Mark 12:38-44 Giving All (Edstrom)
Some of you may know the story of The Giving Tree. It is a story about an apple tree that loved a little boy very much. In the beginning the little boy spent a lot of time playing in and around the tree.
Mark 12:38-44 Being Real (Edstrom)
In the Bible Jesus describes people who were much like peacocks. They wore long robes that prevented them from doing practical work. They liked to be treated with respect in the marketplaces. They sat at the best places in the churches and at banquets. They liked to be seen and admired by others. Like a peacock, they seemed to be saying, "Look at me. Give me your attention."
Mark 12:28-34 The Most Important Rules (Wuori)
Today I thought we might talk a little bit about rules. We have rules in so many different parts of our lives – there are rules for driving our cars and rules at our jobs. I bet there are rules in your classrooms at school, aren’t there? Tell me a few of them. (Solicit children’s responses.)
Mark 12:28-34 First of All (Edstrom)
Jesus was asked a question and his answer had to do with love. The question was: "Which commandment is the greatest of all?" (12:28). The Bible teaches us about many things we should and should not do. These are called commandments. Jesus answers the question by saying the first commandment is that "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" (12:30). What do you think this means?
Mark 12:28-34 The Whole Thing (Edstrom)
Well, what do you suggest I do? Give the whole thing! You want me to give my friends the card, the bow, the wrapping paper, the box, AND the gift? I agree. When you prepare a gift, your intent is to give all of it to your friend or, in this case, friends.
Mark 11:1-11 A Brave Little Donkey (Klein)
It must have been an exciting parade. There was Jesus riding on the young donkey. And the people dancing along, shouting, “Hosanna!” The young donkey wasn’t afraid of the rider on his back and wasn’t afraid of people shouting and throwing branches on the road in front of him. He just walked along like he had been ridden for years.
Mark 11:1-11 Knowing What’s Ahead (Edstrom)
Although we may not know much about our future, or even if we will have rain or sunshine the next day, we do know one thing for sure - God will always love us and care for us. It is a prediction you can count on.
Mark 11:1-11 Palm Sunday (Wuori)
In the days of Jesus’ life it was a custom to cover the ground when someone very important arrived. This was a sign of great respect. Instead of letting someone important walk on the dirty ground people would take their jackets or other items and place them on the ground to make a sort of carpeting. In the Gospel of Mark it describes the people taking the leafy branches from palm trees and laying them in Jesus path. That’s why we call today, Palm Sunday.
Mark 10:46-52 A Different Way of Seeing (Edstrom)
There is a different way of seeing that has to do with what we feel and understand. Do you ever find your self saying, "Oh, I see. Now I understand." You may experience this when you see and believe that someone loves you. Or when you realize that the world is a beautiful place – God's creation.
Mark 10:46-52 Can You Hear Me? (Edstrom)
There are many reasons why we have trouble being heard. Have you ever felt like you needed a megaphone? A megaphone makes your voice much louder. Would you like to try it? It works quite well. Perhaps we could say something from the Bible. There is a story in the Bible about a man who called to Jesus and he said, "Jesus … have mercy on me" (10:47). Let's try that. (Let the children speak into the megaphone if appropriate to the setting and situation.)