Lesson 1: Jesus attends a dinner party.
Passage: Luke 14:7-14 - Once when Jesus was at a dinner party at the home of a Pharisee, he noticed that the guests were taking the places of honour at the table, and he told them a parable. He told them, when someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the places of honour or someone more important might come along and you will be asked to give up your seat and will be humiliated. Instead, take the lowest seat, so that the host will will honour you by moving you up to a better seat. In saying this he taught that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Furthermore, he taught that when one hosts a banquet, they should welcome those who are left out and on the margins, and that in doing so they will be blessed.
Big Idea: We are all invited to God’s party.
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 and introduce yourselves.
Warm Up Activity: Storytime + Game — Activity Leader
Read: “All Are Welcome Here”
Play: Musical Chairs
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are starting something brand new. We are going to be learning all about some of the things Jesus taught his friends through stories.
Jesus has lots of great things to teach us so watch our video to find out more...
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Have you ever been to a fun party or celebration before? What kind of parties have you been to?
Has there ever been a time when someone was having a party but you didn’t get invited or you weren’t able to go? What did that feel like for you?
What’s something we can remember when we feel left out?
What are some ways that we can be a good friend to others who are feeling left out or lonely?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the story we learned today and for Jesus’ teachings about how we should always remember to think about others, learning to share and not take the best things all for ourselves. Thank you that whenever we are feeling left out or lonely, we can remember that Jesus like a very best friend that always invites and welcomes us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: "Invited to the Table" Craft — Activity Leader — 7 minutes
Kids will get a printable of a table and they can draw their friends, family, and anyone they want to “invite to the table” around it.
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 near the TV. Welcome them to class and introduce yourselves .
Warm Up Activity: Storytime + Game — Activity Leader
Read: “All Are Welcome Here”
Play: Musical Chairs
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are starting a brand new series all about the teachings of Jesus, and we’re going to be learning about them through stories.
Jesus has lots of great things to teach us, so let’s watch our video to find out more...
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Have you ever been to a fun party or celebration before? What kind of parties have you been to?
Has there ever been a time when someone was having a party but you didn’t get invited or you weren’t able to go? What did that feel like for you?
What’s something Jesus would want us to remember when we feel left out of the fun?
How can we be a good friend to others who are feeling lonely or left out?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the story we learned today and for Jesus’ teachings about how we should always remember to think about others, learning to share and not take the best things all for ourselves. Thank you that whenever we are feeling left out or lonely, we can remember that Jesus like a very best friend that always invites and welcomes us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: "Invited to the Table" Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will get a printable of a table and they can draw their friends, family, and anyone they want to “invite to the table” around it.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Welcome the kids to class and introduce yourselves.
Warm Up Activity: Never Have I Ever — Activity Leader
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re going to be a starting a brand new series on the teachings of Jesus.
We’ve talked about some of Jesus’ teachings before but this time we’ll be learning about them through some fun storytelling.
Let’s watch our video to find out about more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Do you have any good memories of parties you’ve had or been invited to? What was memorable about them?
Would you be surprised to hear that Jesus also went to lots of parties and celebrations when he was on earth? Why or why not?
Has there ever been a time when you were feeling left out? What was that like for you?
What do you think Jesus would have to say to us when we are feeling left out or excluded? What does it mean to you to be invited to God’s table?
What are some ways that we can be more welcoming and inclusive to others?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the lessons learned today about the importance of humility and not thinking ourselves as more important than others. Please help us to learn to put others first and think of other peoples needs as well as our own. Thank you also for the lesson that even when we feel left out or uninvited by others, we know that you are the one who always welcomes us. Please help us to extend that same welcome to others whenever we can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Popsicle Stick Table Craft — Activity Leader
Build and decorate a table out of popsicle sticks.
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?
Was it cool to learn that Jesus liked to go to parties with his friends?
Has there ever been a time when you felt left out or lonely?
What do you think Jesus would want to tell you when you’re feeling that way?
What are some ways that you might be a good friend to others who are feeling left out?
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What was the story that you learned about in class today?
Do you think it’s kind of cool that Jesus was just like us and enjoyed going to parties and spending time with his friends?
Has there ever been a time when you felt left out?
What’s something we can remember when we’re feeling that way?
What are some ways that we can be a good friend to others who we see being left out and excluded?
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What was the story that you learned about in class today?
What do you think about the idea of Jesus going to parties and celebrating with his friends? Does that surprise you? Why or why not?
Has there ever been a time when you felt left out or saw someone else getting left out of the fun?
What do you think Jesus has to say to those who feel excluded and left out?
What are some ways that we can be a good friend to others and show them God’s welcoming heart?
