WELCOME TO MY316!
If you could choose one way to teach everybody in your church how to share Jesus with others, how
would you choose to do it? MY316 would be a good option because it helps every church member, even
children, to not only share their testimony verbally, but to put it into action as well.
MY316 does this by helping you use what you already know to share Jesus with your friends and family.
You know John 3:16 and you know what He has done for you; so, you already know all you need to know
to share Jesus with others.
Researchers tell us that John 3:16 is a verse that most people in Oklahoma already know. This makes it a
familiar method to share. John 3:16 is the gospel in a nutshell. This makes it a thorough way to share.
John 3:16 was originally spoken by Christ Himself. This makes it a powerful way to share! And what
better way to share your own story than linking it with the powerful words of our Lord!
So, we hope you will use this valuable resource to equip your people to effectively reach your
community for Jesus Christ in a personal and powerful way.
TWO OPTIONS
We have provided you with two options to utilize MY316.
OPTION ONE: We have included complete lesson plans for five sessions that will fit into a normal Sunday
School time frame. This will allow your group to work through the MY316 emphasis in detail and to
practice the various elements as a group.
OPTION TWO: We have also included a MY316 Highlight plan. This is a 10-12 minute emphasis that you
could use at the beginning of your class period each week to encourage your members to get involved in
reaching their friends and family and to “take it personally.”
RESOURCES
Each downloaded session has a lesson plan for the leader and student handouts to help with note taking
and assignments.
In addition, optional pieces can be downloaded from www.bgco.org/MY316. You can also call Lindsey
Craig at (405) 942-3000 ext. 4313 to order materials.
Also, visit www.MY316.com and read the information and testimonies to see how God is blessing people
and how He is using this powerful witnessing tool. You can even add your own thoughts and stories.
Basic Small Group Lesson for MY316
(4
th
, 5
th
& 6
th
grade)
“For Go
love
d
d
so
the world, that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have
eternal
life.”
(NIV)
WEEK ONE:
Option One
Emphasis
:
To introduce the MY316 emphasis to 4
th
, 5
th
and 6
th
graders. To help children
understand what John 3:16 means to them
in a personal way. As a teacher, you should
be prepared to present the A,
B, C’s of
becoming a Christian to boys and girls who
want to become a Christian. You will be
introducing the “Power” of the verse, the
emphasis of “Sharing” the verse, and the
emphasiso
an
f“Pervi
d
“S rayenr” g”.
Present the Gospel to your class. This will
lay the foundation for the next four weeks.
Prepare:
Step 1: Even though this passage is very
familiar to you, pray and ask God to prepare
your heart to teach His Word!
Step 2: Display a large wrapped present
(large box, wrapping paper and bow). Wrap
the lid separately from the box so you can
remove the lid. Under the lid, tape a piece
of paper with the reference John 3:16 on it.
This gift will be used each week.
Step 3: Display four tear sheets. Each
sheet should have one of the following
questions on it for children to answer. Have
markers for the children to use.
Tear Sheet 1: What is the most powerful,
expensive gift you have ever received? (The
“Power” of
.
t
)
he verse
Tear Sheet 2: List some gifts you have
receiv
ed. (The “Share” emphasis)
Tear Sheet 3: What is a gift you have given
to someone else?
(The “Serve”
.)
emphasis
Tear Sheet 4: What is a gift you have
asked
for but you do not have? (The “Prayer”
emphasis.)
Step 4: Gather 3x5 cards, markers and
stickers.
Step 5: Copy Response Cards - one for
each student.
Early Arrivers:
Have kids decorate a name
plate. Have 3x5 cards on the table with
stickers and markers. Have them
personalize it by writing their name on a
card and decorating it in a way that relates
to their personality. If they come in late
and do not have time to decorate a card,
have them write their name only.
Teach: (10 min.)
After kids finish the name plates, direct
them to the tear sheets on the wall and
encourage them to write as many answers
as possible. (Step 3: Prepare) As they work
on the sheets, listen to their conversations.
By listening to their conversation you will
be able to
personalize
the discussion time
with them.
As they ask about the gift, tell them it is
something we will all share and you will be
opening it later.
Discussion: (10-15 min.)
Let the kids discuss their answers and share
what they have recorded on the tear
sheets. By allowing them to share
something they like to talk about, this will
help them to open up and be more
comfortable with each other.
Transition: (10 min.)
