“Do Not Worry – Keep Your Treasures in Haven”
Children’s
Sermon on Luke 12:22-34)
Children’s Message: Choose your Treasures Wisely – Seeking God’s Kingdom First
Main Objective: Following up on the idea of placing priority in God first, this lesson seeks to remind students that God wants us to love Him above all things. Sometimes we worry, or have a tough time separating ourselves from our things. We look around and want what we do not have. The purpose of this message is to communicate that God takes care of our needs, and we want to make Him our hope and true treasure.
Law/Gospel Theme: Sometimes we worry ourselves over what we might want, have, or try to get. The idea of this message is not to place a measure of “guilt” on young students, or to make them feel bad about what they have. This is a lesson of joy. No matter what we might have or lack, God is with us. If He provides for the flowers and birds, He will surely care for us. We can be thankful for His blessings and confident in Him. We should also allow an attitude that does not cling to material possessions but is willing to let go for the sake of the Kingdom.
Optional Materials: Worldly “treasures”: toys, jewelry, books, etc; Bible; small “treasure” (coin, toy ring, etc.).
Bonus Ideas: Some more inspiration for your teaching (offsite links)
- Browse our sermons for kids or download our “Do Not Be Anxious” Sunday School Lesson based on this same passage in Luke 12:22-34
Note: All elements are open to adjustment. Cater to the needs and ages of your group.
Children’s Message / Object Lesson: Choose Treasures Wisely
Greet students, carrying a basket or box with various items…
Hello! So, I need your help again today…I have to get rid of some things. I don’t really want to. I actually think I want to get some new stuff. School is starting and I have to have more clothes! And while I’m at it, maybe a backpack and some toys. But my mom said I have to get my closet cleaned before I get anything new. The problem is, I can’t decide what to give away. I mean, I love all of these things! I just can’t part with any of them….
See, I was wearing this when I lost my first tooth. And look, this little guy was a present from my mom’s hair cutter! It is so special….and these books? Oh, I cannot get rid of them. Hmm I think I have two of this one. But I still can’t part with it! What if my friend needs one? Yeah, this is a little dusty…I guess I haven’t used it in awhile. But that doesn’t mean I need to give it up! Oh, and some random cords…I’m not sure what these go to. But I might need them!
Hmm… (Dig deeper and pull out a Bible). Oh. How did this get in the bottom of the box? Well…. (Open and read a portion of the Gospel passage). Oh….maybe this is why I was supposed to be getting rid of stuff.
See, Jesus wanted to remind people to focus on what was most important, and to put God first and foremost in our lives. This is something that people of His time struggled with, and it’s something we often have a hard time doing today, too. We get distracted and think we need to have more or fancier things. Sometimes we worry about what we have or what we do not have. This takes our minds off of God. In this passage, Jesus wanted to share with people that God will take care of the things that we need. Our job is to build Heavenly treasures. How do we do that?
Well, we pray and read our Bibles so that we can be connected to God and His promises. We can also take care of one another, because by serving God’s people we serve Him. We listen to our parents and teachers, because we know they have our best interests in mind, too. And sometimes we have even more when we give some of our things away! God will bless our lives and the lives of others.
So we might have collections and “treasures”, but let’s not forget the true treasure. All of those other things eventually fade away or disappear. But if our first love and priority is following Jesus, that will last forever! Let’s say a prayer to thank God for His blessings, and we can ask for help in putting Him first.
Suggested Prayer for Children
(Have kids repeat each line, if desired)
Dear God,
Thank you for the stories and teachings of Jesus
Thank you for reminding us what is truly important
Please help us to put you first in our lives
Thank you for promising to provide for us
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
Thank you for Jesus
In His name, Amen!
“Do Not Worry” Luke 12:22-34 NIV
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father
has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell
your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that
will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no
thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also. –Luke 12:22-34
Bible Memory Verse: Luke 12:34 NIV
