Chosen
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: Jesus' choice of disciples would most
likely not have been our choice. He chose the least likely, such
as Matthew -- and us! Last week we noticed how Jesus honored the
powerless child. Today's text shows Jesus choosing a dishonored
tax collector!
* The concept of grace is hard for us to grasp. We spend a lifetime learning the depths of its meaning. Both children's sermons today talk about grace: being chosen by God not based on skill, talent, looks, age or any other barrier we humans often erect to exclude others.
* Learn the first verse of "Amazing Grace." If you have access, find the history of this hymn and share it with your class. God chose another unlikely candidate for grace: John Newton, who considered himself to be a certifiably "bad guy" who was touched by grace which effected a major life-change.
* Relating the text to life: When we get angry at people or are tempted to look down on others, remember that God loves them, too!
Sunday school assembly opening:
* Sing "Amazing Grace."
* Begin with an exercise of "I am chosen." Say, "God has chosen ..." and then have each child say his or her name out loud as you point to each one. (Be careful not to embarrass anyone or miss anyone.)
* The concept of grace is hard for us to grasp. We spend a lifetime learning the depths of its meaning. Both children's sermons today talk about grace: being chosen by God not based on skill, talent, looks, age or any other barrier we humans often erect to exclude others.
* Learn the first verse of "Amazing Grace." If you have access, find the history of this hymn and share it with your class. God chose another unlikely candidate for grace: John Newton, who considered himself to be a certifiably "bad guy" who was touched by grace which effected a major life-change.
* Relating the text to life: When we get angry at people or are tempted to look down on others, remember that God loves them, too!
Sunday school assembly opening:
* Sing "Amazing Grace."
* Begin with an exercise of "I am chosen." Say, "God has chosen ..." and then have each child say his or her name out loud as you point to each one. (Be careful not to embarrass anyone or miss anyone.)
