Crossway Children Ministry - Thinkbox 9: What Makes You Dirty?
Matthew 15:1-20
This children's message helps young listeners see that Jesus cares about more than outward cleanliness. Drawing from Matthew 15, the sermon teaches that what truly makes a person unclean is not dirty hands, but the sinful thoughts and hurtful words that rise from the heart. The message uses playful family stories to help children feel the difference between outward mess and inward attitudes like disgust, anger, and mean speech. The hope of the message is that Jesus does not only point out what is wrong. He came to cleanse hearts, forgive sin, and teach his children to live with kindness and truth from the inside out.
- The message begins with worship and a simple question about what makes a person dirty.
- It moves into a humorous family story that contrasts outward mess with inward anger and contempt.
- Matthew 15 then becomes the center of the lesson, showing that Jesus cares deeply about the condition of the heart and the words that come from it.
- The message closes by reminding children that Jesus is able to cleanse the heart and help them speak with kindness and love.
Ask Jesus to show you when your heart is becoming angry, proud, or mean toward others. Do not focus only on looking clean on the outside; ask him to make your thoughts and words clean too. Practice speaking kindly to your family and friends, even when you feel frustrated.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you care about our hearts and not only what people see on the outside. Cleanse us from mean thoughts, harsh words, and selfish attitudes, and help us live with kindness, humility, and truth.
Crossway Children Ministry - Thinkbox 9: What Makes You Dirty?
Matthew 15:1-20