What does it mean to imitate Jesus? How can we be more like Him? This lesson 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.
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.
Sunday School Lesson on Philippians 2 for Children: Imitating Christ’s Humility
Passage: Philippians 2:1-18
Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th grade
Materials Needed: Construction paper; decorative supplies; glue; markers or crayons; tape; scissors; bags or envelopes; stickers; star objects; small prizes; Bibles.
Lesson Opening: This passage focuses on following the example of Jesus and living humbly, putting others first. This might seem an odd or “backwards” concept, but is important to learn! To get students thinking and ready to learn, consider an activity opener along these lines:
- Last-first line-up: Have small prizes ready, and invite students to race and line up to receive something. When they get there, reverse the order of arrival, giving prizes to the last students first and the first ones last.
- Imitation game: have kids play a game that requires acting like someone or something else. Consider charades or “Simon Says”, or have a student leader act out motions for others to copy. You could also play “Follow the Leader”, or have kids say or do things in the fashion that someone else would, and then guess who is being imitated.
- Imitation shame: Provide students with several side-by-side comparisons of brand name products and imitations. Encourage them to try the items and review them, observing how the imitations attempt to copy the original, and how you can tell differences.
- Shine Like Stars: Use flashlights or glow sticks to discuss what it means to “shine like stars.” Observe how the lights show up in an already-lit area versus a darker space. Remind children that light looks brighter in the darkness. When we live like Jesus and put others first, we can shine His light in a dark world.
- Without Grumbling or Complaining: Provide students with various scenarios, some of which might have challenging elements. Have the kids identify how they might best respond to the scenarios, without complaining. Explain that being positive sets a positive example for others.
Describe for kids that the focus passage for this lesson tells us about how Jesus was humble and put others first. In the same way, we should look to that example in the way we live and share with others.
Bible Lesson:
This passage from Philippians describes how Jesus lived in humble service to others. The epistle admonishes us to do the same. Have older students take turns reading verses out of a Bible. The book does not lend itself necessarily to acting out, but younger students can hear explanations of the text as you read.
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. -Philippians 2:1-4
Bible Lesson: (Philippians 2:1-18) Sunday School Lesson for Kids Explained for Children – Jesus Loves Us First
Explain that the book of Philippians is an epistle, meaning it was originally a letter written by the apostle Paul to the people of a church in a place called Philippi. This church had been very kind to Paul when he was there helping them, and this book in the Bible is often called the “epistle of joy” because it is full of gratitude and joy to the people. In this chapter, Paul encourages his audience to think of other people as better than themselves, looking out for their interests with humility.
You may need to explain and define humility. It is not the same as being humiliated, but means being humble, or not prideful and self-serving.
Ask: What is a way you can demonstrate that you are thinking of others first?
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. -Philippians 2:5-8
Now Paul tells us that we should have the same mindset as Jesus! Of course, that is no easy thing, and we know that we will never be perfect like Christ was. But we can follow His example and imitate Him by being humble. Jesus set aside all of the privileges of being God and became a human. He was willing to take on an earthly body to live with us. Not only that, but He suffered on Earth. He wasn’t born to a life of royal luxury. He served others, and even died for our sake. Humbling ourselves means having a willingness to put others first and not thinking only of our needs.
Ask: Imagine taking on the life of something lower than yourself, like an ant. What would you miss about your life now? What would it be like to be something different?
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. -Philippians 2:9-11
Because Jesus was willing to take on flesh and suffer and die as a human, God exalted Him and gave Him a higher position than anyone else. The name of Jesus is to be lifted high because we recognize how great and marvelous He is. He was brought low to be elevated above any human imagining.
Ask: How do you praise the name of Jesus?
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. -Philippians 2:12-13
Paul reminds the people (and us) here how important it is to recognize the work of God within us. All things that we have come from Him. We can try to humble ourselves and do what is best, but ultimately we cannot change ourselves. The Spirit of God is what works in us. We can ask Him for help in living like Jesus, and trust in Him to do all good things.
Ask: If you could ask God to change something about you, what might it be?
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 2:14-18
Point out that Paul calls the people to be different and to stand out among others. We should do things without arguing and complaining, and this will distinguish us from other people. People notice something special about those who live in gratitude and joy. When we avoid negative whining, it makes us stand out.
Ask: What are some things you complain about? How could you be more positive?
Jesus was the ultimate example for us. He lived in humility and served other people, and He wants us to love and serve others. When we put other people first and do things with thankfulness and appreciation, we show our love to God and gratitude for what He has done for us.
Close with prayer, thanking God for Jesus and asking Him to change us and make us humble servants.