This weekend we taught the children the biblical story of Jesus in the synagogue. We encouraged the children to live as Jesus taught by caring for all God’s people.

A kindergarten teacher tells this story about a little boy in her class with a kind and sensitive heart. During story time, the teacher would gather the children in a circle to listen to a story. While reading, if something bad would happen to one of the characters, the little boy would raise his hand. When the teacher would acknowledge the little boy’s hand, with all the sincerity and concern he could muster he would say, “Well, I’ll pray for them.” It did not matter if the character was good or bad. Every time misfortune would befall a character, the little boy never failed to offer prayer. This little kindergartner is a perfect example of Jesus’ care.

This weekend we helped the children connect with the biblical story of Jesus in the synagogue. While in the synagogue, Jesus proclaims that his purpose is to bring good news, heal the sick, and set the captives free. In other words, this day in the synagogue Jesus declares that because of the work that God has called him to do, life for others will never be the same. Their lives will only be better because of Jesus’ love and concern for everyone.

What is troubling about this story is that the people of Jesus’ hometown those to whom he was speaking got angry at the Old Testament stories that Jesus referenced. Why? The two stories Jesus referenced were about prophets whose ministries were not accepted in their own homes. Jesus was telling his family and friends that they would not understand him or accept him. Jesus himself was beginning to see the path laid before him, as he narrowly escaped being thrown off a cliff by his neighbors. But Jesus’ message was clear: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news” (Luke 4:18).

During the lesson, we helped the children identify ways to live as Jesus lived and calls us to live. We are to bring good news to the world, the good news that Jesus is love. The activities we did helped teach the children ways they can show love and concern for others. As you interact with your children this week, think about ways you care for others. Also, think about ways that others have shown care and concern for you. Was care shown to you through a visit, a telephone call, an inspirational or humorous greeting card? Or perhaps it was prayer that others offered on your behalf? Let the children know that among their acts of care and kindness, they can always pray for others.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”. Luke 2:52