The Gospel Project Unit 23:2 The Cost of Following Jesus
Today’s Bible Lesson is from Matthew 8 & 16; Luke 9 & 14; 2 Corinthians 4:17
Jesus taught that following Him is not easy. It requires commitment and sacrifice. When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. True life is found in Jesus, who gave up His life to rescue us from sin and death. He is worth it.
Big Picture Question:
What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.
Key Passage:
John 14:25-26- “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Worship ideas that connect with today’s lesson:
- This Little Light of Mine by Listener Kids
- I Have Decided to Follow Jesus by God’s Kids Worship
- This Is Love- Doorpost Songs (You can find this on RightNow Media as well)
Bible Story Lesson:
Discussion Questions:
Jesus spoke to His disciples when they were near the Sea of Galilee. [Point out the Sea of Galilee (D6) on the New Testament Israel Map.] Jesus was clear that following Him is not easy.
When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. That’s what it means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. True life is found in Jesus, who gave up His life to rescue us from sin and death. He is worth it.
Ask the following questions. Lead the group to discuss:
What do you think Jesus meant when He said that anyone who is unwilling to suffer cannot be His disciple? Explain to kids that Jesus later told His disciples that because the world had persecuted Him, they would be persecuted. Believers should expect to suffer in a fallen world. We can endure suffering, fixing our eyes on Jesus and looking forward to eternity with Him.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read John 15:18-20.)
Why is it important to understand the cost of following Jesus? Help kids recognize that following Jesus without understanding the cost may make it difficult to persevere in trials. Emphasize that though Jesus does not offer us an easy life, He offers us Himself. He is better than anything the world offers.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 Pet. 4:12-13.)
How can we encourage others who aren’t sure if following Jesus is worth it? Prompt kids to consider the importance of praying for others. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to follow Jesus. Kids can also point others to Jesus, remembering that suffering is temporary and one day Jesus will make all things right.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Heb. 12:1-3.)
Activity Ideas:
Cross reminders
Before the session, cut one 12-inch length and one 6-inch length of 1-inch wide ribbon per kid. Also cut one 8-inch length of 1/8-inch wide purple ribbon per kid. Distribute supplies and the “Cross Reminders” printable. Lead kids to complete the following steps:
Glue together the ends of the 12-inch strip.
Glue together the ends of the 6-inch strip.
Slide the 6-inch loop about one-third of the way down the 12-inch loop. Glue it in place to form a cross shape.
Wrap an 8-inch strip of 1/8-inch wide ribbon around the intersection of the cross. Use glue to secure the ribbon to the back of the cross.
Say • Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Jesus taught that following Him is not easy. It requires commitment and sacrifice.
When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. True life is found in Jesus, who gave up His life to rescue us from sin and death. He is worth it.
Build a tower with shaving cream
Materials: Blocks that can get messy and shaving cream
Squirt a mound of non-menthol shaving cream in front of each child. Invite preschoolers to build a tower together using the shaving cream to hold the blocks together. Ask children about their building plans as they work.
Say • Jesus said builders plan what they need before they start building. What if someone built the floors and walls of a house, but then didn’t have a roof to put on? That would be silly! Jesus wants people to think about what it takes to follow Him too. When we trust in Jesus, we give Him complete control of our lives. Jesus taught that following Him is not easy, but He is worth it. Jesus gave up His life to rescue people from sin and give us life with God forever!