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JUNIOR SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS YEAR 4 LESSONS 1 – 20 Lesson 1 Aim: Elisha and Naaman 2 Kings 5:1–16 To show the importance of obedience to God. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils, pictures of ‘important’ people (optional); information about the Leprosy Mission or similar (optional). Introduction Ask the children if they have ever seen anyone ‘important’ (royalty, politician, sports star, celebrity, etc.), and listen to their stories or supply one of your own. Explain that the man in today’s story was very important in his country, but he had a problem. Point 1 An Important Man Help the children to find 2 Kings 5:1 and read it together (older children could find it for themselves) and ask who he was, and the reason for his problem. Explain that leprosy is a skin disease which can lead to terrible deformity and was at that time incurable. People with leprosy were considered unclean and had to live apart as people were so afraid of catching it (the children may remember stories of Jesus healing lepers). So Naaman had a very serious problem. Point 2 A Faithful Girl Read verses 2, 3 (or ask a volunteer). Explain that Aram and Israel had been at war, and that raiding parties still crossed the border, and this young girl had been captured. Talk together about what it must have been like for her, and the things she might have had to learn to do. Note what she said to her mistress and point out that even in exile the girl had not forgotten God, and how He showed His power through His servant Elisha. Ask the children if they think it would have been difficult for her to speak up, and talk together about this. Point 3 A Worried King Read verses 4-7 and ask why the king was worried, and why he thought the King of Aram had sent Naaman to him. Point out that, although the young girl remembered God, the King of Israel seemed to have forgotten all about Him. Point 4 A Faithful Prophet Read verses 8-10. Note Elisha’s rebuke to the king and ask what he asked the king to do. Picture together the important chariot and horses arriving outside Elisha’s house. Ask what Elisha did, and what he asked Naaman to do. What do the children think about this? Point 5 An Angry Soldier Naaman was furious! Read verses 11 and 12 and discuss why he was so annoyed. Ask what he was expecting to happen. Point 6 Wise Servants Read verses 13 and 14. Ask about the advice of the servants and whether the children think it was good advice. Ask what happened when Naaman followed it. Ask the children if they think there was something special about the water in the Jordan river and help them to understand that the cure was due to Naaman’s obedience to God, through Elisha, and nothing at all to do with the water. How do they think Naaman felt now? Point 7 A New Believer Read verses 15 and 16. Talk together about Naaman’s return to Elisha and how they think he is feeling now. Read part of verse 15 together as a group: “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Point out that Elisha refused a gift as he wanted Naaman to know that it was God Who had healed him and not Elisha, that he was healed by God’s grace and not by any ‘power’ that Elisha might have. It was not something that could be bought. Explain that God wants us to obey Him, not just know about Him, but to do what He says – to trust Him, believe in Him and obey Him in our everyday lives, not in big extravagant gestures, but in the ordinary things we do at home and in school every day. Enlarge on this as you feel appropriate. Pray with the children, thanking God for His care over each one of us and asking that He would help us to follow and obey Him in our lives every day. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. [If you have time and feel it is appropriate you could show some of the literature from the Leprosy mission, if you have it available.] Lesson 2 Aim: Elisha and the Syrian Host 2 Kings 6:8–23 To show the mercy of God. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils. Introduction Ask the children about what annoys them and makes them feel cross – listen to their comments for a few minutes, giving an example of your own if you feel it appropriate. Explain that in today’s lesson the King of Aram was becoming very cross indeed and they’re going to find out why. [Teachers’ Note: you may wish to explain that Aram (NIV) and Syria (KJV) were different names for the same country to the north of Israel]. Point 1 An Enraged King (verses 8-12) Help the children to find 2 Kings 6:8. Read verses 8-12 dramatically, while the children follow in their Bibles (or tell the story in your own words if you prefer). Ask a few questions to make sure they have understood, finally asking what it was that so enraged the king. Ask how the man of God (Elisha) knew all the enemies’ plans, making sure they understand that it was God Who revealed them to him. Point 2 Surrounded (verses 13-17) Ask what the children think the king of Aram would want to do, and continue reading/telling the story to the end of verse 17, bringing out the fear of the servant who could only see the enemy army and feel overwhelmed, and then his wonder as his eyes were opened to see the horses and chariots of fire, and realised that the Lord is with them. [You may wish to comment on the relevance of this in our own lives, when sometimes we see only the problem and forget about God, if you feel it appropriate at this point.] Point 3 Struck Blind (verses 18-20) Continue the story explaining that just as the servant’s eyes were opened to see the horses and chariots of fire around them, so Elisha prayed that the Aramæans would be struck blind so that they could see nothing at all. Point out how unsuspectingly they followed Elisha as he led them into the trap. Ask how the enemy soldiers would have felt when they realised where they were, and what they would expect to happen to them. Ask a volunteer to read verse 21 to find out what the King of Israel wanted to do, and discuss what the children think about that. Point 4 An Act Of Mercy (verses 22-23) Finish the story in your own words, pointing out that not only were they not harmed, but that a feast was prepared for them before they were sent safely back home. Ask the children to comment on this, and to give their reaction to this turn of events. Ask about the result of this act of mercy and point out if necessary that the fighting stopped. Remind the children that the soldiers had come to capture Elisha and did not deserve his act of kindness. Point out that we are completely undeserving of the love and kindness that God lavishes on us (ask the children for examples) and most of all we are undeserving of the wonderful gift of His Son, Who died to take the punishment that we deserve for our sin. Talk about this, and God’s love and mercy as much as you feel is appropriate for your class. Pray with the children, thanking God for the Bible and the wonderful things we learn from it, and for His love and mercy in sending the Lord Jesus to be our Saviour. