Growing Up God's Way

Jesus is our Perfect Example

You know, I've noticed that you have all really been growing. I knew some of you since you were babies. You are sure not babies anymore, are you? I can actually remember one of the first things that made me realize that I was really growing. One day I reached up on tippy toes to turn on the bathroom sink faucet - and I really didn't have to tippy toe anymore! I felt SO big! Tell me some of the things that show you that you are growing too. (Give time for the children to respond.)

Aren't you glad you are growing? It really wouldn't be that fun to stay a baby, would it? 

I've been thinking that one reason God sent Jesus to earth as a baby, was so little children could identify with HIM. Even when we are very small, we understand the love for a baby. We all love to hear stories about a baby being born - maybe because we all felt a very special love when we were so tiny. We understood LOVE before we could even understand words.

As you started growing, you started understanding words. When you understood what was being said, more things were expected of you. When a mommy says to a baby, "Say Mamma." - and the baby does, everyone gets so excited! When a daddy tells a toddler, "Don't touch that!" and the toddler obeys, the parents are very pleased. As you grow older, more things are asked of you because you are getting bigger and smarter!

The Bible tells us that Jesus grew up just like all children do. As HE grew, he no longer talked like a baby. HE let everyone know that HE understood HIS Father (GOD). We can read about this in the book of Luke, chapter 2, verse 52, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

That verse teaches us that as Jesus grew, HIS wisdom did too. (Point to your head). You are much smarter now than when you were a little baby. The word stature means that the body grows. So the brain grows with wisdom and the body grows. (Show gestures for wisdom [point to your head] and stature [go from a squat to mid-crouching position]) 

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor (gesture a big smile - makes God happy) with GOD (gesture both arms UP and pointing to God) and man (gesture both arms out to each side with pointed index fingers.)

(Repeat these movements several times to help the children memorize this scripture.)

Did you notice that when we do these motions to the verse that our body forms a cross. (Repeat the actions for showing favor with God and man.) This scripture teaches us that we should grow and learn more about GOD from the Bible (GOD's Word). This will please God and we find favor with HIM. We make GOD happy when we treat others like Jesus treated others. 

Jesus did all that HIS Father God asked HIM to do:
He loved and worshipped only the one True GOD. 
He loved everyone like God commands us to do. 
HE never used God's name in vain; 
HE obeyed HIS earthly father and mother 
He never murdered anyone--not even with HIS thoughts. 
HE never stole anything, 
HE never lied, and
HE never wanted what others had. 

JESUS was our perfect example of how to grow up in favor with God and man!
(Repeat the scripture one more time with the gestures)

Prayer suggestion:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus to earth as a baby so that we can learn how HE grew up and served You. Thank You for the Bible and for teachers and preachers that help us learn about You and how we should treat others. Help us to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with You and those around us. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Copyright 2011 Emmalea Butler
GreatAdventureClub@embarqmail.com

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