Serving Jesus by Giving to Others

"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

(Matthew 25:40)

Several researchers claim that Christians possess sixty-two percent of the world's wealth, yet contribute less than three percent of this wealth to charity. Every day, thousands of children die of starvation and preventable diseases. More than one billion people worldwide live in relentless poverty. Although we know that the causes of global poverty are complex, we are called to address it by contributing more than a mere three percent of our money to charity.

To help children understand the impact of poverty and the importance of sharing resources with others, plan the following activity:

Divide the children equally into three groups. Make or obtain $100 in play money. Give one group $62— an amount equal to the portion of the world's wealth controlled by Christians. Give the other two groups equal amounts of the remaining $38 ($19 for each group) — an amount equal to the portion of the world's wealth controlled by other populations. Next, ask the Christian group to give $2 to one group and $1 to the other group — an amount equal to their charitable contribution. Distribute newspaper grocery store advertisements to each group. Invite the children to read the ads and to compose a grocery list. The total cost of the groceries on their list may not exceed the amount of the group's money. The grocery list should contain an adequate food supply to feed the group.

After the groups have created their grocery lists, compare the lists. Then discuss the following questions:

• Are there unneeded items on the "wealthy" group's list?
• Are the other groups able to purchase adequate food to feed their group?
• Would Jesus be pleased with the difference in the amount of each group's money?
• What things do we regularly buy at the grocery store that we really do not need?

Challenge the children to think about how they spend their money and how their family spends money. Is there something that they can forego purchasing and instead give the money to the poor?

Challenge the children to collect money that they really do not need to spend for one month. At the end of the month, count the money. Once again, pass out the grocery store advertisements and ask the children to determine additional food that could be purchased for this amount of money. Donate this money to a local food pantry. Remind the children that Jesus tells us that when we help others, we are really serving God.

Prayer

Dear God, you have blessed us with so much more than we really need. Help us to use what you have given us to help others who are hungry. Teach us to manage money in ways that honor you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions

• What did you learn from this activity?
• What outcomes surprised you about this activity?
• What lifestyle choices can you make that will enable you to give money to the poor on a regular basis?

Janet Zimmerman is an ordained United Methodist deacon, who serves as Christian Education Director at Church of the Lakes in Canton, Ohio.

Posted in2005.