Free Gospel-Centered Sunday School Curriculum
for Elementary Kids

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Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
(Matthew 10:1-8)

One day, Jesus called his twelve disciples together. Their names were Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus had a very special job for them to do.

Jesus gave them power to do amazing things. He gave them power over evil spirits so they could push them out of people. He gave them power to heal every sickness and every disease. These were not ordinary powers. They were gifts from God himself.

Then Jesus gave them their instructions. He said, "Do not go to the Gentiles or into any town where the Samaritans live. Instead, go to the lost sheep of Israel." Jesus wanted them to start with God's chosen people, the Israelites, who needed to hear about God's kingdom first.

Jesus told them exactly what to say: "The kingdom of heaven is near." They were to announce that God's rule and love were coming to earth in a new way through Jesus. Then Jesus told them to do three powerful things. First, heal the sick. Second, bring dead people back to life. Third, make people with leprosy clean and push out demons.

Jesus finished with a surprising command: "You have received without paying, so give without being paid." The disciples had received God's power and love as a free gift. Now they were to share it freely with others, asking for nothing in return. This was the very first time Jesus sent out his followers to do his work all by themselves. They learned that God's power works best when it is given away for free.

A Curious Question

Why do you think Jesus wanted the disciples to give away God's power and healing completely for free, without asking for anything in return?

Old Testament Connection

This story connects deeply to God's covenant with Abraham. God promised Abraham that through his family (the Israelites), all nations on earth would be blessed. Jesus started by sending his disciples to the "lost sheep of Israel" because God was keeping that ancient promise first. Later, after Jesus rose from the dead, he would send his disciples to all nations. The healing and free giving also reflect the Year of Jubilee from Leviticus 25, where debts were canceled and slaves were freed. Jesus was announcing a spiritual Jubilee where everyone could receive God's healing and forgiveness without cost, just as the prophet Isaiah had written: "Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost."

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Jesus give the disciples power to heal sick people and push out evil spirits? What was the purpose of that power?

2. Jesus said, "You have received without paying, so give without being paid." What are some things God has given you for free that you can share with others?

3. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to go to the Israelites first instead of everyone? What does that tell you about God's promises?

So What? What Can I Do?

Think about your week ahead. Where can you freely give what you have freely received from God? Maybe you received kindness from a parent. You can give that kindness to a friend. Maybe you received help with homework. You can help someone else. Maybe you received forgiveness. You can forgive your brother or sister. Jesus wants you to be like the disciples, giving away God's love without keeping score.

Memorize God's Word

Matthew 10:8 - "You have received without paying, so give without being paid."

• You have received hold out both hands in front of you as if catching a gift.

• without paying shake your head no and turn your empty pockets inside out.

• so give extend both hands forward as if handing a present to someone.

• without being paid shake your head no again and wave goodbye to money with both hands.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank you for giving us your love, your healing, and your forgiveness as a free gift. Help us to give those same gifts to others without asking for anything in return. Show us one person this week who needs to know your kingdom is near. Amen.

Craft or Activity

Free Gift Blessing Bags

Materials Checklist:

How to Make the Free Gift Blessing Bags:

  1. Decorate a small paper bag with crayons, markers, and stickers. Write on it: "A free gift from God's love."
  2. On an index card, write Matthew 10:8: "You have received without paying, so give without being paid."
  3. Place the index card and a small candy or snack inside the bag.
  4. Fold the top of the bag closed.
  5. Give the bag to someone this week as a free gift, just like Jesus told the disciples to give freely.
  6. Explain to the person that God's love is a free gift they can receive without paying.

Effective Teaching Techniques

For younger children, focus only on the healing and free giving parts of the story. Act out Jesus calling each disciple by name and having them pretend to heal a stuffed animal. For older kids, discuss the challenge of giving without expecting anything back. Ask: "Have you ever given something and felt upset that the person didn't say thank you? Why does Jesus want us to give freely anyway?" To save time, pre-write Matthew 10:8 on the index cards before class so children only need to decorate the bags.