How can we teach children about humility using Luke 9:46 as a guide? \Setting the Scene\ Jesus’ closest followers, the Twelve, were caught comparing themselves. The Lord used their dispute to unveil a kingdom value: true greatness is measured by humility. \Key Verse\ “An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.” (Luke 9:46) \Why This Matters for Kids\ • Children naturally compete for attention, praise, and position. • Our culture celebrates self-promotion; Scripture calls for self-denial. • Humility learned early becomes a lifelong guard against pride. \Teaching Principles Drawn from the Passage\ • Expose the heart: pride shows up even in good kids—point it out graciously when it appears. • Redirect focus: instead of “Who is best?” ask, “Whom can I bless?” • Tie greatness to service: Jesus immediately set a child before them (v.47). Greatness = serving the least. \Practical Ways to Model Humility at Home and Church\ 1. Share the spotlight • Celebrate another child’s success intentionally. • Thank siblings publicly when they help. 2. Use “I was wrong” statements • Let kids hear parents and leaders confess mistakes quickly. • Show that repentance is strength, not weakness. 3. Serve together anonymously • Prepare a meal for a neighbor without signing your name. • Clean the church after a program without announcing it. 4. Rotate “least” jobs • Assign chores nobody wants—taking out trash, stacking chairs—and take turns joyfully. • Praise the heart, not the task. 5. Memorize humility verses as a family • Choose one a week; recite at meals or bedtime. \Reinforcing Scriptures\ • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) • “Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6b) • “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5) \Everyday Conversation Starters\ • “How did you put someone else first today?” • “What is one hidden way we can serve a friend this week?” • “Who around us might feel ‘least’ and need encouragement?” \Take-Home Points\ • Pride is natural; humility is supernatural—only Jesus produces it in us. • Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by willingness to serve the least noticed. • Consistent modeling, Scripture memory, and service opportunities train children to walk in biblical humility. |
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