Accepting the Lord

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NOTE: This lesson was one of the harder ones to simplify. The scripture from Matthew 11:16-19 is about how some of the people were not satisfied with either the sternness of John the Baptist or the loving kindness of Jesus. The key at the end of the passage is that "wisdom is vindicated by her deeds," meaning that no matter how the message is delivered, the most important thing is the “deed” the message does, that is, it transforms us and our lives, leading us to accept the Lord.
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Light two candles.

Pray this prayer. Have your child repeat phrase by phrase.
Dear Jesus,
thank you for teachers.
Help us to learn about you.

Read this Bible thought from Matthew 11:16-19.
Have your child repeat phrase by phrase.
Some teachers are fun.
Some teachers are strict.
It really doesn't matter
as long as we learn.

Ask your child:
What teachers do you know?
If they're not in school yet, they will have adults who teach them in Sunday school. See if they remember their names or anything about them. At our church there are "shepherds" who are with the children each week and other adults who actually teach the classes in the different rooms. Just talk about the teachers and adults who help or teach.

What does/do your teacher(s) teach you?
For Sunday school, you might mention how they taught them the songs for the Sunday school program last week. Otherwise ask about what they are learning in kindergarten or pre-school or grade school.

I like to learn. Right now I am learning about... say something about what you are learning right now, maybe you're a part of Alpha or a Bible study group. Or maybe there is something new you're learning in connection with your job.

It's good to learn, but I hope you'll always learn about Jesus. And I hope you'll always listen to your teachers. Maybe you could say something about a teacher that perhaps was a bit strict but who you learned a lot from.

In the Bible, some people didn't like how Jesus or other teachers taught, but they were teaching very important things. I hope you'll always try to learn--especially learning about Jesus--no matter what. We don't want to not pay attention just because some days might be a little bit hard or not too exciting. Your kids might want to talk more about Sunday school or their other school experience. Listen, even if they complain, but come back to how important it is to try to learn even if they don't like their teachers real well. On the other hand, if there are real concerns, make sure you talk with the teacher or their principal, supervisor or superintendent.

Pray this prayer. Have your child repeat phrase by phrase.
Dear Jesus,
thank you for teachers.
Help us to learn about you.
Add other thoughts and prayers, especially prayers for teacher and learners.

Read this Bible thought from Matthew 11:16-19.
Have your child repeat phrase by phrase.
Some teachers are fun.
Some teachers are strict.
It really doesn't matter
as long as we learn.

Put out the candles.