Friday, May 30th

Opening Question: What are some things you (or other people) think you do pretty well?

Read Luke 9:46-48 and some related verses from the Bible:

46 The disciples began to argue about which one of them would be the most important person. 47 Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he took a little child and had the child stand beside him. 48 Then he spoke to them. "Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me," he said. "And anyone who welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. The least important person among all of you is the most important."

Related verses:

Jesus called a little child over to him. He had the child stand among them. Jesus said, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don't, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who becomes as free of pride as this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:2-4)

The Lord hates all those who have proud hearts. You can be sure that they will be punished. (Proverbs 16:5)

If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed. So don't be proud if you want to be honored. (Proverbs 18:12)

Young men, follow the lead of those who are older. All of you, put on a spirit that is free of pride toward each other as if it were your clothes. Scripture says, "God opposes those who are proud, but gives grace to the humble." So don't be proud. Put yourselves under God's mighty hand. Then he will honor you at the right time. (1 Peter 5:5,6)

Word List:
disciples – the followers of Jesus.
kingdom of heaven – where God lives and rules as King.
Scripture – the Old Testament part of the Bible, written before Jesus.

Discussion Questions:
1. Is pride good or bad?
2. What were Jesus’ disciples saying, and how did Jesus know what they were thinking?
3. Who are the most important people in your culture? And in the kingdom of heaven?
4. Why did Jesus use a little child to teach the disciples what is most important?
5. How can we become like little children, and what good will it do?