Children's Liturgy Guide

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A · Ordinary Time

Following Jesus Even When It Is Hard

Reading: Matthew 16:21-27

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Jesus tells his friends that following him means doing hard things sometimes. He teaches that when we think about others and not just ourselves, we find the best kind of life with God.

Key Points

  • Jesus told his disciples he would suffer and die, but would rise again
  • Peter did not want Jesus to suffer, but Jesus said this was part of God's plan
  • Jesus invites us to follow him by putting others first, even when it is hard
  • True happiness comes from loving God and others, not from always getting what we want

Background

This Gospel contains Jesus's first prediction of his Passion and his teaching on self-denial. Peter's rebuke shows a natural human resistance to suffering, and Jesus's sharp response reveals that prioritizing comfort over God's will aligns with worldly rather than divine thinking. The phrase 'deny yourself and take up your cross' refers to dying to selfishness and accepting sacrifice for love of God and neighbor. For children, emphasize the simple idea that following Jesus means making loving choices even when they are hard, and that Jesus is always with us when we do. Set aside the theological complexity of the Passion prediction and the harsh 'Get behind me, Satan' rebuke, which requires adult nuance to understand.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and showing us how to live. Help us to follow you today, even when it feels hard, because we know you are always with us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Can you think of a time when you did something hard because it was the right thing to do, like sharing your favorite toy or helping when you did not feel like it?

Example: One time my little brother wanted to play with my special truck and I really did not want to share it but I let him anyway because Mom said it was kind.

Bridge to the reading: Sometimes doing the right thing feels hard, but it also feels good inside when we do it. In today's reading, Jesus tells his friends that following him means making hard choices, but those choices lead to the best kind of life.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. What did Jesus tell his friends was going to happen to him?

    Example: Jesus told his friends that he was going to suffer and that bad things would happen to him but then he would rise again.

  2. How did Peter feel when Jesus said this, and what did Peter say?

    Example: Peter felt really upset and scared and he told Jesus no, that should never happen to you, because he did not want Jesus to get hurt.

  3. What did Jesus say we should do if we want to follow him?

    Example: Jesus said that if we want to follow him we need to forget about only thinking of ourselves and follow him even when it is hard.

  4. Why do you think Jesus wants us to think about others and not just ourselves?

    Example: I think Jesus wants us to think about others because that is how we show love and it makes everyone happier and closer to God.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel inside when you do something kind for someone else, even when you would rather do something fun for yourself?

    Example: It feels really warm and happy inside my heart, like I did something good, and it makes me smile even though it was hard.

  2. What could you do at school if a friend needs help but you want to keep playing your game?

    Example: I could stop my game for a little bit and go help my friend because that is what Jesus would want me to do.

  3. This week, who is one person in your family you could help, even if you do not feel like it?

    Example: I could help my mom set the table for dinner even when I am tired and want to keep watching my show instead.

Recap

Today we heard that Jesus told his friends following him means making hard choices sometimes. Jesus teaches us that when we think about others and not just ourselves, we find the best kind of life. Jesus is always with us when we try to do the right thing, even when it is hard.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For children who are trying to make good choices even when it feels hard, that Jesus will give them strength and courage, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us how to follow you. Help us this week to make loving choices, even when they are hard. Give us brave hearts to think of others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Following Jesus Even When It Is Hard

Matthew 16:21-27

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

R Y L T A U N D S S W M O P K
Z I O S P E T E R U Z A L N J
O C V U A J L H S S K M L M R
J U E L Y I S E S E V I M D X
O P M Y T Q M A O J M H N U L
S W M R E L J R R O Z E Y D W
M H F T C W W T C Q I M F R S
B E A T I G V O T R P V B Y Z
X L Z C O E R X F C L F N V W
W P B C H Y P L D C J F N E F
O U G H C T Y X N N O B E X U
C T G H W R T Z X L J E S S K
I J L H A R D T L H L W I L T
F B C I H D Z O Y K Y F R K B
Y A T H I L W K A T N K U X A

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • follow
  • cross
  • love
  • hard
  • choice
  • Peter
  • heart
  • kind
  • help
  • friend
  • risen

ChildrensLiturgy.org