Little Lambs Stars: My Friend Jesus

Listen to a book about Jesus.

There are many books about Jesus. The important thing is to choose one that meets the Little Lamb interest and vocabulary level.

Bible App for Kids is a ministry of Youversion Bible Inc. and provides nearly 50 interactive Bible stories for kids. There is an animated storybook app with vivid illustrations and sound as well as interactive touch screen interactions. The games and activities help kids remember what they learn. There are 11 stories about Jesus. Navigation is simple for kids and there are no in-app purchases. There is also a printed Bible that has the same stories and graphics. See your device’s app store.

Bibleforchildren.org has illustrated and color pages for sixty different Bible stories available for download and printing in 132 different languages. There are 18 stories about Jesus (including Powerpoint, coloring pages, and storybook pages) http://bibleforchildren.org/ or your device’s App store.

Sing a song about Jesus.

There are thousands of children's songs about Jesus.

Idea: To the tune London Bridge is Falling Down) Jesus is My Friend Today

Jesus is my friend today,
Clap your hands,
Shout hurray
Jesus is my friend today,
We love Jesus.
Jesus is my friend today,
Stomp your Feet,
Shout hurray
Jesus is my friend today,
We love Jesus.
Jesus is my friend today,
Turn around,
Shout hurray
Jesus is my friend today,
We love Jesus.

A group can even do motions with this. Jesus (pointer fingers at alternating palms), is my friend today (hug self), Stomp your feet (stomp your feet), Shout hurray (shout hurray), Jesus (pointer fingers at alternating palms), is my friend today (hug self), We (flat hand touch right shoulder and arc to left shoulder, love (draw heart over heart), Jesus (pointer fingers at alternating palms).

Another fun song:
A-B-C-D-E-F-G Jesus Died for You and Me (Unknown)

A-B-C-D-E-F-G,
Jesus died for you and me
H-I-J-K-L-M-N,Jesus died for sinful men, AMEN!
O-P-Q-R-S-T-U,
I believe God’s word is true,
V-W,
God has promised you
X-Y-Z,
A home eternally. Link

Other song titles include:
"Jesus Loves Me"
"You are my All"
"Jesus' Love is a Bubblin' Over"
Use your favorite search engine: kids songs my friend Jesus.

Play a game about Jesus.

Several simple games could be used: Idea: Sermons4Kids has several "Jesus' love" games appropriate for 4 year olds.

Learn how Jesus grew up helping/obeying his parents.

There is very little information in the Bible about Jesus' growing up years. Luke 2:51-52 is the summary of how Jesus helped and obeyed his parents. The New International Version states:

"Then Jesus ... was obedient to them. ... And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

The children could be taught the words with hand motions. Jesus (pointer fingers point to opposite alternating palms) was obedient to them (nodding head in agreement) and he grew in wisdom (tap forehead with first finger) and stature (palm starts at hip, palm flat and facing down. Then "grow" it upward to the shoulder) and in favor (clap hands twice) with God (flat palm, fingers pointed up, palm towards center, palm descends across center face line) and mankind. (first finger points towards other people)

The goal is to learn that Jesus obeyed his parents, learned, and grew physically. There are a number of children's story books that have beautiful illustrations that show his growing process and use age appropriate language.

Learn to be friends with peers as Jesus was.

This is a good discussion requirement that gives children a chance to think about how to treat others their own age (peers). Adult leaders can ask questions to a small group such as: "How do I like to be treated by other children?" "When a friend has a toy that I would like to play with, how do I act like Jesus?" "When a friend takes something from me, what would Jesus like me to do?"

Role-playing is very good with this age group, especially if adults role play the scenarios first, then have children copy them. ALWAYS use situations where love and respect for each other is displayed. Remember that many in this group are still developmentally "solo players," meaning that they don't know HOW to play WITH other children, but only how to play along side other children. Patience with them as they learn a new developmental skill is important!

One Activity Idea to go along with this concept -- Bring a pillowcase or bag full of toddler / little child items, ad discuss what each was used for (stuffed animal, toy truck/tractor, toy tool(s), child costume, etc.). Afer discussion of each item, lay them out on a table, then have them close their eyes and remove an item and see if they know which one is missing..

Make a friend craft.

Search your favorite search engine with these terms: "christian children craft friends Jesus"

If you have reviewed a story about Jesus' friends (disciples) you could search for a themed craft. The Good Samaritan "who is my neighbor" also is a great story starter for some great online craft ideas.