Say:
“We have talk
som
e
e
d about
expensive, powerful gifts: gifts others have
shared with you, gifts you want to give to
others and gifts you have asked for and are
waiting to receive. For the next few weeks
we are going to talk about the greatest gift
we have been offered and how we can
share it with someone else. This beautiful
gift here in our room will help us with our
Bible study
each week.” Open the top of
the box and show the underneath side of
the lid. And ask the kids to turn to John 3:16
in their Bible and read the verse. Explain
that the greatest gift we can ever receive is
“
Eternal Life,
” which me
begin
an
ning
s
a
relationship with God that will last forever.
After reading the verse
ask
,
“
Are you part of
theworld?” Af
,
t
have
er
ea
t
ch
hey answer
child bring their name plate up and put it in
the gift box to represent that Jesus gave His
life for each of them personally. (Each week
you will add something or take something
out of the box.)
Say:
“Just like the answers you wrote on the
tear sheets, this verse has power because it
was very expensive, it is something we can
share with others, it is something that some
of us have been given and it may be
something you are still considering. Before
we can fully understand the power of John
3:16, you need to know that if you died
today, you would go to Heaven.
Let’s talk
about it.”
Gospel Presentation: (15 min.)
In order to personalize John 3:16, children
need to know for sure if they are a
Christian. You need to present the gospel
and give those who are still waiting for the
gift of eternal life the opportunity to receive
Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
You may have your own way of presenting
the gospel to kids and feel more
comfortable with your own presentation or
you
may want to use the A,B,C’s of
salvation. Here are some tips to help:
Ask:
What is Sin? Sin is anything we do that
displeases God. List answers on the board
for kids to see. How do you feel when you
sin? How does God feel when you sin?
Read Romans 6:23. Talk about wages being
something we earn. If we got what we
earned or deserved for our sin it would be
death. Explain that “death” in this verse
does not mean our hearts will stop beating
but it is a spiritual death, being separate
from God. BUT, the rest of the verse says
that the gift of God is Heaven.
Why do we get to go to Heaven? Read John
3:16. God loves us so much that he gave us
the gift of Heaven by dying on the cross for
all those sins we listed on the board, the
sins we d
a
i
nd
d
all
n
th
’t
e sin
lis
s we are
t,
going to do the rest of our lives. What you
need to ask yourself is have you ever
prayed and asked God to forgive you of
your sins, turn your life over to him, come
into your heart and be the boss of your life?
When you become a Christian YOU make a
promise to live for Him the rest of your life.
If you have never done this, you can today.
I will lead us in prayer and you pray right
there in your chair. “Dear Jesus, I know I
am a sinner, forgive me of my sins, come
into my life and be the boss of my life. I
promise to try to live for you the rest of my
life. Thank you for forgiving me of all of my
sins.”
.
Amen
Take your eraser and erase the board.
Explain that this is what happens when
Jesus comes into our hearts. He erases our
sin and we have a clean fresh start, a new
life in Christ.
Say: Some of you have already prayed and
asked Jesus into your heart before today
and know that there are some things in
your life that need to change. You are not
living a life that would bring honor to God.
If you already have asked Jesus in your
heart before today and want to ask Him to
forgive you and help you to be a better
Christian, pray with me now. Lead them in
a prayer asking for forgiveness and strength
to be a better Christian. Encourage all the
children to begin reading their Bible each
day and pray. This will help them stay closer
to Jesus and follow Him.
Response Cards: (10 min.)
Response card are located at the end of the
lesson. Give each child a card and have
them complete it. When it is completed,
have them place it in the gift box. (After
class you will need to get those response
cards for your follow-up information.
Parents must be notified of their child’s
decision.) You will need to make
appointments for each child who prayed
the prayer of salvation in class to assure
they understand the decision they made
and for you to explain baptism.
Closing: (5 min.)
Encourage them to start memorizing John
3:16 this week at home. Practice the verse
together. Mail them the verse during the
week, give them an encouraging phone call,
or e-mail or text as a reminder. If you see a
child in the hall at church, race to see who
can recite John 3:16 the fastest.
Optional: (15 min.)
If you are planning on using MY316 in a 15
minute opening or closing session, here are
some suggestions:
Use the large wrapped gift as explained in
Step 2. Open the lid and have the kids look
up the scripture reference you put on the
lid. After reading the scripture, you should
use the 15 minutes to present the gospel to
your class. Use the gospel presentation to
help you. This will lay the foundation for the
next four weeks. You will use the gift box
each week.
You can also choose to use only the Early
Arr
iver “Name Plate” exercise or the Tear
Sheet discussion for your 15 minute
introduction. However, you will need to
make sure that your students have a
personal relationship with Christ in order to
help them share their story in the weeks to
come.
