Who is the greatest? It all seems upside down…These crafts focus on the interaction between Jesus and His disciples in Mark 9, when He instructed them in humility and explained that to be “greatest”, they needed to think less of themselves and depend on God. This idea might seem upside down or “topsy turvy” to what we normally expect. But God’s ways are always right on!
These crafts celebrate that “upside down” element as well as the importance of placing God first. A reversible cartoon and two-sided puppet reflect the topsy-turvy component, and a humble heart pocket encourages kids to think less of themselves and have a servant’s heart.
Bible Verses or Craft Project Captions to Consider… (Mark 9:30-37)
- And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” -Mark 9:35
- The last shall be first!
- To be greatest, become least…
- Jesus gives unexpected instructions!
- Turning things upside down…
- Be a humble servant…
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video of this children’s sermon lesson and the related Bible craft ideas
- Compare our full Mark 9:30-37 Sunday School lesson
- Compare the children’s sermon for rfour.org
- Compare another Least Shall Be Greatest Bible lesson for kids
Craft one: “Humble Heart Pocket”
You will need:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, etc.
- Paper plates
- Pipe cleaners (optional)
- Other decorations (jewels, stickers, etc.)
Procedure:
- Cut the paper plates (two) into heart shapes.
- Add verses or captions and decorations to the paper plates.
- Cut additional heart shapes out of construction paper or cardstock.
- On the hearts, write ways to serve others or live with humility.
- Add additional decoration as desired. Staple the paper plate hearts together and place a pipe cleaner within to hang the heart and consider ways to demonstrate humility!
Craft Two: “Topsy Turvy Cartoon”
You will need:
- Pens and pencils
- Markers/crayons
- Cardstock/paper
- Captions/verses
Procedure: *Note: these are instructions for the image pictured below. There are a variety of other “two-sided” drawings to choose!
1. Select a face style and color of paper. Trace in pencil before filling in with marker.
2. Begin with an oval, adding ear shaped half-ovals on either side.
3. Add bushy eyebrows and an upside down “u” near the top of the oval.
4. Add eyes with rings underneath. Make two vertical lines for the nose, and a wide “U” for the mouth. Draw a patch of hair near the bottom.
5. Admire your angry man illustration. Then, flip it upside down and adjust your eyes to see a happier man! Sometimes our expectations get turned around and upside down!
Craft Three: “Topsy Turvy Puppet”
You will need:
- Paper towel tubes
- Construction paper or card stock
- Markers or crayons
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Additional decorations as desired (googly eyes, jewels, stickers, etc.).
Procedure:
1. Decide on a “design” for your puppet. Focus on one end of the paper towel tube at a time.
2. Decorate one side of the tube with facial features and “hair” or a “hat.”
3. Turn the tube over and add features to the other side as well.
4. Add to the puppet sides with extra decoration or even “clothing” elements. Add a verse or caption, if desired.
5. Tell a story with your puppet or let it have a conversation with itself. Have fun!