Go the extra mile

English Standard Version Chapter 5

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles

Welcome back kiddos! I’m so excited you are here this morning! If you weren’t here a few weeks ago my name is Miss Christina. I have been coming to this church for about 5 years, I have a 10 year old daughter named Becca unfortunately she’s not here today because she isn’t feeling well.

Today we are still talking about Kindness and our Bible story comes out of the book of Matthew

Does anyone know if the book of Matthew is in the Old Testament or the New Testament?

New Testament

Does anyone know who wrote the book of Matthew?

Matthew

Matthew was a disciple of Jesus, does anyone know what a disciple is?

A student, pupil, or learner. In the New Testament it is used for Jesus’ followers.

In the book of Matthew, the disciple Matthew tells about a time when Jesus went up on a mountaintop to teach. His friends, disciples, and many others were there crowded around to hear him. He taught on things like how we should live, how we should love, and how we should be kind.

Today’s verse we are going to talk about what Jesus himself said about kindness. Our verse today is found in Matthew Chapter 5 verse 41 and it says “Suppose someone forces you to go one mile. Go two miles with them”. (Matthew 5:41)

Sometimes when we read the bible we have to think about what it would be like back when the bible was written. During the time this was taking place if a Roman soldier told you to carry their bags, you would be required by law to carry them for 1 mile. Here Jesus is telling us if they force you to go 1 mile go two! In other words be kinder than you HAVE to be.

Let me break this down for you guys a little more. If you’re playing with a toy and your brother or sister comes up to you and they say I want to play with it give it to me and your mom tells you that you have to give them your toy, your mom is forcing you to be kind and to share your toy. This may feel unfair and maybe in your head you are thinking why should I give them my toy but here Jesus is telling us not just to do the kind thing and give them your toy but actually be kinder and give them that toy and another one.

How many of you by show of hands have ever been nicer than you had to be?

Let’s go through some examples of how we can be kinder than necessary.

Show examples of baby shark dance and the dab.

If you think A is the kinder than necessary response do the baby shark dance, if you think B is the kinder than necessary response do the dab.

Your teacher tells you to clean up the toys in the classroom.

A. Tell your teacher no, it’s not fair I have to pick up after my classmates.

B. Pick up the toys and then pick up any trash that needs to be thrown away.

Your mom tells you to set the table for dinner.

A. Set the table and after everyone is done eating clean the table off.

B. Only set your spot at the table.

You find a toy on the playground that doesn’t belong to you.

A. Ask all the kids around if it is theirs until you find who owns it.

B. Take the toy home with you.

What are some ways you have been shown kindness by other people?

(give them time to throw out some examples)

What are some other ways you can be kinder than you have to be?

(give them time to throw out some examples)

True kindness comes from our heart, it’s doing more than we have to. It’s showing others that we love them and care about them by the way we treat them.

When we choose to show others kindness above what is expected of us we are showing them God’s love.

By a show of hands here who likes extra play time? How about extra ice cream? Extra candy? Extra cheese on their pizza? Extra hugs from their mom or dad?

We all like a little Extra good stuff from time to time right? That’s why Jesus tells us we should be showing EXTRA kindness!

The more we show kindness the bigger our kindness muscle grows and the easier it becomes for us to show extra kindness!

Play kindness song

Before we leave let’s review our monthly memory verse:

“You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient.” Colossians 3:12