Becoming Like Children for Jesus

Opening Question

Ask: What does it mean to be 'great'? Who do you think is great?

Expected Answers: Kids might say superheroes, sports stars, parents, or people who are strong or famous.

Leader Note: Affirm their answers, then say: 'Those are good thoughts! Today we're going to learn what Jesus says makes someone truly great — and it might surprise you!'

Time: 2-3 minutes

Scripture Focus

Read together (or have a volunteer read):

At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'

— Matthew 18:1-4

Say: Jesus' disciples wanted to know who was the greatest. Jesus surprised them by pointing to a child!

Question 1: What Does It Mean to Be Like a Child?

Ask: When Jesus says we should 'become like children,' what do you think He means? What are children like?

Expected Answers: Kids might say children are small, playful, happy, or need help from grown-ups.

Leader Note: Guide them toward dependence and trust. Say: 'Yes! Children need their parents for food, a place to live, and help with lots of things. They trust their parents to take care of them. Jesus wants us to trust God like that — knowing we need Him for everything.'

Redirect if off-topic: If kids focus only on playing or being silly, gently say: 'Those are fun parts of being a kid! But Jesus is talking about how children depend on and trust their parents. That's what we should do with God.'

Time: 3-4 minutes

Question 2: What Is Humility?

Ask: The sermon talked about 'humility.' What do you think that word means?

Expected Answers: Kids might say being nice, not bragging, or being kind. Some may not know the word.

Leader Note: Explain simply: 'Humility means knowing you need help and not thinking you're better than others. It's like when you ask for help with your homework or say thank you when someone does something kind. Jesus was humble — He came to serve us, not to be a superstar.'

Redirect if off-topic: If kids say 'being shy' or 'being sad,' clarify: 'Humility isn't about being quiet or sad. It's about being honest that we need God and others, and treating everyone with kindness.'

Time: 3-4 minutes

Question 3: How Can We Be Humble This Week?

Ask: What's one way you can be humble at home or school this week?

Expected Answers: Asking for help, saying thank you, sharing, helping a sibling, not bragging, or praying to God.

Leader Note: Celebrate specific ideas! Say: 'Those are wonderful ways to show humility! Remember, being great in God's kingdom means depending on Him and serving others, just like Jesus did.'

Redirect if off-topic: If kids suggest unrelated actions, gently guide: 'That's a kind thing to do! Can you think of a way to ask for help or put someone else first this week?'

Time: 3-4 minutes

Activity: Draw or Act It Out

Option A (Drawing): Give each child paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of someone being humble — maybe a child asking a parent for help, or someone helping a friend.

Option B (Acting): Have kids act out a short scene where someone is humble. Examples: asking a teacher for help, sharing a toy, or saying 'thank you' to a parent.

Leader Note: As they work, walk around and ask what they're drawing or acting out. Reinforce: 'Jesus says when we're humble like children, we're great in God's kingdom!'

Time: 5-7 minutes

Closing Prayer

Pray together:

'Dear God, thank You for loving us. Help us to be humble like children, trusting You for everything we need. Teach us to serve others and depend on You every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.'

Total Time: 20-25 minutes