Put an X on the statement that best describes your choice today.
I prayed today and asked Jesus to be the boss of my life.
I am already a Christian and prayed today for Jesus to help me be a better Christian.
I want to talk to someone privately about becoming a Christian.
I want to think about becoming a Christian some more.
My Name
Basic Small Group Lesson for MY316
Emphasis
(4
th
, 5
th
, & 6
th
grade)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have eternal
life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
WEEK TWO:
Option One
Prepare:
Step 1: Pray and ask God to prepare your
heart to teach His word! Personalize your
story and practice telling someone about
your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Step 2: Write John 3:16 on a piece of
construction paper or you can use poster
board to make it jumbo size. Turn the
paper over and draw a puzzle pattern.
Make the puzzle harder (more pieces) for
older kids. Cut the puzzle pieces apart and
store them in a zip lock bag or sack. Make
enough puzzles for a small group (2-3 kids)
to work on a puzzle of their own. Make
each puzzle different so kids can rotate to
each puzzle.
Step 3: Order one MY316 tract for each
student from the Baptist General
Convention of Oklahoma (no cost.) There is
also a large version designed for teachers to
use during this session.
You may order them by calling (405) 942-
3000 ext. 4313 or by e-mailing
lcraig@bgco.org. You may also order from
www.bgco.org/my316.
Step 4:
(optional)
To make your own
MY316 wheel, gather enough old CD’s (one
for each child), paper CD sleeves,
permanent markers & white contact paper
for each child. Make copies of the handouts
for each child. You can also make your own
wheels out of poster board or construction
paper.
Early Arrivers:
Since you challenged the kids in your class
by e-mail, phone call or text to start
memorizing John 3:16 ask if anyone can say
it to the class. Always compliment with
encouraging words. For those who did
memorize the verse this activity will help
them recall it and for those who did not
memorize it, this will help them start the
memorization process.
Let the kids work individually or as a
group to put the John 3:16 puzzles
together. To make it more fun, groups can
race each other.
Teach: (30 min.)
Have students open their Bible to John 3:16
and read the verse together. Remind the
kids that in order to personalize the verse
and put their story in the verse, they have
to know Jesus and ask forgiveness of their
sin. (Be prepared to present the gospel as
in week one or have a teacher take those
who were not there in week one and
present the gospel in a different location.)
Use the handou
t “MY316 Story” to help
the kids personalize their story into John
3:16 .
The children’s wheel was developed
to help kids have a tool to share John 3:16
as well as their personal salvation story.
You will see suggested ideas that go along
with each phrase on the wheel as well as
questions to connect their story to each
phrase. This will allow kids to become
familiar with explaining the importance of
John 3:16 as well as their personal journey
to Christ. They may need help putting their
story into words as they work through the
questions for each phrase. It’s important
that they describe what happened to them
in their salvation experience.
Demonstrate (10 min.)
When everyone has completed the
handout, tell the children that this is their
story and they can share it with a friend
who needs Jesus. Demonstrate for the kids
by sharing YOUR testimony using the wheel
to demonstrate.
Gospel Presentation: (15 min.)
Option #1
–
Divide the kids into
groups of 2-3. Hand out the MY316
child
wh
re
eel you
n’s
ordered from the
BGCO. Have each kid practice telling their
personal testimony from the handout you
prepared together. Let each child use the
wheel to share John 3:16 with a friend in
class. All kids in each group need to have a
chance to share their personal story.
Option #2
–
You can have kids make
their own wheel out of poster board,
construction paper or an old CD covered
with white contact paper if you have time.
Use the outline to help kids make their own
wheel. When the wheel is complete,
practice using it as described in option #1.
Encourage the kids to put the disk or wheel
in the paper sleeve and keep it to tell others
about Jesus Christ.
Closing: (10 min.)
When you have finished telling YOUR story,
put your wheel into the gift box from week
one. Challenge the kids to use their wheel
this week and come back with a story next
week to share with the class. Start a prayer
circle by opening up with a prayer,
“Jesus,
help us this week to share our story about
the greatest gift of Heaven with-----
?” Go
around the circle and have the kids say a
name out loud of someone with whom they
can share with. (Possibly a mom, dad,
brother, sister, grandmother or friend.)
Amen. End the class by telling the kids that
we just prayed for several friends that need
to hear about Christ. Next week, we will
focus on prayer.
Teacher Challenge:
During the week, e-mail, phone call, text or
send a card telling your students that you
are praying for them as they share their
story this week. (If you say you are praying,
then make sure you do.)
Optional: (15 min.)
