Sheep and Goats • Service

What is happening in this story?

Jesus tells this story after a series of parables that tell people how to live in order to be prepared for the time when Jesus comes back again. Jesus is trying to paint a picture of the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. The divine judgment of the sheep and the goats in this text is difficult for many of us to understand and accept. Jesus tells us that our response to those in need is our response to him. When we serve others, we serve Jesus. When people care for each other as if caring for him, this world will look more like the kingdom of God.
 

Why does this story matter for kids?

No matter what their age, kids know some ways to identify who is in need. There are people in their community who need food or clothing, as well as those in prison who need love, support, and care. Kids can also notice who is left out at school, who doesn’t fit in, who gets picked on. This story can build a bridge between the idea of caring for those with basic physical needs and the idea of caring for a classmate or neighbor who could use a new friend.

What is the lectionary connection?

Christ the King is the last Sunday of the church year. The long Season after Pentecost is done. We celebrate this Sunday keeping in mind God’s kingdom and the kind of shepherding king Jesus is.

 

WATCH

THE VIDEO

  • KIDS AGED 10 AND YOUNGER

Monty and the other video kids are trying to figure something out today about Jesus’ teachings. Let’s see what they are up to.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • How did the kids figure out who is Jesus and who isn’t Jesus?

  • Did the kids feel like Jesus? Do you feel like Jesus?

  • How might we serve the spirit of Jesus in every person we meet?

  • Monty is confused by every sermon. What confuses you during worship?

 
 

  • KIDS AGED 11 AND OLDER

When have you felt left out? When have you worried other people were talking about you behind your back? Let’s see who is worried in today’s video.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Why were Ruby, Mimi, and Gabe afraid of Burt?

  • What were they trying to plan at their meeting?

  • How could Burt help their plan?

  • I wonder what you might say when you see someone who is being left out.

  • Jesus calls us to serve others. Who was serving in this story?

 

read

the bible story

Matthew 25:31-46

When Jesus told this story to his disciples, he knew he was going to die soon. He wanted them to take care of themselves and of other people. Whenever you hear someone doing something good for someone else, stand up and bleat like sheep. You know, baaaa!

Ask these questions after you read the story:

  • • Which people were the sheep? Which people were the goats? HINT: Think about the behavior of sheep or goats.

  • Jesus called himself a king. What kingdom was he talking about?

  • What did Christ the King want people to do?

  • What does it mean to serve someone? To serve Jesus?

  • Who was Jesus talking about when he said “the least of these”?

wrap up with

review + prayer

Jesus wasn’t saying we should keep score of everything we do. As children of God we are called to care for and serve people in need. There’s no extra credit for doing the right thing. How are we following Jesus when we help others? Jesus calls us to serve this last day of the Season after Pentecost and always.

Pray together:

Jesus Christ, you are a king who serves others and invites us to do the same. Guide us in your way. Amen.

try one or two

Follow-up activities

Baa! This week’s theme is SERVICE. This week try to be like sheep as you live in community and serve one another. Use these activities to help live like God wants us to live—together!

  • faith in action

    This Bible story describes some very specific actions: feed others, give someone a drink, clothe others, heal people who are sick, and visit others. Find a way to follow each of these commands this week.

  • Serving God = Serving Others

    This Bible story makes it pretty clear: serving God = serving others. Draw a picture of what you think God looks like. Now, disguise your picture of God by making your picture look like a stranger. (Examples: add google eyes, make a moustache, add glasses, etc.) Talk about how serving strangers is kind of like serving God in disguise.

  • how can we help?

    Feed. Hydrate. Clothe. Heal. Visit. Do an Internet search and find one organization in your community that provides each one of these services to needy members of the community. Pick one of the five, and plan to volunteer your time to help them.

This week, our family is praying for:

Season of PentecostSalt 'n Light Kids