Serve Like Jesus
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. When we love others, we know that we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the presence of God. (CEV)
A new family moved in next door, and James was excited. They had a boy his own age, named Michael. He hoped they could be friends. On Friday, the new neighbors came over for dinner. While he was excited about meeting the new neighbor, James wondered, “How can I be a good host?”
When the new family arrived for dinner, James helped his dad take coats and hang them up. After dinner, he invited Michael to pick what they could do together. Michael wanted to play video games, so James let him use the best game controller. Later, James told his parents that it was fun meeting Michael’s family. It felt good to serve others and share. That night, James prayed and asked God to help him to always be generous to others and thanked him for his new friend, Michael.
Jesus commanded his disciples to feed the hungry, welcome strangers, give clothing to anyone in need, take care of the sick, and visit those in prison (Matthew 25:34-40). When we do these things for any of God’s people, it is like we are doing it for him. As God’s children, he wants us to think about the needs of other people before our own.
Following Jesus means following his example. Kind and generous, Jesus came to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45). When we treat people the way Jesus did, they experience his love for them.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being the greatest example of showing love and care for others. Help me to care for others the same way you care for the world. Amen.Related Resources
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.