YE2A.1 · Activity Page
Isaiah 7:10-16
Isaiah 9:6
Matt 1:18-23
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:11
SAVIOR - one who saves or rescues
SWADDLING CLOTHES - long, soft strips of cloth used to wrap a baby
TAXES - money paid to the government
MANGER - a box where animal’s food is put for them to eat
Having a new baby around is always exciting. Every baby is a special gift from God. Did you know that your parents and grandparents were very happy when you were born? They probably told their friends about you. Maybe they sent out cards to tell how much you weighed, your name, and how tall you were. They may have even sent their friends a picture of you!
Most babies are born in hospitals. They have tiny baby clothes. They have their own special beds. Mothers usually rock them to sleep and sing to them. Babies are always a joy to have in a home. They make the family happy.
A long time ago a young woman named Mary had a surprise visit. An angel came to say she would have a baby. Do you know who that baby was? His name was Jesus. He would grow up to be the Savior of the world. This news made Mary very happy.
Mary and her husband, Joseph, had to go on a long trip. They were going to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. There were no cars to ride in. There were no trains or planes. Mary had to ride on a donkey all that way. Joseph walked along leading the donkey.
They were very tired when they got to Bethlehem. It was almost time for the baby to be born. Mary needed a place to rest. But, Bethlehem was very crowded. The only place they could find to sleep was in a stable with the animals.
That night was very exciting for everyone in the stable. The sheep and cows gave up their straw so Mary would have a soft place to rest. Baby Jesus slept in a box where the animal’s food was placed. Imagine that!
Mary and Joseph were excited as they placed Jesus on the hay. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Jesus was a very special baby. He was born to be our Savior!
Some shepherds were out in a field nearby. They were taking care of their sheep. All of a sudden they saw a big, bright light in the sky. They were very afraid! An angel told them, “Don’t be afraid. I am bringing you good news!” The angel told them about the baby Jesus and how they could find Him. Jesus was lying in a manger in Bethlehem. “What a strange place to find a baby,” they thought. Then there were many, many angels in the sky. They were all singing praises to God.
The shepherds were too excited to wait for morning. They left their sheep and went to Bethlehem.
They found Mary and Joseph in the stable. And there was Jesus, in a manger, just like the angel said! The shepherds praised God for sending Jesus to be their Savior. They told everyone they saw about this special baby.
Are you like the shepherds? Are you very happy that Jesus was born to be our Savior? You can sing songs and praise God for sending Jesus to be your Savior, too!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us Jesus to be our Savior. Thank you for letting Him be our friend. Help us to learn more about Him every day. In His name we pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 1:18-20
Monday - Matthew 1:21-23
Tuesday - Luke 2:1-6
Wednesday - Luke 2:7-12
Thursday - Luke 2:13-18
Friday - Isaiah 7:10-16
Saturday - Isaiah 9:6
1. Birth Announcement: After telling the story of Jesus’ birth from the lesson, have the students fill in birth announcement cards. But that’s only half of it! They need to plan to whom they will give the announcement and retell the story.
2. Play Acting/Play Dough: If you have several students, give each student a character in the story to create out of clay/play dough. If you only have one or two, you may want to have made most of them ahead of time. Then use the characters to retell the lesson.
3. In Their Own Words: Using a large flip chart, have your students retell the story. You write down the story as they tell it. Then go back and clarify details. Most students this age love to see their own words in print.
4. Point of View Interview: Tell the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of Mary, Joseph, the animals in the stable, the angel, the shepherds, the sheep in the field, and/or the donkey Mary rode to Bethlehem. Getting started is always the most difficult. You may need to tell the story from Mary’s point of view to get them started. As you tell the story from Joseph’s point of view, the students will start to understand how the story may vary a little because of the point of view. By the time you get to the sheep in the field, they should be into the retelling fun.
5. Brainstorming: Using a flip chart or large dry erase board, brainstorm with the students different ways to get the news out about Jesus’ birth. Remember: in brainstorming, don’t comment on their suggestions. This stifles the willingness of the rest of the class to make suggestions. And at this age, some of these will be outlandish!! This age is often more willing than adults to share, but they are also, therefore, more likely to get really burned by sharing. Help them pick a good person to share the good news with: a parent, an older sibling, someone in church. You don’t want them to get burned.
Hosea 11:1
Matt 2:13-15
Luke 2:13-15
Luke 2:19-25
Luke 2:39-52
Luke 2:52
PASSOVER - a day we remember Christ’s sacrifice for our sins
TEMPLE - God’s house; a place to worship and learn about God
CELEBRATE - to honor; observe or rejoice
SCRIPTURE - God’s written Word; the Bible
Last week you learned the wonderful story about the birth of Jesus Christ. There was no inn or hotel to stay in. So Jesus was born in a stable. An angel came and told shepherds where to find the baby Jesus.
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Nazareth when He was old enough to travel. Jesus grew like any other child. He grew both strong and wise. But He was wiser than other children His age. God, His Father blessed Him.
Herod was the king when Jesus was a baby. He was jealous of Jesus. He told his soldiers to kill every baby boy two years old and younger. He wanted to make sure they killed Jesus!
An angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. He said, “Take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to return. King Herod is going to try to kill Jesus.” So, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus left for Egypt that very night. They stayed in Egypt until Herod died.
Later, Joseph had another dream. This time the angel said to take Jesus and Mary back to Israel. So Joseph took them to Nazareth where they would be safe. That is where Jesus grew up.
Everything was starting to look like spring in Nazareth. What happens in the Spring? It gets warmer. Trees begin to bud. Flowers bloom. And, we celebrate a special day in the spring. It is the Passover.
Jesus was now 12 years old. He went with his parents to take part in the Passover in Jerusalem. His friends and relatives went as well.
Jesus always obeyed his parents. Mary and Joseph could trust Him. They were on their way home after Passover. They thought Jesus was with friends or other people who traveled with them. But, that evening they couldn’t find Jesus anywhere. They were really worried!
Mary and Joseph went back to Jerusalem. They looked for Jesus for three days. Guess where they found Him? Jesus was in the Temple. He was talking about the law of God with the teachers. He was even teaching them! Everyone was amazed at how well Jesus understood God’s Word.
Mary and Joseph didn’t know what to think. Mary said they had been looking everywhere for Him. “Why did you have to look for me?” Jesus asked. “Didn’t you know I would be at the Temple in my Father’s House?”
You should always let your parents know where you are. Jesus was not disobeying His parents. His heavenly Father knew where He was. Jesus was doing His Father’s work. He knew the Scriptures so well that even the teachers listened to Him. When He was finished teaching, Jesus went home with Mary and Joseph.
