Moppets Lesson: Jesus Feeds 5000

I’ve recently started helping prepare some lessons for the preschool kids who come with their moms to my church’s MOPS group.  In the tradition of French diminutives (i.e. book-let, cigar-ette), we call the kids’ program “Moppets.”  I’m sure this won’t be all that helpful to the grandmas and grandpas who read this blog, but since I’ve taken the time to collect these ideas, I wanted to repost them here in case someone else could use some of the ideas.

My goal for these lessons is that the kids would get to know God better than they did coming in, the moms would be equipped to continue teaching their kids about God at home, and the volunteers would be prepared to share Christ with little people (and maybe even learn something themselves).  May God take these simple ideas and use them for his glory!

The first lesson centered around the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. 

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21

Take-away: Jesus does what no one else can do.

Mommy’s take-away: Even though Jesus was grieving and tired (He had just heard the news of John the Baptist’s death.), he chose to show compassion. How can I show compassion to my family, my neighbors, or others when I may not feel like it?

Bible Verse: Matthew 19:26 “With God all things are possible.”

Song:  “All Things Are Possible” by Michelle Endicott

For with God, for with God

All things are possible

Repeat

All things, all things

Are possible with God

Repeat

Craft:  Make a picnic basket and necklace to re-tell the story of Jesus feeding over 5000 people with just 5 loaves and 2 fish.

Take It Home!

We’d love for you to interact with your child about today’s theme and story. Here are some ideas:

• Read the true story of Jesus feeding 5000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish from an age-appropriate children’s Bible.
• Jesus friends thought it would be impossible to find (much less pay for) enough food for that many people. Jesus provided even more than they needed. Pray for something you and/or your child thinks impossible. “Lord, we know that with YOU all things are possible. If it’s in your plan, would you…?”
• Post this week’s memory verse (on the coloring page) in a visible spot. Share a time when you saw God do the impossible in your life with your child.
• Pretend to be on a picnic with Jesus and act out the story with your child. Ask questions like… “Where do you think we can find food?” “Do you think it will be enough for everyone?” “How many baskets of leftovers did Jesus’ friends pick up?” “How do you think Jesus did that?”
• Counting. Count the pieces of bread and fish on the necklace your child made in Moppets. Describe 5000 people in a way your child can begin to grasp: “Hundreds and hundreds.” “Lots and lots.” “The number of grains of rice in ¾ cup.” Or simply: “More than we can count.”
• Act out the difference between impossible and possible. i.e. “Touch your nose.” vs. “Touch the ceiling.”