Bible Study

Choose two or three Scripture passages below for your class. Assign the passages to children to look up and then allow volunteers to read them aloud—splitting up multiple verse passages among children. Then lead a discussion using the questions and comments below.

1. Matthew 5:19

“So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

What does this verse say about the importance of living a life of obedience to God’s word?

According to this verse, how can we be called great in God’s Kingdom?

Do you think we can be great just by going to church?

Does this mean that we all have to be teachers and preachers? How can we teach without speaking?

Can we keep God’s commandments in our own ability and strength? Do we need help?

2. Matthew 20:26–28 (cev)

CEV and NKJV say “great,” NLT says “leader.”

²⁶ “But don’t act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. ²⁷ And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. ²⁸ The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give His life to rescue many people.”

Explain to the children that Jesus’ disciples were arguing about who would hold the highest positions of honor and be considered great next to Jesus. This was Jesus’ reply to them. 

In verse 26—do you think that Kingdom Greatness is the same or different than worldly greatness? How?

What does Jesus say we must become to be great, or first in the Kingdom? Servant.

Do you think the world would think of a servant as great in most cases?

In verse 28, what did Jesus call Himself, and what did He say He would do? Give His life to rescue others.

Does this change your view of being great in God’s Kingdom? How?

3. John 14:12

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

What does this verse say we must do so we can do great works for the Kingdom of God?

How do you think we could do even greater works than Jesus? Because of His supernatural power in us—He helps us. We have God’s Spirit in us.

Do you ever look at what others did in the Bible and think that you can’t possibly do the same?

Have you ever heard someone say that great works like Jesus and His followers did were just for that time in history and aren’t done today? What do you think? Are Jesus’ words still true for us?

4. John 15:20

“Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you.”

According to this verse, if we are great in God’s Kingdom, will everything be smooth in our life?

If Jesus experienced persecution and problems, what can we expect?

Do you ever feel like you are doing something wrong if you ever experience struggles or have a tough time?

According to this verse, will everyone believe what we say about the Gospel, about Jesus and His Kingdom?

Conclusion: The world in many cases defines greatness differently than greatness in God’s Kingdom. In this world, people such as athletes, political leaders, TV and movie actors, wealthy business men and women, or musicians are often called great. But, this is not how God looks at greatness. Being great in God’s Kingdom is defined as trusting in Jesus’ strength and ability to obey God’s will for our lives and to serve others.