Matthew 10:5-15
Ian Ferguson
March 23, 2025
Introduction
Parents: Tell your kids about a time when the instructions you read or watched seemed easy enough, but the actual experience was a little bit tougher. Ian used the example of learning to drive a car, which most of us have experienced. Maybe you have a funny story to tell about that experience, or maybe it’s something else.
Background
Review the names of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples (see Matt. 10:1-4). Talk about what these men did as disciples.
Looking into the scripture passage
These disciples have been watching Jesus minister in compassion to the needy. What are some things they have seen him do? You can check out the previous chapter (Matt. 9) for a brief list of some amazing things. All of these are ways that Jesus is showing the kingdom of God on earth. God’s plan for the kingdom was not for Jesus to be the only participant. He wants his followers to be kingdom workers too!
Read: Matthew 5:5-8
Ask: WHERE did Jesus send the disciples? WHAT did he tell them to say? WHAT did he tell them to do?
He told them to tell people the same message he had been sharing. He gave them power to heal and cast out demons and bring the dead to life just like he had done (see chapter 9 if you didn’t already talk about it). These miracles would prove to everyone that the message they preached was true!
Ask: Did Jesus want the disciples to just keep following him around the country watching and listening, or did he want them to do something?
Apply the passage
Following Jesus leads to DOING
Activity 1
Make a list of some people around you who need to know Jesus (a neighbor, classmate, teammate, someone your family regularly does business with, etc…). Beside each person’s name, write one way you can share the gospel with them between now and Easter. The first step may be to just find a way to get to know them better or have meaningful conversation, but be SPECIFIC.
Activity 2
Learn about a missionary that our church supports. Discuss ways that you can help that ministry, then choose one or two that you can follow through on this week.
Memorize
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you….
Matthew 28:19-20a (NIV)
Practice the verse
Make a poster with GO in the middle and the other phrases of the verses coming off it like spokes on a wheel.
Extra Stuff
Dig Deeper (for older kids and parents)
Write out your testimony of how Jesus saved you from and for and how that changes the way you live today. Practice sharing that good news with someone else.
Songs to sing
“Facing a Task Unfinished” by Samuel Wesley, modified by Keith and Kristen Getty
Books to read (these can be borrowed from the Kidstuff table in the church foyer)
Each of these titles from the Tales that Tell the Truth series, explains the gospel to children:
The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party by Jone Earickson Tada
The Friend Who Forgives by Dan DeWitt
The Man in the Tree and the Brand New Start by Carl Laferton
