Be Great by Helping
Children's church (3-6) · leader guide · Anchor: Matthew 20:20-28
From the sermon Gateway to Greatness
Story
'whoever would be great among you must be your servant.' — Matthew 20:26
Jesus' friends wanted to be the biggest and the best. But Jesus said, 'The greatest person is the one who helps others.' Jesus helped everyone because He loved them. We can be great too when we help our friends.
Motion
Pat your hands down low like you are washing a friend's feet. Now reach up high like you are handing a cup to someone. Jesus helped others, and we can help too!
Question
Can we be great when we help our friends?
Coloring Page
Draw a picture of you helping a friend.
Leader Notes
Delivery tone: Warm, enthusiastic, and gentle. Use a calm, inviting voice and lots of smiles. Keep eyes on the children and use their names.
Expected duration: 5 minutes.
What to do if a child gets restless: Invite the child to help you pat the air or hand you the storybook. Offer a small fidget toy or let them hold a stuffed animal while you read. If needed, shorten the motion and move straight to the coloring prompt.
Expected answers: Most children will say yes or nod. If a child says no, gently redirect: 'Jesus says helping others is what makes us great in His kingdom.'
Redirect language: 'Let's use our helping hands today' or 'Can you help me turn the page?'
Time estimates: Story — 2 minutes; Motion — 1 minute; Question — 30 seconds; Coloring explanation and transition — 1.5 minutes.