Lesson Learned: Jesus does not have favorites.
Material Needed: blanket, pillows
Bible Verse:
Matthew 20:20-24
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.
Mark 9:30-35
30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Talking Points: Two of Jesus friends were brothers, James and John. Like most brothers and sisters, they argued about silly things, things that the Lord does not think matters. James and John were arguing about who was Jesus favorite Disciple and they wanted to sit at His right hand in Heaven. Jesus told them that this was not for Him to decide but for God in Heaven. Jesus does not have favorites and choose one person over another. He loves us all regardless of anything we do or don’t do.
Questions: Why do you think James wanted to sit next to Jesus in Heaven? Did Jesus say “yes” or “no” to James request to sit next to Him?
Activity: Let the child build a “nest” out of the pillows and the blankets. Let them sit in the middle and tell them the story again about James and John wanting the best seat in Heaven. Jesus didn’t give it to them because He doesn’t have favorites.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are so glad You don’t have favorites but that You choose each one of us to go to Heaven to see You and worship You one day. Thank You for loving our family! Amen!