Jesus’ Father is our heavenly Father, too. He wants us to know His Word, the Bible, like Jesus did. Study it every day. Ask your mom and dad to read your Daily Devotionals with you every day. Also, remember to learn your memory verse each week. Try to come to Sabbath School every week. Your teacher wants to help you learn God’s Word. These good things will help you learn your Bible like Jesus.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us Jesus to be our Savior. Thank you for letting Him be our friend. Help us to learn more about Him every day. In His name we pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 2:13-15
Monday - Luke 2:39, 40
Tuesday - Luke 2:13-15
Wednesday - Luke 2:19-25
Thursday - Luke 2:41-45
Friday - Luke 2:46-49
Saturday - Luke 2:50-52
1. Popsicle Puppets. Using popsicle sticks, magazines, glue, scissors - cut out the characters needed to retell this lesson. If the students have not yet read the lesson, tell them the story (covering Luke 2:39-51 and Matthew 2:13-15) first. Then let them retell the story to you using their popsicle puppets. (Variation on REACH activity #3)
2. Sequence. Tell the story of Jesus growing up from this lesson. (Please be familiar enough with the lesson not to have to read it.) Once you’ve told the story, have the students tell you the major events that happened. Write each event on an index card. Mix up the cards and let the students take turns rearranging them. (REACH activity #4)
3. Cartoon Strip. Tell the story of Jesus growing up from this lesson. Be sure to emphasize the main points. When you’re finished ask the students to tell you what are the important points of the lesson. Write them on a sheet of butcher paper, dry erase board, etc. Then have the students draw a cartoon strip - one box for each event in the lesson.
4. Bird’s Eye vs. Worm’s Eye view. Tell the story of Jesus growing up from this lesson. Ask the students to retell the story from Mary’s perspective; Joseph’s perspective; Herod’s perspective; Teachers’ perspective in the temple; or even a pigeon’s perspective. After the role play, have them discuss the importance of perspective in telling a story.
5. Who Said? Tell the story of Jesus growing up from this lesson. As a comprehension check, ask the students to tell you who might have said (or who actually did say) the following:
a. Kill all the babies two years and younger. (What did this mean for
Jesus’ family? What did they do? How long did they stay in Egypt?
b. Why did you treat us this way? (Who said this? Why? How long
had they been looking for Jesus?)
c. Take the child to Egypt. (Who said this? To whom did he say this?
Why? How long did they stay?
d. Take the child to Israel. (Who said this? Why? What was Joseph’s
response? Why? Where did they live?
e. Why were you looking for me? (Who said this? Why? Was He
being disrespectful to his parents? Why? Is this something any of
us should do? How do we know Jesus was not a rebellious twelve
year-old (hint: vs. 51)?
Matt 3:3-17
Matthew 3:17
Matt 20:22 (KJV,NKJV)
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 16:16
Luke 3:1-20
Luke 7:29
John 1:31-33
Acts 2:38
Acts 13:24
Ephesians 4:5
WILDERNESS - a wild place where people don’t usually live
MESSIAH - Jesus our Savior
BAPTIZE - to be placed completely under water to show that your sins are forgiven
John the Baptist was a different kind of man. His clothes were made from a camel’s hair. He ate wild honey and locusts. Do you know what a locust is? It is a bug. It looks like a big grasshopper. We don’t usually eat locust sandwiches. But locusts are good to eat.
The Bible doesn’t say it is wrong to eat locusts. But it does say it is wrong to eat pork, shrimp, and pizza with pepperoni on it. Don’t you want to obey God?
John the Baptist started preaching in the wilderness. People came from all over to hear him. Some people thought John was the Messiah who would save Israel. But, John said he was not the Messiah. He came to tell them about Jesus. He is the Messiah.
John said the Messiah would be coming soon. “My job is to baptize you with water. The Messiah will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John told everyone they must repent. “Change the way you are living and stop sinning. Stop doing wrong things and be baptized. Let God wash your sins away.”
The people knew they had done a lot of bad things in their lives. Sin is breaking God’s law. Sins are things like not obeying your parents, stealing, lying, and doing wrong things on the Sabbath. The people told God they were sorry for their sins. They wanted to do what was right. They wanted to obey God and show they had repented. They asked John to baptize them.
Jesus walked all the way from Galilee to the Jordan River. He asked his cousin, John, to baptize Him. John said, “Oh, I can’t baptize you. I am not as good as you are. You are the Son of God. You should baptize me.”
Jesus did everything His Father told Him to do. He had never sinned. He never did anything wrong. Jesus didn’t need to repent. He wanted to be baptized because His Father said that everyone should be baptized.
John and Jesus walked down into the Jordan River. John put Jesus’ whole body under the water. He brought Jesus up out of the water. Jesus showed us that we should obey God and be baptized.
Then something wonderful happened! As soon as Jesus came up out of the water the sky opened up. A dove flew out of heaven and landed on Jesus. What could this mean? God’s Holy Spirit came down in the shape of a dove. God was happy. He said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am very pleased with Him.”
God is happy when you are sorry for doing bad things. He is pleased when you obey Him. Coming to Sabbath School and obeying your parents also makes God happy.
It was time for Jesus to start telling people about His Heavenly Father. He wanted them to know what God could do for them. God wants everyone to go into His Kingdom. But they must repent and please God. When Jesus was baptized He pleased God. You should want to be like Jesus. You will understand what it means to repent when you are older. Then you will want to be baptized. God was happy when Jesus was baptized. He will be happy when you are baptized, too.
Dear Heavenly Father, I’m glad that Jesus obeyed you and was baptized. I know Jesus never sinned. I’m really sorry for doing bad things and sinning. I want to obey you. Please help me always try to do right things. Thank you for loving and helping me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 3:16
Monday - Matthew 20:22 (KJV)
Tuesday - Mark 16:16
Wednesday - Luke 7:29
Thursday - Acts 2:38
Friday - Acts 13:24
Saturday - Luke 3:3
This age group may or may not have read their lesson. If they have read it, review the main points before beginning one of the following activities. If they haven’t read the lesson, read the lesson to them - or, more preferably, tell them the story from this lesson. Then do one of the activities below.
1. Lapbook. Lapbooks are made by gluing two (or more) file folders together and then attaching little pouches, flaps, or tiny books to the inside. These can be simply made or more elaborate as you become more comfortable with constructing them. The value of lapbooks is the collection and presentation of information in one place.
* Examples: Cut 3 x 3 pieces of colored paper. Write one description of John the Baptist on each piece of paper, i.e. clothes of camel hair, ate locusts and honey, cousin of Jesus, baptizing in the Jordan, identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. Gather the pieces into a pile; staple together at the top so you can flip through and see each page. Then affix the entire stack to the lapbook. On a strip of paper, write “John the Baptist” and glue to the lapbook above the stack of paper.
* Fold an 8.5x11 sheet of paper three times to make a tiny book. Cut the edges apart. Staple the back spine. In this tiny book write facts about the Jordan River. Glue the tiny book into the lapbook.
* Write a short paragraph describing baptism. Glue the paragraph into the lapbook. Be sure to title the paragraph.
* John the Baptist ate locusts and honey. Research both. Make a trifold pamphlet with facts about locust and honey. Glue into the lapbook. Include reasons why he might have chosen such a diet.