If you are planning on using MY316 in a 15
minute opening or closing session, make a
copy ofthe Yh31an6 dSotuotry.
“M” Help
students write their story using the
questions provided. Hand out the MY316
wheels you ordered and show them how to
use it by telling YOUR personal story.
MY316 Story
For God:
God is the creator of everything in the world, including people. He created the first
two people to ever live on the earth. Their names were Adam and Eve.
What were some of the things you understood about God that made you realize how powerful
He is?
So loved:
God is love. He didn’t just create Adam and Eve, He loved them.
How did it make you feel the first time you understood that God loved you?
The World:
But He didn’t just love A
yon
dam
e who
a
has
n
b
d
ee
Eve
n born si
,
n
h
ce
e loves ever
then. He loves all the people in the world.
When you think about people in your life that God loves, who do you think about?
That He gave His one and only son:
Jesus is God’s son and was sent by him because of our sin.
Adam and Eve made a choice to disobey God and we have all made that same choice. Romans
3:23 says,
“For all have sinned and fall
That
s
sin
ho
sep
r
a
t
rates
of
us
the glory of God.” (NIV)
from God in this life and in the life to come. Jesus was sent to live a perfect life and his death
paid the cost for everyone who will trust in Him.
What were some of the things in your life that made you realize you had sinned?
That whoever believes in Him:
When you understand who Jesus is and what He has done, you
can make a choice to turn your life over to Him. You can accept His offer to pay for your sins
and begin a relationship with God.
Describe what it was like when you first believed
that Jesus was God’s son and could forgive
you of your sins?
Should not perish but have eternal life:
Perish means to be separated from God forever. If
you trust in Jesus your relationship with God starts on this earth and keeps going even after you
die.
Describe what it was like when you asked Jesus to take control of your life:
I have, will you?
What is the most exciting thing about your life since you decided to follow Jesus?
What would you say to someone who is wondering if they should trust Jesus?
Trusting in Jesus involves three important things.
1. Admit that you have sin in your life. (Rom. 3:23)
2.
Believe that Jesus is God’s son a
(Rom.
nd
6:
d
23
ie
)
d to pay the price for that sin.
3. Confess (say) with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. (Rom. 10:9)
There is a sample prayer on the back of the wheel you can use to help your friend say these
things to God.
Basic Small Group Lesson for MY316
Emphasis
(4
th
, 5
th
& 6
th
grade)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have
eternal
life.”
(NIV)
WEEK THREE
: Option One
Emphasis:
This week we will focus on the power of
prayer and praying for our lost friends. The
focal passage is Daniel 3, the story of
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being
delivered from the fiery furnace because
they prayed to the one and only true God
who hears our prayers. The boys and girls
will pick three friends and they will promise
to pray for them.
Prepare:
Step 1: Pray and ask God to prepare your
heart to teach His word. Read the passage
in Daniel 3 and prepare to tell the story in
your own words. For older kids, you can
break the passage down for them to read in
class and discuss as you go along.
Discussion points will be in the “Teach”
section.
Step 2: Make copies of the handout, Words
In Today’s Story, for early arrivers.
Step 3: Have a Three Musketeer candy bar
for each child (can be regular size or fun
size). Gather a snack size baggie for each
child and permanent markers.
Step 4: Make two signs to put somewhere
in your roo
m. One sign will say “Agree” and
the other sign
.
w” ill say “Disagree
Step 5: Have a post card OR greeting card
for each child. (See example.)
Step 6: Option One: Gather a rock for each
child, big enough for kids to write on but be
able to carry home, paint (tempera or
acrylic), and permanent markers.
Option Two: Gather a bright colored piece
of craft foam for each child. Craft foam
comes in animal prints, camouflage, and
lots of neat patterns that will appeal to 4
th
,
5
th
& 6
th
graders, as well as bright neon
colors. If you do not want to use craft
foam, you can always use poster board or
construction paper. Gather several
different size
s of stencils of the number “3.”
Early Arriver:
As kids come in, ask them to tell their
stories about sharing with a friend and
using their MY316 wheel. After they share,
they can work on the word search. Tell the
kids that they are searching for words they
will hear today in the Bible story. If you are
making the Prayer Rock you may want to
use the early time to paint the rocks so they
can dry.
Teach: (25 min.)
Share any stories that the kids have about
telling a friend about Jesus. It is important
for kids to hear your story as well.
