Teaching

We just played a game about putting others first. Yes, in the world, people who put themselves first are often considered to be the best and most important. But the Bible tells us the opposite! Mark 9:35 says:

"Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Servants are not considered important people. Servants work for important people. But Jesus tells us something totally different; in the kingdom of God, you must become a humble servant to be first! Give each child a paper plate and pencil, and tell them to write “HUMBLE” on one side. What does “humble” mean? Not to think too highly of yourself and to put others first.

On the other side of the plate, have them write “PROUD.” What does “proud” mean? To think too highly of yourself and to think you are more important than others.

As you review each segment of the story below, tell the children to “vote” on each person’s motive by displaying the HUMBLE or PROUD side of the plate. Encourage conversation and additional comments regarding the actions of the characters.

Ready?

John and his brother want to have places of honor when Jesus becomes King. Proud. They believed they were more important than the other disciples.

Jesus said the Son of Man came to serve—not to be served. Humble. Jesus placed others before Himself and humbly served them.

Jesus rides a donkey instead of a stallion. Humble. Important leaders and kings rode on stallions or in chariots and displayed power! Jesus chose not to.

The religious leaders tell Jesus to quiet the crowd. Proud. The religious leaders were jealous of Jesus’ popularity and that He associated with ordinary people. They believed themselves to be more important.

A woman uses her hair and expensive perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. Humble. This woman showed respect to Jesus and sacrificed her very expensive perfume to anoint Him. She kneeled at His feet in humility.

Judas is angry with the woman for using the expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. Proud. Judas was not concerned about the poor. He stole from the funds used to care for the poor. He didn’t respect nor submit to Jesus as he should.

Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. Humble. Jesus performed the lowest of tasks that only a servant would do.

Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet. Proud. Peter, at first, would not submit to Jesus’ wishes.

Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Proud. He was thinking of himself and the reward, not how his actions would affect Jesus or others. Judas was greedy and stole money from the funds used for the poor. Judas placed himself above Jesus’ mission on Earth.

Jesus turned over the money changer’s tables in the temple. This is a tricky one that was saved for last! Humble. Jesus was filled with righteous anger for God’s house. He was showing respect for God’s temple! You can be humble and bold at the same time for God’s work!

We can see how these people displayed a humble or prideful attitude in the actions and words they used. Remember that OUR prideful and humble words and actions are evident to others, too! As 1 Peter 5:5b says,

And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

When we humbly serve God and others, we bring the favor of God into our lives!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Last time, you took home Superbook Secret Servant Packets as a reminder to pray about serving other people. How were you able to serve others?

Allow time for children to share. Pass out packets to any children who did not receive one previously.

Let’s continue to pray about ways to serve others until our next meeting. Can anyone think of some things we can do to be servants in our communities? Ideas may include cleaning up a park, serving at a soup kitchen, volunteering at a food pantry, visiting a nursing home or hospital, etc.