* Cut out pictures of people. Glue them into the lapbook all headed toward one edge of the lapbook where you’ve drawn a river. There would have been lots of people headed for the Jordan to be baptized by John.
* Draw a dove. Cut it out and attach it to the lapbook with a piece of yarn. Write the memory verse for the lesson on the dove.
2. Poster. Divide the poster into six frames. In one frame, glue camel’s hair (if possible) or hair-like material if you don’t have access to camel. Similarly, glue into the remaining frames pictures of 1) locusts and then write a short description underneath; 2) the Jordan River; 3) lots of people; 4) a dove; and 5) a written description of baptism.
3. As a Dove. The Bible does say that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form as a dove. Have some feathers and a brick. Let the students feel each of them. Talk about what it would feel like to have each of these descend on you. Let the students describe the feeling each would give. Use the pattern in the teacher’s edition - let each student cut out and take home a dove.
4. Well-Pleased/Photos. Discuss with the students why God the Father was well-pleased with Jesus. Use the review questions in the teacher’s edition of the YEA books as a guide for talking about baptism (the reason God was pleased with Jesus). Ahead of class time (probably the week before), take a photo of each student with their dad (if possible). Make a card with the photo of the student with their dad, or the student by himself, or just the dad (whatever works for you). On the inside of the card, have the dad write why he is pleased with his child. Display on a bulletin board or have the students take them home and put them on the refrigerator.
5. Memory Verse Work. Have the students write the memory verse in big letters across an 11 x 17 sheet of paper. If they use bubble letters, they can color them in. Let the students draw pictures from this lesson around the words: a river, a dove, lots of people, locust, honey, a belt of camel hair. Add color with crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
Matt 4:1-11
Matt 26:41
Mark 1:12-13
Luke 4:1-13
Luke 4:4
James 1:2, 3
James 4:7
2 Peter 2:9
PROCEED - to go out of
WORSHIP - to love and praise
TEMPLE - God’s house
Kim and Patti were having fun. They were playing with their dolls and tea set. Kim’s mom told her it was time to come in for dinner. Patti didn’t want to stop playing yet. She told Kim to pretend she didn’t hear her mother. What should Kim do? Should she listen to Patti? Should she tell her mom she will be there in a minute? Or, should she listen and obey her mother? Choosing between what is right and wrong isn’t easy. Let’s see how Jesus handled some very hard choices.
Do you know what a desert is? It is a very dry place. Trees and grass don’t grow there because there is very little water. Most animals and people don’t live there because they need water, too. Jesus went into the desert after He was baptized. He wanted to get away from everything and everyone. He wanted to spend time with His Father in prayer.
Jesus knew He would need His Father’s help to do God’s work. He was busy talking to the Father. He didn’t even think to eat. We call it fasting when a person goes without food. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He ate nothing all that time. Just think how hungry He must have been!
Guess who showed up while Jesus was praying? Satan! He knew how hungry Jesus was. He tried to get Jesus to eat. He said, “If you are God’s Son, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus had to make a choice. He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Jesus quoted a Bible verse to Satan!
Did Satan win on this first test? No! But, he wasn’t giving up yet. Satan took Jesus up to a very high place. He showed Him the whole world. Satan said, “I will give you everything you see. Just get down on your knees and worship me.”
Would that be a good thing to do? Jesus knew it was wrong. So, He quoted another Bible verse. “We must worship God and God alone.”
Satan never gives up easily. He wasn’t happy when he couldn’t get Jesus to do something bad. So, he tried a third time to get Jesus to do what he wanted. He took Jesus to a high roof on the Temple. Satan said, “If you are God’s Son, jump off! The Bible says God will send His angels to guard you and keep you from crashing to the ground below.”
Jesus knew the Bible better than Satan. He said, “The Bible says don’t put God to a foolish test.” He told Satan to “Get out!” Satan left, defeated. After that, angels came to take care of Jesus. Remember, He hadn’t eaten for 40 days, so He must have been very weak and hungry.
Satan will try to get you to do things that are wrong. He’ll try to make you want things that aren’t yours. He may try to get you to lie, to steal, or disobey your parents. He wants you to think of other things to do be- sides go to Sabbath School. So remember to do what Jesus did. Think of a Bible verse. Tell Satan to leave you alone. Obey God.
Jesus prayed for God to help Him say “No!” to Satan. Pray, like Jesus did, for God to help you. God has power to win over Satan. And, He will help you.
Dear Father, thank you for being with Jesus when Satan tried to get Him to sin. Please help me to say “no” when Satan tries to get me to do bad things. Help me learn my Bible verses so I can quote them instead of doing wrong. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 4:1-5
Monday - Matthew 4:6-10
Tuesday - Mark 1:12-13
Wednesday - 2 Peter 2:9
Thursday - Matthew 26:41
Friday - James 1:2, 3
Saturday - James 4:7
1. Bread Alone - Have some freshly baked bread (if possible) in the room when the kids walk in. Be cognizant of your gluten-free and/or dairy-free students. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it to them. If they have read it, discuss the three choices. Talk about bread being a staple in many cultures over the centuries. Ask the students to explain what Satan was trying to get Jesus to do that was wrong (to do Satan’s bidding to prove He was the Son of God). The second test would give Jesus the world without having to endure the cross. But it would have been wrong to worship Satan and wrong to get the world in a way outside of His Father’s will. The third test likewise tried to get Jesus to obey Satan in order to prove He was God’s Son, while at the same time trying to make Jesus doubt His Father’s protection of Him. As Christians, we don’t have to doubt that God loves us. We don’t have to disobey God to prove anything to anyone. (Note: Be aware that there are lots of theologians who think the temptation of Jesus was much deeper than this simple explanation.) Pray always. Study the Bible. Don’t let Satan tempt you into sin. At the end of the discussion, allow the students to eat the bread. Talk about the angels coming to minister to Jesus after the temptation.
2. Role Play and Discussion. Ask the students to role play this lesson. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it to them. If they have read it, discuss the three choices in the role play. Remind them that we’re not trying to be Jesus or Satan; we’re trying to understand what happened and learn the lessons from it. See discussion in #1. This age group will enjoy pretending to be very hungry. A role playing activity appeals to your more kinesthetic learners.
3. Cartoon Action. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it to them. If they have read it, discuss the three choices. Help them remember these three points of temptation by drawing a cartoon strip. They don’t have to draw either Jesus or Satan. They can draw the temptation if they wish. (Variation on REACH activity #5.) This activity appeals to your visual and tactile learners.
4. Alone, Yet Not Alone. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it to them. If they have read it, discuss the three choices. Discuss how Satan waited until Jesus would have been vulnerable (alone, in the desert, hungry). We feel most vulnerable when we’re hurting, when we’re alone, when we’re afraid, or when we’re with people who are willing to disobey God. Ask the students to all stand together. Then ask them what they would say if I told them to lie to their parents. Normally the group of students will be more vocal about doing the right thing - as long as it’s a group of good kids. But then separate one child out and ask them to lie to their parents. Talk about how much different it feels when they have to stand up to the temptation when they feel alone. Go through several examples: shoplifting, cheating on a test, trespassing, bullying another. Emphasize how being with the wrong crowd can get you into a lot of trouble, while being with others who love God can help you. Then remind them that God is just a prayer away. Remind them of Psalm 119:11 (Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.).
