Kids will learn that humility is better than selfishness.
Lesson Snapshot
BOTTOM LINE:
Be humble.
OBJECTIVE:
Kids will learn that humility is better than selfishness.
KEY PASSAGE:
2 Kings 5, Naaman
MEMORY VERSE:
“Lord, you are great. You are really worthy of praise. No one can completely understand how great you are.” Psalm 145:3 (NIrV)
SUMMARY:
Naaman sought out Elisha to heal him of his leprosy – a disease that left his skin spotted and gross. When Naaman followed Elisha’s instruction, he was healed. But when Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, acted selfishly, he was stricken with the same leprosy that Naaman was healed from.
Object Lesson
ITEMS NEEDED:
A makeup face mask
Have the adult leader who is giving this talk apply a gross facial mask prior to appearing and speaking to the kids.
Isn’t it amazing the lengths people will go to when they want to look good? People who want to have clear, blemish-free skin will regularly apply the grosses, yuckiest looking mess to their face. These masks are supposed to clear up acne, moisturize your skin, and leave your face looking clean and smooth. But before you can get to that clean, blemish-free face, you have to put on all this gunk and look like a monster for a time. How many of you would want your friends to see you looking all gross like this?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look nice and have healthy skin, but as with many things in life, we have to humble ourselves to achieve that goal. We have to be willing to admit we need help and make ourselves look even grosser in order to look beautiful. God says whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be lifted up. He wants us to practice humility every day. He wants us to put Him and others ahead of our own selfish desires.
This week, look for opportunities to help others. Look for chances to serve rather than be served. Look for opportunities to do the dirty work. Be humble, and put selfish thoughts behind you. God blesses those who are willing to be humble.
Craft Activity
Have the kids draw and cut out faces of Naaman – one where he has gross, yucky spots on his face, and one where he is healed. Glue them back to back with a craft stick in between to make a stick puppet. Show the kids they can tell Naaman’s story by “dipping” him seven times and then spinning the puppet to show how he was healed!
Let’s Move