Children’s Message on Philippians 2 on “Stand Firm as one Body in Jesus Christ.”
Main Objective: What does it mean to imitate Jesus? How can we be more like Him? This message focuses on the incarnation and humility of Christ, described by Philippians 2. As Christians, we will never be fully perfect like Jesus was, but we can still strive to live in humble service as He did. Use the concept of copying and imitating to help kids understand what it means to live after the example of our Savior.
Law/Gospel Theme: Living like Christ is a tall order, and can seem intimidating or impossible. This passage encourages us to serve others, but even more than that, shows how much Jesus did and does for us. He was God, but did not cling to His divine privileges, choosing to empty Himself and live with us. He came to love and serve us. Jesus gave the ultimate demonstration of humility. In love and gratitude to Him, we put others first because He put us first.
Philippians 2:1-18 Children’s Sermon- Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
Optional Materials: “Costume” of some sort, to appear like someone else, Bible
Bible Passage: Philippians 2:1-15 (or continue to 18)
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs. Use your judgment and ideas to best serve students.
Greet the children, dressed like someone else: perhaps the pastor or someone else kids would recognize…
Hello, children of God!
If desired, say something to the kids that would be said by the person you’re imitating, acting like the pastor/member/etc.
So you might notice I look a little different. Today I am actually imitating someone. Do you know what that means? Imitating is sort of like copying or pretending. If I imitate someone or something, it means I am acting like that person or thing. I’m wearing these clothes and speaking a little differently to imitate the pastor (or other person). Obviously, I am not the same person, but I’m doing some of the same things. If I asked you to imitate me, you would copy my actions or words. We might play “Simon Says” or “Follow the Leader” in this way. For instance, if I raise a hand, you could raise a hand. If I jump around, you’d do the same. Go through a few short and simple actions to illustrate.
But how might we imitate the example of Jesus? After all, He was perfect. Can we be perfect? Of course not. Should we live exactly like He did, wearing first century clothes and walking everywhere and eating a lot of fish? No, that’s not what we are called to do. However, the Bible does encourage us to follow Him and to also have the mindset of being like Christ. He set a great example for us in the ways that He lived. Jesus gave up His Godly privileges to come to Earth as a human. He humbled Himself, setting aside the divine throne and making Himself a servant. While on Earth, Jesus did not demand kingly attention or riches, but helped others in need. Ultimately, He died to take our place. He never put His own needs first, but did everything with us in mind.
That is quite remarkable to consider. Jesus has done a LOT for us. Because of that, we should want to love and serve Him and one another. We realize all that He has blessed us with, and we use it for His glory. So how do we live humbly, like Jesus? Well, it means not thinking too highly of yourself. Instead of always wanting the biggest or best things, we can let others go first. We can help others in need. Maybe it means doing chores without being asked, or giving someone a compliment, or being nice whether we feel like it or not. When we do these things, it makes us stand out as Christians. Paul (he’s the guy who wrote this passage), said that we are like stars or lights shining in the darkness when we live in service to others. We stand out as an example and blessing.
Jesus knows that we won’t be perfect or just like Him. And He will help us to follow His example. We read the Bible and see how He loved others, and we can ask Him to help us love and care for one another. It isn’t easy to put others first. But He put us first. We know that God cares for us and will always be present with us in what we say and do.
Why don’t we say a prayer and ask God to help us follow Jesus?
Prayer:
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for sending your son to live and serve among us.
Please help us to live humbly and care for others.
Thank you for your love.
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Philippians 2:1-18 Meaning for Kids
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
-Philippians 2:1-18