Grade 5 CRE Preparing For The Coming Of Jesus Christ – Empowering The Needy Notes
CRE: Preparing For The Coming Of Jesus Christ
Subtopic: Empowering The Needy
Age: 10 (Kenya) • Simple notes and activities
Memory Verse (Matthew 25:35–36, simplified)
"I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
Key Points — What does 'Empowering the Needy' mean?
- Helping people who are poor, sick, or lonely so they can live better lives.
- Giving food, clothes, school supplies, money, time or skills to those who need them.
- Jesus teaches us to care for others. When we help, we are preparing for His coming.
- Small acts of love in our homes, schools and communities matter a lot.
Short Bible Story: The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25)
Jesus told a story where He separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep" helped hungry and thirsty people, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked and visited the sick. Jesus said when we help others, we are helping Him. This story teaches us that serving the needy is part of being ready for Jesus.
How helping the needy prepares us for Jesus' coming
- It shows we love God by loving people.
- It makes our hearts kind and ready to meet Jesus.
- It builds a caring community like Jesus wanted.
Ways to help in our Kenyan communities (simple and safe)
- Share a plate of ugali or rice with a hungry neighbor.
- Bring shoes, uniforms or books to a child who cannot afford them.
- Visit an elderly person and talk to them or help with household work.
- Collect a small donation at church for local families in need.
- Plant a small vegetable garden and give some produce to those who need food.
Class Activities (easy to do)
- Helping Hands Craft: Trace each child's hand on paper. On each finger write one way to help (share, visit, give, pray, listen). Put all hands on a classroom wall as a promise to serve.
- Role Play: Act out short scenes: a child sharing lunch, a group helping an elderly neighbor, or a school fundraiser. Discuss how each action shows love.
- Service Project: Plan a one-day clean-up, a food drive, or a visit to a nearby elderly home. Let children bring safe items like clothes, books or dry food.
- Pledge Card: Each child writes a short promise: "I will help someone this week by ______." Keep the cards in class and review next week.
Questions to think about (talk about in class or at home)
- Who in your neighbourhood needs help? What can you do for them this week?
- How does helping others make you feel? How do you think it makes God feel?
- What easy thing can your family do together to empower someone in need?
Short Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me see people who need help. Give me a kind heart and hands to serve. Teach me to share and love others so I will be ready to meet You. Amen.
Teacher notes: Keep activities safe. For donations, work with the church or school parents to choose families to help. Encourage follow-up so children see the results of their kindness.