Earlier you learned that Jesus wanted His disciples to know what it really meant to serve one another in humility and love.  At first, they were shocked by His act of washing their feet, because they believed Jesus was too great for such a lowly job.  But Jesus was able to show them that being great in His kingdom was about serving those around us in love.

• Is there a time someone has shocked you by their selfless act? (It may take your students a while to think of things from another person’s perspective; be prepared to share your own experience to get the conversation going.)

Understanding what a word means is important.  Your teachers go over vocabulary words in school because they want you to better understand the subject you’re studying.  The same is true for the Bible.  Sometimes we hear words in the Bible that we might not understand. We might not know what they mean or how we should apply them.  So, today let’s dig a little deeper into some of the words we heard in our lesson, to make sure we know what they mean and what they should look like in our own lives.

Pass out notebook paper and pencils. Have preteens divide into four groups. Have each group define one of the following words using a dictionary, their smartphones (if permitted), and/or a classroom computer and record it on their notebook paper. Encourage them to try not to just copy the definition word-for-word from the dictionary, but to instead put it in kid-friendly language anyone can understand. When they are done, have a spokesperson from each group share their answers with the entire class.  Make sure to record all of the definitions on the whiteboard.

• Serve: (to be of use; provide helpful services)
• Humble: (not too proud; low in rank)
• Obey: (to follow commands)
• Love: (to like very much)

Now, using these meanings, let’s create posters. Hand out poster board or cardstock to each student along with colored markers and any art supplies to share. The posters should include some aspect of your kid-friendly definitions of the words serve, humble, obey, and love. Try to include a picture of what that might look like in your own life.  If you like, you can also include today’s memory verse.  If needed, take a few minutes to brainstorm real life examples of the four definitions.

Play the following song as your student’s work:
Matthew West-Do Something

If time allows, have students share their completed posters with the group.

• How can this poster be of use to you this week? (Answers may include:  When I look at my poster it will help me remember ways I can serve others this week; it will remind me how Jesus wants me to live, etc.)

Understanding what serving others, being humble, obeying God’s Word, and loving one another means is important.  When we look at our posters, we should have a clear picture of what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus Christ.  To obey His commands, love and serve others, and stay humble as we do it all is the essence of Christianity.  These things overflow out of our hearts and into the lives of others once we become true believers.

This week hang your poster where you can see it each day.  Read through the words and definitions and ask God to help you show those qualities throughout the day to those around you.  Serve others in love and watch God reach others through you!

Pray to close.