Like a child of God (Mark 10:2-16)
Today's story is in two distinct parts - the first talking about divorce, and the second looks at Jesus welcoming the children.
Games to get you going!Throwing Game
What you need: A large beach ball (large group) or a bean bag or smaller ball (small group). What you do: Say something like- Have any of you ever played a game of keep away? Sometimes it’s called monkey or piggy in the middle. It’s played like this. One person is ‘it’. Everyone else throws the ball around from person to person over ‘it’s’ head. If ‘it’ gets the ball, then the person who threw it becomes the new ‘it’. Let’s give it a try. Would someone like to be ‘it’? Choose a child to be ‘it’. You can also decide that after a certain amount of time a new ‘it’ will be chosen even if ‘it’ doesn’t get the ball. Play Start play be putting ‘it’ in the middle of the isle or the center of the room and having the others throw the ball across the isle over ‘it’ to someone else. You can give a few children the opportunity to play and then ask everyone to sit back down. Ask Ask someone who had been ‘it’ how it felt to be in the middle, trying to get the ball. Allow a few ‘its’ to share. Ask some of the others how it felt to try and keep the ball away from it. Say Our story was a little bit like a game of keep away. The disciples were trying to keep the children away from Jesus. Jesus was like ‘it’. Some of you shared that you really wanted the ball. Someone else shared that it was a little frustrating and you’d hoped you could get the ball soon (or other appropriate things that were shared). I think Jesus must have felt the same way. He really wanted the children to be able to come to him and got really mad when he realised that the disciples were keeping them away. Sticking Together
What you need: A large fabric sheet for each group of 6-10 children (if you have a smaller group, one single-sized bedsheet will be fine) What you do: Explain that Jesus welcomed everyone and he makes us like a family. Families stick together so in this game, you’re going to have to stick close together! Have the children stand on the fabric sheet. Say ‘fold’. When you do, the children have to get off the sheet and fold it in half. Then everyone needs to get back on. This will be easy. Say ‘fold’ again and repeat. Eventually (after enough folding) this will be a difficult task. The children will need to be creative in order to all stay on the sheet. Say something like - keeping each of you on the sheet was an important part of this game. If anyone got left out, everyone lost! It’s a bit like that with Jesus and the children. Jesus’ disciples didn’t think the children were important. They were happy to have all the adults ‘stay on the sheet’ and leave the kids off. But Jesus wasn’t having any of that. He wants us to know that everyone belongs in God’s kingdom just like everyone belonged on the sheet. Bible StoryThis is a Bible story paraphrasing today's key text for children.
One day, lots of people were gathered around Jesus, asking him some hard questions. Questions like, “When is it okay to get a divorce?” and “Who will be the greatest in Heaven?” Jesus was very busy giving God's answers to these questions when he looked towards the back of the crowd and saw some parents carrying their babies and holding their children’s hands. They were pushing their way through the crowd. Jesus smiled to see all the children coming towards him. Then he noticed his disciples moving angrily towards them. “Don’t you know that Jesus is busy?” they asked. “We want him to bless our children,” one of the parents said. “A blessing from Jesus would be a wonderful thing for my child,” another parent added. All the parents nodded in agreement and tried to move forward. “He’s teaching the adults and can’t be disturbed right now! You have to stay in the back. How are the important people going to hear him if all your children are playing around and being noisy? Besides,” added one of the disciples, “Jesus is tired, he’s had a long day and the last thing he needs is a bunch of kids hanging on him!” Jesus watched and listened. He grew angrier and angrier. Then he stood up. “Why are you trying to stop these children from getting to me?” he demanded. “Don’t you know how important they are? Don’t you know how much I love them? The kingdom of God belongs to children just like these, don’t stop them from coming to me!” The disciples were flabbergasted. They’d been thinking that the Kingdom of God belonged to the adults, to people who could do things, not to children who were pretty helpless and needed a lot of love and care. The disciples learned a big lesson that day. And the children? They got to run up to Jesus and jump in his lap. He put his hands on each one and blessed them. He laughed with them and hugged them and watched them do some tricks. The children were all so happy - Jesus had stopped what he was doing just to be with them. All the parents were happy, too. I wonder...Three wondering questions to extend today's story.
