Yes, I will follow Jesus! This is the start of an adventure with Jesus as the captain of your ship, the LORD of your life. Jesus chose 12 of his disciples to be His close apostles, but there were many more who chose to obey His teachings and live the life of faith and love. Come let’s learn their stories.
After His baptism, Jesus often spent time with His and our Heavenly Father. God’s will was His mission and His ministry. In these lessons we learn about Jesus’ first disciples. Some were called, some came, but all were welcomed. Come let’s follow Jesus. Let’s sit at His feet and learn the Truth.
John’s Disciples Meet Jesus and Tell Their Friends — John 1
John the Baptist had disciples that followed him too. When John pointed out Jesus to them, two of the disciples followed Jesus. They excitedly introduced Jesus to their friends. We can tell our friends about Jesus too! The presentation starts with an opportunity for Show and Tell and ends with the craft pictured above and a relay race game with the object of bringing others to Jesus.
Come and Follow Me. I Will Make You Fishers of Men — Luke 5:1-11
Jesus was and is a fisher of men. He came to where we are; to earth. He went were the people were. He told stories, healed people, did miracles, showing God’s love and power. He changed people’s lives. Jesus calls us to follow Him, to go fish and gather people into His kingdom of love and freedom. In this presentation the kids hear the story and get an opportunity to pretend to be fishermen as they sing, do the craft and activities.
Matthew, Come Follow Me — Matthew 9, Mark 2, Luke 5
This presentation explores good money management. Give the kids each 10 dimes and let them experience what it is to tithe, pay a tax, save and spend money on their snack. The Bible story is Jesus calling Levi Matthew who is a tax collector. Will you follow Jesus? Matthew has a feast for Jesus and many of his friends come. The leaders question why Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus’ answer shows that he loves the sinner and those in need. He shows mercy and forgiveness.
Zacchaeus Accepts Jesus’ Invitation
Participants get to take parts and read through the story. Learn about the sycamore tree and do the above craft of the sycamore tree that allows the kids to retell the story as they make Zacchaeus climb up and down the tree. Choose to serve God, not money. Choose to follow Jesus.
Jesus chooses and sends out 12 Apostles Two by Two — Matthew 19
Jesus chose 12 of his disciples to be apostles. He sent them out 2 by 2 to repeat the messages he had given and He even gave them the power to do the similar miracles! Our Lord is not selfish! He calls, empowers, and sends. We too are sent to go tell the world this good news. The children have an opportunity to make a wordless book or bracelet and learn to use it to tell others about Jesus.