Introduce the lesson by asking,
“Has anyone
ever heard of “T
kete
hers?”
e Three Mus
Explain to the kids that,
“The Three
Musketeers” is a movie and cartoon about
three soldiers who were friends. These
friends had a saying “All for one and one for
all!” Ask the kids what they think that
means? (It means that no matter what,
t
hey had each other’s back, they were a
team.) The Three Musketeers not only
were friends, but also lived their lives for
the same purpose and were together in
good times and bad.
Say:
“The story of The
Three Musketeers reminds me of our Bible
story today about three friends who lived
their life with the same purpose, stayed
together in good times and bad and always
had each other’s back. Before we look at
the scripture, I want to give you a test
about your friends or the people you are
around.
”
Statements:
Tell the kids that you will read
a statement and if they agree with the
statement, they should go stand by the
“agree” sign an
ee
di
, go st
f
an
t
d
hey disagr
by that sign. See Step 4
in the “prepare”
section. (If your space is limited, have the
kids stan
d for “agree” and sit down for
“disagree
.
”) You will want to briefly discuss
these statements if the kids cannot make a
clear choice.
1. I should always agree with my
friends.
2. I should not do something wrong for
my friend.
3. My friend needs to believe in the
same God that I do.
4. I should only have my friends back if
I will not get in trouble.
5. One of the best things I can do for
my friends is pray for them.
6. I should only pray for my friends
when we are getting along.
7. Friends should be a team. (That does
not mean on the same sports team.)
8. Prayer is powerful! God is powerful!
Have the children open their Bible to Daniel
3 and you tell the story in your own words
or have them read the passage out loud in
the class. Here are some points you will
want to talk about:
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
were on the same team
–
(verse 12).
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
lived for the same purpose
–
(verses
16 and 17).
They were willing to stay together
even if the outcome was bad. They
had each others
’
back (verse 18).
Ask:
Do you think Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego started
praying to their God when the
soldiers were tying them up? (verse
20).
God heard their prayers and was
with them (verse 25).
God answered their prayers (verse
28).
God rewards obedience (verse 29
and 30).
Closing: (10 min.)
Close in prayer asking God to help you be
the best friend you can to those you are
around. After closing, say,
“Sometimes we
don’t always get along with our friends. As
you grow up and go to different schools,
you may not always have the same friends,
but there is one thing we can do to be the
best friend ever. We can pray for our
friends so that we will live our lives with the
same purpose, which is to follow Jesus
Christ and know for sure that we will go to
Heaven when we die
.”
Tell the kids to think about three
friends that they are around that need to
know Jesus as their personal Lord and
Savior. These friends do not have to be
their best friend, but can be a classmate, a
locker-mate, lunch room lady or anyone.
Give each kid a Three Musketeer bar and
have them carefully open the wrapper so
the inside of the wrapper can be seen. Give
each child a permanent marker and have
them write the names of three friends they
can pray for who need to become a
Christian on the wrapper. If they do not
want to eat their candy, provide a snack size
baggie so they can take the candy bar
home. Place the wrapper with the three
friends names on it in your gift box that you
have used each week.
Options: (25 min.)
Choose one of the following options to
complete this session.
Option 1:
Prayer Rock: If you choose to do this
activity and did not use your early time to
paint, you will need to allow enough time
for the rock to dry or dry it with a fan or
hair dryer. Let the kids pick from a rock you
brought, paint it and write the names of
their three friends on the rock. They can
take the rock home to remind them to pray
for their friends who need to know Jesus.
Option 2:
Foam #3’s: Let the kids use the stencils you
provided to trace the number three onto
the craft foam they chose or allow them to
draw their own number three. Give them a
permanent marker and have them write the
names of their three friends on their
number. Encourage them to take it home
and tape it on their mirror or somewhere
they will see it morning and night to remind
them to pray for three friends who need to
know Jesus.
Teacher Challenge:
Send the kids a postcard to let them know
you are praying for them as they pray for
their friends. See example provided.
Option Two: (15 min.)
If you are planning on using MY316 in a 15
minute opening or closing session, use the
statements about friends and the closing
section.
If you want to simplify more, have the kids
look up these verses on the power of prayer
for others and discuss them. Luke 10:12;
Colossians 1:9-14; and Ephesians 3:14-21.
Thinking of you this week
as you pray for your friends.
See you Sunday.
