JESUS’ CORRECTS THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

2022 Theme: “Doing Life with Jesus”
Week 12: Jesus’ Corrects the Religious Leaders
Weekly Bible Bite: Matthew 9:9-12

Video lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgy6TWuUkK0 (Saddleback Kids – Jesus Calls Matthew)

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought they were too good to hang out with certain people. They couldn’t understand why Jesus would choose to associate with people they thought were bad, people they thought were ‘scum.’

Jesus made it very clear that he didn’t think anyone was beyond God’s love and he had come to help all who recognized that they needed help. The Pharisees thought they were good enough and refused to admit they needed help from anyone, especially Jesus. Jesus didn’t waste his time trying to convince people who didn’t want to be convinced, but he loved to spend time with everyone who recognized that they needed God to help them change.

Family goal:
God shows his love to others through us. How will you show kindness to someone who is different from you? ______________________________
[Be sure to pick a measurable goal involving a task so that children will know when they have completed it.]

Weekly verses:
Mark 2:17, NLT – “Jesus said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’”

Family activities:
• Colour the picture of Jesus eating at Matthew’s home.
• Invite someone new over for dinner. Have everyone decide on the menu and help in preparations.

Prayer:
Thank you, God that Jesus showed us that no one is too ‘bad’ to be loved by you. If we recognize we need you, you will help us. Please help us to allow you to change us where we need to change. Help us to not see people as ‘bad,’ but as loved by you.