5. Clay - Tried in the Fire. Give each student some clay. Encourage them to make an animal or a pot. Once it’s finished, compare their creation to a fired piece of pottery. Why does the clay need to be fired? To harden it, to give it strength so it can be used. Jesus went through a trial by fire (both in the temptation in the wilderness and again in the Garden of Gethsemane). He did not fail the test. He persevered; He obeyed His Father; He fulfilled the purposes God sent Him to fulfill. There are many verses which similarly talk about us being tried in the fire, God purifying His people, and the necessity of us persevering through all of it. How comforting and encouraging to know that Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother, our Savior, the Captain of our Salvation, knows what it’s like to go through the fire. You can’t avoid the fire. But you can keep your eyes on Jesus and follow His example: use the Bible as your foundation and defense against the wiles of the devil.
Matt 4:18-22
Matthew 4:19
Matt 10:1-5
Mark 1:16-20
Mark 3:14-19
Luke 5:1-11
John 13:35
John 15:8
1 Corin 4:16
Ephesians 5:1
SINFUL - doing things that are wrong
DEPART - go away
DISCIPLES - people who follow Christ
MIRACLE - something that God does that man cannot do
Donna’s mother was cooking dinner. She had potatoes to peel. She had to cut up the salad. The table had to be set. She had baked a cake, but it needed frosting. She was very busy. She asked Donna to help her by putting the frosting on the cake. Mother let Donna spread the frosting around. They worked together until they had everything ready and dinner on the table. It went much faster with Donna helping.
Jesus was always busy teaching people about His Father. He knew He needed helpers. He needed special people to help Him teach other people. But first, He would have to teach His helpers.
One day Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. He saw two boats standing by the lake. The men were not in them. They were washing their nets. These fishermen earned their living by selling fish they caught. They had fished all night long, but didn’t catch even one fish. Think how sad they must have been!
A lot of people gathered on the shore to hear Jesus. He got into Peter’s boat and sat down. Jesus taught the people about God. When He finished His lesson, He told Peter where to throw out his fishing net. Peter was very tired. He thought, “What’s the use?” But, Peter and his brother Andrew threw their nets just where Jesus told them.
It always pays to obey God. When Peter and Andrew did what Jesus said, guess what happened? A miracle happened! They started pulling in their net. It was so full of fish that the net almost broke. That was a lot of fish! Peter called for other men to help him. The fish filled both boats. They were so heavy that the boats started to sink.
Peter was surprised at how many fish they caught. Jesus had performed a miracle! Peter fell down at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man.” But Jesus told the men not to be afraid.
Jesus had a much more important job for these men to do. It was far more important than just catching fish. “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Jesus said. Teaching people about Jesus is a lot like fishing for fish.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John rowed their boats back to shore. They left everything they had and followed Jesus. They wanted to help Jesus find people and teach them to obey God.
This job was so important that they started right away. They didn’t even take a suitcase with them. They left everything behind and did what Jesus wanted them to do. These were the kind of men Jesus wanted for His disciples. Men who were willing to give up everything and obey Him.
Jesus wants you to be His disciples, too. He wants you to follow Him every day. It is important that you do what Jesus says! Don’t put it off. So many people need to know about Jesus. You can be one of His helpers and share that good news.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for calling Peter, Andrew, James and John to be your disciples. I want to be your disciple too. Help me not to put it off, and to always do what you say. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 10:1-5
Monday - Mark 3:14-19
Tuesday - John 13:35
Wednesday - John 15:8
Thursday - Matthew 4:18-22
Friday - 1 Corinthians 4:16
Saturday - Ephesians 5:1
1. Overloaded. Start the sabbath lesson by putting a basin of water in front of the students. Put a toy boat into the basin. Begin filling the boat with pebbles or paperclips. How many pebbles or paperclips will it take before the boat sinks? (You can also choose to use fish crackers, but they float until they’re soggy. They don’t have enough weight to give the correct visual for telling the lesson - although the fish visual is a consideration if you have a toy boat with high enough sides.) Tell the story or read the lesson. Talk about the miracle which caught the attention of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and subsequently, changed their lives.
2. Fish Bookmark. Using the fish pattern in the REACH activities, give each student a fish to cut out. Have them color the fish with colored pencils. Then using a sharpie, write the names of the disciples, six on each side. Cover the fish with clear contact paper. Using a hole punch, put a hole in the nose of the fish and thread a ribbon through the hole. Tie the two ends together, or thread through a fish button before tying. Each student will have a fish bookmark to help them learn the names of the twelve disciples. Variation: you can also write the memory verse on the fish.
3. Change of Occupation Drawing. Tell the story or read the lesson to the students. Then have them draw the scene where the boat is overloaded with fish. As the caption at the bottom of the page (or in the clouds) write the memory verse: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
4. Who Were They? Make a small book by taking two pieces of printer paper and folding them in half twice. Staple the back of the “book” and cut along the crease to separate the pages. Write the name of a disciple on each page. Then write what details you know about him. Keep adding to the book as we work through this quarterly. Since you have more pages than you need, you may wish to do a title page or a table of contents for your disciple book.
5. Follow the Leader. Have the students follow you and do what you do. If you give someone a high five, every student gives that person a high five as they go by. Turn around backwards. Sit down. Hop in place three times. Shake someone’s hand. Pick up the quarterly and read the memory verse. End by sitting down in your place or on the floor to begin talking about the lesson. Tell the story or read the lesson from the quarterly. Then talk about Jesus calling the disciples. Was it easy for the students to do what you did? Was it easy for the disciples to drop everything and follow Jesus? We need to prefer Jesus over all else. What that looks like for each person may differ. But it’s worth thinking about in every aspect of your life. Are you willing to read your Bible every night before you go to bed, or will you choose to watch one more tv show so that you don’t have time? Are you ready to come to church each Sabbath, or do your parents have to scold you to get you out the door? In the big things and the little things, we need to be willing to follow Jesus.
Exodus 25:2
Matt 14:13-21
Matthew 16:9
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-14
2 Corin. 9:7
CROWD - a large group of people
BARLEY LOAVES - small, flat loaves of bread made from barley
MIRACLE - something God does that man cannot do
Jesus was the greatest teacher who ever lived. He taught in the homes of His friends. He taught in the Temple. Sometimes Jesus taught on the hillside or by the seashore. He even found some of His helpers by the seashore. Jesus told the fishermen to stop fishing for fish and start “fishing” for men. Jesus, God’s Son, four strong fisher- men, plus the other disciples went around teaching about God.
Jesus’ disciples worked very hard for many hours each day. He knew they needed a rest. Jesus also wanted to spend time with them. So they went across the Sea of Galilee with Jesus to rest. But many people saw where Jesus was going. They wanted to hear Him teach some more. But, most of the people didn’t have a boat. So they walked all the way around the lake to see Jesus. That was a really long way. But it was very important to them to hear Jesus.
