"The cost of discipleship"
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: The Gospel message that we are saved as
a free gift through faith can result in the false teaching that
it is easy to be a Christian. To follow Jesus means we must take
up our cross. God has made us His people for a purpose. In doing
the things God wants us to do, there is always a cost. Our
children need to be aware that following the Lord means making
Him the highest priority in our lives.
*Ask the children to name the things that they consider the
most fun to do and make a list of them on the board. When the
list is sufficient, make a mark by any of the things that could
be done on a Sunday morning.
Now, ask them to tell you why they are not doing one of
those things instead of being here in church. Of course, some may
say that they are here only because their parents made them come,
but that won't matter.
Explain that being a follower of Jesus means we have to make
sacrifices and put Jesus ahead of other things in life. This is
the cost of being a disciple, but it brings blessings that far
outweigh the costs.
*Have the children make a list of things that they don't do
because they are Christians. Then make a list of the things they
do because they are Christians. Compare and talk about the two
lists.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Read or tell a story about a Christian who gave up his or
her life for the faith, and talk about the sacrifices we all must
make to be Christians. Be sure to emphasize that we do not get
into heaven because of the sacrifices we make, but that God
expects those whom He has saved to take up their own crosses,
whatever they might be.
a free gift through faith can result in the false teaching that
it is easy to be a Christian. To follow Jesus means we must take
up our cross. God has made us His people for a purpose. In doing
the things God wants us to do, there is always a cost. Our
children need to be aware that following the Lord means making
Him the highest priority in our lives.
*Ask the children to name the things that they consider the
most fun to do and make a list of them on the board. When the
list is sufficient, make a mark by any of the things that could
be done on a Sunday morning.
Now, ask them to tell you why they are not doing one of
those things instead of being here in church. Of course, some may
say that they are here only because their parents made them come,
but that won't matter.
Explain that being a follower of Jesus means we have to make
sacrifices and put Jesus ahead of other things in life. This is
the cost of being a disciple, but it brings blessings that far
outweigh the costs.
*Have the children make a list of things that they don't do
because they are Christians. Then make a list of the things they
do because they are Christians. Compare and talk about the two
lists.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Read or tell a story about a Christian who gave up his or
her life for the faith, and talk about the sacrifices we all must
make to be Christians. Be sure to emphasize that we do not get
into heaven because of the sacrifices we make, but that God
expects those whom He has saved to take up their own crosses,
whatever they might be.
