Jesus Love, So That We May Know How to Love

       "Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out‚ the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, Don't cry." Then he went up and touched the bier (movable frame for corpses) they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country."  Luke 7:11

• "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" 1 John 4:8
• "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" 1 John 4: 11

Teach The Lesson: Here, in this beautiful story, we have a glimpse of the loving, tender heart of Jesus, for when He saw this mother in misery "He had compassion on her." No doubt her friends felt very sorry for her too, and had tried in every way, by kind and soothing words, to comfort her; but they certainly could not bring her son back to life.  Only Jesus can see how deep our sorrow is; and although He may not always answer our prayers in the way we desire, He is ultimately the only one capable of restoring life to our loved ones. No matter how often those we love best are taken away or the things that we feel we need are removed from our environment, God is still watching over us.
       It is true also that parents often take away from their little children what they know that they will be better without, still they are the same loving, sympathizing guardians as is Jesus for those who depend upon Him. When Jesus raised the widow's son, He was showing us through this miracle just how much He was willing to do for those that need His comfort.

Questions for Discussion After The Lesson:

1. Who made us?
2. Does He take care of us?
3. Why should we love Him?
4. Can we love Him too well?
5. What does the Bible say about love?
6. How can we show that we love God?
7. Who else do you love? Why
8. How can you show that you love them?

"Music video by Bill & Gloria Gaither performing
Jesus Loves Me (feat. The Barrett Sisters)"

Extend The Lesson by Sharing a Poem:

I must love my heavenly Father

Who hath made and keeps us all;

I must love the blessed Savior,

For He loved the children small.

And earthly friends I have to love,

My father and my mother,--

My sisters, brothers, playmates too,

We all must love each other.

Close the Lesson With a Prayer: Dear loving Savior you are so loving and compassionate, you raised the widow's son from death. I know that I can always trust you with my troubles. Help me to learn to be thankful for the things I learn because of your guidance and care in my hour of need. Amen.

Coloring Pages About Love:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Coloring Page - "The butterfly inside a heart is symbolic for the love of God's transforming power. Because He loves us so much, he makes us new through our Resurrections. The butterfly during it's life cycle changes from one type of insect into another. This is why I have included the butterfly inside of the heart - to suggest that we are made new creations in Christ." kathy grimm
• Color the guardians of children - Matthew 10:10 The love of the LORD is so powerful that He assigns his holy angles to guard over the innocent souls of children in Heavenly Spaces.
• "Above all be loving..." - Patterns of love are tied together in harmony with God's great plan!