Teaching Children to Serve Like Jesus
- Tearri Rivers
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
One of the most powerful lessons we can teach children is how to love and serve others. Social emotional learning often focuses on kindness, empathy, and cooperation—but long before these ideas became part of modern education, Jesus was already teaching them.
Jesus showed us what love looks like through His actions. He helped people, welcomed children, showed compassion to those who were hurting, and taught His followers to care for others the same way.
Jesus gives us this command in John 13:34 (NIV):
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
When we teach children to serve others, we are helping them practice this command. They begin learning that loving others is not just something we say—it is something we do.
This is exactly what Moxie learns in this lesson.
Watch: Moxie Serves Like Jesus
In this video, Moxie learns how to serve others by following the example Jesus gave us.
Through simple actions and child-friendly storytelling, children can begin to understand that serving others is an important way we show love.
Just like Jesus helped people in their everyday lives, children can also learn to notice when someone needs help and respond with kindness.
Real Examples of Jesus Serving Others
The Bible is filled with moments where Jesus modeled service. These stories help children understand what loving others truly looks like.
Jesus Welcomed Children
In Mark 10:14 (NIV) Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Jesus valued children and welcomed them with love. This reminds us to treat children with kindness and to teach them that they are important to God.
Jesus Helped People Who Were Hurting
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus healed the sick and comforted those who were suffering. He noticed when people needed help and responded with compassion.
Children can learn that helping someone who is sad, hurt, or struggling is a way to serve like Jesus.
Jesus Served Others Humbly
In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—something servants usually did.
Even though He was their teacher, He chose to serve them.
This teaches children that serving others is not about being important. It is about showing love.
Social Emotional Skills Children Learn Through Serving
When children learn to serve others, they are also building important social emotional skills:
Empathy – understanding how others feel
Kindness – choosing to treat others with care
Responsibility – helping when something needs to be done
Compassion – responding when someone is hurting
These skills help children build healthy relationships and become caring members of their families, classrooms, and communities.
Tips for Parents: Teaching Children to Serve Like Jesus
Talk About What You Saw in the Video
After watching the video together, ask your child questions such as:
“How did Moxie help someone?”
“Why do you think serving others is important?”
“How can we serve someone today?”
These conversations help children connect the lesson to their own lives.
Look for Opportunities to Serve at Home
Children can practice serving through simple daily actions:
Helping clean up toys
Setting the table
Helping a younger sibling
Making a card for someone who is sick
Even small acts help children learn that their actions matter.
Model Service
Children learn most by watching the adults in their lives.
When they see you helping others, showing kindness, or encouraging someone who is struggling, they begin to understand what loving others looks like.
Tips for Educators: Teaching Service in the Classroom
Practice Through Role Play
Give children simple situations to act out:
A friend drops their crayons
Someone feels left out at playtime
A classmate needs help cleaning up
Ask children what they could do to help.
Celebrate Helpful Choices
When children choose to help others, recognize it.
You might say:
“Thank you for helping your friend clean up. That was a wonderful way to serve.”
Connect Service to Jesus’ Example
Remind children that when we help others, we are following Jesus’ example of loving and serving people.
Growing Hearts That Love Like Jesus
When children learn to serve others, they are practicing the command Jesus gave us—to love one another.
These small daily acts of kindness help children grow in empathy, compassion, and responsibility.
Just like Moxie learned in this lesson, every child can find ways to serve others in their homes, schools, and communities.
And when we teach children to love others the way Jesus loves us, we are helping raise a generation that reflects His heart.
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