Lesson 1: The rich man and the kingdom.
Passage: Mark 10:17-31 - A rich man came to Jesus asking him about the way to get eternal life. Jesus told him to follow the commandments, to which the man replied that he had done so since he was a child. Jesus then told him that there was one thing missing, he needed to sell all that he had and give to the poor, then come follow Jesus. The man went away sad because he was very rich. Jesus turned to his disciples and told them that is very hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, but that with God all things are possible. Peter spoke up, saying that they had left everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus responded that they would certainly receive a hundred times as much in the present age, and in the age to come eternal life.
Big Idea: Practicing generosity.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Sit Down / Stand Up Questions — Activity Leader
Start with all kids sitting down. The leader will make various statements (eg. your favourite colour is red, you have a dog, you’re in kindergarten, etc) and the kids will stand up if they fit the description.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re starting something brand new! We’re going to be learning about some of the important lessons that Jesus taught his followers.
Can you think of an important lesson that you learned from Jesus before?
Do you think Jesus is a great teacher? Why?
Let's watch our video to find out more...
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Who was the man that was talking to Jesus in the story? What did he ask him?
What did Jesus say he should do to get eternal life?
Why do you think the man went away sad in the end?
What do you think the big lesson is that Jesus was trying to teach from this story?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
"Dear God, thank you for the teaching of Jesus we learned about today about how being part of your kingdom means learning to be generous and sharing what we have with others. Please help us to have hearts that love to share and that are thankful for the things you have given us. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Activity: Lacing Cards — Activity Leader
Kids can thread the shoelace through the lacing cards to practice their fine motor control (this is not a take home craft). There will also be colouring pages available.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Sit Down / Stand Up Questions — Activity Leader
Start with all kids sitting down. The leader will make various statements (eg. your favourite colour is red, you have a dog, you’re in grade 1, etc) and the kids will stand up if they fit the description.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re starting something brand new! We’re going to be learning about some of the important lessons that Jesus taught his followers.
Can you think of an important lesson that you learned from Jesus before?
What do you think makes Jesus such a great teacher?
Let's watch our video to find out more...
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Who was the man that was talking to Jesus in the story? What did he ask him?
What did Jesus say he should do to get eternal life?
Why do you think the man went away sad in the end?
What do you think the big lesson is that Jesus was trying to teach from this story?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
"Dear God, thank you for the teaching of Jesus we learned about today about how being part of your kingdom means learning to be generous and sharing what we have with others. Please help us to have hearts that love to share and that are thankful for the things you have given us. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Activity: Paper Plate Sewing — Activity Leader
Kids will get paper plates with pre-punched holes that they can sew yarn through.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Sentence at a Time Story — Activity Leader
One person will write the first line of a story on a peace of paper (can be the class leader to make sure location and character is established). They will then fold their paper over. The next person can look at the line prior to them, but none before that, and write the next line of the story, continuing around the circle to each person. At the end, the teacher reads the story out loud!
Note: Remind the kids not to use inappropriate words and that they should use the characters from the prior line rather than saying something random.Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re starting a brand new series on the teachings of Jesus!
Can anyone think of a teaching of Jesus that you know?
What do you think makes Jesus such a great teacher?
Let’s watch our video to find out more about today’s lesson…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Who was the man who came up to Jesus in the beginning of the story? What was the question he had?
What was Jesus’ first response to him? How did the man react?
What did Jesus say was the thing the man was still missing and needed to do to get eternal life?
Why did the man walk away sad in the end?
What do you think is the big lesson Jesus is trying to teach through this story?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
"Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today about the rich man who asked Jesus the way to eternal life. Thank you that Jesus always challenges us to grow in our faith, just like he challenged the rich man to be generous and to not hold on to his riches so tightly. Please help us to remember that the more generous we are with what we have, the closer we are to true wealth and eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Activity: Paper Plate Sewing — Activity Leader
Kids will create their own design by punching holes in their plate using a pencil or plastic needle, then sewing the yarn through the pattern.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What was the question the rich man asked Jesus?
What did Jesus say was the way to eternal life? How did the man react?
Why do you think it was so hard for the rich man to let go of his riches and give to the poor?
What do you think is the big lesson that Jesus was teaching?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What question did the rich man have for Jesus? What was Jesus’ first response?
What did Jesus say the rich man was still missing even though he followed all the commandments?
How did the rich man react when Jesus said that he needed to sell everything he had and give to the poor?
What do you think is the big lesson that Jesus was trying to teach the rich man and us?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What question did the rich man have for Jesus? What was Jesus’ first response?
What did Jesus say the rich man still had to do to get eternal life? Why do you think Jesus said that?
What do you think Jesus was trying to teach the rich man about what is truly important and valuable in the kingdom of heaven?
Do you find it easy or hard to be generous with what you have?