Mr. Don & Mrs. Wanda
(Example of what to put on your post card)
Words in Today’s Story
AFGYRBLSNFDPGHL
R
A
S
XE
A
ITOYWOYOURONL
A
E
D
WK
H
RPHADL
FULRAWIRB
N
I
OF
X
DCRCDLTCYNWEK
IE
E
MN
I
I
WPWIAHODBAERK
IDS
S
Y
AK
L
FEMRHVVACR
IRGNI
GA
RD
L
REEVZSOBEVFNVE
T
HR
OW
SSEPFALEBLAZ
INGR
OHFX
HCARDAHSMLCUONOU
I
X
MA
BOWY ABXNQDDWWNR
O
H
F
AZ
ABEDNEGO
BOW
FLAMES
GOD
MESHACH
RAGING
SMOKE
THROW
BABYLON
DANIEL
FRIENDS
FIRE
FURNACE
KING
PRAY
SHADRACH
THREE
BLAZING
SOLDIERS
REWARD
POWER
HORN
Basic Small Group Lesson for MY316
Emphasis
(4
th
, 5
th
& 6
th
grade)
“For God so loved the world that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have
eternal
life.” (NIV)
WEEK FOUR:
Option One
Emphasis:
To teach boys and girls the importance of
serving others. You will do a service project
in today’s lesson and talk about other
service projects to do at church, home and
in the community. Jesus was our example
of servanthood. You should be prepared to
select a project to work on as a class.
Prepare:
Step 1: Pray and ask God to prepare your
heart to teach His word! Read the passage
Matthew 16:24-25 and ask God to show
you the importance of taking up your cross
DAILY. Read the passage Matthew 20:20-28
and be prepared to tell the story in your
own words.
Step 2: Prepare sugar cookies (slice & bake)
for your class and another class for whom
you will serve cookies. Bring canned
frosting, sprinkles and plates or napkins.
Provide frozen juice the kids will need to
mix, a pitcher and cups. Provide gloves and
hand sanitizer.
Step 3: Before Sunday, talk to a younger
class (first grade or younger) and ask if your
class can serve them snacks today and
arrange the time to be there.
Step 4: Before class, gather items you will
need for a student or teacher to wash
another person’s feet. Make sure you talk
to all participants.
Step 5: A camera.
Step 6: Make one copy of the handout
Serving Others for each student.
Early Arrivers:
As kids arrive, have them sanitize their
hands and use the gloves to decorate the
cookies and mix the juice to serve today.
Set the plates of cookies and drinks aside.
You can allow your class to eat their cookie
while waiting for class to start.
Teach: (20 min.)
To introduce the lesson, have those who
are doing the foot washing come up and
show the class an act of servanthood. The
actors do not have to speak but need to be
very serious about this demonstration.
After they are done, tell the class that in the
day of Jesus, one way to serve someone
was to wash their feet. Washing someone’s
dirty feet showed a true act of humility and
being a servant. A true servant has a
humble heart. In t
l
oday’s story, we wil
learn what Jesus says about serving others
and that He himself was our example of a
servant.
Have the kids open their Bibles to
Matthew 20:20-28. You can tell the story in
your own words or have the kids act it out
as you read the scripture. At the end of the
story, discuss the questions with your class:
What did James and John’s mother
want Jesus to promise her? (For her
sons to sit at his side verse 21.)
What did Jesus ask their mother in
return? (Are you able to drink the
cup that I am about to drink? Ask,
“What does th
verse
at
22
mea
.)
n?”
Who did Jesus say would sit at his
side? (Those whom his Father has
chosen verse 23.)
What lesson did Jesus teach the
disciples from these two brothers?
(That whoever wants to become
great must learn to be a servant
verse 26.)
What does the Scripture tell us Jesus
came to do? (Not to be served but
to serve others by giving His life
verse 28.)
What does God want you to learn
from this story?
Brainstorm: (10 min.)
Give each of the kids a copy of the handout,
Ways I Can Serve Others, and work on it
together as a class or they can work it
individually. Another option is to give one
handout to a group of kids to work on
together. When you are finished, discuss
your answers and decide on a service
project you can do as a class. Try to choose
a date together. Look at the school
calendar, church calendar and holidays
ahead of time.
Application: (20 min.)
Have the kids gather the items needed to
go serve snacks to the younger class. You
may want to provide a story for one of your
kids to read to the younger children. Tell
them that this is one way to serve others
while at church. Take pictures of your class
serving the younger class and post them
outside your classroom for parents to see.
Submit photos to the church secretary to
publish in the church newsletter and on the
church website.
Closing: (10 min.)
Put a copy of the picture you took in your
gift box. If you do not have access to an
immediate photo, tell the class that you will
get it printed and then you will put it in the
gift box from week one. E-mail a copy of the
photo(s) or post them on your Facebook
page.
Before praying, ask the kids to report on
their week of prayer. Always be ready to set
the example by sharing your story too. Ask
how they can serve those three friends on
their prayer list. Discuss ideas.
