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Measure Up: a 5-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry TOPIC: Jesus' Early Life & Ministry SCRIPTURE: Gospels DECORATING THEME: Amusement Parks AGE GROUP: Preschool (Get the Elementary version here !) "When I'm older!" "When I'm taller!" Every kid is excited to grow up - even if it's just to finally ride that big kid roller coaster they've had their eye on. This five-week series is about another kid who grew up - Jesus! Through stories from Jesus' early life and ministry, kids will learn five important truths to help them continue growing: God guides us to safety, we can love God with our actions, we can follow Jesus, God makes us ready at the right time, and God's words help us make wise choices . BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES God guides us to safety. (The Escape to Egypt: Matthew 2:13-23) We can love God with our actions. (The Boy Jesus at the Temple: Luke 2:41-52) We can follow Jesus. (The Baptism of Jesus: John 1:29-42) God makes us ready at the right time. (Jesus Begins His Ministry: Matthew 4:12-23) God's words help us make wise choices. (Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness: Luke 4:1-13) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids hear about Jesus and his family's escape to Egypt when they were in danger. Growing up can feel like waiting in line for the biggest rollercoaster - you're excited, but also a little nervous about what's around the corner. This week, we hear how young Jesus and his family had to leave everything behind and start over in a brand-new place to stay safe. Even when life takes a sudden turn, God guides us to safety. This week, kids hear about Jesus at the temple as a boy and what others learned from him. Getting older means more freedom - like choosing your own outfit, staying up a little later, or helping out in real ways. This week, Jesus amazed everyone at the temple not just with what he knew, but by showing respect and love in how he acted. We grow closer to God when we remember that we can love God with our actions. This week, kids hear about what happened when Jesus was baptized by John. Big moments in life feel like that first big drop on a rollercoaster - exciting, a little scary, and unforgettable. This week, Jesus took a bold step by getting baptized, showing that he was ready to begin something important. When we take steps to grow in our faith, we can follow Jesus. This week, kids hear about how Jesus began his ministry by calling the right people to work together with him. Milestones like learning to read, starting a new grade, or making a new friend can make us feel like we're finally getting somewhere. This week, Jesus kicked off his ministry and picked just the right people to be part of the team. Even if we don't feel ready, God makes us ready at the right time. This week, kids hear about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness and how he overcame. Sometimes growing up means facing tricky choices - like doing the right thing when no one's watching, or saying no to something that sounds fun but isn't wise. This week, Jesus was tempted with some pretty big offers, but he knew exactly what to do. When we're not sure which way to go, God's words help us make wise choices. MEMORY VERSE: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

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