Starter
We never just teach the curriculum when we’re in the classroom.
1. Together, list all the other things about life and growing up that you have taught, or seen taught, in the last few weeks. You could write this on big paper in the middle of the table if you like.
2. How would you describe a really great human? Think physical, mental, spiritual, character and anything else that you hope for the kids you teach for when they grow up.
Going Deeper
3. We can do a lot to help children grow into great adults but what’s either not our role or is impossible for us to do?
One of the big things that we can't help kids with is ensuring they make good choices all the time. We can educate, encourage and enthuse about the good ways of living but they will make their own choices in the end. And it's not just children who get things wrong, need to learn discipline and find themselves saying sorry - it's part of the human condition. Or is it?
Jesus, Christians would argue, is the greatest of humans. The Bible tells us that he is perfect – never doing anything wrong. The Bible also tells us that he is God who came to Earth by becoming a human being as well (what we celebrate at Christmas). But why? And what difference does this make to the rest of us humans who aren’t God?
Have a look at the following three short passages from the book of John in the New Testament of the Bible. John's whole book is about showing what Jesus did while he was on Earth, and who he was.
4. Read each passage and discuss what the text shows about why Jesus came.
- The prologue to the book that John writes about Jesus:‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14
- How John, the author, describes Jesus:‘For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.’ John 3:34-36
- How Jesus describes what he has come to do versus what others, who wanted power and control, were trying to do:'I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' John 10:9-10
Reflect
It's vitally important for all humans to decide what they will believe or put their trust in throughouth their lives - we all have spiritual questions to answer. After all, if there is a God, we need to consider this possibility!
5. How much do you see this as part of your role in helping the children in your care to grow?
6. Having seen something of Jesus, how would you describe what he means to you?
Going Further
If it's near Christmas or Easter time, almost all churches are putting on services which are easy for anyone to come to. Why not see if you could join in this year?
If you enjoyed thinking these things through, you might enjoy a seminar that was delivered in 2022 entitled 'Growing Humans', given by Katie Shaw from the Teaching Network. Click here to have a listen.