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 3 Aim: Jonah - 1 Jonah 1 To show we cannot hide from God. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils, simple map (optional) Introduction Play a quick game of ‘opposites’ – give the children a series of quick-fire commands, eg. ‘stand’, ‘sit’, turn right’, turn left’, etc. and the children respond by doing the opposite. Now ask about jobs and chores the children are responsible for at home and in school, and discuss which ones they enjoy, and which they really do not like doing. Say that today we’ll learn how God gave the prophet Jonah a special job to do, but instead of obeying God he set off in the opposite direction. Point 1 Running away (verses 1-3) Help the children to find the Book of Jonah in their Bibles. Read verses 1-3 (or ask a confident reader). Explain that Nineveh was an important city, probably a long way from where Jonah lived. It was well known to be a wicked city (verse 2) and God asked Jonah to go and preach there, and warn the people about their wickedness. Ask the children to check verse 3, and find put what Jonah did instead. Explain that some scholars believe Tarshish to be the city of Tartessus in SW Spain. Not only was Jonah running away from God, but he was going as far as he could in the opposite direction (show the map if you have one). Suggest to the children that Jonah had forgotten something and help them to see the futility of trying to run away from God. Point 2 The storm (verses 4-6) Before reading verses 4-6 ask the children if they know what God did. Read the verses and discuss them together, bringing out the danger, and the panic of the sailors (who must have been well used to storms at sea) and the fact that Jonah seems to have been asleep through it all. Note that the sailors each called to their own god (they probably came from several different parts and worshipped many gods), and the captain asked Jonah to do the same not knowing who Jonah’s God was. Point 3 Drawing Lots (verses 7-10) Explain that drawing lots seemed to have been a common custom in the ancient world – experts are not sure what form it took (perhaps they used sticks or marked pebbles). But God, Who was in control of this as He is of every situation, caused the lot to fall on Jonah as the guilty one. Ask the children to read verse 8 all together (perhaps giving them a phrase each) as the sailors urgently question Jonah. Note his reply (verse 9) as he acknowledges the sovereignty of the Lord (the One from Whom he is running away!). Read verse 10 and talk about the reaction of the sailors and why they were so scared. Point 4 The Lord Provided (verses 11-16) Ask confident readers to help you read to the end of verse 16 and by question and answer bring out: Jonah’s willingness to die to save the sailors; their reluctance to throw him into the sea; their plea to the Lord to forgive them for doing so; the calm as soon as Jonah hit the sea; their sacrifices and vows to the Lord. (We’re not told that they turned away from the other ‘gods’, but they acknowledged that the God of Israel was powerful and greatly to be feared). The Lord was in control of the situation (as He always is) – ask a volunteer to read verse 17: “But the Lord provided ……….” Point out that although Jonah tried to run away from God that the Lord had not forgotten him and was with him every step of the way, teaching him that it is not possible to run away from God. Suggest that perhaps we do something like that – perhaps not run away physically like Jonah , but we push away thoughts of God; perhaps something we’ve heard in Sunday School or church which makes us feel uncomfortable, or that God is trying to speak to us, but we try to push the thoughts away. Talk more about this if you feel it is appropriate, and at a level that is relevant to your class. Pray with the children, thanking God that He never leaves us to ourselves and is longing for each one of us to acknowledge Him and trust in Him. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 4 Aim: Jonah - 2 Jonah 2 To show that God hears and answers prayer. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; red, orange and green paper circles as ‘traffic lights’ (optional), sheet of paper for list (optional). Introduction If you have the space, ask the children to crouch or lie for 2 minutes without moving (time them). While they are still ask them to imagine it is dark (close their eyes), probably smelly (hold their noses), and wet. Two minutes may seem a long time, but remind the children that Jonah was confined for 3 days and 3 nights. Ask them to remind you where he was, and how he got there. [Teacher’s Note: if the children are sceptical, or think it is just a ‘fairy tale’, there is anecdotal evidence in the 18th and 19th centuries of people being swallowed by fish and surviving (do a web-browser search if you are interested). But remind the children that this is a true story from God’s Word and that God can do amazing things.] Point 1 Prayer (verse 1) Help the children to find Jonah chapter 2 and ask them to read the first verse for themselves and tell you what Jonah was doing. Ask what he may have been praying about, and listen to their suggestions. You may want to point out that it is not uncommon for people in desperate and dangerous situations to pray to God even if they are not in the habit of praying. Say that Jonah’s prayer was different. Point 2 Prayer of thanksgiving (verses 2-9) Read the prayer together – verses 2-9 – or share it out among confident readers. Ask the children if they can tell what the prayer was about and refer them to verse 9a if necessary, explaining that it is a prayer of thanks to God (and not, as we might expect, a prayer of moans and self-pity). Discuss