See What's New at Pastor John's Blog. Or to Submit --->

The Cost of Following Jesus

Matthew 8; 16; Luke 9; 14

Kids Church. July 12, 2020

Volume 8 Jesus the Servant. Unit 23 Jesus the Teacher. Session 2 of 5

Leading Parent, please read below for an overview of today's lesson (drop down) ----->>

The Cost of Following Jesus

The benefits of following Jesus are wonderful: justification from sin, lifelong sanctification, and adoption into the family of God. But following Jesus also comes at a price. People had waited so long for the promised Messiah to come into the world, so many were eager to follow Him. Yet as Jesus taught, He urged people to consider the cost of being His disciple.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explained to one disciple that following Him might involve giving up worldly comforts. He told another disciple that following Him should be higher priority than anything else—even one’s commitment to his parents. (See Matt. 8:18-22.) In Matthew 16 and Luke 9, Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Jesus shared two examples in Luke 14 of people who must count the cost of doing something. If a person is building a tower, he must first calculate the cost. If he begins the project and is unable to complete it, onlookers will ridicule him. In a similar way, a king counts the cost of going to war before sending out his army. If he is not able to oppose the enemy, he doesn’t foolishly send out a small group to fight a larger group. Instead, he seeks peace.

Many who wanted to follow Jesus changed their minds. Jesus even asked the twelve disciples if they wanted to turn away as well. Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Paul acknowledged the difficulty of following Jesus in 2 Corinthians 4 but kept his eyes on eternity: “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (v. 17). As you teach, emphasize that following Jesus is not easy, but He is worth it.

Christ Connection: Jesus taught that following Him is not easy. It requires commitment and sacrifice. When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. True life is found in Jesus, who gave up His life to rescue us from sin and death. He is worth it.

Opening Prayer for Kids Church Worship

Dad (or Mom) lead your family

Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, mercy, etc.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.

You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.

Pledges - recite out loud together

Right hand to your heart

Bible raised high in the air

Praise & Worship singing to God together

Leader - Ask the Big Picture Question

Everyone reply with the Big Picture Answer

Everyone memorize the Scripture verses CSB version

NIV

Everyone sing the Scripture song CSB version

Everyone read aloud Romans 8:35,37

The Bible says that we are weak, but the Holy Spirit will help us in our weakness. We live with hope, trusting that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. He is worth it! Let’s sing together “Just As I Am.”

Praise & Prayer Time

Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confessing of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.

Bible Lesson Time

Leader - Read the main story point below

Read Matthew 8; 16; Luke 9; 14

Then

Watch the Bible Story video

Apply the Bible Lesson

Distribute Bibles. Guide your children to open their Bibles to Luke 9. Explain that today’s story is found in Matthew and Luke.

Choose a child to read aloud Luke 9:23-25.

LEADER SAY • Jesus spoke to His disciples when they were near the Sea of Galilee. [Point to the Sea of Galilee on the Israel in the Time of Jesus Map]. Jesus was clear that following Him is not easy. When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. at’s what it means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. True life is found in Jesus, who gave up His life to rescue us from sin and death. He is worth it.

Ask the following questions. Lead your family to discuss:

(Take your time to ask, ponder and answer the following questions)

1. What do you think Jesus meant when He said that anyone who is unwilling to suffer cannot be His disciple? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Explain to kids that Jesus later told His disciples that because the world had persecuted Him, they would be persecuted. Believers should expect to suffer in a fallen world. We can endure suffering, fixing our eyes on Jesus and looking forward to eternity with Him.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read John 15:18-20.)

2. Why is it important to understand the cost of following Jesus? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize that following Jesus without understanding the cost may make it difficult to persevere in trials. Emphasize that though Jesus does not off er us an easy life, He offers us Himself. He is better than anything the world offers.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 Pet. 4:12-13.)

3. How can we encourage others who aren’t sure if following Jesus is worth it? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Prompt kids to consider the importance of praying for others. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to follow Jesus. Kids can also point others to Jesus, remembering that suffering is temporary and one day Jesus will make all things right.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Heb. 12:1-3.)

Sing the Response Song below

Missionary Moments

Closing Prayer - Leader

Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for church leaders.

Page updated

Report abuse