Ask the kids to pray using this sentence:
Jesus, help me to be a servant this week
by________. Allow the kids to quietly finish
the statement prayerfully.
Teacher Challenge:
Find a way t
o serve one of your student’s
families. Make a cake, dinner, or whatever
the need is. Ask God to show you and be
ready to respond.
Option Two: (15 min.)
If you are using MY316 in a 15 minute
opening or closing session, use the student
handout and discuss a project you can do as
a class. End the session by using the
conclusion part of this lesson.
Service Project Suggestions:
At Church:
Cleaning flower beds
Cleaning vans
Picking up trash
Making cards to senior citizens in your
church
Decorating a bulletin board or your
classroom walls
At Home:
Chores
Helping with a younger sibling
Practice using a certain set of manners for a
length of time
Taking care of a pet
Cleaning out a vehicle
At School:
Being a friend
Waiting your turn
Helping someone when you see they need it
Opening a door for someone
Putting others first
In Sports & Play:
Being polite to others
Not getting angry
Encouraging those around me
In the Community
:
Clean up a park
Pick up trash when you see it
Collect pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House
Charities
Collect items for the Pregnancy Resource
Center
Visit a retirement home or nursing Home
List ways to serve in the following areas:
When you are done, put a star by six things you WILL do!
At our Church:
At Home:
At School:
At Sports or Play:
In my Community:
Basic Small Group Lesson for MY316
Emphasis
(4
th
, 5
th
& 6
th
grade)
“For Go
o love
d
d
s
the world that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have
eternal
life.” (NIV)
WEEK FIVE
: Option One
Emphasis:
To teach boys and girls the importance of
living a Christian life around their friends
and that the power of their personal story
can influence those they are around. To
help them understand the importance of
bringing their lost friends to Jesus and to
review Weeks 1-4.
Prepare:
Step 1: Pray and ask God to prepare your
heart to teach His word. Read the passage
Luke 5:17-26 and be ready to tell the story
in your own words.
Step 2: “Power of Friends” bracelet:
Gather the following colors of beads for
every student in your class: Red, White and
a third bead of any color. Cut one 12-inch
piece of leather string for each student in
your class. You will not need the full 12-
inches but can adjust the size by cutting off
the excess string. You can also make a
zipper pull for kids to clip on a purse, coat
or gym bag. If you choose the clip, you will
need to purchase key chain clips from a
craft store and cut your string into 6 inch
strips. Kids who are readers may choose to
make a book mark and just place the beads
at the end of a long leather string.
Step 3: Make enough copies of the handout
“Friend
.
” Copsy onef
d
o
en
r
t.
each stu
Provide a pencil for each student and have
a pencil sharpener available.
Step 4: Write the verse Mark 5:19 on the
chalkboard or a posterboard for all the kids
to see.“Go home to your friends; and tell
them what great things the Lord has done
for yo
u.”
Step 5: Make a game grid on the floor OR
use your
“
Giant Game Floor Mat
”
to review
weeks 1-4. Provide a bean bag. See
Review Questions.
Early Arriver: (Power of Friends bracelet)
Have the beads from Prepare (Step 2) for
kids to make a bracelet or clip. Tie a knot
where you want the first bead to sit. Have
them use one red bead, put any color of
bead on next and then a white bead. Kids
may have to tie a knot after each bead if
the string is thin. Explain that the red bead
represents “P
he
OWER
middle bea
” a
d
nd t
will stand for the word “of” and the white
beadis for th
.
” e Twell
ord t“FhRIe kENidDs
that in today’s story, we will talk about the
importance of friendship and how powerful
friendship can be to bring someone to
Jesus.
Teach: (30 min.)
Give each child a copy of the handout
“Friend
and a
s”
pencil. Have them use the
pencil to
darkly
color one of the letters in
the word Friend. When they have colored a
letter, tell them to use their finger to rub
over the colored area they have filled in
with the pencil. (If time allows, color the
entire word.) The pencil will “rub off” onto
their finger. Tell them that friendship is
powerful to each other. When we hang out
with someone, we will either “rub off” on
them or
they will
on u
“r
s.
u
Th
b
at is
off”
why it is so important to be the kind of
friend that will “rub off” in a good way. We
have talked about praying for our friends,
serving them, and inviting them to church
but the best thing we can do is to “rub off”
on them in a way that would bring a lost
friend to Jesus. In today’s story, we will
learn about friends who would not let
anything get in their way to bring their
friend to Jesus. Open your Bible and tell the
story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man in
Luke 5:17-26. Tell the story in your own
words.