At the end of the day the people were tired and hungry. Some were sick. They had walked such a long way. “Look at all these people,” the disciples said. They wanted to send them home before dark. They had nothing to eat and no place to sleep. But Jesus felt sorry for the people. He started healing those who were sick.
“I want you to feed all these people,” Jesus said to His disciples. Where would they get enough food to feed so many people? There were no stores nearby. And it would take a lot of money to buy enough food to feed such a huge crowd. There were more people than we ever see at the Feast of Tabernacles.
Jesus sent the disciples to see if anyone had food. One little boy had a small lunch. He only had five little barley loaves of bread and two small fish. But the little boy said, “You can give my lunch to Jesus.”
Do you think one little boy’s lunch could feed so many people? The disciples didn’t think so. But they were about to see a miracle!
Jesus said, “Everyone sit down on the grass.” Then He took the five loaves of bread and two fish. He thanked God for the food. He broke the bread in pieces. Jesus gave some bread and fish to each disciple, and they gave it to all the people. Everyone ate until they were full. What a wonderful miracle! But that wasn’t all. The disciples filled up 12 baskets with food that was left over. They didn’t leave a mess. Now this was a really big miracle!
Where did the five loaves and two fish come from? A little boy shared what he had. He was not selfish. Would you be willing to share like that? Jesus took the food and blessed it. He turned what the little boy shared into something really big. Don’t you think that little boy felt really good about sharing?
Remember, God always knows and cares about what you need. If you need food, you can ask Him. He will give you what you need. You ask Him by praying. Always remember to thank God for your food. Before you eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner you should give thanks. God is the one who gives us our food.
Thank you Father for this kind little boy who shared his lunch with the crowd of hungry people. Help me to be like this little boy and share. Thank you for the food you give us each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 14:13-21
Monday - Mark 6:34-39
Tuesday - Luke 9:11-17
Wednesday - John 6:5-14
Thursday - Matthew 16:9
Friday - Exodus 25:2
Saturday - Mark 6:40-44
1. Dividing the Work. Dividing 5000 by 12 gives you about 417 people for each disciple. If you have a group that could handle counting this much, have each student count out 417 pennies, buttons, beans, or toothpicks. Otherwise, have them counted out for them ahead of time. Even 417 would be a large number to feed, especially with one boy’s lunch! Manipulating the objects reinforces the magnitude of this miracle. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it to them. Otherwise review the lesson with the review questions in the teacher’s edition.
2. Waste Not. Set out one small basket with 5 loaves and two fish. (Since you probably don’t want two real fish, make your fish out of two sheets of paper. Cut out the fish outline, staple the sheets together, and stuff with newspaper.) Ask the students how many people this could feed. Have them help you re-tell the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. Then pull out twelve baskets. Emphasize that Jesus said to collect all the leftovers and not to let anything be wasted. Discuss how we need to practice that principle in our lives. We are stewards of what God has given us. That means we need to take care of what we’ve been given. Ask the students to give you examples of good stewardship. Bring the discussion around the potlucks at church or meals in general. Ask the students to suggest a good steward action plan, such as taking less and going back for more if they are still hungry.
3. Miracles. Have the students help you retell the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. The feeding of the 5000 is such a significant miracle that it’s recorded in all four gospels. Talk with the students about what miracles are and have them share examples of God answering prayer, rescuing someone, healing someone. Be prepared to share some of your own stories about times when you believe in faith it was God who did something for you. Encourage the students to write down instances when they believe God worked in their lives. Keeping a journal of these times God’s provision is such an encouragement to read through when things are stressful or hard.
4. Faith and Thankfulness. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it together or tell the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. If they have read it, review the main points. Discuss with the students that God wants us to ask Him for what we need. His answer is not always immediately yes. Sometimes it’s no (in this life), and sometimes He wants us to wait on Him for a while. Regardless, we ask in faith, knowing that God wants the very best for us. Children have huge capacity for trusting God. Encourage their faith, not by telling them that God will always answer as they want Him to, but by reassuring them that God is faithful and loves us very much. Regardless of God’s answer, our response is to give thanks in all circumstances. Draw a bouquet of flowers on a large piece of sketch paper (11 x 17). Make the petals large enough that the students can write what they are thankful to God for. Add color with their favorite tools.
5. Hungry. If the students haven’t read the lesson, read it together or tell the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. If they have read it, review the main points. Ask the students what they want to eat most when they’re really hungry - perhaps like at the end of the Day of Atonement if they’ve been fasting. Write down their answers on a dry erase board or large flip chart/poster page. Encourage them to share their favorite food or meal ideas. Then remind them that when you are hungry, everything tastes wonderful! (Clean foods, of course!) What a blessing from God that He gives us good things to eat, He gives us taste buds so we can taste different flavors, and He gives us a variety. We are so blessed. Have fish patterns ready to cut out. On each fish, write a favorite food or a blessing from God. Let the students color them. Then punch a hole in the fishes’ noses and run a string through them. Send them home with their own string of fish and reminder to be thankful to God.
Zephaniah 3:12
Matt 14:22-33
Matthew 14:27
Mark 6:45-52
John 6:15-21
1 Timothy 4:10
Hebrews 2:13
Hebrews 11:1
DANGEROUS - not safe
FRIGHTENED - afraid
GHOST - not a real person, a spirit
In last week’s lesson Jesus and His disciples went across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus took one little boy’s lunch and fed over 5000 people. That was a miracle! Jesus could do things that no one else could do. Today we will learn about another miracle. This time Jesus helped the disciples when they were afraid.
It was the day after Jesus had fed 5000 people. He and the disciples were going back across the Sea of Galilee. But a storm was coming. They saw the dark clouds in the sky. It was getting very dark. Jesus said to the disciples, “Row your boat to the other side. I’ll meet you there.” Jesus wanted to say goodbye to the people and go up onto the mountain to pray. So the disciples did what Jesus told them.
The disciples were in the middle of the sea. The wind blew really hard and the boat tossed back and forth. It was very hard to keep from turning over. It was dangerous to be out on the sea in such a storm.
Jesus knew His disciples were in trouble. He knew they were frightened. So, early in the morning Jesus walked out to help them. Yes, that’s right! Jesus walked right on top of the water. No, He wasn’t swimming. No one else had ever walked on water.
The disciples were watching the storm and the waves. Then they saw something. “What is that?” they asked.
It was someone walking on the water. They were even more afraid. What could it mean? Someone screamed, “It’s a ghost!”
Jesus said, “It’s all right. Be brave! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter cried out, “Lord, is it really you? If it is, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus told Peter to come to Him. So Peter put his feet over the side of the boat and stood up. He started walking on the water toward Jesus. But, Peter looked at the high waves. They really scared him. What do you think happened? Because Peter didn’t trust Jesus, he started sinking! He called out, “Save me, Lord!”