what Jonah is thanking God for, eg. answering his call of distress (verse 2), listening to his cry when he was at the point of death (verse 2), saving his life when he was sure he was going to drown (verses 3-7), and point out how he acknowledged God at the end of verse 6. Explain that God always hears our sincere prayers to him and always answers them, though not always in the way we expect (do they think Jonah had expected a big fish?!). Point 3 A living God (verses 8-10) Explain that Jonah realises that people who worship false gods (perhaps he was thinking about the sailors) miss out on the undeserved love and kindness of a living and loving God Who alone can answer prayer. Help the children to understand that prayer is not superstition or magic, but coming in faith and trust to the loving and true God Who delights to hear and answer our prayers according to His gracious will, and in the way that is best for us. Read verse 10 to find out how Jonah was saved from inside the fish. Explain that the ‘salvation’ mentioned in verse 9 is much more than this and refers to the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. Enlarge on this as much as you feel appropriate to the understanding of your class. Conclusion: Stress again that God always answers our sincere prayers to Him, but that sometimes the answer might be ‘no’ or ‘wait’. Show the ‘traffic lights’ if you have them. Remind them that prayer is not like going to a shop with a shopping list; also that sometimes we might pray for things that might be bad for us (give example of parent and child, eg. a 4-year-old child asking for a knife to play with – the children might have other suggestions). But our loving God answers our prayers in the way that is best for us, and we can trust ourselves fully to Him. Ask the children to suggest things to thank God for and list their suggestions (encourage them to look beyond just material blessings). Pray with the children, including things from the list, and pausing occasionally for them their own, silently or audibly. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 5 Aim: Jonah - 3 Jonah 3 & 4 To show that God’s love is for all who believe and trust in Him. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; A4 paper or game for introducing the activity (optional), questions for quick recap quiz (optional), rolled up piece of paper with the king’s decree on it (Jonah 3:7-9), pictures of people from different cultures (optional). Introduction Give the children a piece of paper and ask them to make a boat (or anything else you feel confident making). Give them a few minutes to attempt it, then stop them and carefully show them how to do it, while they start again following your instructions. [Alternatively you could ask them to play a game, giving no instructions, then stop them and start again as you show them how to play it properly]. Say that Jonah deliberately ignored God’s instructions and got himself into a mess. But now he’s ready to start again. Point 1 An Important City (verses 1, 2) Ask the children to remind you what God had asked Jonah to do (Jonah 1:2, lesson 3, point 1) and have a quick-fire recap quiz to remind them of the story so far. Help the children to find Jonah ch. 3. Read verses 1 and 2 and ask what Jonah was to do, and how he responded this time. Explain that Jonah was a prophet, and that a prophet’s job was to pass on messages from God. Note that Nineveh was a big and important city with at least 120,000 inhabitants (Jonah 4:11). Help the children to put it in context suggesting important cities they know. Point 2 A Message Received (verses 3-9) Read the verses together and help the children to picture Jonah going through the city, preaching the message, and how the people reacted when they heard him. Explain that putting on sack-cloth was a custom to show that the people were very, very sorry (the sack-cloth would be very scratchy and uncomfortable). Talk about the reaction of the king when he heard the message (note that he even sat in the dust) and talk about the decree (special law) he made. Read it out dramatically from the rolled up ‘parchment’ if you have it. Point 3 A Compassionate God (verse 10) Read verse 10 and talk together about God’s response to the Ninevites actions, and talk more about the love and compassion of God, Who always accepts those who come to him and ask for His forgiveness with true repentance, in a way that you feel is appropriate to your class. Point 4 An Angry Prophet (chapter 4) Point out that Jonah’s task was not so very difficult after all as he did not have to try and persuade the people – they received his message straight away, so he must have been very pleased. Read ch. 4:1 (or ask a volunteer). Ask the children what they think about that, and why Jonah was angry. Listen to their suggestions, and explain that the Israelites were God’s chosen people and did not want God’s love and forgiveness to be shown to anyone else. Explain that he tells God that’s why he ran away – he knew God as a God of love and compassion, and he did not want him to forgive the people of Nineveh; he thought His goodness was to be shown only to the people of Israel. Continue the story, explaining how Jonah found a place to sit to see what would happen to the city (perhaps he was still hoping it would be destroyed?) and that God made a vine grow to shelter him from the sun. Note how upset he was when the vine died, and how God contrasts the life of the vine which grew up in a day and died in a day, with the thousands of people who lived in Nineveh. Jonah thought only about himself and his comfort but God was concerned about the thousands of people in the city. Conclusion: Explain that God’s love and forgiveness through the blood of the Lord Jesus is for everyone who trusts in Him, not just for people in Scotland (or the Free Church!), but for “whoever believes in Him …” (John 3:16) all over the world. Ask the children to call out the names of countries they know, and show pictures, eg. from Missionary magazines, if you have them. Pray with the children, thanking God for His love and forgiveness through the death of Jesus, and pray for Christians in some of the countries the children have mentioned, especially remembering Christians in countries where it is dangerous to be a Christian. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. LESSON 6 IS A REVISION LESSON USING THE NOTES FOR LESSONS 1- 5 Lesson 7 Aim: Jesus - the Source of Living Water John 4:1-30, 39-42 To show that salvation comes only through Jesus, and that we need to experience it for ourselves. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; map (optional), bottle (jug) of water and plastic cups (optional). Introduction Brainstorm with the children the many uses of water, and then talk about how much water they have already used today. Offer a drink of water to anyone who wants one, and ask if they are likely to be thirsty again. Say that today we will learn about Jesus offering Living Water. Point 1 A Surprised Woman In your own words explain that Jesus was travelling back from Judea to Galilee, passing through Samaria as it was the shortest way, even though Jews and Samaritans normally avoided each other. (A map would be helpful if you have one). Go on to explain that Jesus was tired after all the teaching and travelling, and sat to rest in the heat of the day (it was probably about mid-day) at a well (a historical well, built on a patch of land bought by Jacob – Gen. 33:19) while the disciples went into the village to buy food. Picture with the children the surprise of the woman when she saw Him sitting there and realised He was a Jew. Imagine her greater surprise when He spoke to her. Ask a volunteer to read verse 7 to find out what He asked. Explain that she would have been astonished that He spoke to her at all – Jewish rabbis (teachers) did not normally speak to women, far less a Samaritan woman, and no Jew would ever ask a Samaritan for a drink as they considered them to be unclean. Ask another child to read verse 9 to see her reply. Point 2 Living Water Read verse 10 together (or ask a volunteer) and ask what Jesus offered to give the woman and ask how she misunderstood (verse 11). Explain that she probably thought she meant flowing water (as a stream), but that there was none nearby, only water from the deep well, and she could see He had nothing to use to draw water. Read verses 13 and 14 to the children, then ask a volunteer to read verse 15, showing that she still misunderstood, and thinks it’s some kind of ‘magic water’ and that she wouldn’t need to come to the well every day! Ask the children if they think Jesus is really talking about water, and help them to understand that He is talking about lasting satisfaction to meet the deep needs and longings in our hearts, which only God can satisfy. Point 3 True Worship Ask the children to do some detective work, and find out about the woman’s life-style (verse 17). Point out that Jesus knew all this before He asked the question in verse 16 (just as He knows all the secrets of our lives). Explain that she decided He must be a prophet and tried to have a discussion about the disagreement between the Jews and the Samaritans about the best place to worship God. Jesus explains that it is not where but how we worship God that is important – sincerely and whole-heartedly. Point 4 Good News to share (verses 28-30, 39-42) Ask what the woman did when she came to some understanding of Who Jesus was, and suggest that the news was far too good to keep to herself – she had to share it with her neighbours. Ask about their reaction, and point out that the news shared by the woman brought them to Jesus, but that when they heard Him for themselves they came to believe that He is the Saviour of the world. Conclusion: Say that it is good to share the Good News about Jesus with our friends and to invite them to Church or Sunday School. Say that it is important not just to know about Jesus, but to know Him for ourselves, and experience the ‘Living Water’ – salvation and forgiveness that Jesus gives to those who put their trust in Him. Read verse 42b again “… Now we have heard …” and talk briefly about it in a way that is relevant to your class. Pray with the children, thanking God for the temporal blessings of water, but above all for the ‘Living Water’, forgiveness, and friendship with God that have been made possible through the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 8 Aim: Jesus - the Bread of Life John 6:1-15, 25-40 To show that only Jesus can satisfy. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; packed lunch-box (optional), crusty bread or sandwiches in box (optional). Introduction Show the packed lunch-box and ask the children if they ever take a packed-lunch to school, and what they like to have in it. Talk about that for a few minutes. Say that a packed lunch played a big part in today’s story, and that it is a story they know well. Point 1 Miraculous Bread (verses 1-15) Help the children to find John 6 and ask them to read the chapter heading (if using a modern version). Once they recognise the story say that you are going to reverse roles and that today they are going to tell the story to you. Help them out if necessary by asking pertinent questions at strategic points, and try to ensure that one child does not dominate the story-telling, while helping any child who is unfamiliar with the story to understand it and feel included. Help them to see the wonder of this well-known story, ensuring that they understand that the food was not created by ‘magic’, but was due to the awesome power of the Lord Jesus. Comment on the fact that everyone had plenty to eat, and that there was lots left over, showing that there is nothing mean or small about the blessing poured on us by our wonderful God. Open the packed lunch-box and share the bread or sandwiches if you have prepared some (beware of allergies!) and while the children are eating say that you will take over the story-telling to find out what happened next. Point 2 Bread for our souls (verses 25-29) Summarise the passage simply in your own words, referring to particular verses where necessary. Explain that after feeding all the people Jesus went off by Himself for a while (verse 15), but the people searched for Him, probably not to give glory to God for the miraculous food, but because they were hoping for more. Jesus told them to stop concentrating on food for their stomachs, and other material benefits (give examples) which don’t last, but to work for food for their souls, which leads to eternal life, by believing in Him (verse 20). Explain that while it is a good thing to behave well and be kind and helpful to others and try to please God, we cannot earn eternal life as the people thought (verse 28). It is given to us when we believe in Him (verse 27). You may wish to talk more about this. Point 3 Bread of Life (verses 29-40) Go on summarising, explaining that now the people would like Jesus to prove himself by a miraculous sign, like the manna in the desert (Exodus 16:14) which they called the ‘bread from heaven’ (ask the children if they remember the story of the manna); but Jesus tells them that He is the true Bread from heaven, sent by God to give His life for the world (verse 33). Read verse 35 together, ensuring that the children (who tend to take things literally) understand that He is not telling about physical hunger and thirst, but that in dying for us, Jesus has done absolutely everything that was necessary for our salvation and to give us eternal life. There is nothing for us to do except to commit our lives to Him, truly believe in Him, and to ask Him to help us live our lives every day, in everything we do, and wherever we are. Now read verse 40 together and emphasise the love of God Who wants us and everyone who believes to receive eternal life, and one day be with Him for ever. Talk more about this as you feel appropriate. Pray with the children, thanking God for His great love for us through the Lord Jesus, and asking that He would help us to be less taken up with the world about us and commit our lives to Him. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 9 Aim: Jesus - the Good Shepherd John 10:1-16 To show that Jesus loves and protects His people. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; simple drawing or Lego, card or paper model of a sheep-pen (optional). Introduction Play a quick ‘jobs quiz’. Read out a number of jobs to the children, including some tricky ones, and ask them to say what these people do (eg. joiner, greengrocer, podiatrist) and make sure you include ‘shepherd’. This could be a team game. Alternatively challenge the children to mime a job for their class-mates to guess, choosing ‘shepherd’ to mime yourself. Talk about some of the things a shepherd does. Say that today we will learn about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and help them to find John 10. Point 1 The sheep pen (verses 1-6) Ask the children if they can think of anyone in the Bible who was a shepherd (eg. Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David) and say that today we will find out why Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd. Explain that in Jesus’ time sheep and shepherds were a very common sight, so that Jesus, great Teacher that He was, chose illustrations from things everyone could understand. First He talks about the sheep-pen (explain that his would have been a walled enclosure, open to the sky, with only one entrance). Show your picture or model if you have one. Read verses 1-6 and ask about the people who climb over the walls, and what they are probably trying to do. By question and answer try to bring out that the good shepherd goes in the proper (and only) way, and calls his own sheep which respond and come to him because they recognise his voice and follow him. [Explain that in Palestine a shepherd led his sheep rather than driving them with a sheep-dog, and they followed him because they knew his voice]. Ask what happens if a stranger tries to lead them. Explain that here Jesus is talking about looking after and caring for His followers, as a shepherd takes care of his sheep, and keeping them safe from false teachers. Ask how the people responded (verse 6). Point 2 The Gate (verses 7-9) Show your model again (or if you have enough children ask them to hold hands in a circle leaving a gap). Point out that there is only one way in and out. Read verses 7 and 9 (ask 2 volunteers) to find out how Jesus describes Himself, and help the children to see that if He is the Gate then the only way in and out is through Him, that the only way to be saved is through Him, and that He will keep His own sheep safe as they follow Him and stay close to Him wherever they go, and protect them from the false teachers who want to lead them astray. Make sure the children understand that the sheep are those who believe and love and trust the Lord Jesus, and that includes us. Talk more with the children about Jesus being the Gate, and be prepared perhaps to answer their questions, as they are being bombarded on all sides – in school, the media and society in general, with the idea the ‘all religions lead to God’. Point 3 The Good Shepherd (verses 10-15) Ask volunteers to read verses 10-15. Explain that the ‘hired hand’ was paid to look after the sheep – they did not belong to him. Talk about what they did when things got tough. Contrast that with Jesus the Good Shepherd Who knows each one of His sheep, loves and cares for each one of them, and lays down His life for them. Point 4 Other sheep (verse 16) Ask a volunteer to read verse 16 and ask who the other sheep might be, and help the children to understand that now, and down through the ages, Jesus has followers all over the world – people from all nations who look to Him as their Good Shepherd: “…one flock and one Shepherd …” Pray with the children, thanking Jesus for being our Good Shepherd, for knowing and loving each one of us and for laying down His life for us, and ask that He would help us to follow Him. Thank Him for our brothers and sisters in Him all over the world. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 10 Aim: I am the Resurrection and the Life John 11:17-44 To show that death is not the end for those who love Jesus. