In this lesson, children learn that Jesus became a servant and humbled himself to help others, so we can do the same by thinking of other people first. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus put others first, so we can be kind and humble like him by caring about our friends and family.
Memory Verse
Philippians 2:4
Each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together like they are holding a gift, then slowly open them and lift them toward a friend. Each time they do it, they say, “Look at others too.” Repeat the motion together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Philippians 2 for Kids
The apostle Paul was writing a letter to his friends in the city of Philippi. He loved them very much and wanted them to get along well. He asked them to be kind to each other and to share the same loving heart.
Paul told them not to do things just to look important or to win. Instead, they should think of others as more important than themselves. Each person should look not only at their own things but also at what other people need.
Then Paul talked about Jesus. Jesus was God’s own Son, and he had every right to be honored like a king. But he did not hold on to his glory. He chose to come to earth and became a servant, living as a humble person among people.
Jesus was so humble that he went all the way to the cross to save us. He trusted his Father and obeyed, even when it was very hard. Because of this, God raised him high and gave him a name above every other name.
Paul also told the Philippians about a friend named Epaphroditus. He was sick, but he cared so much about the church that he worked hard to help Paul, even when it put him at risk. Paul said the Philippians should welcome him with joy and honor him.
Read It Together
Philippians 2:5-7
5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.
(WEB)
Point out the words “Have this in your mind” and ask children what kind of thinking Paul wants us to copy. Show how Jesus gave up his place of honor to become a servant. Explain that copying Jesus means choosing to serve.
Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world…
(WEB)
Talk about how we can shine like lights when we do not complain or argue. Remind children that their kind words and good actions help others see Jesus. Ask them to name one place where they could shine this week.
Philippians 2:27-28
27 For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
(WEB)
Show children how Paul was thankful that God had mercy on Epaphroditus and on him. Explain that God cares about people when they are sick or sad. Point out that the church rejoiced when they saw their friend again.
Talk About It
- What is one way Jesus showed that he cared more about others than about himself?
- How can you show kindness to a brother, sister, or friend this week?
- Why do you think Paul wanted his friends to work together and get along?
- What does it mean to be a light in a dark world, and how can you do that at school?
- Who is someone you could thank for helping you, the way Epaphroditus helped Paul?
Activity Ideas
Helping Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child trace their hand on the paper and write one way they can help someone inside the hand outline. Let them decorate the hand and hang it somewhere in the room as a reminder to serve others.
Servant Relay Game
You will need a few cups, a spoon, and a small ball or pom-pom. Divide the children into two teams and have them carry the ball on the spoon from one side of the room to the other. Each time a child finishes, they must say one thing they can do to help another person before the next child goes.
Light the Way Take-Home
You will need a paper plate, a flashlight, and tape. Help each child cut a small hole in the middle of the plate and tape a sticky note with the words “I can shine for Jesus by serving others” on the back. Encourage families to read the note together at dinner during the week and talk about one kind act they saw.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the Christian life is shaped by humility, unity, and service after the example of Christ. Paul grounds his call to selflessness in the self-emptying of Jesus, who took the form of a servant and was exalted by the Father. The chapter also shows that believers work out their salvation as God works in them, so the call to serve is both a responsibility and a gift.
Be careful not to suggest to children that serving others earns God’s love or guarantees that good things will always happen to them. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and the joy of following his example.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing us how to serve others with a humble heart. Help us to think about our friends and family before ourselves. Give us kind words and helping hands so that others can see your love in us. Amen.
