Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. They may be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a soccer coach, a small group leader or a 4th grade student. No matter where God has you right now, He’s given you a chance to lead by example. Someone is always watching, and you have the opportunity to lead out of pride or out of humility. You can either work to get your own way or go out of your way to serve others. What kind of leader would you like to follow?
LEADERSHIP: Guiding others to follow God as you follow Him.
MEMORY VERSE: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
This Week’s Finish Line: The Greatest Leaders Are Servants of All
One day the disciples James and John came to Jesus with a request. They wanted Him to give them a special place in heaven so others could see that they were important. This, of course, upset the other disciples and showed that James and John didn’t understand the kind of leaders that Jesus wanted them to be. The first time Jesus came to earth, He came not to be served but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Humility, service, and love are the marks of a true leader, and there’s no better leader to follow than Christ.
Family Questions:
- Read Mark 10:35-45. What did James and John ask Jesus that upset the other disciples?
- What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “the greatest among you will be your servant”?
- Is it easy or hard for you to be servant-hearted? Why? What kind of example does Jesus give us about leading by serving others?
- Does God expect us to lead others on our own power? Read 1 Corinthians 11:1. Who does a good leader follow?
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Meal Time
Modeling after Jesus' example in John 13:1-17, have your kids sit in a chair after dinner and one by one wash their feet. After you are done, ask them why they think you washed their feet. Tell them that you are going to read a story from the Bible to explain why. Read John 13:1-17 to them, emphasizing verse 14 and 15. Explain to them how Jesus, who was fully God and the greatest leader of all time, showed us that the greatest leaders are servants of all.
Friend: Drive Time
When you are in the car together this week, encourage your kids to lead by serving. Help them think through a few ideas of ways to serve those around them. Be sure to ask them about it at the end of the day and celebrate the opportunities God provided!
Counselor: Bedtime
At bedtime, ask your child if they think they are leading anyone. Help them to see that there are people in their lives that are watching them and are being influenced by them. It could be younger siblings, kids in their class, cousins or neighbors. Try to identify and help them realize that on some level they are leaders. Encourage them to lead by example. Remind them to not get overwhelmed, but to follow and ask for help from the ultimate leader, Jesus!
Coach: Anytime
Break out the crafts in your home and spend some time with your family. Have your kids draw two different pictures. The first picture is one of good leadership and the second is one of bad leadership. As a challenge, take all of your kid's pictures and try to explain out loud what you think is happening in them. Afterwards let them explain their pictures to you to see if you missed anything.
Prayer
Thank God for the opportunity to lead people in your life in different ways. Ask Him to help you follow His example and serve others instead of thinking primarily about yourself.
Looking Ahead
Next week will be PROMO WEEKEND 2019!!