The Gospel Project Unit 23:4 Jesus Taught About Possessions
Today’s Bible Lesson is from Luke 12..
Jesus is our greatest treasure. Jesus left His place in heaven to live humbly on earth. Jesus obeyed God to set up His kingdom. We can give generously and trust God to provide everything we need.
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:
- Just As I Am by Lifeway Kids
- Enough For Us by Orange Kids Music
- Jesus, My Treasure by Canyon Hills Worship
Bible Story Lesson:
Discussion Questions:
What happened to the rich man who stored up his possessions? (He didn’t get to use them because he died, Luke 12:20)
What did Jesus say about the birds? (They don’t plant or harvest food, but God feeds them; Luke 12:24)
What treasure did Jesus tell people to seek? (the kingdom of God; heavenly treasure; Luke 12:31-33)
What does “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” mean? Guide kids to see that when we value something a lot, we think about it. Whatever we treasure most, we will spend our time and energy trying to get or protect. Help them see that greed distracts us from loving God and obeying His commands to be generous.
What do you think treasure in heaven will be like? Talk to the kids about what they think. Encourage them to be honest. Gently guide them away from the traditional ideas of gold, silver, or jewels. Help them see that heavenly treasure has more to do with enjoying God’s perfection and living in a perfect, restored world.
How can we avoid greed and selfishness? Help kids understand that to overcome greed we must understand Jesus’ generosity displayed on the cross. As we better understand the extravagant generosity of Christ, our love for Him will move us to show generosity as Jesus did.
Take-away • Jesus taught people not to worry because God provides for our needs. It is not sinful to own possessions, but those who love Jesus seek ways to show generosity and glorify God with our stuff.
Activity Ideas:
Make a care package
Remind kids that Jesus taught people not to worry because God provides for our needs. Explain that sometimes God provides by working through other people.
Invite kids to make a care package for a family member, friend, or neighbor. Provide paper bags for kids to decorate. Allow kids to put small treats inside the bag.
Suggest kids include an encouraging note with the care package, perhaps with the phrase God provides for our needs or a promise to pray for that person. Encourage kids to deliver or send the care package to another person this week and share God’s love with that person.
Say • Sometimes a visit, a note, or a small treat from a friend can make a person feel very loved! Putting others first is one way we can show that Jesus is our greatest treasure. Jesus left His place in heaven to live humbly on earth. Jesus obeyed God to set up His kingdom. We can give generously and trust God to provide everything we need.