Filling up with Jesus

Filling Up With Jesus: A 15-Minute Devotional for Elementary Students

Opening Prayer (1 minute)

"Dear Jesus, thank you for being our perfect example. Help us learn how to be more like You today. Open our hearts to understand what it means to be Your disciples. Amen."

Introduction (2 minutes)

Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus and tries to become more like Him.

I have something special to show you today. [Hold up the hazmat suit] Does anyone know what this is? That's right - it's a hazmat suit! People wear these to protect themselves from dangerous materials. But today, we're going to use it for something different and fun.

Bible Verse (1 minute)

Let's read 1 John 2:6 together: "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."

This means that if we say we're followers of Jesus, we should try to live like He did - showing the same qualities and making the same kinds of choices.

The Balloon Illustration (8 minutes)

[Have a volunteer put on the hazmat suit, or position it on a stand]

I have these colorful balloons here. Each balloon represents a special quality that Jesus showed when He lived on earth - qualities that He wants to fill us with as His disciples.

[Hold up each balloon as you describe the quality, then have students help place it inside the hazmat suit]

Red Balloon - LOVE: Jesus showed perfect love to everyone He met. He loves us so much that He gave His life for us! When we're filled with Jesus' love, we can care for others the way He does.

John 13:34 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

Yellow Balloon - JOY: Jesus gives us a special happiness that stays with us even when things are hard. His joy isn't based on what happens to us but on knowing God is with us.

John 15:11 “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Blue Balloon - PEACE: Jesus calms our worried hearts and helps us feel safe, just like He calmed the stormy sea.

John 14:27 ““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Green Balloon - PATIENCE: Jesus was never in a hurry and always had time for people who needed Him.

Ephesians 4:2 “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Pink Balloon - KINDNESS: Jesus was always looking for ways to be kind to others, especially people who were often ignored.

Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Purple Balloon - FAITHFULNESS: Jesus always keeps His promises and never gives up on us.

Psalm 145:13 “For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.”

Orange Balloon - GOODNESS: Jesus always chose to do what was right, even when it was difficult.

Ephesians 5:9 “For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”

Light Blue Balloon - GENTLENESS: Jesus was strong but never rough or mean with His words or actions.

Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

White Balloon - SELF-CONTROL: Jesus could have done anything He wanted, but He always chose what was best.

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

[By now, the hazmat suit should be looking quite full of colorful balloons]

Look at our friend in the hazmat suit now! They look completely different when they're filled with all these colorful balloons representing Jesus' qualities!

Application (2 minutes)

Just like our hazmat suit looks different when it's filled with these balloons, we look different to the world when we're filled with Jesus' qualities. People can tell we're His disciples by the way we act and treat others.

Being a disciple means we let Jesus fill us up with His love, joy, peace, and all His other amazing qualities. The more time we spend with Him - reading the Bible, praying, and following His example - the more we become like Him!

Closing Activity (1 minute)

Let's bow our heads and think about one quality of Jesus that we want to grow in this week. Maybe you want to be more patient with your siblings, or show more kindness to someone at school who needs a friend. In your heart, ask Jesus to fill you with that quality.

Closing Prayer (1 minute)

"Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us how to live. Please fill us up with Your wonderful qualities - Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us to be Your true disciples, becoming more like You every day. Amen."