Activities
Memory VerseJesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ Mark 10:14
What you need:
What you do: Write the memory verse, one word per page. The reference goes all together on one page. Give each child a word. Call them up one at a time in random order and allow the other children to help rearrange the words to make the memory verse. Note: If you have fewer than 10 children, each child can take more than one word and instead of holding the words in a line, the children can put them down on the floor and arrange the verse that way A lovely finish to a sessionA blessing for our kids at the end of a session.
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Leaders InputThe Most Important Thing!
Today’s story is about Jesus not being too busy to spend time with the little children. It’s easy to get so caught up in all the other stuff that needs to happen; preparing materials, setting up the room, putting out art materials, talking with parents or other leaders, cleaning up, that it’s easy to forget why we’re really there. Ministering with our children is what we’re all about. Jesus was never too busy to welcome the children. Whatever we’re doing, however important it might be in the moment, take time to welcome and encourage the children around you. How do Children Spell Love?
Someone once asked me the question, “How do children spell love?” The answer “T I M E”. We all know how important it is to spend quality time with our children, to listen when they want to talk, to be available to them. But sometimes there really are things that we have to do or are in the middle of doing that need to be done right then. Or we’re having a conversation and it would be rude to interrupt. One suggestion is that we teach our children that when they want to talk to us or be with us and we’re busy with something else, they should rest their hand on our arm. This accomplishes 2 important things. The first is that it lets us, as parents, know that our child need us. Second, it offers an opportunity for us to acknowledge her presence without interrupting what we need to finish. This can be done simply by putting our hand over our child’s. Initially it can be difficult to help a child put their hand on your arm to say something. Let them know what you expect and then, the next time he comes in to interrupt, gently take his hand, put it on your arm and put your hand over his. In the early stages, as soon as possible, excuse yourself for a moment from your conversation and turn to your child. Your children will learn quickly how effective this can be for them. Of course, if a child comes in distressed or hurt, then she becomes the priority, but in other instances, she can learn to wait a moment and be rewarded with your full and happy attention! Gospel Conversations 2024: At some point in each year we reach the verses in our Gospel for the year which deal with divorce. In previous years we've tackled it head-on. This year we're approaching it a little differently, and daring to pay attention to the verses around Jesus' pronouncement as well. Jonathan Gale, Lisa Emerson and Judy Ringland-Stewart join Michael to tackle this, one of the trickier gospel passages of the year.
Gospel Conversations 2021: What do we do with Jesus' blunt statements on divorce? This Gospel passage which has caused heartache and debate and division is discussed today by Gary Griffith-Smith, Anne van Gend, and our latest Gospel Conversation visitor, Lucy Flatt, chaplain of Craighead Diocesan School in Timaru. The issue is far more complex than anything that could be covered in our 15 minutes but since a similar passage comes up each year, there will be more to come! For all the sternness of Jesus' discussion with the Pharisess, the lectionary reading also shows us the warmth of Jesus gathering the children to him: as always, bringing the small and sidelined (which in his day would have included the vulnerable divorced women) into his love.
Bishop Eleanor Sermon - The Attitudes of our Hearts Bishop Eleanor unpacks the gospel reading, looking at the attitudes of our hearts when we approach Jesus (testing or asking), and how we can come into the kingdom of God like a little child. Mark 10:2-16
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The Rich and the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:17-31)
Most of us will be familiar with this week's passage and the story of the rich man. It's easy to skim over this as a familiar story but when we really listen to it - it is a very challenging one!
Camel JokesWhat do you call a camel with no humps?