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; packet of seeds, flower or plant, or picture (optional), bag of compost and some small pots or plastic cups (optional). Introduction Show your seeds and ask the children to describe them, and look at the picture on the packet, and discuss what would happen if you sowed the seeds and looked after them. Show the flower or plant if you have one and marvel that a seed which looks so dry and dead should grow into something so wonderful. [Teachers’ Note: Be sensitive during this lesson towards any child who has seriously ill relatives, or who has suffered a recent bereavement.] Point 1 A Sad Family (verses 17-20) Explain that Jesus had got very sad news when he heard of the death of His friend Lazarus who lived in the village of Bethany with his 2 sisters. Go on to explain that, to the surprise of His disciples, Jesus waited for a couple of days before going to see them. But He had a reason for that, as He has for everything He does. Help the children to find John 11 in their Bibles. Read verses 17-20 and discuss it together. Explain that it was the custom for friends to visit the family to comfort them during the time of mourning. Note that as soon as Martha heard of Jesus’ arrival she went out to meet Him. Point 2 Eternal Life (verses 21-27) Ask 2 volunteers to read verses 21-27, taking verse about and suggest that although Martha must have been puzzled that Jesus had not come straight away, she still believed He could do something (verse 22). Talk about their conversation together, and point out that Martha already believed that Lazarus would rise again ‘on the last day’ (when God will judge the world). Read verses 25, 26 again and help the children to understand that even though our bodies will die one day our spirits (the real ‘you’, inside us) will live on with Him for ever if we believe and trust in Him, as Martha did. Point 3 Jesus’ Sadness (verses 28-37) Remind the children that although Jesus is God the Son, He was also fully human, and could feel emotions just like us. Here we see how very sad He was at the death of His friend. Point out that both Martha (verse 21) and Mary (verse 32) thought that Jesus could have prevented their brother from dying, and some of the Jews thought that He couldn’t have loved Lazarus that much or He would have kept him from dying. Ask the children what they think about that. Explain that Jesus had a much greater plan for God’s glory. Point 4 Raised to Life (verses 38-44) Tell the story in your own words emphasising Martha’s objection (verse 39), Jesus reply (verse 40), and His prayer (verse 41). Dramatically build up the tension as Jesus calls to Lazarus to come out of the tomb. How do the children think Lazarus’ sisters and friends feel now? And what about Lazarus himself? Conclusion Say that this is not the only time Jesus raised someone from the dead (the children may know the other occasions), but it was a rare miracle. Explain that sadly we will all die one day, as our bodies get old or sick or hurt, but our spirit, the real person inside, will not die, and those who believe in Jesus will be with Him for ever and have eternal life (see John 3:16). Share with the children the comfort of knowing that when our bodies die it is not the end and that those who love Him go to be with Him for ever. Talk more about this in a simple way, being sensitive about not frightening or pressurising the children in any way. Pray with the children, thanking God for Jesus and for the promise of eternal life through Him. Remember anyone who may be feeling sad because of the death of a loved one. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 11 Aim: Jesus – The True Vine John 15:1-17 To show that we must stay close to Jesus and depend on Him. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; dead twig, small branch with some leaves (optional), bunch of grapes (optional). Introduction Brainstorm the children for as many types of fruit they can think of in 30 seconds (or choose your own time). Then ask them to choose their favourite, and if they know what country it comes from, and how it is ‘made’. (Make sure they understand that all fruit has to be grown!) Say that today we will learn what Jesus had to say about a different kind of fruit. Point 1 Pruning the vine (verses 1-5) Explain that one day Jesus spoke to his friends about a vine – establish that the children understand what a vine is, and explain that ‘grape gardens’ known as vineyards were a very common sight in Palestine, so that once again Jesus is teaching the people using something they would understand. Help the children to find John ch. 15. Ask a confident reader to read verses 1-5 and talk about it together. Explain that it is necessary for gardeners to check their bushes and to cut away any dead wood and non-fruit-bearing branches, to keep the plant healthy and strong and ensure lots of fruit. Ask if they understand what Jesus means when He says, “Remain in Me …..” (verse 14). Show your branch with some leaves (if you have one). Point out that it still has leaves, but ask what will soon happen to it and why, and explain (if necessary) that it is no longer connected to the main stem and is unable to receive moisture and nutrients. Explain that in the same way if we don’t stay close to Jesus we are not able to receive His love and power. Point 2 Dead branches (verses 6-8) Ask another volunteer to read verses 6-8 and talk about it, asking what happens to dead branches when they are cut off. Show your dead twig (if you have one) and ask what has happened to it. Hang your bunch of grapes (if you have it) on the twig and ask if it would be possible for it to grow fruit by itself. Explain that in the same way we must stay close to Jesus if we are to live lives that honour Him and show others by the way we live that we belong to Jesus. Ask what they think Jesus means by “bear much fruit ….” (verse 8) and talk about ways we can show by our lives, at home, at school, in the playground, etc. that we are following Jesus. Point 3 Bearing fruit (verses 9-17) Read verses 9-17 (or ask a volunteer) and again talk about it together. Point out that Jesus tells us that if we love Him we will obey His commands (verses 10, 12) and ask what it is He commands us to do (verses 12, 17). Point out that verse 13 talks about the greatest love of all, and ask the children about it, pointing out that Jesus did not just talk about loving us, but gave Himself for us on the cross. Ask about the “fruit that will last …..” (verse 16) and point out that if we stay close to Jesus, and obey His command to love others, it should show in the way we live (cf. John 13:35). Help the children to think of situations and scenarios (eg. playing football, at home with our brothers and sisters, in the classroom, etc.) where staying closely connected to Jesus and loving others as He commanded would make a difference to the way we act and react, and the ‘fruit’ we show in our lives. Conclusion Show the children the two branches again and remind them that we must stay close to Jesus as the true Vine, give our lives to Him as our Saviour, and stay close by trusting and talking to Him every day. Talk more about this in a way you feel is appropriate. Pray with the children, giving thanks for Jesus and asking that He would help us to stay close to Him and live lives that show we love him, in our attitudes and the way we behave, and thank him for His love and forgiveness when we so often let Him down. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Share the grapes with the children as you help them to complete the worksheet. LESSON 12 IS A REVISION LESSON USING THE NOTES FOR LESSONS 7-11 Lesson 13 Aim: Daniel at Court Daniel 1 To show the importance of honouring God and His laws. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils. Introduction Ask the children about their favourite subject in school, and why they like it. Ask if anyone learns another language, and allow them to demonstrate. Now ask them to imagine they have been picked for an important competition (general knowledge quiz, maths challenge, athletics, etc.) and discuss how they would go about training for it. If you have the space and feel it is appropriate have a quick keep-fit training session to increase their alertness (deep breathing, running on the spot, stretching, etc.) Say that today’s lesson is about four young people who were in special training. Point 1 Captured (verses 1-2) Help the children to find the Book of Daniel ch. 1. Explain that this is a sad part of the history of God’s people when, because of their disobedience and failure to keep their covenant with Him, God allowed Jerusalem to be captured by their enemies, the Babylonians, and people and treasures were carried off to Babylon, including Daniel and his three friends. Point 2 Special Training (verses 3-7) Read the verses together and discuss the king’s orders to Ashpenaz – who he was to choose, the qualities they had to have, what they had to learn, why they were being trained and any special privileges they were to be given, etc. Note that among them were Daniel and his three friends, usually known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. How do the children think they were feeling? Point 3 Different Food (verse 8-14) Ask the children to remind you of the special treatment given to the young men (verse 5a). Ask what they were to be given to eat and drink, and what the children think the king’s food would be like. Either read verses 8-14 or tell it in your own words. Explain that Daniel felt he could not eat the king’s food for two reasons: The first portion of both the food and the wine would have been given as an offering to idols before being brought to the king’s table; 2. God had declared that some animals were ritually ‘unclean’, and not to be eaten, and He had given special laws about the way food was to be prepared (Leviticus 11). So Daniel knew he would be dishonouring God if he ate such food. 1. Build up the tension as the day of the ‘weigh-in’ draws near. [Teachers’ Note: Beware of giving the impression that eating only vegetables is the only diet that is acceptable to God!] Point 4 Top of the Class (verses 15-21) Read to the end and discuss the result. Note verse 17, “God gave …………”. Daniel and his friends honoured God and God helped them physically, and to learn the difficult language and literature, and note that in matters of wisdom and understanding they were ten times better than all the rest, not just among the young men but in the whole kingdom. Help the children to understand that their wisdom came from God, and not from pagan writings nor from idols as did the others. Conclusion Say that God wants us to remember His law and to honour him in our daily lives too, for example, to be respectful of His Day and His Name – to avoid the misuse of His Name that we hear all about us. Talk together about this, and other ways of honouring God in our day-to-day lives (eg. attitude to parents), perhaps asking them to suggest something they will try to change during the week. Say we honour God most of all by accepting the gift of His Son, and trusting in Him as our Saviour. Pray with the children, asking God’s forgiveness for the way we fit in with the world, and asking His help to honour Him in our lives day by day. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 14 Aim: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Daniel 2 To show the importance of being part of God’s Kingdom. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; simple sketch of the statue (optional). Introduction Ask the children about their dreams, and allow a few minutes for them to recount any dreams they may have had. Ask if they have ever wakened from a really exciting dream but been completely unable to remember what it was about. Say that in today’s story, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that worried him, and he wanted to find out what it was about. [Teachers’ Note: Explain that in Bible times God sometimes used dreams to speak to people.] Point 1 An Impossible Task (verses 1- 13) Remind the children that Daniel and his three friends were advisers in the king’s court, following the successful training that we heard about in lesson 13. (Ask the children to remind you what had happened). Ask a volunteer to read verses 1-3 and talk about it together, asking what the king had asked his magicians and wise men to do. Now ask a volunteer to read verses 4-6 (older children could read it for themselves) to see fully what the king was asking. Ask what the children think about this. Read verses 7-13 and ask what the magicians and advisers think about the king’s unreasonable behaviour, and his reaction to this. Point out that this put Daniel and his friends in a very serious situation as they too were advisers in the king’s court. Point 2 Answered Prayer (verses 17-23) Ask what the children think Daniel asked his friends to do when he heard about the situation, and then check verse 18 to see if they were right. Point out that unlike the gods mentioned in verse 11 our God, Daniel’s God, the God of Heaven, is very interested in what is happening to His children. And He answered their prayer – Daniel dreamed the same dream! If you have time, read together Daniel’s poem of praise and thanks to God, noting that he gives all the credit to God for His wisdom and understanding. Point 3 The Dream (verses 24-35) Tell in your own words about Daniel’s interview with Nebuchadnezzar (verses 24-28) and his claim that only God could interpret the dream: “…..and there is a God in heaven …….”, verse 28. Show your drawing of the statue (if you have one) while you read verses 31-35 together. Establish that the children understand the decrease in value of the