It's what's inside that counts!

To show that what is inside us is more important than what we look like.

by Rebecca Parkinson

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To show that what is inside us is more important than what we look like.

Preparation and materials

• Buy two Easter eggs that have contents inside, e.g. mini-eggs. Both eggs need to be carefully unwrapped beforehand and split in half. Remove the contents (the bag of mini-eggs) from one of them.

Assembly

1. Ask the children about the things they do at Easter and what they like to receive!
2. Explain that Easter eggs are traditionally given on Easter Day to symbolise the stone that was rolled away from Jesus’ tomb, and the new life that spring brings. You happen to have two spare ones and wondered if there was anyone here who would like them!
3. Ask who likes the mini-eggs (or whichever egg contents you are using). Invite two volunteers to the front and give them one Easter egg each. If this could be tricky, causing resentment, it might be good to link the egg-giving to some award or event or find a genuine reason for these particular children to receive them. Also ensure that you are acting in line with the school’s policy on food during the day.
4. Encourage them to undo the Easter eggs. Pretend to be surprised when one child finds that there is nothing inside their egg. Ask them how they feel. They are probably disappointed, surprised, cross!
   
   Explain that people can sometimes be like these eggs! We all look similar on the outside, with two arms, two legs, a head, etc. Most of us look nice, like these eggs do. However, on the inside we can be very different.
5. In the Bible there is a story about a man named Samuel. (The full story could be told if there is time – 1 Samuel 16). God said this to Samuel: ‘People look on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.’
   
   Explain that it is much more important what we are like on the inside than on the outside. If we are unkind, unfriendly or selfish on the inside people will soon find out as they get to know us.
   
   Optional: If you can, it would be good if every child left with some gift – like a mini-egg or perhaps an item of fruit. Again, and particularly if you are visiting, check the school’s policy on food during the day.

Time for reflection

Reflection

Think about what you are like on the inside.

What could you change today: be kinder, work harder, think of others more …

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you that you love me and that you see us as we really are.

Please help me to not worry about what I look like on the outside

but to seek to be a beautiful person on the inside.

Amen.

Song/music

‘Give me oil in my lamp’ (Come and Praise, 43)