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Leader Guide

Activity Page


Make copies of the Connect the Dots Page—one per child, plus extras. Give each child a Connect the Dots Page and a pencil.
Have the children write their names on the back of the sheet.
Have children connect the dots to reveal the image.

Remarkable Faith: Connect the dots to reveal a scene from the video.

When the children complete their pictures, engage them in the discussion questions below.

Who is this person you revealed in the picture? The Roman centurion.

What did the centurion ask Jesus to do? To heal his servant.

In the video, what was the crowd’s reaction when Jesus took the time to talk with him? They were surprised, shocked, and angry.

Why did they react this way? He was a Roman soldier and a Gentile (non-Jew), considered enemies of the Jewish people.

Read Matthew 5:43–48:

43“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Based on this Scripture, do you think God was pleased with the crowd’s reaction? Please explain. No, Jesus said to love and pray for our enemies. We must be kind to all people, not just those who are like us or are kind to us.

Why is it easier to love our friends instead of our enemies? They don’t mistreat us or say mean things to us. We have fun together and share things. 

Have you ever been tempted to avoid people who may be different than you? What do you think Jesus would have you do? Children respond.

Conclusion: The crowd was shocked to see Jesus walking and talking with the Roman soldier. After all, he was considered unclean by their Jewish laws and traditions! Jesus not only taught about loving your enemies—He showed us by His example how to do it!