Jesus put out His hand and saved Peter from drowning. “O man of little faith,” Jesus said. “Why didn’t you trust me?” Then Jesus climbed into their boat. The wind and waves stopped! The disciples didn’t know what to think. The storm had scared them. They saw Jesus walk on water. They saw Peter walk on water. They saw Jesus save Peter. And they saw Jesus calm the storm. “You must really be God’s Son,” they said. They knew only God had power to do all of these things.
Jesus is your best Friend. He wants to help you when you are in trouble, too. There is one thing you have to do when you’re in trouble. You have to ask Jesus to help you. That is what you do when you pray.
Most of the time we pray on our knees. But we can pray anywhere. Sometimes we just think our prayers. No one else hears us but our Friend Jesus. He is always listening for your pray.
Our Wonderful Father, thank you for our Friend Jesus. He saved Peter when he was sinking. You can save me when I’m in trouble. Help me to always remember to pray for your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday - Mark 6:45-50
Monday - Mark 6:51-52
Tuesday - John 6:15-21
Wednesday - Hebrews 11:1
Thursday - Hebrews 2:13
Friday - Zephaniah 3:12
Saturday - 1 Timothy 4:10
1. Picture This. Read/tell the lesson with the students. You’ll need full-color pictures of lakes, the ocean, mountains, storms, etc. Old calendars and magazines are wonderful for craft time!! Have each student pick one picture. Direct each student to talk about the picture they chose and how it relates to the lesson. For instance, a student who has chosen a calm lake picture might say that this is what the lake would look like after Jesus calmed the storm. A student who has chosen a mountain scene might cite “I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?” Psalm 121. (Make sure you give the students an example of what you want them to do before they choose their picture.) Once everyone has talked about their picture, give them a piece of transparency film and a permanent marker. Have them write the memory verse on the transparency film. Use strips of colored construction paper to frame the picture and secure the transparency on top of the calendar/magazine picture. (Materials needed: colorful pictures, transparency film, sharpies, glue, construction paper strips, Bible, student quarterly)
2. Wash Basin. Read/tell the lesson with the students. Then do the REACh activity #2 - only instead of putting the paper boats and people in the bathroom sink, allow each student to have a wash basin to put them in. (Caution the students to be careful not to get themselves all wet!!! Note to self: bring some extra towels!) These hands-on activities which can cause such a mess make an indelible impression on these young minds.
3. Jesus Saves. Using 8.5 x 11 printer paper and one piece of construction paper, make a booklet by folding the paper in half and stapling it on the crease. Have the students begin a project of faith. On the left hand side of the page, draw/color a picture of a Bible story of faith (Noah, Daniel, David and Goliath, Gideon, the Feeding of the 5000, Jesus walks on water, etc.). Have the students talk with family and church friends. Ask them about times when they believe God has saved them, rescued them, provided for them. Record these stories (one for each page) on the right hand side of the book. This can be an ongoing project
4. A Boat in the Storm. Read/tell the lesson with the students. Tape two (or three) 6-ft pieces of butcher paper together. Draw the outline of a boat (bird’s eye view - looking down from above) in the middle of the paper. Paint brown with tempera paint. Add benches and details as you have time. There should be room for all the students to be inside. On the outside of the boat, draw waves. Use dark blue tempera paint and fairly large paint brushes to make the waves and cover the area. (All of the boat drawing and wave painting can be done ahead of time or during class as time permits.) Once the wave paint is dry, use a black sharpie to write words on the waves - words which describe the storms in our lives: physical storms: tornado, hurricane, blizzard, thunderstorm; life storms: illness, disease, injury; relational: divorce, bullies, arguments, relocation, death; spiritual battles; temptations; trials. Once the students have written all of these words on the waves, have them paint over the words with a light blue/royal blue. Remind them that Jesus has all of our storms under control. He is sovereign. There is nothing that happens to us of which He is not aware. Sometimes He allows the storms to rage; sometimes we make very poor choices which put us into storms. But He is there and will help us through the storms of life. Prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, daily praise - make these things an integral part of your life.
5. Storms Around Us. Read/tell the lesson with the students. Have an 8 x 10 picture frame for each student. (You can get inexpensive ones at Dollar General/Dollar Tree.) Cut poster board the exact size to fit in the frame. Take a picture of each student and print 2 x 3-inch photos. (Either take the photos a week ahead of time or plan to give the project to the students next Sabbath.) Have the students color the paper to look like a storm: waves, dark clouds, lightning, etc. They can use markers, paint, crayons, colored pencils. Affix the photo in the center of the paper. Write the memory verse on a white strip to put along the bottom. Or write “Jesus Saves” along the top. The students may wish to add storm words - the stressful things in their lives - in the midst of the waves. Once the picture is done, frame it and send it home with the students to remind them that Jesus is with them in the midst of the storm.
Genesis 2:1-3
Ex 16:23-25
Ex 20:8-11
Ex 35:2-3
Mark 2:27
Mark 2:27-28
Luke 6:1-5
Luke 13:10-17
Acts 18:1-4
CREATED - made out of nothing
SABBATH - the seventh day of the week, set aside to rest
GRAZING - to eat growing grass
HEALED - made well
God was busy at work. He made the sky with clouds, sun, moon, and stars. He made the world with the flowers, grass, and trees. He made the rivers, lakes, and oceans. He looked at the trees and saw all the branches. God decided to make birds to build their nests on the branches. He looked at the water in the rivers, lakes, and oceans. They needed something. So, God made fish and placed them in the water. God made all sorts of animals. He put some in the jungle, some in the mountains, and some out in the country. But God wasn’t finished yet. He looked around at everything He made. There was nothing that could talk to Him. So, God made a man and a woman. He called them Adam and Eve. Whew! That was a lot of work to do in just six days. So on the seventh day, God stopped working and rested. The seventh day of the week is the Sabbath.
Everything God made was very good. God took the Sabbath day to rest and enjoy the things He made. That must have been a very special day for God. He could listen to the birds sing. He could watch one squirrel chase another up a tree. It was such a beautiful, perfect world.
Adam and Eve rested on the Sabbath, too. They watched the fuzzy lambs playing with each other. They watched the bright colored fish swimming in the pond. They also spent time talking to God. The Sabbath was a very special day for Adam and Eve. It is the best day of the week.
What did Jesus do on the Sabbath? He didn’t work. He rested like His Father did. But, He also helped people. It is right to do good things on the Sabbath.
One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. A synagogue is like a church. Jesus saw a woman who was bent over. She couldn’t straighten up. Satan caused the woman to be stooped over for 18 years. That was a long time. Jesus touched the woman and said, “Woman, you are healed of your sickness!” What do you think happened? The woman stood up straight! She praised God and thanked Him. Wasn’t that a wonderful thing?
But the leader of the synagogue got very angry about what Jesus did. He didn’t like it because Jesus healed this woman on the Sabbath. “There are six days of the week to work,” he shouted. “Those are days to come for healing.”
