Teaching Kids All About Compassion

Who doesn’t love a good party? Whether it be a block party or birthday party, a cul-de-sac party or anniversary party – they all bring a smile to our face! Music plays, people embrace, and the buzz of celebration rings throughout the space.

But when the party ends and everyone goes home, sometimes it’s hard to keep smiling. That’s because life is sometimes, well . . . not a party. Sometimes, life can be tough. And if we think about the real faces and feelings of our neighbors under the smile, we realize that everyone could use a little help. But what would happen if we looked beyond the smiling faces at the party and truly saw the needs of others?

This February, we will be teaching our kids all about compassion! This is caring enough to do something about someone else’s need. And we will take our cue from Jesus as we learn about how he lived a life of compassion.

February Curriculum Overview on Compassion

You see, Jesus lived a life filled with justice, love, mercy, and humility. He calls us to live this bold life of compassion, too! Kids will learn that Jesus’ compassion for everyone is actually a real reflection of God’s very character. Through our new February theme, On My Block, kids will learn to have compassion for everyone around them.

The memory verse for February is “The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIRV). The bottom line is compassion: caring enough to do something about someone else’s need.

Let’s preview the Bible stories and bottom lines for each week of February:

Week 1: Jesus’ Mission Statement (Luke 4:14-24, 28-30)

After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He began teaching in the Synagogue where He grew up in Nazareth. There, He stood up in front of a crowd and read an important passage from Isaiah about the promised Messiah. He boldly stated that He was the One to fulfill those promises. Jesus shared with the people His life’s mission. To bring freedom, healing, and hope to ALL people.

Through this story, kids will learn that following Jesus means caring about others. Jesus knew his purpose. He knew and believed that God sent Him to rescue us, and He bravely shared that mission with others. We pray that through this message, kids will catch Jesus’ purpose and live a life of compassion for others.

Week 2: Jesus Talks with a Woman From Samaria (John 4:1-30, 39-42)

In Jesus’ time, Samaria was a place that Jews tried to avoid. But rather than walking around that region, Jesus took his disciples straight through that region to Jacob’s well. There, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman and shares God’s mission and love to her. This news completely transformed her life, and she went on to share it with others.

Kids will learn through Jesus’ example to show others they matter. Jesus valued every person, and He values us. In turn, we can value others, spend time with them, and help them see they matter to God.

Week 3: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (John 6:1-13)

In this familiar story, we read about the people who were desperate to see Jesus heal and do miracles. Even as they followed Him through the Sea of Galilee, He didn’t ignore them or send them away. He showed compassion to them and embraced their needs. Many were tired and hungry, so he takes what a boy had – some fish and bread – and feeds a multitude with leftovers!

Through Jesus’ compassion for the crowd, kids will learn to use what you have to help others. Some kids might think they are too young to make a difference, but God teaches us otherwise. He was able to turn what the little boy had into more than enough, and He will do the same with us. Kids will learn that as they embrace the needs of others, they can help make a difference, too.

Week 4: Jesus Heals Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)

For our final week, we end with a story about an encounter Jesus had with a blind man named Bartimaeus. This man was oftentimes ignored in his world, but He calls out to Jesus in faith. Rather than walking past Bartimaeus, Jesus acts with compassion and heals the blind man, changing his life forever!

Through Jesus and Bartimaeus, kids will learn to make time and help others. We all have people around us who need help, but sometimes we forget to prioritize them. Jesus teaches us to make the needs of others a priority. In this final week, we pray that kids learn to have compassion on those around them, just like Jesus did.

Through each week this February, we pray that kids find a purpose in compassion and use their unique gifts to help those around them. Jesus is the perfect example of compassion, and His compassion changes us. It reminds us that we can celebrate everyone Jesus created, because He loves them! We can show that compassion to everyone on our block.

For more ideas and inspiration on these new themes, be sure to check out the 252 Kids Pinterest, Facebook, and Spotify!