each other. 

 

ACTIVITY:

Have children write down on paper something important they want God to work on. Challenge the children to fast according to the bible passage. Choose a partner for accountability. Fast and pray about the item until God answers. Journal times of fasting and revelation. Dont be surprised that children will hear from God more readily.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, When You were here on earth, your disciples did not fast; but You said, there would come the time for your disciples to fast. Help us to fast today to understand your teaching and will, Lord. Amen.

BEING to Be BLESSED!

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5: 3-12

This can be said to be an EASY as well as a DIFFICULT passage. Easy to understand but Difficult to PRACTICE & MEMORISE; all of which must be attempted by the Christian ~ young and old.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) Aiming Towards Blessedness

 

We may think that BLESSEDNESS encompasses everything GOOD ... only. Here the passage implies more. Yes, it offers the BEST of what God would give but the journey towards the end may not be so pleasant. How can one keep on the narrow and difficult road of Faith & Christian Character?

 

MY MOTIVATION: 5:48 ~ Desire to be like my Heavenly Father for I am His child. So, 'like Father like child' motivates me on the BEattitudes!

 

Children must ALSO be shown that GOD is their Heavenly Father; they are HIS children. I would apply the same adage to teach this truth. 

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ It is important to God to have His children BE LIKE HIM. Jesus has cleansed us to be able to change into His character day by day. It is a matter of will.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 5:3-12

1) Be POOR in Spirit to receive the KINGDOM of Heaven

2) MOURN to be COMFORTED

3) MEEK to INHERIT the Earth

4) HUNGER & THIRST for righteousness to be SATISFIED

5) Be MERCIFUL to receive MERCY

6) PURE in Heart to SEE God

7) PEACEMAKERS are CALLED Sons of God

8) PERSECUTED for Righteousness' sake to HAVE the Kingdom of Heaven

9) REVILED, PERSECUTED & EVIL UTTERING Against You to receive REWARD in Heaven

 

ACTIVITY:

Divide children into TWO groups. One group shouts out the FIRST HALF of each Beattitude while the other group finishes off the SECOND PART. SWAP Group roles. REPEAT until children can memorise passage. (YES, they can! Can we?)

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I need Your Grace and Power to Understand, Memorize and Apply the Beattitudes to be more like You. Amen.

Willing Vessels Made Effective

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 4: 12 -17; 23-25

Again I choose the lesser known and taught passage instead of 'the temptation of Jesus' or 'calling of disciples'.

Jesus started off His ministry to the Gentiles in Galilee. He chose the most difficult portion; so unlike us.

He knew where the need was and availed Himself to meet it.

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) An Effective Vessel

 

Where is the need that God can use me? What is the area of ministry God is calling me to? Am I hearing from God to be willing and available so that others can hear the good news?

Children must not only be TAUGHT ABOUT the Good News; they must be TAUGHT TO SHARE it too without fear or favor. This is YOUR responsibility as God's SS teacher.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ God will use those who avail themselves to His salvation plan. Miracles and power would follow the obedient and faithful.

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 4:16

"the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death LIGHT has DAWNED."

 

How beautiful this verse is; where there is light, there is no darkness.

 

ACTIVITY:

Pair the children up to share the GOOD NEWS to one another as practice makes perfect. They must be equipped to share the Salvation message to others. They must learn to PRAY for those who are sick or need blessing. Thus their faith will grow deeper and closer to God faster than what we had gone through.

 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, may You continue to prompt us to do Your will rightly for the children's sake who would then be your effective vessels. Thank You for hearing and answering prayers. Amen.

 

A Willing Vessel for God

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 3:1-12

The Baptism of Jesus is very much taught; hence, I shall attempt the lesser passage ~ John the Baptist. He was a cousin of Jesus by birth. He accepted his earthly calling and had no hesitation in being God's messenger for Jesus:preparing the way. His parents Zachariah and Elizabeth brought John up well. How important to have godly parents! (Yesterday's lesson)

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) A Willing Vessel

 

It is not easy to be a Willing Vessel for God in today's environment. There are certain characteristics found in John the Baptist from this passage to be a successful willing vessel. CAN YOU ADD ON?

 

We need the BOLDNESS of John the Baptist who was brave to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees.

 

We need to be FIRMLY ESTABLISHED in our faith and purpose with God to do His will.

 

We need to KNOW God well to be a guide in the darkness.

 

We need to be HUMBLE to give God all the glory and be SEPARATED from the world's ways.

 

We need to BEAR GOOD FRUIT to bring joy & pleasure to our Heavenly Father.

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ God is looking for those who would avail themselves to His eternal plan.

 

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 3:3

 

When you memorize Matthew 3:3, you would have memorized Isaiah 40:3! Killing two birds with one stone!

 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank YOU for choosing me to be your precious child. I avail myself willingly to be your useful vessel for thy glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Godly Fathers Are Vital

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2:13-23

 

We are very familiar with the Three Wise Men (Magi), Mary and baby Jesus for the Christmas story but JOSEPH is usually forgotten or sidelined very quickly as the focus shines on the other characters(Magi, Mary or baby Jesus). But JOSEPH played a VITAL role in the Redemption Story. As FATHERS' Day approaches, this lesson is dedicated to ALL FATHERS!

 

LESSON POINT: (Observation) A Godly Father

Recalling yesterday's lesson, the GENEALOGY of Jesus lists the FATHERS. How important it is to remember that FATHERS have such a vital role in molding the destiny of their family especially children.

Without Joseph's close relationship with God, he would not have heard from God or be convinced that GOD IS AT WORK in his life. His godliness nature enabled him to RECOGNISE God; that should be the PRIMARY CHARACTERISTIC of fathers! before he can Provide, Protect, Pave the way and Pray for his family.

 

 

TRUTH: (Application) ~ Godliness CONNECTS you to God.

You can HEAR from God; you can RECOGNISE His voice and instructions; you can OBEY God without doubts; you can BLESS your loved ones as you make godly decisions.

 

ACTIVITY: Role play this passage; have children lie down and listen to the voice of God through the teacher who is the 'angel'.

Children of God need to learn to rest in the Lord and hear Him.

Fathers, learn to SOAK in the Lord's presence to draw close to Him. (Heb 4; Matt 11:28-30) {I am personally learning this at this point in time. It takes time.}

 

BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 2:19-21

Have children lie down when reciting v19; sit up when they recite v20; stand up and walk to the end of the room when reciting v21.

 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank YOU for godly fathers who are close to You. YOU are their ONLY Great EXAMPLE! Grant them Your strength & wisdom to Lead & Keep their loved ones in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.