This week’s Bible lesson is from Mark 2:23-3:6, where we explore the important message Jesus taught about showing love and kindness over strictly following rules. This lesson is designed to engage children aged 8-10 with a fun and interactive storytelling approach. You will guide the children through the story using simple scripture readings, clear explanations, and relatable life connections to help them understand the context and significance of Jesus’ actions. Encourage participation through quick hand-raising activities, playful sound effects, and mimicking actions to keep their attention and make the lesson memorable. Remember to emphasize the Gospel Connection, where you can inspire the children to put their faith in Jesus and understand the importance of His love and sacrifice. Use the provided coloring page as a creative activity to reinforce the story and keep younger children engaged. Let’s help the kids see how Jesus’ teachings apply to their own lives and encourage them to live out these principles daily.
Mark 2:23-3:6 Teacher Script and Bible Story
Today, we are going to hear about a time when Jesus taught us something very important about following God’s rules and showing love. Remember, our main idea is that Jesus shows us how to love and care for others. Let’s dive in!
READ: Mark 2:23-24
One Sabbath day, Jesus and His disciples were walking through some grainfields. The disciples were hungry, so they began to pick some heads of grain. But the Pharisees, who were very strict about following the Sabbath rules, saw this and said to Jesus, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
Jesus and His disciples were walking on the Sabbath, which is a day of rest. The Pharisees were religious leaders who followed many strict rules about what you could and couldn’t do on the Sabbath. They saw the disciples picking grain and got upset because they thought it was breaking the Sabbath rules. Raise your hand if you know what the Sabbath is. (Pause for hands and quick response.) It’s a special day of rest each week.
Think about a time when someone told you to follow a rule. Maybe it was a rule at home or school. Sometimes, people can be very strict about rules, just like the Pharisees. Give me a thumbs up if you’ve ever followed a rule even when it was hard. (Pause for thumbs up.)
READ: Mark 2:25-26
Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”
Jesus reminded the Pharisees of a story about David, a famous king, who ate special bread from the temple because he and his friends were hungry. Jesus used this story to show that sometimes taking care of people is more important than strictly following the rules. Can you all pretend to eat some bread with me? (Pause to mimic eating.)
Have you ever had to help someone in need, even if it meant breaking a small rule? Maybe you shared your lunch with a friend who forgot theirs. Just like David helped his friends, sometimes we need to help others, even if it means bending the rules a bit. Give me a big smile if you’ve ever helped a friend. (Pause for smiles.)
READ: Mark 2:27-28
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Jesus explained that the Sabbath was created to help people rest and worship God, not to make their lives harder. He wanted the Pharisees to understand that showing love and kindness is what God cares about most. Can everyone take a deep breath and relax like you’re resting on the Sabbath? (Pause for deep breaths.)
Think about a time when you needed to rest or take a break. Maybe it was after a busy day of school or playing sports. God wants us to rest and be kind to ourselves and others. Raise your hand if you like taking breaks and resting. (Pause for hands.)
READ: Mark 3:1-2
Another time, Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.
Jesus saw a man with a hurt hand in the synagogue, which is like a church. The Pharisees were watching Jesus to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath, hoping to accuse Him of breaking the rules. Can everyone make a sad face like the man with the hurt hand? (Pause for sad faces.)
Have you ever seen someone who needed help? Maybe it was someone who was hurt or sad. Just like Jesus saw the man with the hurt hand, we should notice when people need help and be ready to show kindness. Give me a thumbs up if you’ve ever helped someone in need. (Pause for thumbs up.)
READ: Mark 3:3-5
Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
Jesus asked an important question to the Pharisees about what’s more important on the Sabbath: doing good or following the rules? They didn’t answer. Then Jesus healed the man’s hand, showing that helping others is always the right thing to do. Can everyone pretend to stretch out their hands like the man did? (Pause to stretch out hands.)
Have you ever done something good, even when others thought you shouldn’t? Maybe you stood up for someone or shared something when you weren’t supposed to. Jesus showed that doing good and helping others is always important. Give me a big smile if you like helping others! (Pause for smiles.)
READ: Mark 3:6
Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Even though Jesus did something wonderful by healing the man, the Pharisees were very angry and started planning to hurt Jesus. They missed the point of showing love and kindness. Let’s all make a thinking face as we remember to always choose love. (Pause for thinking faces.)
GOSPEL CONNECTION: Just like Jesus showed love and kindness by healing the man, He shows us the greatest love by offering us salvation. It’s not about following every rule perfectly but about believing in Jesus and trusting Him. Jesus came to save us by faith, and when we put our faith in Him, we are part of God’s family forever.
Remember, Jesus shows us how to love and care for others. Just like He healed the man on the Sabbath, we can show love and kindness in our everyday lives by helping others and putting our trust in Jesus.
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Coloring Page
Here’s the basic coloring page depicting Jesus healing on the Sabbath, tailored for preschoolers. It features simple outlines and minimal details, making it perfect for young children to color in.
This coloring page features a simple, child-friendly scene of Jesus healing on the Sabbath:
- Jesus is standing with a kind expression, wearing simple robes.
- The man with a withered hand stands next to Jesus, extending his hand towards Him.
- Background elements include a few basic trees and a simple horizon line to suggest an outdoor setting.
- The overall style is very basic and minimal, designed for preschoolers to easily color in.