Jesus called the man a hypocrite! A hypocrite is someone who pretends to be good when he is not. “You work on the Sabbath! Don’t you untie your animals from their stalls on the Sabbath? Don’t you lead them out to drink water? Why is it wrong for me to free this woman from her sickness?”Jesus asked. The synagogue leader was shamed by Jesus. But all the people were really happy about the wonderful thing Jesus did.
There are right things and wrong things to do on the Sabbath. God says it is wrong to work on the Sabbath. He gave us six days to do our work. We should make things ready for the Sabbath on Friday. You could help mom cook your favorite foods to eat on the Sabbath. Get your clothes ready on Friday before the Sabbath. Then you can rest on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is a good time to visit sick people and do good deeds. The Sabbath is a good day to enjoy all of the beautiful things God created. Talk to your Friend, Jesus. Spend time with Him in Sabbath School. Spending time with Jesus by reading your daily Devotionals. The Sabbath is a very special day. It is the best day of the week. Don’t we have a wonderful God who made the Sabbath for us?
Thank you Father for creating the heavens and the earth. You made the sea, the trees too. You also made man and gave him the Sabbath day to rest. It is the best day of the week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday - Genesis 2:2-3
Monday - Exodus 16:23-25
Tuesday - Exodus 20:8-11
Wednesday - Exodus 35:2-3
Thursday - Mark 2:27-28
Friday - Luke 6:1-5
Saturday - Acts 18:1-4
1. Busy Weeks. Divide a flip chart-sized paper into seven section. Write the days of the week at the top of each section. Have the students list all the activities they are involved in all week long. Then write what happens on sabbath. Ask them why the only thing listed on sabbath is “go to church” (or whatever extra things they’ve listed - visit Grandma, go to nursing home, etc.) Why do we set the sabbath apart? Then read the lesson with the students. This introduction will impact your more visual learners.
2. Planning for Sabbath. Bring a clean, empty peanut butter jar for each student. Have labels to put on the jars: sabbath ideas, sabbath plans, etc. Let them decorate the label to put on the jar. Have several strips of paper already cut and put in an envelope attached to the outside of the jar. Help the students think of fun things to do on the sabbath - either family activities to bring in the sabbath together or activities for sabbath afternoon after church. Then read the lesson with the students.
3. Thank you Notes. There are a lot of people who work every week to make sure sabbath is God-honoring. After reading the lesson to the students, have them make thank you cards for the pastor, the song leader, the person who makes the coffee, the kitchen clean-up crew, the sound guys, the sabbath school teachers, etc. They may also choose to make a thank you note for their parents for bringing them to church each week.
4. Clothespins. Read the lesson to the students. Then do the following activity: Using markers, have each students color seven clothespins. Then with a sharpie, write the days of the week - one day on each clothespin. On the back side, apply magnetic tape. Now they will have clothespins to put on the refrigerator to hold to do notes. Help them think of what should go on each clothespin. For instance, Sunday: fold clothes/do laundry; Monday: take out trash; Tuesday: water house plants; Wednesday: clean up room; Thursday: dry dishes; Friday: sweep floor: Sabbath: give Mom and Dad an extra hug before church.
5. Bookmarks. Read the lesson to the students, then give them heavy white cardstock cut into 8.5 x 2 inch strips. Let them decorate them with crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Write the lesson title, “A Very Special Day,” on one side. On the other, write their name or the name of the person they want to give the bookmark to. “Laminate” the bookmark by covering it with clear contact paper. Then using a hole punch, put a hole in the top center and thread a ribbon through. If you have specialty buttons, the students can pick a button to put on the ribbon as well. Encourage the students to give the bookmark as a gift or to keep it in their Bible as a reminder of God’s sabbath.
Matt 19:13-15
Mark 10:13-16
Mark 10:14
Luke 18:15-17
John 3:16
Romans 8:16
Galatians 3:26
1 John 3:1
TRUST - to believe in
CEREMONY - a special service
It was a warm summer day. Mom and Dad were busy working in the yard. Dad was mowing the grass. Mom was working in her flower bed. Grandpa was even working sweeping grass off the sidewalk.
Emily and Eric had been waiting all morning to go to the pool to swim. They went out to ask Dad if they could go now. Dad said, “In a little while.” It seemed like everyone was just too busy to take time for the twins. They were beginning to think no one loved them. After all, they were only children!
Children are very special to Jesus. He loves all children, whether your skin is red, brown, yellow, black, or white. He has a lot of love for you.
One day some mothers brought their children to Jesus. They wanted Him to bless them. There were lots of people around Jesus. The disciples told the mothers, “Jesus is too busy to bother with your little children.” The children must have felt like Emily and Eric!
Jesus heard what the disciples said. He wasn’t very happy. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t keep them away.” It doesn’t matter if you are big or small. Jesus is your Friend. He wants you to believe Him, trust Him, and obey Him.
Jesus asked to see the children. He wanted to hold them in His arms and bless them. He is never too tired or too busy for children. Jesus is never too tired or too busy for you. He took the children in His arms. Then He put His hands on them and blessed them. Jesus has a very special love for children.
Once a year we have an important service at church. It is called the blessing of children ceremony. The minister does what Jesus did. He takes babies and little children in his arms. Then he prays that God will bless them. The minister will ask God to bless and protect each child. Do you remember seeing this ceremony? Often it is done about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles.
That day, Jesus taught everyone a special lesson. “Everyone must be like a child to be in the Kingdom of God,” He said. The Kingdom of God is God’s home. Someday He will bring His Kingdom to this earth. God wants to share His Kingdom with us. That will be a great gift for you. It will be such a wonderful place to live. God’s Kingdom will be a much better place than this earth. It will be far better than anything you can imagine. It will be a safe place to live, and everyone will be happy. We should pray that God will bring His Kingdom to earth soon.
God’s love is so wonderful that we should thank Him daily for it. Always remember to pray before you eat and before you go to bed. Be sure to thank God for His love. Don’t forget to ask Him to hurry up and bring His Kingdom to this earth.
Remember, you will always be God’s child, even if you live to be a hundred years old!
Our Father in heaven, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your Son Jesus who died for our sins. Please hurry and bring your kingdom to this earth soon. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sunday - Mark 10:13-16
Monday - Matthew 19:13-15
Tuesday - Luke 18:15-17
Wednesday - 1 John 3:1
Thursday - John 3:16
Friday - Romans 8:16
Saturday - Galatians 3:26
1. Children’s Songs. Read Mark 10:13-16. Review the key points of the lesson with the students. Ask the students to think of songs which talk about Jesus loving children. (Several are listed in the REACH activities.) They might think of “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Loves Even Me,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” “Jesus Loves the Little Ones,” “When He Cometh,” “Suffer the Children.” Sing several of them and discuss the message.
2. Retelling the Story. Read Mark 10:13-16. Review the key points of the lesson with the students. Have the students “teach” the lesson to you. You may have to ask some pointed/leading questions to help them along.