Hump-free/Humphrey! What do you call a crying Camel? A humpback wail! Game: Through the Eye of a NeedleWhat you need
What you do
The BasketWhat you need
What you do
Kids TalksFor God, all things are possible -- a simple but powerful talk on letting go of what we think we need so God can give us what we really need.
What would you give up? - A lesson plan with suggestions for games and activities A man with a question! - A short retelling of the story and a few wondering questions to think about. Messy Church Ideas |
Leaders InputOne of the challenges this week is to help our children understand that having a lot is not a problem, but making all of our stuff the most important thing in our lives is. Be prepared to answer some potentially tricky questions from children this week. We all have special treasures in our lives; things, pets and people. Allow children to talk about the things in their lives that are special. And point them back to making room 1st for God. This week isn’t about feeling guilty for what we have, it’s about opening our lives so that God has the most important spot in our hearts and lives.
Gospel Conversations 2024: What must I do to inherit eternal life? It's clearly a dangerous question to ask unless you're willing to accept the answer Jesus gives. Today we read of the man who genuinely wanted to know this, but was too tied down by his possessions to follow Jesus' response. It's one of the many uncomfortable passages in the Gospels, and this week Gillian Townsley, Wendy Scott and Anne van Gend join Michael to grapple with what it means to us today.
Gospel Conversations 2021: Some of these Gospel Conversations stand out for the level of fresh insight and challenge they offer. This is one of them. Michael is joined by Bishop Kelvin Wright, Richard Johnson and first-timer Esther Clarke-Prebble, and together they wrestle with uncomfortable questions of wealth and faith, while also helping us to glimpse again the "pearl of great price" which is what we are freely offered by God.
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The Parable of the Wealthy Man - Saddleback Kids. This video is based on Luke 12: 13-21, but also covers how the love of money can separate us from God.
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Seek to Serve (Mark 10:35-45)
Today's gospel reading is about understanding that in Jesus’ eyes, serving and being kind to others is what makes us great.
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Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Mark 10:35-45 NIV] |
Leaders Input
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A reflection on Mark 10:35-45
I always smile when I hear James and John, those Sons of Thunder, burst forth with their little request. I particularly love the ramp-up: Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (Mark 10:35 NRSV) That, my friend, is honesty in prayer. None of the familiar Gethsemane hedging: “Not my will, but thine be done!” No, this is straightforward human nature face to face with God. Every time I pray I want God to do whatever I ask of him. It seems nearly universal. Take a look at the books on prayer that have been really big sellers in recent decades: A whole lot of what we want to know about prayer is how to get God to ANSWER and to answer with EXACTLY what we ask for. We really like those bits in John’s Gospel where Jesus promises that God will grant whatever we ask in his name... [read the rest of the reflection here] |
Gospel Conversations 2024: It's lucky for us that the disciples were a thoroughly human bunch, as it gave Jesus the chance to teach them about problems which pop up in every group of human beings. Who's the greatest? Jesus' response challenges some deeply-felt beliefs of our culture. Mike is joined by Steve Benford from the UK, John Goodwin from Auckland, and Natalie Millikan from Dunedin this week.
Gospel Conversations 2021: The disciples have almost made it to Jerusalem and they still don't get it. John Franklin, Gillian Townsley and Jeremy Nicolls join Michael to discuss James and John's ambitions and the indignant remaining disciples. You'll find some insights here you may not have thought of before!
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Joke: The Greatest GolferIt’s a beautiful day and three people go golfing. The first guy, Moses, steps up the tee and hits the ball which lands smack in the middle of the lake. Moses goes over to the lake, touches his gold club to the water, the waters part and he walks up to the ball and hits it out. The ball lands 2 metres from the hole. Moses steps back and smiles.
