This lesson teaches children that Jesus put others first, and that we can follow his example by being kind, humble and helpful to the people around us. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is our best example of caring about others more than himself, and we can show that same love every day.
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 in front of their chests, then slowly open them outward like they are giving a gift to someone. Each time they say the verse, they open their hands to show they are sharing with others.
The Story: Philippians 2 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his friends in the city of Philippi. Paul was in prison, but he was not worried about himself. He was thinking about his friends and how they were getting along with each other.
Paul asked his friends to be kind to one another and to think of each other as more important than themselves. He did not want anyone to be selfish or to show off. He wanted them to be humble, like Jesus.
Then Paul told them a story about Jesus. Jesus was God’s own Son, and he could have kept all his power and glory for himself. But he chose to become a servant and to be born as a human baby. He lived among people and helped them every day.
Jesus was humble all the way to the end. He was willing to die on a cross to save people from their sins. Paul wanted his friends to remember that Jesus did this out of love, not because he had to.
Because Jesus was so faithful, God raised him up and gave him the highest name of all. Someday, everyone in heaven and on earth will bow down and say that Jesus is Lord. God the Father is so pleased with his Son.
Paul also wrote about two friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus was very sick, but he kept helping Paul anyway. Paul said, “Welcome him with joy,” because Epaphroditus cared about others so much.
Read It Together
Philippians 2:3
Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself…
(WEB)
Point out the words “in humility” and “counting others better than himself.” Explain that humility means not bragging or acting like we are better than everyone else. Ask children to think of one time they could choose a friend’s idea first.
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)
Show children how Jesus “emptied himself” by choosing to become a servant. Explain that Jesus was truly God but still chose to live as a humble person. Point out that caring for others is something Jesus did on purpose.
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)
Point to the phrase “do all things without murmurings and disputes,” and explain that complaining and arguing hurt others. Show that children can be lights by being cheerful and kind even when things are hard. Ask them to name a time they could shine like that.
Talk About It
- What is one way Jesus showed that he cared about other people?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to become a servant even though he was God’s Son?
- How can you think of someone else’s needs before your own at school or at home?
- What might happen to a group of friends if everyone tried to be the most important one?
- Who is someone in your life who has served you, and how can you thank them this week?
Activity Ideas
Make a Light for Someone
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and a small paper cup. Have each child draw a sunny face on a plate and write one kind thing they can do for someone this week. Tape the plate to the cup so it looks like a little lamp, and let them take it home as a reminder to shine for others.
Servant Relay Race
You will need two bowls, a spoon, and some small items like dried beans or cotton balls. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass the items from one bowl to the other using only the spoon, one at a time. Stop after a few rounds and talk about how helping each other made the game easier and more fun.
Thank-You Card Home Visit
You will need paper, markers, and envelopes. Have each child draw a picture and write a short thank-you note to a family member who helps them every day, like a parent, grandparent, or neighbor. Encourage them to deliver the card and say one specific thing they appreciate about that person.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the Christian life is shaped by humility, unity, and selfless love, modeled perfectly by Jesus. Paul grounds his call to unity in the example of Christ, who gave up his rightful honor to serve and save others. The passage also reminds believers that God is at work within them, enabling them to live this way.
Avoid suggesting to children that being humble means letting others walk over them or that they must earn God’s love by being good. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and example rather than on pressure to perform, and be careful not to imply that Epaphroditus’ illness was caused by anyone’s behavior.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing us how to care about others the way you did. Help us to be humble, kind, and ready to help our friends and family. Please help us shine your light everywhere we go. Amen.
