Use this object lesson to share a message with children about loving others who look different. This sermon is can be used with various Bible passages to teach against prejudice and explain how God loves all his children. Print the message notes below, watch our example video, and gather your supplies.
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“What’s on the inside?”Children’s Sermon
Object Lesson about Loving Neighbors who Look Different
Main Objective: It is a sad truth that throughout history, people (even men and women of God) have struggled with prejudice and discrimination. Our goal should be to raise children who know that God made all people, and loves us all as His precious and most valuable creation. This message seeks to remind kids that we may look different on the outside, but inside we all need the love of Jesus.
Law/Gospel Theme: Jesus died for ALL people. No matter what we have done or will do, He cares for us and wants us to care for one another. The good news of the Gospel is not exclusive, but something that everyone should know about and benefit from understanding. We as Christians should value all people as made in God’s image.
Optional Materials / Object Lesson Props: Various types of fruit, with differing outer coverings
Bible Passage: Genesis 1:27; John 13:34-35; Luke 10:25-28 (several other options, too)
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs. Use your judgment and ideas to best serve students.
You can watch a demonstration of this children’s sermon our YouTube channel
More Teaching Help about Racial Reconciliation
- See our resource list for teaching against racism
- Anti-racism Bible lesson for kids
- The Gospel in Color – Racial reconciliation series for kids
Children’s Sermon “Loving People who Look Different”
Greet children, carrying several pieces of fruit with various outer appearances
Hello, children of God! Do you like to eat fruit? I sure do. What are your favorite kinds of fruit to eat? (Take responses as time and audience allow) Well, I have hear some fruits to show you. What is this? (Hold up one kind of apple)
That’s right, it’s an apple! How about this one? (Demonstrate another apple, of a different color/variety) Yes! It is also an apple! Now, they don’t quite look the same on the outside, do they? But if I cut them open, what would I find inside? They are both apples, and have seeds and flesh inside them. (If resources and time permit, feel free to cut into the fruit to show this point.)
They might not be exactly alike, but they are the same food. And both of these can provide me with delicious fruit, and give me nutrients for health. How about this one? (Emphasize the point by exhibiting one or two other fruits that are different on the outside than inside. Differences could also be variation in size or shape. Vegetables or other foods can be used to illustrate this, as well.)
How are people like this? Well, we don’t all look the same on the outside, do we? Actually, we all look quite different, with the possible exception of twins. Some people have different sizes, different body types, and different colors of hair, eyes, and skin. We don’t all sound the same or say the same things. But on the inside, we are all human. Do you know what is extra special about humans? The Bible tells us that God made us in His image. We are His most prized creation! He loves us and values us, so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. And Jesus died for all people. Not just people from a certain country or people who look a certain way. He died and rose again so that all people everywhere can have forgiveness. And when other people are in God’s family, they are like our brothers and sisters. Even if you’re an only child, you can have a whole family of fellow believers in Christ.
And if God loves us that much, what do you think it means for us? Well, we ought to love one another, too. It’s important for us to remember that Jesus died for each and every person on this planet, and He wants them all to know and love Him. Sometimes people do things we might not agree with or appreciate. Sometimes people appear to be quite different from us. But we can look at them and see people that Jesus loves, that God made in His image, and someone who can be our brothers and sisters in Christ. Everyone we meet needs love. Of course, God’s love is necessary, but we need to reach out and demonstrate that we care for other people, too. Regardless of how they look or sound, God calls us to love and serve one another, and to share the Gospel. This is not always easy! But you will find that loving others and recognizing that Christ cares for them can ultimately bring you great joy and blessing.
Why don’t we pray and ask God to help us care for one another?
Children’s Prayer Moment
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Please help us to love and serve others
Sometimes it’s hard
Sometimes people seem different from us
But we know you made all people
Jesus died for everyone, and wants them to know Him
Help us to share that good news
And recognize how precious each human is
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Bible Verses/story to Reference:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -John 13:34-35
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” -Luke 10:25-28
I feel truly blessed to have discovered your website. I was searching (via Google), for an idea for an interesting, hands-on way to teach about diversity, God’s love and stewardship and I came upon this perfect object lesson about fruit. During this pandemic, online Sunday School is our only option so finding this was truly a God-send. Thank you for providing these amazing lessons for our children’s ministry.
Hello Kristen, Thanks for the these messages. (The children’s Sermons Playlist) They’re really a blessing. I wish to ask you a question for i’m new here.
Should my child watch these lessons in a specific order like they follow each one another in someway? OR Can they watch them in any random order?