The Greatest Treasure

✨Children’s Message for September 21, 2025 

Luke 16:1–13 What’s the Greatest Treasure, Money or Love?

👋 Two Sundays ago, we talked about things we own—our toys, clothes, books, and more. Sometimes we take care of our things. But sometimes, we let our things take over and become too important.

🧡 Last Sunday, we remembered something even more important: God loves each one of us. Every single person is held in God’s big, loving arms. Can you imagine how big God’s arms must be to hold everyone in the whole world? Pretty huge, right?

😄 We all learn about God’s love in different ways. Today, Jesus told a story about a man who was really worried. We call him, “Mr. Worry.” Mr. Worry thought he might lose his job! So he tried to fix things with money. But in the end, he learned something bigger. God’s love doesn’t run out, even when we mess up. 

💭 Let’s think about our feelings:

• Can you remember a time when you felt loved after feeling sad, scared, or nervous?

• What happened? Who helped you feel better?

• What does it feel like when someone loves you—deep down in your heart?

• If you could tell that story to someone, how would you share it?

• How can you keep that memory safe in your heart?

This story reminds us that love is more valuable than money or things. God’s love is the greatest treasure of all. 💖

OR

🧠 1. Use a Simple Example

• “Have you ever had two jars: one for saving money and one for collecting treasures like stickers or notes from friends?”

• “Imagine you’re holding two jars. One is heavy with shiny coins. The other has just a few tiny hearts. Which one feels more special?”

  
  

🎨 2. Add Visuals or Props

• Use two real jars during the message: one filled with coins, one with paper hearts. Invite kids to guess what each jar represents: “What do you think this jar is for? What about this one?”

• Invite them add a heart to the jar if they share a story of feeling loved.

  
  

🕺 3. Include Movement or Gestures

• Stretch your arms wide and say, “Let’s see how big God’s arms might be. Can you stretch with me?”

• Encourage them to show heart shapes with their fingers or arms as they talk about love.

  
  

💬 4. Use Wonder Questions with Imagination

• “If you could save a memory of love in a jar, what would it look like?”

• “Who helps you feel safe and loved when you’re nervous?”

  
  

🎁 5. Offer a Takeaway

• God’s love is the greatest treasure in the whole wide world.

• A blessing: May your heart be full of love, and your jar overflow with kindness.

🙏 Repeat-After-Me Prayer: “God’s Love Is With Me”

(You say each line, and the children repeat)

God is with me every day. God is with me every day.

When I’m happy, when I pray. When I’m happy, when I pray.

When I’m worried, feeling small— When I’m worried, feeling small—

God still loves me through it all. God still loves me through it all.

I am held in arms so wide. I am held in arms so wide.

Thank you, God, for loving me. Thank you, God, for loving me.

Now I share that love with glee! Now I share that love with a big smile!

Amen. Amen.