Theme Discussion: “Jesus Heals A Man with Unclean Spirit” (Mark 1: 21-28)
Talk about a favourite plush toy or a blanket - Do you carry it around with you all the time? Or maybe you have a pair of socks that you wear over and over again?
In today’s worship service, Rev. Kim talked about the story “Smelly Socks” by Robert Munsch during the storytime. If you haven’t read it, and want to know the whole story, a read-aloud of the book is available:
What would you do if your favourite “stuff” gets dirty or stinky? Would you wash it? Or would you continue using it? What would happen if we never wash our dirty and smelly favourite plush toy or blanket or sweater or socks?
What about those times that we played outside and came home with mud on our hands and feet, or we smelled terrible? How will you remove the dirt and stink? Why do we need to clean our bodies? Talk about how you feel afterwards.
Read or listen to the gospel reading by watching the YouTube Video in this link:
What does the story say about Jesus? His actions? His way of dealing with people?
In this story, we can find another meaning of dirt and stink. Can you figure out what it is? Sometimes, we do things that are not nice like saying bad words when we’re angry or bullying others or being selfish. These, too, are ‘dirt and stink’ that we need to get rid of.
The gospel story says that a man with an “unclean spirit” approached Jesus with harsh words. What kind of illness or condition do you think this man had?
Jesus scolded the man with these words: “Be quiet and come out of him!” Do you find Jesus’ words strange? But what happened next was unbelievable. The man squirmed on the floor and he became silent. Everyone in the synagogue were amazed at Jesus. They saw Jesus as someone who has authority to teach and to help people. What do you think happened to the man after Jesus helped him become well?
What do you think of this story? What kind of ‘dirt and stink’ do you think people carry around? How could we help others so that the world would be a better place? Will you listen to Jesus and be his helper? What act of love or kindness will you offer?
Response Activity Ideas
Click to print the PDF
Responding to Unkindness
Cut out a large paper heart. Brainstorm some unkind things that have been said or done to you or your friends and family. Each time you think of something negative, crumple up the heart a little bit. After a while, the heart will just be scrunched up ball! Meanness hurts our hearts!
Print and cut out the bandaid templates. On each, write a kind action or words that could help ‘heal’ the wrinkled heart. Smooth out the heart as best you can and glue the bandaids onto it. Which of these ideas can you do for others who are hurting this week?
Mental Health Awareness
This week was Bell Let’s Talk Day raising awareness about mental health. Many people struggle with mental health issues. Perhaps this was the challenge faced by the man with the “unclean spirit”. We can become more comfortable and knowledgeable about these issues, so we, like Jesus, and support others (or ourselves) in a time of need.
Here are some activities from the Bell Let’s Talk website to explore:
“Chatterbox” - If you don’t know the answers, take some time as a family to look them up!
Click to print PDF (best printed on 11x17 paper)
“Kindness Box” – make an origami box and fill it with uplifting thoughts for yourself or others
Click to print PDF (4 pages)
Click to print PDF
Colouring Page
As you colour the words of the scripture, think about these questions:
Think of a time you felt astounded by a new perspective. What or who was it who changed your view?
What do you think it means to have authority?
How do you decide on whose authority to trust in your life?