Points you will want to emphasize:
The friends brought their friend to
Jesus in front of others. They were
not afraid or ashamed.
Ask:
“Why
are people afraid to tell their friends
about Jesus?
.
”(verse 17)
They did not give up even though
they faced a large crowd (verse 19).
Emphasize that we should not give
up just because a friend cannot
come to church with us the first
time we ask. We have to keep trying
no matter what obstacles we face.
Jesus met the need of the friend
(verse 24). We may not know what
our friends needs are, but Jesus
loves them and wants to meet
everyone’s needs.
If we have a friend who needs to
know Jesus, we should bring them
to Jesus.
Ask:
“What are some
ways to bring our friends to Jesus?”
Review: (20 min.)
Use the game grid on the floor or your giant
game floor mat and the review questions to
review the previous weeks.
Closing: (10 min.)
Have the kids open their Bible to Mark 5:19.
Ask the kids to name things they can share
with others that God has done for them.
When you have finished, have the kids bow
their heads and pray after you (silently).
“Dear Jesus, help me to go home to my
friends and tell them what great things you
have done for me. Help me to “rub off” on
them in such a way, that they will see Jesus
in me.” Amen.
Teacher Challenge:
Teaching kids the importance of writing and
sharing their testimony is something we
need to do on a regular basis. Once a
quarter, use th”
H
e
an
“
d
M
ou
y31
t
6Story
from Week Two and the MY316 wheel to
teach kids the importance of sharing their
testimony.
Option Two: (15 min.)
If you are using MY316 in a 15 minute
opening or closing session, use the friends
handout and talk about the importance of
“rubbing off” on our friends in such a way
that our lost friends would come to know
Jesus. Ideas and directions are under the
“Teach” s
.
ection
Another option is to use the “Closing”
portion and challenge your kids to go home
and show others.
Review Questions:
Week 1:
1. Say John 3:16 (For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that
whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.) (NIV)
2. What does our large wrapped gift represent? (Eternal life)
3.
According to John 3:16, what does “peris
forever
h
,
” mean? (To be separated from God
not go to Heaven.)
4. What is sin? (Anytime we disobey God.)
5. How did Jesus pay for our sin? (He died on the cross.)
6. What does it mean to become a Christian? (To ask Jesus into your heart to become the
boss of your life, ask Him to forgive your sins, and make a promise to live for Him the
rest of your life.)
Week 2:
1. What is a testimony? (A story about something that has happened in your life)
2. Why is it important for me to share about Jesus? (The Bible says to; it pleases God; to
lead others to Christ.)
3. Name a way you can share your testimony? (MY316 wheel, actions, etc.)
4. Name someone with whom you can share your testimony.
5. Say John 3:16 (For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that
whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.) (NIV)
Week 3:
1. Name one of the three friends in the fiery furnace. (Shadrach, Meshach or Abednego.)
2. Why would the 3 friends not bow to the King
’
s statue? (They believed in praying only to
the one true God.)
3. How many figures did the King see in the fiery furnace after throwing in the three
friends? (Four.)
4. How can we pray for our friends? (Many possible answers.)
5. Does God hear our prayers? (Yes, Daniel 3.)
6. Name a friend for whom you have personally prayed.
Week 4:
1. What does it mean to be a servant? (Many possible answers.)
2.
What did James’ and John’s mother
r her
w
so
an
ns to
t
sit
Jes
at
us to promise her? (Fo
his side, Matt. 20:21.)
3. What did Jesus ask their mother in return? (Are you able to drink the cup that I am
about to drink? verse 22.)
4. Who did Jesus say would sit at his side? (Those whom his Father has chosen, verse 23.)
5. What lesson did Jesus teach the disciples from these two brothers? (That whoever
wants to become great must learn to be a servant, verse 26.)
6. What does the scripture tell us Jesus came to do? (Not to be served but to serve others
by giving His life, verse 28.)
7. What does God want me to learn from this story?
Example of a game grid on floor OR use your Giant Game Floor mat from Lifeway
.
Week 2
Your choice
Week 1
Week3
Your choice
Miss a turn
Week 4
Week 1
Week 4
Week 2
Week 3
Week 1
Your team goes
twice
Week 1
Double points
Week 2
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Make a game grid on the floor and fill the squares with a piece of construction paper like the
above pattern. Divide your group into two teams. Toss a beanbag on a square and see what
week you have to answer the review question from. You can use the giant game floor mat if
you have one, use the questions and make a jeopardy game, make a tic-tac-toe board, or
connect four on the floor. Point value is your choice.
