Joyful Moments in Christ

Stay Ready and Faithful for Jesus

This Sunday School lesson is intended for upper elementary students. All lessons on this website are protected by copyright, but you can use them for free in small groups or Sunday School classes. You may share a link to this page, but please do not copy these pages and put them on other websites.

The Big Idea

Jesus teaches us that his followers should always be ready and faithful in their work because he will return at a time we do not expect.

Lesson Objectives

1. Students will understand that being ready for Jesus means living in obedience to his word every day.
2. Students will learn that faithfulness involves serving others and doing what is right even when no one is watching.
3. Students will recognize that God gives us different responsibilities and expects us to be wise with what he has given us.

Class Setting Notes

1. Recommended for upper elementary Sunday School.
2. Lesson length: 45 to 60 minutes. Can be shortened or extended based on activities selected.

Opening Activity: The Mystery Guest

1. Tell the students that a special guest might come to the classroom today to bring a treat, but you do not know exactly what time they will arrive.
2. Ask the students to prepare the room for a guest by tidying up their chairs and making sure their desks are clean.
3. Every time there is a knock at the door, have the students sit up straight and look ready.
4. After a few minutes, explain that waiting for a guest is like waiting for Jesus to return.

This activity helps introduce the feeling of being prepared and staying watchful for someone important.

Bible Reading

Ask the class to read Luke 12:35-48 aloud together or have one person read it.

• Very Easy: Easy-to-Read Version: Luke 12:35-48 (ERV)
• Very Easy: New International Reader’s Version: Luke 12:35-48 (NIRV)
• Easy: Good News Translation: Luke 12:35-48 (GNT)
• Medium: New Living Translation: Luke 12:35-48 (NLT)
• Hard: New International Version: Luke 12:35-48 (NIV)
• Very Hard: English Standard Version: Luke 12:35-48 (ESV)

Additional Reading: Choosing the Right Bible Translation

Suggested prompts:

As the class reads aloud, consider asking some of these prompts:

1. Notice how the servants are described as being dressed and having their lamps lit.
2. Think about why it would be a surprise if a master sat down to serve his own servants.
3. Watch what happens when the servant thinks his master is taking a long time to come back.
4. Pay attention to the warning Jesus gives about the homeowner and the thief.
5. Listen for the difference in how the master treats the wise servant versus the lazy servant.

Teacher Background Notes

1. In the ancient world, being dressed for action meant tucking long robes into a belt so a person could move quickly and work easily.
2. A wedding feast was a major celebration that could last for days, making the exact time of a master’s return very uncertain.
3. Peter’s question shows that the disciples were trying to understand if these high standards of watchfulness applied only to leaders or to every believer.
4. The phrase “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself that refers to his role as the judge and king who comes from heaven.
5. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that those who have more knowledge of God will have a greater responsibility to obey him.

Theological Insights

1. The return of Jesus is a certain event in the future, but the timing is part of God’s secret wisdom.
2. Spiritual readiness is not just about waiting around, but about active service and love toward others in the church.
3. Jesus is the master who actually served his people, which we see most clearly in his life and his death on the cross.
4. Judgment is based on how we use the gifts, time, and truth that God has entrusted to our care.
5. A heart that truly loves Jesus will naturally want to be found doing his work when he comes back.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

1. What are the three things Jesus tells his followers to do to stay ready in verses 35 and 36?
2. What does the master do for his servants if he finds them watching for him?
3. How does the servant in the story change his behavior when he thinks the master is delayed?
4. What does Jesus mean when he says that much is required from the person to whom much is given?

Personal Reflection and Application

1. If Jesus were to return this afternoon, what would you want him to find you doing?
2. What are some chores or jobs God has given you right now at home or at school?
3. How can we encourage each other to keep doing the right thing when it feels like we have been waiting a long time for God to answer a prayer?
4. What is one way you can be more faithful with the things God has given you, like your talents or your time?

Suggested Activities

Lampstand Craft

1. Give each student a small paper cup to turn upside down and a yellow piece of construction paper.
2. Have them cut out a flame shape and glue it to a craft stick, then poke the stick through the bottom of the cup.
3. Ask the students to write their favorite way to serve god on the side of the cup.

This activity reminds students to keep their lights shining by doing good works for the Lord.

The Faithful Steward Game

1. Divide the class into small groups and give each group a set of cards with different responsibilities written on them, such as “kindness,” “honesty,” or “sharing.”
2. Read out different scenarios where the master is away and ask the groups how a faithful servant would use those cards.
3. Discuss why it is important to use these traits even when it feels like we are alone.

This activity helps students think about how to apply God’s word to real-life situations.

Watchman Puzzles

1. Print out the memory verse and cut it into several puzzle pieces for each student or pair.
2. Have the students race to put the verse in the correct order while you keep time.
3. Talk about how staying focused on the puzzle is like staying focused on our mission from God.

This activity helps students memorize the verse and teaches the importance of staying focused on the task God has given us.

Memory Verse

Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank you for the promise that Jesus will return to us one day. Help us to live every hour in a way that pleases you and to be faithful with everything you have put in our care.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The ESL Version

I also create materials for adult English Language Learners (ELLs) and ESL students. You can find my ELL Bible Study based on Luke 12:35-48 here:

• ELL Bible Study: Luke 12:35-48 — Be Ready for the Master

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.