Get behind me Satin OR Take up your cross and follow me

Reading - Matthew 16: 21-28

• Have you ever had to do something you didn't want to do, but you did it because you knew it was right? (Discuss)
• It may be your job to take a turn at washing the dishes, putting the rubbish bins out, making your bed, cleaning up your room, putting your toys away, Etc.
• You may not like doing these things, but you know, deep down, it is only fair because you should be doing your bit to help Mum or Dad, especially when you think of all the things they do for you (What might some be - Discuss)
• In today's story Jesus says that many people have to do things like this every day and they do then (even though they don't want to) because it is right.
• There are lots of things Mum and Dad did for you, and still do, that they would prefer not to have done, especially when you were a baby with all those poopy nappies to change.
• Jesus reminds us that to be a Christian and do the right thing by others and also by God, there are times we have to do things, even when we say we don't have time. Eg: Praying - Worship - Helping others etc.
• Jesus does not say being a friend of his would be easy.
• We also have to make sure that our relationship with Jesus is two way cf: How sad it is with people we call friends, never contact us and we seem to be the one always making the contact.
• Jesus wants us to keep in contact with him regularly.
• That is why we are here today.
• Being with Jesus' friends.
• It is why we say our prayers because it is a way of talking to God.
• Being a Christian (friend of Jesus) is not easy and today we are going to think about this further in our Kid's Church activities.

Kids Church Activity:
Activity: To make a yarn cross

What you need to get ready:
Require: Disposable meat tray, Long nail, Yarn, Tape, Scissors

pdf file (Approx 750k) 8 page work book for children on today's lectionary readings