KIds sermon "Don’t Be Fooled!"

Bible Passage: Mark 13:3-5

Main Point: Jesus warns us not to be led astray by anyone claiming to be Him. We need to know who Jesus truly is and follow only Him.

Object lesson Materials Needed:

• A fun wig or disguise (could include glasses, a hat, or anything that looks "sneaky")
• A picture of Jesus (or a cross) to refer back to as the “real Jesus”
• A simple prize (like stickers or a small treat) for children who can “see through” the disguise (optional)
• Optional: A sign saying "The Real Jesus" to emphasize the focus of the lesson

1. Introduce the Disguise
   • The leader puts on a disguise (like a wig and glasses) out of the children’s view and then enters, pretending to be someone else in the church (e.g., the organist, worship leader, or even a “famous person”).
   • They should dramatically say, “Hello! I’m [pretend name], and today I’m here to share something special with you!”
   • Act over-the-top and a little silly to grab the kids’ attention. Make it fun!
2. Ask the Children
   • After a few seconds, pause and ask the children, “Do you believe that I’m [pretend name]? Or do you think I might just be your teacher in a disguise?”
   • Allow kids to giggle, talk, and eventually figure out who you really are. (Note – Make sure the person who you are pretending to is confident and wont be miffed)
3. Reveal the Truth
   • Take off the wig and glasses and say, “You were right! I’m really [your real name], not [pretend name]. You didn’t let me fool you because you know who I am!”
   • Explain that just like today’s trick, sometimes people may try to pretend they are someone they’re not. And sometimes, people even pretend to be Jesus or say things that don’t match what Jesus taught.
4. Read the Bible Verse
   • Open your Bible to Mark 13:3-5 and read: “Watch out that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.”
   • Explain that Jesus was warning us to be careful because some people might try to say they’re Jesus, or they might teach things that aren’t true.
5. Explain Why We Need to Stay Close to Jesus
   • Say: “So how do we make sure we’re following the real Jesus? We can do this by learning what He really said and did in the Bible. When we know Jesus well, it’s easier to spot things that aren’t true!”
   • Show the picture of Jesus (or the cross) and explain that whenever we’re not sure, we can always look back to what Jesus said and trust what the Bible says about Him.
6. Play a Quick “Real or Not?” Game (optional extra if you have time)
   • Tell the kids you’ll say a few things about Jesus, and they should decide if it sounds true or not. If it’s true, they should shout, “Real!” If it’s not, they should shout, “Not real!”
     • Sample statements:
       • “Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies.’” (Real!)
       • “Jesus said, ‘Take lots of money and only help yourself.’” (Not real!)
       • “Jesus healed people who were sick.” (Real!)
       • “Jesus said, ‘Be selfish!’” (Not real!)
7. Wrap-Up and Encourage Them to Know Jesus Well
   • Say: “Great job! You’re already good at spotting what’s real about Jesus and what’s not. Remember, the best way to follow the real Jesus is by learning about Him and sticking close to His love and kindness. Let’s pray and ask Him to help us always know His truth!”
8. Closing Prayer
   • Dear God, give us wisdom to know the real Jesus and not be lead astray. Help us to stay close to Him and follow Him daily. In Jesus’ name – Amen

Copyright 2024 Sunday Children’s Focus. Feel free to use this on Sunday but please give credit to this site and consider sharing the website link. Blessings – A.H.

Children’s Object Lesson: “Small Deeds, Big Impact”

Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Materials Needed:

• A large pan or big bowl of water that you can put down in front of the kids.
• Small item to drop in the water (such as a pebble or small stone)
• Towels or a tray to catch any spills – unless you are super careful!

1. Set the Scene
   • Gather the kids around the pan of water so everyone can see. Tell them you’re going to show them how even a small thing can make a big difference!
2.  Object Lesson
   • Hold up the small stone and ask, “Do you think something this small could have a big effect?” Most will probably say no, because it seems so small.
   • Explain, “Sometimes, the good things we do can feel small or unimportant, but even little acts of kindness can make a big difference!”
3. The Ripple Demonstration
   • Drop the small item into the water and have the kids watch as ripples spread across the entire surface.
   • Ask the kids to describe what they see: “Do you notice how this little stone is making ripples that go all the way across the water?”
4. Connect the Ripples to good deeds /acts of kindness
   • Say: “When we do something kind, even something small, it can start a chain reaction—just like these ripples. That one small good deed can ‘ripple out’ and make others feel loved, happy, and even inspire them to be kind too!”
   • Give examples of small good deeds, like helping a friend, saying thank you, or sharing a toy. Each small act can “ripple out” and affect people in ways we may not even see.
5. Tie It Back to the Bible Verse
   • Read Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
   • Explain that when we do good things—even small ones—we are shining God’s love for others to see. And when people see these little acts of kindness, it can point them toward God, just like how the ripples move outward.
6. Encourage Them to Make Ripples
   • Encourage the kids to think of one small thing they could do this week to show kindness or help someone. Remind them that even the smallest good deed can start a big ripple effect in someone’s life. Consider giving some examples. You could also relate it to the ripple effect of Jesus giving his life for us on the cross.
7. Children’s Prayer
   • Dear God, thank you that even small acts of kindness to others can make a big difference in peoples lives. Help us, through your Holy Spirit, to always do good to others, even if it seems small. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

Copyright 2024 SundayChildrensFocus      Feel free to use this but consider linking to this web page. Thank you!   A.H.