Kids today don't know what it means to subject themselves one to another. In fact, many adults don't know what it means either. Maybe because they have never been taught to subject themselves to others or maybe they just don't understand what it means. Either way, you are going to have fun teaching your class what it means today!
The bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:5 KJV:
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Have the kids in your Sunday school class to read the verse aloud, quietly to themselves, or read along with you before you begin the following Sunday school activity.
This activity is so much fun, but you'll find that older kids tend to be shy while doing it. Stress the fact that Jesus wasn't embarrassed or ashamed to wash his disciples feet and he was the Son of God!
As the verse above says, we are to help older people and each other. Maybe you've seen kids rush past the older folks as they are walking or trying to get through a door. Remind the kids that it is more important to stop and help the older folks than rushing in front of them. For instance, maybe they can hold the door for the older folks in the church, carry their bibles or help them pick up papers when they drop them. Think of ways they can help those who need help even other kids that are the same age as the ones in your class.
Everyone will be participating in this Sunday school activity, so no one has to be embarrassed that they are doing something and no one else is.
First, you'll need some paper towels or hand towel and some hand soap. A sink will work great for this activity. If you don't have a sink, improvise with baby wipes or bottles of water.
Have the kids line up in a line near the sink. Talk to them about the passage John 13:4-9 KJV (below). You don't have to read it word for word. You may also find the Jesus washes his disciples feet Sunday school lesson can help you explain this activity a bit better.
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
What You'll Do
Have the first child wash your hands. Then, the second child will wash the first child's hands. The third child will wash the second child's hands and so on. Have paper towels or hand towels ready for the children to dry their hands on. You can wash the last child's hands so that all children will wash someone's hands and have their hands washed too.
Believe it or not, even kids ages 10 and 11 will have trouble washing other children's hands. You may have to give verbal instructions as each child takes a turn. They will wonder whose hands to put the soap on and should they hold them under the water. They will be very unsure of how to do this because it is something new to them.
I was surprised when we did this activity.
The eleven year olds had just as much trouble washing someone's hands as my six year olds.
It was a great experience for them all!
It gave them the understanding that when Jesus washed his disciples' feet, it wasn't easy. And, it probably took quite a while to finish all twelve of them.
Kids learn so much more when they have something visual to go by and learning by doing is a great way to teach the Word of God. This Sunday school activity is great for helping them grasp some of what Jesus did that day so long ago.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Thibault fr
Sunday School Activity - Foot Washing (Well, sort of.)
The bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:5 KJV:
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Have the kids in your Sunday school class to read the verse aloud, quietly to themselves, or read along with you before you begin the following Sunday school activity.
This activity is so much fun, but you'll find that older kids tend to be shy while doing it. Stress the fact that Jesus wasn't embarrassed or ashamed to wash his disciples feet and he was the Son of God!
As the verse above says, we are to help older people and each other. Maybe you've seen kids rush past the older folks as they are walking or trying to get through a door. Remind the kids that it is more important to stop and help the older folks than rushing in front of them. For instance, maybe they can hold the door for the older folks in the church, carry their bibles or help them pick up papers when they drop them. Think of ways they can help those who need help even other kids that are the same age as the ones in your class.
Sunday School Activity
Everyone will be participating in this Sunday school activity, so no one has to be embarrassed that they are doing something and no one else is.
First, you'll need some paper towels or hand towel and some hand soap. A sink will work great for this activity. If you don't have a sink, improvise with baby wipes or bottles of water.
Have the kids line up in a line near the sink. Talk to them about the passage John 13:4-9 KJV (below). You don't have to read it word for word. You may also find the Jesus washes his disciples feet Sunday school lesson can help you explain this activity a bit better.
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
What You'll Do
Have the first child wash your hands. Then, the second child will wash the first child's hands. The third child will wash the second child's hands and so on. Have paper towels or hand towels ready for the children to dry their hands on. You can wash the last child's hands so that all children will wash someone's hands and have their hands washed too.
Believe it or not, even kids ages 10 and 11 will have trouble washing other children's hands. You may have to give verbal instructions as each child takes a turn. They will wonder whose hands to put the soap on and should they hold them under the water. They will be very unsure of how to do this because it is something new to them.
I was surprised when we did this activity.
The eleven year olds had just as much trouble washing someone's hands as my six year olds.
It was a great experience for them all!
It gave them the understanding that when Jesus washed his disciples' feet, it wasn't easy. And, it probably took quite a while to finish all twelve of them.
Kids learn so much more when they have something visual to go by and learning by doing is a great way to teach the Word of God. This Sunday school activity is great for helping them grasp some of what Jesus did that day so long ago.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Thibault fr
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