Use these Bible craft ideas in your Sunday School class for teaching about when Jesus met the Canaanite Woman in Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28.
On the outset, Jesus ignoring a woman and then nearly calling her a “dog” does not seem like a terrific story for kids! However, the story of the Canaanite woman has a couple of important truths for us to draw. For one thing, it is a great reminder that we can have faith in God and trust Him to do great things in our lives, even if at first it seems He isn’t listening. The principles in this story also tell us that Jesus does care for all people, and came to save all, regardless of nationality or appearance. The crafts here touch on both of those themes. We have a fun “what’s inside doggy bag” to remember that great things can come in unexpected packages; we also have a “faithful follower decoration” to contemplate and remember elements of trust in God.
Bonus Ideas for Teaching on Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
- Have a “blind test” with tasting or feeling objects to trust what they might be without sight.
- Have a “crumb-y snack” with cookie crumbs or cracker crumbs, mixed in with pudding or peanut butter and bananas!
- Examine other Biblical characters who were forced to endure, persevere, try things multiple times, or have patience (examples include Elijah, Hannah, Moses, Joshua, etc.).
Bible Verses or Captions to Consider…
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. -Hebrews 11:1
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6
What’s Inside Counts! Jesus Loves All
Wait for God to act…He is worthy of trust!
Faith…trust…hope…love… (decoration labels)
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Craft one: “What’s Inside Counts Doggy Bag”
You will need:
- Paper bags
- Small treats
- Markers, stickers, or other decorating materials
- Scissors
- Glue, tape or string/ribbon
- Aluminum foil
Procedure:
- Wrap a small treat or candy in aluminum foil, adding extra paper if desired.
- Decorate the paper “doggy bag” as a reminder of the significance of the craft (looking at inner value, rather than outer appearances). Add decorations and stickers.
- Place the foil-wrapped treat inside the paper bag.
- Give the bag to someone that you care for, or set in a prominent place to recall the story.
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Craft Two: “Hang your Faith on Jesus Decoration”
You will need:
- Yarn or string
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Extra decorations (stickers, etc.)
- Caption or verse
- Markers or crayons
- Hole punch
Procedure:
- Choose how many words or phrases you’d like on your decoration.
- Cut construction paper into shapes such as hearts, crosses, or other shapes.
- Add verses, captions, or specific words to each paper.
- Hole punch the papers, adding additional decoration if desired.
- String the yarn, string, or pipe cleaner through the papers. This can be used as a long wall decoration or a simple necklace or “belt” to enjoy