Rev. Jennifer Arnold
Minister To Children & Families
Jesus As a Helper
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28-29
Gather as a family and read aloud the above scripture. This is a very well known Scripture passage in which Jesus tells us that he will help carry our burdens and worries. We all have burdens we carry. Maybe we have hurt feelings, are worried about something, or are scared of failing a certain class in school. This scripture tells us that we never have to carry those burdens alone. Jesus is always with us.
Get an item from the house that one person could not lift alone but that you could lift together (a chair or a small couch.) Have each family member try to lift the heavy object by him/herself (not push or scoot it, but lift it.) Then, as a family lift it together. You might try lifting several things around your house.
Use the following questions to guide a discussion with your family members:
What burdens are you carrying?
How can we, as a family, help you carry them as we just did in the activity? What can we do to help make your burdens lighter?
How can praying help us when our burdens are heavy? How does Jesus help us carry our burdens?
After your discussion, say a prayer for each family member remembering to name the burdens each family member carries and asking Jesus for help with those burdens. In the coming weeks and months, intentionally ask each family member about his/her burdens and offer words of encouragement, prayer and support for one another.
I pray that you and your family will support one another in the days and weeks ahead.
God Bless,
Rev. Jennifer Arnold
