How We Treat Jesus' Friends

Scripture: Matthew 18:5-6

Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Question 1: Who are the 'little ones' Jesus is talking about?

Leader Note: Jesus uses the phrase 'little ones who believe in me' — he means his followers, his disciples. In this sermon, the pastor explained that Jesus isn't just talking about young children, but anyone who trusts in Jesus. Help kids see that all Christians are precious to Jesus.

Expected Answer: People who believe in Jesus. His followers. Christians.

If off-topic: 'That's an interesting thought! But let's look back at verse 6 — Jesus says 'little ones who believe in me.' So he's talking about his followers, people who trust him.'

Time estimate: 2-3 minutes

Question 2: What does Jesus say happens when someone is kind to one of his followers?

Leader Note: Verse 5 says 'whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.' The sermon emphasized that how we treat Jesus' disciples is how we treat Jesus himself. This is a big idea: being kind to a Christian is like being kind to Jesus!

Expected Answer: It's like being kind to Jesus. Jesus says they receive him.

If off-topic: 'Good thinking! But let's read verse 5 again together. Jesus says when you welcome one of his followers, you're welcoming him. It's like treating Jesus himself that way!'

Time estimate: 3-4 minutes

Question 3: Why does Jesus care so much about how people treat his followers?

Leader Note: The sermon explained that Jesus loves his disciples and watches over them. The pastor mentioned Acts 9, where Jesus told Saul, 'Why are you persecuting me?' even though Saul was persecuting Christians. Jesus sees what happens to his people as happening to him. This shows how much he loves and protects his followers.

Expected Answer: Because he loves them. Because they belong to him. Because hurting them is like hurting Jesus.

If off-topic: 'That's a thoughtful answer! Remember, Jesus loves his followers so much that when someone hurts them, it's like hurting Jesus himself. He cares about what happens to his people.'

Time estimate: 3-4 minutes

Activity: Draw or Act It Out

Instructions: Have the kids either draw a picture or act out a short scene showing one way they can be kind to another Christian this week. Examples: sharing, helping someone who is sad, inviting someone to sit with them, praying for a friend.

Leader Note: Encourage specific, practical ideas. Remind them that when they're kind to other Christians, they're showing love to Jesus too. If time allows, let a few kids share their drawings or act out their scenes.

Time estimate: 5-7 minutes

Closing Thought for Leaders: This sermon's big idea is that God holds people accountable for how they treat his children. For young kids, focus on the positive: we get to show love to Jesus by loving his people. Emphasize kindness, encouragement, and care for one another in your church family.