The next man, Jesus, comes up to the tee. He hits the ball and watches as it lands on a lily pad in the centre of the lake. Jesus walks on the water and, arriving at the lilypad, hits the ball which lands 1 metre from the hole. Happily he walks back to stand with Moses. Then the last person steps up and hits the ball. It’s a wild swing and the ball heads straight into the lake, but just as it hits the surface, a frog pops up and grabs the ball in its mouth. Then a huge bird, flying overhead, swoops down, grabs the frog and starts to fly away. The frog is so frightened that he spits out the ball just as they pass over the roof of a nearby house. The ball goes into the gutter, come down the drain pipe, rolls down the hill and lands directly in the hole! “A hole in one,” he excitedly yells! Jesus looks at him and says, “Gee dad, it’s only a game! Games: Memory Verse GameMemory Verse Game
What you need
What you do
Game: Being A ServerWhat you need
What you do Ask for 2 volunteers Put one pile of 10-12 cups at each end of the first table Give each player a tray Instruct the players that when you say ‘go’ they are to unstack their cups, put them on the tray the right way up, run to the other table, unload them without any tipping over. The first one to do this wins. If any cups fall off, they need to start again from the first table. If you have time, allow other pairs to compete. Note to leaders: Try this out using the cups and trays before you do it with your group. If you have a small tray, you’ll need fewer cups. Also, very light cups might blow over too easily. If that’s the case, you can put a few lego blocks or other small objects in each cup (rather than having them stacked to begin with). Game: Simon SaysWhat you need:
Nothing What you say: Who hear knows the game ‘Simon says’? I bet almost all of you do. In this game, whoever is ‘Simon’ gets to tell the rest of us what to do. If Simon says, “Simon says touch your nose” then everyone has to touch their nose. If Simon says, “Simon says jump up and down 3 times” then everyone has to jump up and down 3 times. But if Simon tells us to do something without saying “Simon says” then we can’t do it. In other words, you only do things the “Simon says” to do. Let’s try it. I’ll be Simon first (give 5-10 commands, most with “Simon says”). Let’s try again. Let’s have someone else come up and be Simon. (in some circumstances choose someone in advance). This time, if you do something that Simon hasn’t told you to do, sit down. (Again play for awhile). Well done all of you who are still standing! Ok, everyone can sit down now. When I asked who would like to be Simon - a lot of you raised your hands. It’s fun being Simon because we get to think up funny things for others to do and we get to order people around. Simon is the most powerful player in the game and a lot of people like to be able to tell other people what to do. Sometimes we need to do that and sometimes we might like to just be a bit bossy. But today’s reading talks about that. When Jesus hears that James and John want to sit in special seats and be important, he thinks that maybe his other disciples feel the same way. I mean who wouldn’t want to get the special seats. So Jesus needs to talk to them and help them understand that being powerful, having the best seats and being able to tell other people what to do wasn’t what being Jesus’ friend was all about. And you know what? It’s not about those things today either. It can be a little hard to understand because when we’re at work or at school or playing with our friends, other people can tell us what to do and we think they’re more important or special. But Jesus said that the way God sees things, the greatest people aren’t the most powerful or the richest or the smartest, the greatest people are the ones that help and serve others! |
Talk: Who Is The Greatest?Jesus and his friends were walking down the road. Jesus was talking about some things that would happen to him. He said his enemies would be so angry that they would kill him, but he also promised that he would be alive again. Most of Jesus’ friends were listening really carefully to everything that Jesus said. But not James and John. They weren’t really listening because they were busy thinking about something else. They were thinking about something they wanted Jesus to do for them. James and John (like a lot of other people) thought that Jesus was going to be crowned king while he was alive and being able to sit next to a king would be a really important thing to do. Only special people got to sit right next to royalty!
