Leader Guide: How We Treat Jesus' Followers

Age Group: 9–12 years Sermon Date: May 10, 2026 Main Passage: Matthew 18:5–6

Opening Scripture

Read aloud together:

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.

— Matthew 18:5–6

Leader Note: This passage follows Jesus placing a child in the midst of the disciples to teach about humility. The term 'little ones' refers both to literal children and to all disciples — followers of Jesus who trust Him humbly, like children do. The sermon emphasized that how people treat Christ's followers is how they treat Christ Himself.

Question 1: What Does It Mean to 'Receive' Someone?

Ask: Jesus says whoever receives a child in His name receives Him. What do you think it means to 'receive' someone?

Expected Answers: - To welcome them - To be kind and friendly to them - To treat them with respect - To help them when they need it

Theological Framing: In the biblical sense, 'receiving' means more than a polite hello — it means honoring, caring for, and supporting someone. Jesus is teaching that when we welcome and care for His followers (even the youngest or least important in the world's eyes), we are actually welcoming and honoring Jesus Himself.

Application Prompt: Can you think of a time this week when you could 'receive' a friend or classmate who follows Jesus — maybe by including them, listening to them, or helping them?

Question 2: Why Does Jesus Care So Much About How We Treat His Followers?

Ask: The sermon said that how we treat Christians is how we treat Jesus. Why do you think Jesus cares so much about how His followers are treated?

Expected Answers: - Because He loves them - Because they belong to Him - Because we're all part of God's family - Because hurting them is like hurting Jesus

Theological Framing: Jesus is united with His people. In Acts 9:4–5, when Saul was persecuting Christians, Jesus asked him, 'Why are you persecuting me?' Jesus doesn't see His followers as separate from Himself. We are His body, His family. An attack on a Christian is an attack on Christ; kindness to a believer is kindness to Christ.

Application Prompt: How does knowing that Jesus feels what happens to His followers change the way you think about treating other Christians — even ones who are different from you?

Question 3: What Did God Promise Abraham About Blessing and Cursing?

Ask: The sermon mentioned Genesis 12:3, where God told Abraham, 'I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.' How does that promise connect to us today?

Expected Answers: - God protects His people - If we belong to Jesus, we're part of Abraham's family - God will bless people who are kind to Christians - God will hold people accountable if they hurt Christians

Theological Framing: Galatians 3:29 says, 'If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.' Because we are 'in Christ,' the promises God made to Abraham apply to us. God notices how the world treats His children, and He will hold people accountable — both for good and for evil.

Cross-Reference: Read Galatians 3:26–29 together. Emphasize verse 29: being in Christ makes us heirs of God's promises.

Application Prompt: Does it comfort you to know God sees when Christians are mistreated and will make things right? How should that affect how you treat others?

Question 4: What Does It Mean to Be a Stumbling Block?

Ask: Jesus warns against causing 'one of these little ones' to sin (Matthew 18:6). What do you think it means to cause someone to stumble or sin?

Expected Answers: - Leading them to do something wrong - Being a bad example - Pressuring them to disobey God - Making it harder for them to follow Jesus

Theological Framing: A 'stumbling block' is anything that trips someone up spiritually. This could be direct temptation, bad influence, or even discouraging someone in their faith. Jesus uses the strongest language here (the millstone imagery) to show how seriously God takes this. We are called to build each other up, not tear each other down (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Leader Redirect if Needed: If kids focus only on 'big' sins, gently expand: even mocking someone's faith, excluding them, or being a hypocrite can be a stumbling block.

Application Prompt: Think about your friends who are Christians. Are you helping them grow closer to Jesus, or might you be making it harder? What's one way you can encourage a friend this week?

Question 5: How Can We Be a Positive Influence on Other Christians?

Ask: The sermon mentioned Hebrews 10:24–25, which says we should 'stir one another up toward love and good works.' What are some practical ways you can encourage other believers?

Expected Answers: - Pray for them - Invite them to church or youth group - Share what you're learning in the Bible - Be a good example - Stand up for them if others make fun of their faith - Spend time with friends who love Jesus

Theological Framing: The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. God designed us to grow together, encourage one another, and help each other follow Jesus. The sermon referenced the idea that 'you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with' — our friendships shape us spiritually. Gathering together and spurring one another on is God's design for our growth.

Application Prompt: Who are the people in your life who help you follow Jesus? How can you be that kind of friend to someone else this week?

Closing Prayer

Leader, pray something like this:

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and calling us Your children. Help us to treat each other the way we would treat Jesus — with kindness, respect, and love. Protect us from being stumbling blocks, and make us people who build each other up. Help us to remember that when we care for Your followers, we are caring for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Time Estimate: 20–25 minutes