Mission Briefing
Fix It First
You’re about to give God a really cool gift – then you suddenly remember you hurt someone and haven’t said sorry yet. What should you do first? Jesus has a surprising answer that might just change the way you think about worship! This mission explores Matthew 5:23-24.
What Does Matthew 5:23-24 Mean?
Jesus says that making things right with people we’ve hurt is so important that we should even pause our worship to do it! God doesn’t want our gifts and praise if we’re ignoring broken relationships. Being right with the people around us and being right with God go hand in hand – you really can’t have one without the other.
Hero Challenge
Before you pray tonight, take 60 seconds and ask yourself: “Is there anyone I’ve hurt or been unfair to this week?” If someone comes to mind, reach out to them – say sorry, make it right, and then bring your prayers to God with a clean heart. Watch how much closer to God you feel!
Did You Know?
In Jesus’ time, bringing a gift to the altar at the temple was one of the most important acts of worship a person could do. It sometimes took a whole day’s journey to get there. So when Jesus said “leave your gift and go,” He was saying that reconciliation matters MORE than your most important religious act – that’s a huge deal!
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
When we say sorry to someone we hurt, it makes God happy too! Is there someone you want to say sorry to today?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think God cares so much about us getting along with others, not just about our prayers and worship?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
Jesus says to go reconcile even if the other person is the one who has something against you – even if it’s not entirely your fault. What makes that so hard, and what would give you the courage to do it anyway?
♥ Mission Prayer
God, help me to be quick to say sorry and make things right with others. Give me a humble heart that values people as much as I value worshipping You. Amen.
