The Sweet Life of Following Jesus!

This series uses kids' favorite sweet breakfast treats to look at what the Bible says about becoming and growing as a disciple of Jesus

MEMORY VERSE:
"Have your roots in him. Build yourselves up in him. Grow strong in what you believe” Colossians 2:7a (NIRV)

LESSONS:
1) Frosted With Sprinkles

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13, The Calling of Matthew

If a donut has no toppings, not even glaze, is it even a donut? It’s basically just a circle of bread! But when you add the sweetness of glaze or frosting and sprinkles, suddenly you have a pretty special treat! As Jesus showed with Matthew, when we become disciples of Jesus, he redeems our sinful lives and transforms them into a sweet life filled with joy and purpose.

Objective: Kids will learn, “Becoming a disciple means admitting I’m sinful and need God’s help.”

2) Donut Hole

Scripture: John 3:1-16, Nicodemus Visits Jesus

Donut holes are like little baby donuts. When Jesus told Nicodemus that his followers must be "born again," Nicodemus didn't understand how people could become babies again. It would be like trying to turn a full-sized doughnut back into a donut hole. It didn’t make sense! But Jesus explained that he was talking about a spiritual birth.

Objective: Kids will learn, “Becoming a disciple means letting Jesus change my desires.”

3) A Dozen Donuts

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26, 57-62, Counting the Cost

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a world where donuts are free. If you want to buy a dozen donuts, you have to decide if the reward is worth the cost. (And if you do buy them, you have to decide if the reward of eating a dozen donuts is worth the tummy-ache later on!) Becoming a disciple of Jesus is so much greater than the regular life, but Jesus did tell those who wanted to follow Him that they needed to "count the cost." Following Jesus does mean we will make sacrifices in this life because we are living with the next life in mind.

Objective: Kids will learn, “Becoming a disciple means I will have put God and others ahead of myself.”

4) Bear Claw

Scripture: Acts 2:1-7, 14, 37-41, Peter Preaches at Pentecost

This donut may be named after a bold and scary animal, but the taste is sweet and delicious. Disciples are called to be bold for Jesus, which can be scary; but when we rely on the Holy Spirit, the results are sweet.

Objective: Kids will learn, “Becoming a disciple means I will be bold for Jesus.”

EACH LESSON INCLUDES:
Make It Stick! Parent Sheet
Memory Verse
Game
Large Group Lesson
Small-Group Discussion
More!

ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM:
Perfect for kids ages 6-12.
4 Weeks
Includes both Large Group and Small Group resources.