Series Description
You may have heard what Jesus lived and taught described as “The Upside-Down Kingdom.” Though Jesus is King of the universe, He entered our world as a humble carpenter. Instead of demanding that others serve Him, Jesus healed, listened to, and cared for the people deemed most unimportant. Rather than living in a palace and depending on horses and chariots, Jesus walked long, dusty miles on His own tired feet. By our world’s standards, that’s completely upside down!
This month, we want kids to discover how the Bible defined success—through humility and service. We explore how John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus, rather than to himself, and meet the Roman Commander who, despite power and position, bowed to the authority of God. We take a look at how Jesus taught us to love our enemies and—through the story of Martha and Mary—how it’s important to give our time to Jesus first, before doing things for Him. Finally, we wrap up the month with Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem, and how He washed the feet of His disciples, instructing them to serve one another in the same way. Through it all, kids will discover that being first is less important than putting others first.
Memory Verse
Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3, NIrV
Application
Humility: Putting others first by giving up what you want
Week 1 (March 1)
John the Baptist Is a Witness About Jesus
John the Baptist Is a Witness About Jesus | John 3:22-36
Bottom Line: Jesus must increase. I must decrease.
Conversation Starter: How can I show others that Jesus is better?
Throughout the month, we take a look at humility in the life of Jesus, and in the lives of people He encountered. In Week 1, followers of John the Baptist are up in arms about all the people going to follow Jesus. He’s the competition, right? But John the Baptist is secure in his calling—that his whole purpose is to point people to Jesus, rather than to himself.
Week 2 (March 8)
A Roman Commander Has Faith
A Roman Commander Has Faith | Matthew 8:5-13
Bottom Line: Remember God is most important.
Conversation Starter: How do you show that God is important?
In Week 2, meet a Roman commander who comes to Jesus for help. Instead of asserting his power and status, the man humbly asks Jesus to heal his servant. The commander even trusts that Jesus is so powerful that He only needs to speak and the boy will be made well.
Week 3 (March 15)
Be Humble/Love Your Enemies
Be Humble/Love Your Enemies | Matthew 5:38-48
Bottom Line: Love like Jesus even when it’s hard.
Conversation Starter: How can you show kindness to someone who makes you mad?
We follow up in Week 3 with Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek” and “go the extra mile.” Rather than paying back our enemies in kind, we show they can’t control us when we choose to love like Jesus … and trust God to make things right. Bottom Line: Love like Jesus even when it’s hard.
Week 4 (March 22)
Mary and Martha
Mary and Martha | Luke 10:38-42
Bottom Line: Make time for Jesus first.
Conversation Starter: How can you make time for Jesus?
Week 4 brings us to the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha whips up a frenzy of activity to prepare for their guests, Mary simply sits at the feet of Jesus. When Martha finally explodes about her sister, Jesus doesn’t send Mary to work. Instead, Jesus affirms that what Mary has done in spending time with Him is even more important than doing things for Him.
Week 5 (March 29)
Palm Sunday/Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
Palm Sunday/Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet | John 12:9-16, 13:1-17
Bottom Line: Jesus showed us how to be humble.
Conversation Starter: When has someone put you first?
We wrap up the month as Jesus approaches Jerusalem during Passover week. Days after entering Jerusalem on a donkey, to the cheers of a multitude, Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with His closest friends. Instead of demanding that He be served, Jesus takes on the role of the lowliest servant by washing His disciples’ feet … even those of Judas, His betrayer.