Class: 8-10 year olds 

Bible Reference:

Matthew 5:3, 4

Lesson’s Target:

Our target in this lesson is to teach the children to achieve true happiness by having a humble spirit.

Bible’s verse to memorize:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Introduction:

Take to the  classroom some party balloons. Start the class by saying the following: “Today, we are going to play a game and we will need two voluntaries (wait for the voluntaries to come forward). Each one of you is going to receive a balloon. On my signal you have to blow and inflate it as much as possible. The winner is going to be the one who will inflate the bigger balloon without bursting it.”  When we inflate the balloons too much, it’s almost certain that it will burst... So, ask the children: “Do you know why the balloons burst? They burst because they are fragile and cannot hold to much air pressure in them. We are also like that. When we praise ourselves and think that we are better than others, we become full of pride, like a balloon! We are not perfect and are not good at everything and when we realize that, we will have to humble ourselves and ask for help. Today’s story is going to show us something very important. We are going to learn about humbleness and how to be humble. So let’s all pay attention to this story because proud people, will, one day, burst like a balloon!”

God Loves Those Who Are Humble

Some time ago in a small town there was a boy called Ivan who liked to praise himself too much. Ivan use to speak to everybody about how special, smart and talented he was.

In the football matches Ivan was always praising himself:  “If you want to win this game give me the shirt number 10. You all know that I am the best striker you have and the only one who can score for this team!” At school he considered himself as the most intelligent. The other children use to feel intimidated by his presence and when he would come near most of them would just leave and he would be left all alone. The worst is that Ivan thought he didn’t need anyone! 

Then it happened that half way through the school a new math’s teacher came, a substitute. She had her own way of explaining the subject and it was a bit different from the former teacher.  Do you want to know what happens next? Ivan started having difficulties to learn math but he didn’t ask the teacher for help or to his classmates.  No, he just kept quiet!  Do you know why? Because he didn’t want to loose the title of “Mr. I know everything”!  All the other children were going to the teacher asking questions about their doubts. Apart from him...

Later on, the teacher noticed that Ivan was too quiet in the classes and asked him: “Ivan, lately you have being too quiet. Are you having any difficulties with the subjects?”  

“Of course not! – He answers - Everyone knows that I am the best student here. I am just keeping quiet for a while because I already know everything!”

The time of the exams came and Ivan’s fellow students did very well with their grades accept for him.... “How embarrassing!” He thought. “A zero at math’s!” At that point sadness filled his heart. He then went to the teacher: “Madam, I think you made a mistake. How come you gave me such a low grade? Do you know who am I? I am Ivan, the smartest boy in this school!”

“No Ivan, you are not the smartest kid but for sure you are the most proud! A smart kid would ask for help when in need. Ivan, you forgot the most important thing the Lord Jesus has taught us. Humbleness! 

Conclusion

Ivan felt ashamed and cried a lot. He asked for forgiveness to his teacher and classmates. From that day on he was never proud again. In the Mountain of the Beatitudes the Lord Jesus taught us: Happy are those who are humble of spirit and those who cry because they are going to be comforted. When we cry and repent from our mistakes we are comforted by God and loved by others.