So they went to Jesus privately and said, "We want you to do something for us." "What do you want me to do?" Jesus asked. "When you are sitting on your throne, let us sit in the chairs on each side of you." Jesus told them, "Only God gets to decide who sits next to me." When Jesus' other friends heard what James and John had asked for themselves, they were pretty angry with both of them. Jesus called all twelve of them together for a meeting. He said "You know how it is with kings. They’re powerful. They get whatever they want and they get to tell other people what to do. But that’s not the way it should be with you. The one who is most important among my friends is not the person whole is like a king and tells other people what to do, and gets everything they want. NO! The really important one is the one who does what’s good for others. That’s why I came—not to have others do things for me, but to do stuff for them.” Jesus "came not to be served" Jesus did not come so that people would do something for Him. Jesus came "to serve," to do something for others. And you know what He did for others. He died to take away our sins. That’s why God made Jesus the most important one of all. Jesus was telling us that the way to be really important is to do what we can to help other people. I Wonder...
Activity: Practical ServanthoodInstead of crafts or activities, think about creating an opportunity for serving your church or wider community. You may need to work with your vicar or administrator to organise this in advance. Try to choose something with some 'fun' potential. You may like to finish with a special morning tea to celebrate your serving together.
Before you start Explain that this week is all about being a servant- doing things that help others. Share the project that you have decided on. About 10 minutes before the end of your session, clean up and share some snack food. Some suggestions: Wash the congregations cars.
Do a rubbish pickup
Make and serve a special morning tea to the congregation.
Important things to remember: Safety
Servant Leadership
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Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
Today's story looks at how Jesus healed a blind man, named Bartimaeus. The gospels tell of Jesus healing two men of blindness, found in Mark 8 and Mark 10, or John 9. We have included resources and ideas for both in this day, as they may be helpful in coming up with ideas for your church.
Worship Song
See Again from Chris Cope, worship leader at St Paul's Anglican Church in Auckland |
Leaders InputEmpathy or Sympathy?
Fostering empathy in our children is so important, but when faced with someone who is different or going through a hard time, empathy can become sympathy. Sympathy just feels bad for a situation and sometimes that’s appropriate. Empathy is more complicated than sympathy, and is the ability to understand others and to put yourself in that person’s shoes. Recent studies suggest that children as young as 2-3 years old can learn empathy. We can help our children be empathetic by modelling empathy, talking openly about what other people are experiencing and achieving, and allowing our children to think about (and perhaps experience) what it might be like to have the challenges in life that others face. Feeling empathy allows us to grow as people, build solid relationships with others and it encourages us to reach out and take positive action to do good. Gospel Conversations 2024: One of the characters in the crowd who is given a name in Mark's gospel is Bartimaeus: a man who was courageous enough to keep seeking and keep following Jesus. This week Mark Wilson will bring us his unique insights into the story of a blind man, joining Damon Plimmer and Deborah Broome.
Gospel Conversations 2021: In Mark's gospel we are reaching the end of the long journey to Jerusalem, and come to the last healing Jesus performs on the road: giving sight to blind Bartimaeus. Lisa Emerson, Damon Plimmer and Anne van Gend join Michael Godfrey this week to discuss seeing Jesus, Jesus' welcome, and the times we and others might get in the way of that encounter.
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GamesObstacle Course
Mystery Objects
A Simple Blind Bart SkitWhat you need
Photocopy the skit so that each speaking part has a copy. Get into costume and go! Kids TalksBartimaeus Cries Out - short lesson plan with fun decoder glasses activity. (Lesson starts on page 4).
Let Me See Again - short lesson plan, includes blindfold drawing challenge and writing a verse in braille. Kids Sermon - Asking for Mercy, with useful wondering questions
Seeing Our Faith In ActionBrainstorm ideas of how to help people who are affected by blindness.
Think about one project that you can work together on, to fundraise or raise awareness of the cause. The Fred Hollows Foundation may be a good organisation to connect with in New Zealand, as they send repurposed glasses to end avoidable blindness in Pasifika. |
Activities
Googly Eye Finger PuppetsA word document with instructions can be downloaded here
Visio Lectio
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Some videos based on the healing of the blind man in John 9 (where Jesus uses mud)
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