No boxes!
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: We are constantly tempted to put
others in boxes of our choosing and lump all people of similar
traits together. This kept Jesus from ministering in his
hometown. It keeps children from growing beyond the roles given
them by others.
* Collect as many boxes as you can gather for your class and ask the children to label the boxes according to the different kinds of people. If the children are older, teach them the power of "roles" -- where people are identified according to their roles instead of according to their true identities.
* The various "-isms" -- racism, sexism, agism, and so forth -- create powerful problems in our society. It is important that children learn to see beyond the roles that are given to them and that they give to others. Today's lesson of Jesus' inability to teach or preach in his own hometown shows the power of preconceived roles. Explore age-appropriate understandings of the "-isms" with your children.
* Both of today's texts deal with strength and weakness. The epistle lesson deals with Paul's weaknesses as opportunities for God's strength; the gospel lesson shows Jesus' inability to do much in his hometown because of preconceived notions about his identity. Children often experience feelings of weaknesses and helplessness. Show them how faith can be a comfort and strength when we feel this way.
* Is there someone in your congregation who has changed roles who might speak with your class? Perhaps someone who has retired and had to change his or her self-identification would be willing to share that with your class and relate his or her changing role to that of Jesus' changing role when he went back to Nazareth.
* Relating the text to life: Never underestimate the power of roles and preconceived notions about people. They prevented Jesus from being Lord in his hometown and they can limit people in many ways.
Sunday school assembly opening:
* This is the July 4 holiday and you may want to have prayers for the country and its leaders as part of your opening.
* Sing hymns that ask for God's blessing upon the nation.
* Collect as many boxes as you can gather for your class and ask the children to label the boxes according to the different kinds of people. If the children are older, teach them the power of "roles" -- where people are identified according to their roles instead of according to their true identities.
* The various "-isms" -- racism, sexism, agism, and so forth -- create powerful problems in our society. It is important that children learn to see beyond the roles that are given to them and that they give to others. Today's lesson of Jesus' inability to teach or preach in his own hometown shows the power of preconceived roles. Explore age-appropriate understandings of the "-isms" with your children.
* Both of today's texts deal with strength and weakness. The epistle lesson deals with Paul's weaknesses as opportunities for God's strength; the gospel lesson shows Jesus' inability to do much in his hometown because of preconceived notions about his identity. Children often experience feelings of weaknesses and helplessness. Show them how faith can be a comfort and strength when we feel this way.
* Is there someone in your congregation who has changed roles who might speak with your class? Perhaps someone who has retired and had to change his or her self-identification would be willing to share that with your class and relate his or her changing role to that of Jesus' changing role when he went back to Nazareth.
* Relating the text to life: Never underestimate the power of roles and preconceived notions about people. They prevented Jesus from being Lord in his hometown and they can limit people in many ways.
Sunday school assembly opening:
* This is the July 4 holiday and you may want to have prayers for the country and its leaders as part of your opening.
* Sing hymns that ask for God's blessing upon the nation.