materials in the statue, and the significance of the clay/iron mix, explaining if necessary that clay is brittle, weakening and bringing down and destroying the whole statue when hit by the huge rock (verse 34). Help the children to contrast the complete destruction of the statue with the rock which filled the whole earth, and was not of human origin. Point 4 The meaning of the dream (verses 36-48) Summarise in your own words the meaning of the dream, explaining that the diminishing value of the metals indicates that the rulers of the succeeding kingdoms will become less powerful, from the absolute power of Nebuchadnezzar, to the divided kingdom many years later. But God’s Kingdom will never be destroyed, it will never end and it will fill the whole earth, and will be made up of people from every corner of the earth, who love and follow Him as their God. Conclusion Explain that it is important that we know that we are part of God’s Kingdom by believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus here on earth, and that one day we will go to be with Him for ever as part of His Kingdom that never ends (John 3:16). Talk more about this in a way that is appropriate for your class. Pray with the children, asking that each one of us would put our trust in Jesus and know that we are part of that Kingdom which will never end. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 15 Aim: Daniel’s Friends in the Fiery Furnace Daniel 3 To show that God honours those who stand up for Him. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; literature from the persecuted church – eg. Barnabas Trust, CSW, Release International, etc. (optional). Introduction Ask if anyone has seen a pipe-band, brass band, or any other kind of band on parade or playing in a park, etc. Go on to ask if anyone has ever been at the unveiling of a statue, or at the opening ceremony of a new church, school, sporting event or sale of work. Allow them to tell you about it, and be prepared with an example of your own if necessary. Say that today Daniel’s friends were at a ceremony which turned out to be a very great problem for them. Point 1 Dedication of the Statue (verses 1- 7) This is a story which lends itself to dramatic story-telling. Set the scene for the dedication of the statue with all the pomp and ceremony – the bands, and musical instruments. Explain the instructions to bow down and worship whenever the music played – and the threats for those who didn’t. Point 2 The Dilemma (verses 8-12) Discuss with the children the dilemma this caused for Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Imagine them left standing when everyone else bowed down to the statue. Describe the glee of the astrologers who couldn’t wait to denounce them to the king (verses 8-12) and immediately went running to him with their tales – they were probably jealous of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as they had found favour with the king (Daniel 2:40) Point 3 The King’s Threats (verses 13-19) Continue with the story in your own words describing the interview with King Nebuchadnezzar who was really enraged and renewed his threats – note particularly his comment in verse 13 (last sentence). Read verse 16-18 dramatically to the children, stressing the men’s faith in God (verse 17) and paying particular attention to verse 18 (“….even if He does not ….” NIV). Discuss the bravery of the men, their complete faith and trust in God, and their willingness to die for Him if necessary rather than bow down before an idol. Briefly compare this with the situation of the persecuted Church in parts of India, China, Pakistan, and in many other countries, explaining how dangerous it is for boys and girls and their families to follow Jesus in these places. Talk together about this for a few minutes, showing some literature if you have any. Point 4 Walking in the Flames (verses 21-25) Continue with the story, explaining that in his fury the king had ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual and noting that we are told twice that the men were tightly bound (verses 21 & 23). Ask a volunteer to read verses 24 & 25 and ask what it was that made the king leap to his feet. Ask the children who they think the fourth person in the furnace was. Point 5 Unharmed (verses 26 – end) Continue reading/telling the story to the end, noting that the men were not even singed by the flames. Tell about Nebuchadnezzar’s praise and acknowledgment of God, though he does not seem to have trusted Him for himself – note that the decree he issued was accompanied by threats! Point out the promotion of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (verse 30). Conclusion Ask the children how they think Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego felt when they knew they were to be thrown into the flames. Remind the children that they did not know God would save them from being burned, but they stood up for Him anyway. Talk with the children about times they might stand up for Jesus, and the difficulties they might face – not a fiery furnace but perhaps name-calling and ridicule. Encourage the children to share situations, and offer help and encouragement to those who find it difficult to make a stand with family, friends at school, and other situations. Pray with the children, thanking God that He has promised to be with us always, and asking for the courage to speak up for Him in the situations we face. Remember boys and girls and families who live for Jesus in countries where it is very dangerous to be a Christian. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. Lesson 16 Aim: Daniel and Belshazzar’s Feast Daniel 5 To show the importance of treating God with honour and reverence. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; party items (balloons, poppers, candles, party biscuits, etc.) (optional). Introduction Show the party items (if you have any) and ask when they would be used. Ask the children about any parties they have been to and allow them to tell you about this for a few minutes, encouraging quieter children to join in. Say that today we will hear about a party that got out of control. Point 1 A Bad Party Help the children to find Daniel 5 and ask them to find the name of the king, explaining that he was probably Nebuchadnezzar’s son. Explain that he was having a great big party with lots of food and drink (verse 1). But then he did something really wrong. