LJ & Family
The Birthday Party: A Bible Story for Kids About Jealousy
Episode 16 of LJ & Family, a free animated Christian cartoon for kids ages 3–10. Watch the 3:43 video together, then use the free family guide, Sunday school lesson plan and coloring page below.
The story
It’s Marcus’s birthday party, and there are balloons, cake and a big pile of presents. LJ is having fun until Marcus opens a giant rocket kit. LJ’s smile disappears, and he won’t even sing “Happy Birthday.” Mom reminds him that God asks us to rejoice with those who rejoice. Dad tells LJ how he once got jealous of his cousin’s new bike. Big sister Nykira helps LJ make a sorry card for Marcus. Then LJ, Marcus and Mateo build the rocket together: three, two, one, blast off! Grandma tells the story of Jonathan, who was happy for his best friend David.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.”Romans 12:15 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together
Talk about it
- Why did LJ’s smile disappear when Marcus opened the rocket kit? Have you ever felt that way?
- Dad once felt jealous of his cousin’s new bike. Why did LJ make a sorry card for Marcus?
- Jonathan was happy for David. Who could you be happy for this week?
Pray together
God, thank You for all the good things You give me and my friends. When I feel jealous, help me be happy for others instead. Help me rejoice with those who rejoice, like Jonathan was happy for David. Amen.
Free printables for this episode
Everything is free to print and share at home, in class or at church.
For parents
How do you help a child who feels jealous of a friend or sibling? This episode gives you a gentle way to start that conversation. Watch it together, then ask the three questions above at dinner or bedtime.
A ready-to-teach Sunday school lesson about jealousy and Jonathan and David
The free lesson plan turns this video into a 30–45 minute lesson for children’s church or Sunday school: welcome question, the video, the Bible story, an activity, the memory verse and a closing prayer.
- Ages
- 3–10 (preschool to grade 4)
- Memory verse
- Romans 12:15 (WEB)
- Bible story
- Jonathan was happy for his best friend David (1 Samuel 18)
- Theme
- Jealousy, being happy for friends, saying sorry
- Video
- 3:43, free on YouTube
Download the ministry kit for Episodes 14 and up (ZIP) · Episodes 1–13 (ZIP)
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Pin it to your Sunday school or family devotions board so it’s there when you need it.
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