Mission Briefing
Giving Is Greater Than Getting!
Most kids know the feeling of getting a gift – it’s exciting! But did you know that Jesus Himself said giving a gift is even better than getting one? It might sound hard to believe, but this is one of the most famous things Jesus ever said, and it comes with a hidden superpower that you can discover for yourself this week! This mission explores Acts 20:35.
What Does Acts 20:35 Mean?
When Paul was saying goodbye to the leaders of the church in Ephesus, he reminded them of these words from Jesus: giving is more blessed than receiving. The word “blessed” means truly happy and full of good things. Jesus wasn’t saying receiving is bad – He was saying that when we give, something amazing happens inside us. Helping someone weak or in need fills our hearts with a kind of joy that no amount of gifts can bring us.
Hero Challenge
Test this verse for yourself! This week, secretly do something kind for someone without telling them it was you – leave a kind note, do a chore for a sibling, or give something away anonymously. Notice how it makes you feel inside. Is it more joyful than getting something?
Did You Know?
This is the only place in the whole Bible where this saying of Jesus is recorded – and it’s not in any of the four Gospels! Paul quoted it in the book of Acts, which means this was one of Jesus’ sayings that was passed on by word of mouth among His disciples. It’s a reminder that not everything Jesus said was written down in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
Jesus said giving is better than getting. Can you think of a time you gave something to someone and it made you feel really happy inside?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think giving might make us feel happier than receiving? Have you ever experienced that feeling?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
Paul was teaching church leaders how to serve others by using his own life as an example. What does it look like to lead others into generosity by modeling it yourself, rather than just telling people what to do?
♥ Mission Prayer
Jesus, thank You for teaching us that giving brings the greatest joy. Help me to look for ways to give this week and to discover the blessing that comes from serving others. Amen.
