Taking on the yoke
Children's Activity
Object:
Being tied to someone can be frustrating, particularly if the two people are trying to go in opposite directions. In today's sermon time, the children experimented with being tied to another person at the leg. They all agreed that in order get somewhere, the two people need to trust each other, work together and help one another.
For an activity, organize the children into pairs or groups of three. Have each group of children link arms and then perform a difficult task, like cooking something or doing an obstacle course. In order to complete the task they must not unlink their arms and they must work together. To make it even more challenging, consider having one member of each team be too tired to help. How will they do the job when one member isn't strong enough to help?
Discuss the experience afterwards. How was it? What were their thoughts about working together? What was it like to have one member not be able to help? Remind the children that Jesus has offered to help us carry the hard things in our lives. He says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me ... you will find rest for your souls." Even though it might have been frustrating to some to have to help their partners, Jesus will never get frustrated. In fact, he is just waiting for the chance to help us do the things that are in front of us.
For an activity, organize the children into pairs or groups of three. Have each group of children link arms and then perform a difficult task, like cooking something or doing an obstacle course. In order to complete the task they must not unlink their arms and they must work together. To make it even more challenging, consider having one member of each team be too tired to help. How will they do the job when one member isn't strong enough to help?
Discuss the experience afterwards. How was it? What were their thoughts about working together? What was it like to have one member not be able to help? Remind the children that Jesus has offered to help us carry the hard things in our lives. He says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me ... you will find rest for your souls." Even though it might have been frustrating to some to have to help their partners, Jesus will never get frustrated. In fact, he is just waiting for the chance to help us do the things that are in front of us.
