Children's Church Lesson: Light of the World (Jesus and Nicodemus)

Story

Today’s story is about a man named Nicodemus who came to Jesus to ask him some questions.  What questions would you ask Jesus? (Let the children respond)  Those are great questions.  Let’s see what questions Nicodemus asked, and what Jesus said about it.

Read “The Light of the World (Jesus and Nicodemus) ” in any children's story bible.

Lesson

Say: Why did Jesus visit Jesus at night? (He had many questions about God and didn’t want to wait; he didn’t want anyone to see him with Jesus)  What was the one thing that Jesus said Nicodemus needed to know?  (God loves everyone)  What did God do because He loves us all? (He sent Jesus). 

Nicodemus had lots of questions for Jesus.  Many of them were about God.  What questions do you have about God? (Let the children answer – don’t feel like you have to answer the questions).  Those are some great questions!  Who do you think can help you find answers to those questions? (Parents, Pastor, Teachers, Bible, etc.) 

God loves us and wants us to go to Heaven one day. How do we get to Heaven? We have to believe that Jesus died and came back to life. We must know that Jesus died for the wrongs we have done. We must tell Jesus we are sorry for our sins and ask Him to forgive us. Then, we must ask Jesus to come into our heart and help us live for God in all we do. Jesus promises to stay with us forever and take us to Heaven one day. If you want to know more about Jesus, talk to us anytime about it.

Memory Verse

God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will live forever– John 3:16

Big Idea

Jesus says that what we do is more important that what we say.  We need to follow God with our actions. 

Prayer- Ask for Joys and Requests

Say a prayer thanking God for his love, and for sending his son, Jesus, so that we can live forever with Jesus.  Ask God to help us tell others this good news. 

Children's Church Lesson: The Two Sons

Story

Say: Has your mother or your father ever asked you to help out around the house by doing some chores? I'm sure that has probably happened to you.  What are some things your parents ask you to do? (Take time for different answers) Today we are going to read about a story Jesus told about to sons who were given a chore from their father. 

Read “The Two Sons” in any children's bible (You will need to explain what a vineyard is)

Lesson

Say: Who did Jesus tell the story to? (The Jewish leaders) What did the father ask the two sons to do? (Work in his vineyard)  Which son obeyed? (The one who said he wouldn’t work)

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus told a similar story to show how different people obey what God has called them to do. In Jesus' parable of the two sons, the father asked both sons to go and work in his vineyard. Just as the two boys in my story, one son answered, "No," but went and worked. The other son answered "yes" did not go. In telling the story, Jesus wanted us to realize that what we do is more important than what we say we will do. Jesus wants us to answer, "Yes," when he tells us to "Love one another," but what he really wants is for us to love one another! Jesus wants us to answer, "Yes," when he says, “Follow me," but what he really wants is for us to follow him! That's the kind of child I want to be. Isn't it the kind of child you want to be?  What are some things that God wants us to do? (Go to church, obey our parents, read the bible, ask him into our heart, etc. – give time for responses).

Memory Verse

Do not just read the bible.  Do what it says! – James 1:22

Big Idea

Jesus says that what we do is more important that what we say.  We need to follow God with our actions. 

Prayer- Ask for Joys and Requests

Father, sometimes we say, "Yes," but our actions say, "No." Help us to be faithful to do what you have called us to do. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Craft- Family shield

Directions: Draw a shield and divide it into 4 sections Give each child a copy of the shield and ask them to complete the sections as follows: 

1st Section: write their family name 

2nd Section: draw a picture of their family

3rd & 4th Sections: draw pictures or write how they can helpother members of their family.

Template: http://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/Domain/919/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Templates/coat-of-arms-template-3.pdf

Game Options:

Simon Says or Follow the leader

youth group discussion: Spiritual Gifts

Bible Verse 1: 1 Corinthians 12:4-12

         

Video: Claymation of 1 Corinthians 12 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRzNKgIaX6M‎)

Bible Verse 2: Matt. 25:14-28(www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUtXrQ_ZAOk‎)

Video: Lego Parable of the Talents 

Five Questions:

1. You know you are better at some things than others, you have skills or abilities that make you unique.  Did you know that you have gifts from God?  How do you feel about that?
2. What kind of Spiritual Gift do you think you have?  Do you think your gift makes you unique?
3. Now that you know you have a Spiritual Gift, how should you use it?
4. What would it look like to trust God to show you where and how to use your gift?
5. Last week we talked about listening to God.  Have you tried to listen to Him this week?  Try to listen to him this week and trust that he will show you what part of the body of Christ you are.

Close in prayer and ask for prayer requests.

Many Members, One Body

Story

Say: What is the church? (take all answers)  Those are all great answers!  In today’s story we are going to hear what the Apostle Paul said the church is like. 

Read “Many Members, One Body” (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) in any children's bible.  

Lesson

Say: What was Paul busy doing? (Telling people about Jesus and his love for them)  What did Paul say the church is like? (The human body, one body has many parts)  How is the church like a human body? (Everybody in the church is different and has a special job to do, just like the parts of the body) 

All of us are different and good at different things, just like the parts of the body.  If we all were good at the same things than the church would only be good at one thing.  It is important that everyone is different and it is important that everyone decide to use the things that they are good at to serve God!  

Memory Verse

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  – 1 Corinthians 12: 27

Big Idea

It is important that everyone is different and it is important that everyone decide to use the things that they are good at to serve God! 

Prayer

Say a short prayer thanking God for letting us be a part of His family and asking Him to help us to do our part as members of His body.  

Craft

Children will cut out the different pictures of children (clip art) and use glue sticks to make the “body” of Christ out of the cut outs.   