3. True or False. Read Mark 10:13-16. Review the key points of the lesson with the students. Have the students work in pairs to write a True/False quiz about the lesson. Switch with other students. When they’ve finished taking the quiz, switch back and grade them. Talk about any questions they might have missed.
4. God’s Kingdom. Read Mark 10:13-16. Review the key points of the lesson with the students. Read Isaiah 11:6. Give each student a piece of 11 x 17 sketch paper. Have them use their favorite color tools to depict this verse. Make sure to write a caption. It could be the title of the lesson, their memory verse, or something like “Children are important to God now and in His kingdom.”
5. Explaining the Blessing of Little Children. Read Mark 10:13-16. Review the key points of the lesson with the students. Each year at the Feast of Tabernacles, there is usually a Blessing of Little Children ceremony. In pairs, have the students role play explaining what this ceremony is and why we do it. One student explains; the other student pretends to be a much younger child who has never participated in the ceremony. Talk about the importance of blessing children and how it also can be done weekly by your parents as part of our sabbath observance.
Matt 5:43-48
Matt 19:19
Matt 22:36-40
Mark 12:28-31
Luke 10:25-37
Luke 10:27
Rom 13:9, 10
James 2:8, 9
EXPERT - someone who knows everything about a subject
CRIPPLED - unable to walk
PRIEST - something like a minister
SAMARITAN - a person from the land of Samaria
One day a man said, “Jesus, what does a man have to do to live forever.” What a good question! Have you ever asked a question like that? It is something everyone needs to know. The man who asked the question was an expert in God’s law. So Jesus said, “What does the law say about it?”
The man thought for a minute. Then he remembered that the law says you must “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.” You should also love your neighbor as yourself.
“That’s right,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live forever.”
But this man didn’t like some kinds of people. He probably didn’t like poor people. He may not have liked people who were a different color from him. He probably didn’t like to be around people who were sick or crippled. Jesus’ answer bothered the man. He asked, “Who is my neighbor? So, Jesus told him a story to help him understand.
A man went on a trip from Jerusalem to the town of Jericho. He met some bandits on the way. Bandits are really bad people. They steal from other people. The bandits attacked the man. They took all of his clothes. Then they beat him. They left him lying half dead beside the road.
A religious man came walking by.
He was a priest. He saw the poor man lying by the road. But he didn’t help. He went to the other side of the road. He left the man there naked and hurting.
Then a man who worked in the Temple came by. He walked over and looked at the man but didn’t stop to help either.
Finally a Samaritan man came by. Samaritans were not liked very much. But the Samaritan was a very kind man. He felt sorry for the poor man who had been beaten. He put medicine and bandages on the man’s cuts. Then he put the man on his donkey. They didn’t have cars back then. The Samaritan walked along beside the man on the donkey until they came to an inn. An inn is like a hotel.
The next day the Samaritan gave the innkeeper some money. He asked him to take care of the man. He said, “If I owe you more than this, I will pay you when I come back.”
Now, who do you think was a good neighbor to this poor man? You’re right, it was the Samaritan. Jesus told the man who had asked the question, to go and help people like the Samaritan had done.
Don’t you want to be like the Samaritan? Have you ever seen someone who needed help? Maybe your friend tripped on a step and skinned his knee. Or, maybe someone didn’t feel well in your class. When your mom, dad, or someone in your family is sick, you can be like the Samaritan and help. When you show love to people, you show love to God. Jesus wants you to do both. People don’t have to live on your block to be your neighbor. Anyone can be your neighbor.
Dear God and Father, thank you for this beautiful lesson. We learned about the way the Samaritan helped the injured man. Help me to be a good neighbor. If I see someone who has been hurt, I want to help him. Please show me how. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 5:43-48
Monday - Matthew 19:19
Tuesday - Matthew 22:36-40
Wednesday - Mark 12:28-31
Thursday - Luke 10:25-27
Friday - Romans 13:9, 10
Saturday - James 2:8, 9
1. This Little Light of Mine. Ask the students to recite the memory verse. (Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Luke 10:27) Point out to them that this is not the whole verse. The entire verse in the NIrV is this: “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength and with all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ “ Then ask them how they demonstrate that they love God with all of their heart, soul, strength, and mind. After they’ve brainstormed some ways, read the lesson to them. Discuss the actions which demonstrate that we love God. Those actions of loving God are how we let our light shine. Give each student a piece of drawing/sketch paper. Let them draw a lamp/light. Write the memory verse across the bottom of the page.
2. Make a Card. Ask the students to think of someone they know who could really use some encouragement (neighbor, friend, family member, church family). Talk a little about why they need encouragement, what they are going through. Read the lesson with the students. Then let the students create a homemade card to give/send to someone who needs the lift. Help them find appropriate scripture verses to include. Have stickers, markers, crayons, colored pencils, stencils, stamps, paper punches, ribbons, glue, scissors, etc. to make the cards special and unique. Alternate idea: make a 3-D flower bouquet out of construction paper, scissors, straws (for stems), glue, stapler, etc.
3. Frame Positive Attributes. Read the lesson with the students. Then talk about the fact that Jesus gave a concrete example of showing your love to God by helping your neighbor. It’s not too early to start thinking about the talents and strengths each person has been given by God. One child might be a really good listener. One child might have a bubbly personality and bright smile. Another child might be very sensitive to the attitudes and moods of people around them. Another child might love to draw pictures to give to others. Help them recognize their strengths. Give each student an 10 x 8 piece of cardstock. If possible, let them choose the color they prefer. Then write their name is big bold letters in the center of the page. Write strengths, talents, gifts around their name. Encourage them to take it home and have their parents add to it before framing it. We need to encourage people to work from their strengths. If God gives you a talent, use it!
4. Heart Reminder. Read the lesson with the students. Discuss the memory verse, Luke 10:27: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul. Point out to them that this is not the whole verse. The entire verse in the NIrV is this: “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength and with all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ “ Talk about the fact that sometimes you don’t know who God wants you to help. The Levite, the priest, and the Samaritan were walking down the road. It wasn’t someone they already knew needed help; it was someone they came across. It’s important to be ready to help others when you see a need. (Discuss the importance of not putting yourself into danger. Get an adult to help you!!) The goal is to honor God and to show your love for God through your actions. After the discussion, give each student a piece of sketch paper to draw various hearts surrounding the memory verse. They may choose to write various activities on the hearts.
5. All of Me Bookmark. Read the lesson with the students. Give each student a piece of cardstock 4.25 x 7 inches. Have them draw themselves on the piece of white cardstock. Cut out the drawing. Then trace around the drawing and cut it out as well. (You’ll have a front and a back of the student.) Then give them a 2 x 10-inch strip of cardstock in the color of their choice. Glue the front of the person on one side and the back on the other side of the strip. Then write the memory verse on the strip and cover the whole thing with clear contact paper. Then cut out the bookmark again, leaving a margin of clear contact paper around the person so it doesn’t peel apart. Send the bookmark home with them as a reminder to read their Bible, do the daily devotion, and work on their memory verse every day.
