Humble and Exalted • Humility

What is happening in this story?

In this text, Jesus speaks to the crowds and his disciples during Holy Week. He accuses the religious leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, of being hypocrites: they have made hard-to-follow rules the focus of religious life; all of their pious actions are for the purpose of being seen and commended by others. Jesus puts them in their place. They are not the teacher or the rabbi; they are the students. They are not central; God is. The Pharisees thought they were doing the right thing by showing others how to be moral and how to keep the law. But Jesus tells them that the better way is humility. God honors those who are humble.
 

Why does this story matter for kids?

Kids can fall into the temptation of making rules for how people should play games or behave, and judging them when they fall short. We enjoy being seen and commended. We like places of honor. Not so much has changed. Jesus teaches that the greatest among us are the people who are quietly serving someone in need. These great servants are seldom recognized, but that’s okay because the recognition is not why they do what they do.

What is the lectionary connection?

This text about the end of Jesus’ life takes place during Holy Week, yet we read it at the end of the church year. Jesus teaches his followers what it means to live as people of God. The Season of Pentecost gives us time to grow as people of God.

 

WATCH

THE VIDEO

  • KIDS AGED 10 AND YOUNGER

Otto gets to use his “Junior Foreman Fix It Kit” at church today. Let’s see what that’s all about.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • What did Otto do with his “Junior Foreman Fix It Kit”?

  • Do you think Otto would have fixed everything if he knew that no one would notice what he did? Would you have fixed everything?

  • How do you think Otto felt when he finally got everyone to notice what he did?

  • What does it mean to be humble?

 
 

  • KIDS AGED 11 AND OLDER

Ruby can be such a mess! Watch as she and Gabe serve as team captains for a church food drive.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Which person would you want as a leader? What makes you choose them?

  • What could someone have said to refocus Ruby?

  • What did you like about the way Gabe led his team?

  • Talk about a time when you had a leader like Gabe or Ruby.

 

read

the bible story

Matthew 23:1-12

There are two important words to listen for today. Exalt means to praise. We exalt God. Humble is the opposite. Humble means not acting like you think you are better than someone else. Listen for these words while you take turns reading verse by verse.

Ask these questions after you read the story:

  • What things do you do that people pay attention to?

  • What does Jesus say about doing things only to be seen?

  • What kinds of actions are humble?

  • How can you show your love for God and others with your actions?

wrap up with

review + prayer

Jesus described servant leaders as people who don’t wait to be told what to do or ask what they will get. They see a need. They do it. They serve God by serving others. This week, think about how you serve God in everything you do. How will you remember to just do what needs to be done?

Pray together:

God, help us look for ways we can serve you by serving others. Then give us the courage to humbly do it. Amen.

try one or two

Follow-up activities

This week’s theme is HUMILITY. In this Bible story, we hear that the greatest thing we can do is to serve one another. This week’s ideas will help you remember to be humble and serve others.

  • humble pie

    Have you heard the phrase “They had to eat humble pie?” Look up this phrase to learn its meaning. How does this saying connect to the scripture passage about humility?

  • big thanks for big jobs

    Many people have service jobs that don’t get much recognition - these people serve with humility every day. With your family, brainstorm some ideas of ways you can thank these people for their service. Think big - they deserve it!

  • another banquet!

    Look up two stories in your Bible. Compare the words of Matthew 23:1-12 with the parable in Luke 14:1, 7:14. What do you think Jesus is trying to say in these two stories? Why do you think he uses banquets as an illustration?

This week, our family is praying for:

Season of PentecostSalt 'n Light Kids