Game:Talent Show

Give every child a chance to show off something they are good at.

Children's Church Lesson: Sabbath Healing

Story

Say: What day is it today? (Sunday) What kinds of things do you usually do on Sundays? (Go to church, spend time with family, eat together, etc.) Those are all great things to do!  Sunday is a special day for us.  Back in Jesus’ time Saturday was a special day.  In Jesus day people focused on what you should not do on the special day instead of what you should do.  Let’s see what Jesus thought about that.

Read: “The Woman Who Could Not Stand Up” in any children's story bible

Lesson

Say:  What did God’s people call their special day and what was it for? (The Sabbath; worshipping God and resting)  What was the rule that the leaders made (You must not work on the Sabbath) What did Jesus do on one Sabbath? (He healed a crippled woman)  What did the leaders think about that? (They were angry because they though Jesus did work on the Sabbath)  How did Jesus say? (It is ok to do work if it is helping someone)

In Jesus time Sabbath was celebrated on Saturday today it is celebrated on Sunday.  The Sabbath is for worshipping God and resting.  The Sabbath is supposed to help us follow God.  The religious leaders were too worried about what you shouldn’t do on the Sabbath that they forgot what the Sabbath was really about.  The Sabbath, as well as all the other things we do to honor God serve the purpose of helping us love God and love other people.  Jesus said that helping others is a good thing to do on the Sabbath.   

Memory Verse

“Jesus is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” - Mark 2: 28

Big Idea

The Sabbath, as well as all the other things we do to honor God serve the purpose of helping us love God and love other people. 

Prayer (Take prayer joys and requests)

Say a thanking God for giving us time to worship Him and rest.  Ask Him to help us do good things on our Sabbath. 

Children's Church Lesson: Running the Race

Scripture

Say: Have you ever run a race? Have you ever won a medal or a trophy for running a race or for completing in another sport?  What was it like getting a metal? (Let the children respond)  Today’s bible lesson compares following God to running a race.  Let’s read it now!

Read Hebrews 12: 1-3: ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. ³ Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.

Lesson

Say:  It is a thrill to run a race and hear the voices of the people who are watching as they shout words of encouragement. It is an even greater thrill when you finish the race and win a medal or a trophy.

Several years ago when the Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, the world saw one of the greatest moments in Olympic history. Derek Redmond, a young man from Britain, had dreamed all his life of winning a gold medal in the 400 meter race. He had worked hard to get to the Olympics and his dream was within his reach. He was in the semi-finals and was running the race of his life. He could see the finish line just ahead as he rounded the final turn. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his leg and he fell to the track with a torn muscle in his right leg.

As the medical attendants ran toward him, Derek struggled to his feet. He started to hop toward the finish line on one foot in an attempt to finish the race. Suddenly, a large man came out of the stands, pushed aside a security guard and ran to Derek's side. It was Jim Redmond, Derek's father. "You don't have to do this," he told his son. "Yes, I do," said Derek. "Well, then," said his father, "we're going to finish this together."

And they did. They stayed in Derek's lane all the way to the end. At first, the crowd watched in silence. Then they rose to their feet and cheered -- and wept.

Derek Redmond didn't win the gold medal, but he walked away with the incredible memory of a loving father who, when he saw his son in pain, left his seat in the stands to help him finish the race.

That is what our Bible lesson is about today. It teaches us that life is like a race that has been set before us.  We may struggle and face many obstacles, but we have a great crowd of witnesses who are cheering us on. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and will help us when the pain is too great. We have a Savior, who left his place in heaven and came to earth to show us how to run the race.  If we will keep our eyes on him, how can we help but finish the race?

What is the Prize we get for running the race? (Heaven, Life with God – Let the children answer)

Memory Verse

And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.  – Hebrews 12:1b

Big Idea

Following God is like running a race.  If we run the race with God our prize is to live forever with Him!

Craft

Children will decorate (and cut out?) A tennis shoe using crayons, stamps and stickers.

Children's Church Lesson: Elijah Goes to Heaven

Story

Say: Have you ever been a helper?  When have you been a helper (let children answer) Have you ever had a helper?  When have you had a helper? (Get responses)  Today we are going to learn about Elijah’s helper.

Read “The Chariot of Fire” in The Beginners Bible.

Lesson

Say:  Who did Elijah choose to be his helper? (Elisha)  Why? (He loved God)  What happened when Elijah’s cloak hit the water? (water parted) What did Elisha want? (To be like Elijah)  Where did Elijah go? (To heaven in a chariot of fire)  What did Elisha have after Elijah left? (God’s power)

Who are some people that you know that do God’s work? (Pastor, Parents etc – give time for responses)  Those are all good answers.  Just like Elisha we can learn from and be helpers to those people who follow God.  And just like Elisha We can be like those people and follow God and do His work ourselves. 

Elijah was taken up to heaven to be with God forever.  We will probably not ride a fiery chariot up to heaven like Elijah did but because of what Jesus did for us we too can go to heaven someday.  What did Jesus do for us? (Let children respond – died on the cross to take away our sins so we can be with him) That’s right! And what do we need to do (accept God’s gift, admit our sins and ask Jesus to take them away – believe that we can and will do that).  Yes! 

Memory Verse

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me – John 14:3 

Big Idea

Elijah was taken up to heaven to be with God forever.   Because of what Jesus did for us we too can go to heaven someday.

Prayer (Take prayer joys and requests)

Say a prayer thanking God for loving us making a way for us to be with Him forever . Ask God to help us do His work.

Craft

Children will decorate, cut out and assemble their own Elijah and Chariot (http://freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/5/0/12503916/lesson_110_elijah_is_taken_up_to_heaven.pdf)