Sunday school activities - October 31, 2021

Mark 12: 28-31

28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 

29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 

30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 

31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

This week’s scripture reading is probably the most familiar lesson that Jesus taught. Two things are important:

  1. Love God

  2. Love your neighbour as yourself

The second one wasn’t a brand-new idea for Jesus and his followers. It was an important part of the Jewish faith that Jesus grew up in. It is often called the “Golden Rule” and it shows up in almost every culture and faith in the world. Sometimes we hear it said like this: “Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.”

For Discussion

1.     Can you think of some times when this has been a difficult rule to follow?

2.     What do you think would happen if everyone in the world actually followed this rule?

3.     If you follow this link (PDF), you will see this message in the writings of thirteen different faiths! Which ones do you like the best? Why?

Response Activity Ideas

Storytime: Do Unto Otters – Laurie Keller

Listen and watch this story:

Give examples of times you’ve been friendly, said “Please and Thank you,” cooperated with others, shared, and done the other things Mr. Rabbit expects from the otters.

Draw a picture of you or the characters in the book following the “Golden Rule”!

Boomerang

A boomerang is a great object to represent the idea of the “Golden Rule” that we give what we want to get back. 

What do you ‘get back’ when you help, serve, and love others?

Following the directions on the video make your own boomerang! 

Write the Golden Rule on it, or another culture’s variation of the rule, and decorate.

Circles of Love

Print out the worksheet or make one of your own by drawing concentric circles or cutting out larger and larger circles of paper.

  • In the centre circle, write your name and write ways you care for yourself.

  • In the next circle, write ‘My Family’ – How is love shown in your family?

  • In the next circle, write ‘My Friends’ and record ways you are kind and considerate with your friends.

  • In the next circle, write ‘My Community’ – How can you be a loving neighbour?

  • In the last circle, write ‘The World’ and write some ways you can spread love beyond our church and city.

"Love God... and love your neighbour as yourself" How do you care for yourself? How can you care for others? [5 concentric circles]

Click to pring PDF