Giving Up to Get

## Story Time Sit in a circle. Cup your hands like you are holding a small toy, then open them wide like receiving a surprise. Say: 'Peter and his friends left their boats to follow Jesus. They asked Jesus if they would get anything special. Jesus said, Everyone who leaves something for Me will get much more in heaven! That means Jesus gives us the best treasures when we love Him most.'

Then Peter said in reply, 'See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.' — Matthew 19:27-30

## Motion Stand up. Tuck your hands behind your back like giving something away. Then pull them forward and open them wide like a giant hug. Shout: 'Jesus gives the BEST gifts!' Do this three times.

## Yes or No Question Ask: 'Did Jesus say it is worth it to follow Him?' Expected answer: Yes. Redirect: If a child says no, smile and say: 'Remember, Jesus promised a hundredfold. That means He gives us SO much more. The answer is yes.'

## Coloring Page Draw a picture of the best gift Jesus is saving for you in heaven.

## Leader Notes Tone: Warm, playful, and slow. Use a surprised, happy voice when you open your hands wide. Time: 5 minutes. Story: 2 min. Motion: 1 min. Question: 1 min. Coloring prep: 1 min. Restless child: Let them hold a small prop, like a toy boat, during the story. If they wiggle, invite them to stand and do the motion with you. If they still cannot settle, quietly hand them a crayon and say: 'Start drawing your heaven gift while the others finish.'