Empathetic

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn Jesus cares about our problems.
  • Students will learn Jesus’ heart goes out towards those who are hurting.
  • Students will learn sometimes Jesus will intervene to heal or solve other problems of life.
  • Students will learn how to recognize others’ feelings and how to serve others through empathy.

Guiding Question: How can students learn to support others in dire circumstances?

Materials: Photos of people in various situations who need support (see examples in procedure)

Procedure: Review the story of The Widow’s Son from the scriptures above. Remind students that Jesus cares about all of us and all of our problems no matter how big or small. Jesus cares for those who are hurting and if we are trying to be like Jesus, we should also care for those who are hurting. We may not always be able to help someone solve a problem or give them the perfect advice, but by being there for them and encouraging them, we can care for them and show them Jesus. Explain that Jesus had empathy. Fate of childless widows in that time were dire and there was no way to earn enough money to take care of themselves.

Introduce the empathy activity. Show the students photos of people in various situations, some obvious others not so apparent. What is the person feeling, what might be their needs, how they could serve them? Examples of photos: crying, angry, wearing torn up clothes, etc.

Additional Questions: How can students learn to display empathy?


Supplemental Activity: Have students pair up to create and perform a skit in which one student shows empathy to the other student who is in a tough situation.

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