Week 980 · about 45 minutes
Matthew 19
Matthew 19 · Memory verse Matthew 19:14
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (Matthew 19), the matching word search and answer key (Matthew 19 word search), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a ribbon
Hold a ribbon. Read Matthew 19 in about four minutes, stopping at Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”” Ask, “What does this prop have to do with Matthew 19?” Let two children answer, then say the memory verse together.
Story script
Matthew 19 is a real chapter from the New Testament. It starts, “When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.
Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”” Matthew 19 opens with these words: “When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.” The line to keep is Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”” Carry the word “jesus” from that verse into the rest of the day.
The line worth learning out loud is Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.
What happens first in Matthew 19? Then try this: Read “But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven…” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.
Group game
Walk the room as if you are moving through Matthew 19. Every time you freeze, a child says one word from Matthew 19:14. The last child says the whole verse.
Craft
On a US Letter sheet, draw one picture from Matthew 19 and write Matthew 19:14 under it. Send it home as tonight’s reminder, not as a decoration contest.
Memory verse
Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.””
Take-home prayer
Father, thank you for Matthew 19. Help us remember Matthew 19:14 when we wake up, and teach us to notice you in an ordinary night. Amen.