Rewards of Service

Theme: God rewards those who welcome his disciples.

Memory Verse: “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40

 

When Jesus was sending out his twelve disciples, he warned them that being his disciple wasn’t going to be easy. They would often be mistreated, rejected, and abused. In our lesson last week, Jesus assured that God would watch over them and keep them safe. He also promised that God would reward those who received his disciples with kindness and welcomed them into their homes and was kind to them.

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me,” Jesus told them. Who is the one who sent Jesus? It is God the Father. Isn’t it wonderful that we can know that when we welcome those who come to us in Jesus’ name, it is the same as welcoming Jesus and when we welcome Jesus, we also welcome God the Father who sent him? Jesus went on to tell the disciples that whoever welcomes a prophet would receive the same reward as the prophet and that whoever welcomes a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. Jesus also promised, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of my disciples, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Father, help us to be faithful to your teachings each day. Help us to welcome those who come to us in Jesus’ name and care for others as we offer even a cup of cold water in your name. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Activities + Resources

Here is a video of 3 children’s activities focused on being welcoming.  Enjoy these crafts with your children and while you are doing them talk about how God welcomes everyone and we should too.  Below the video are the other regular activities we provide each week.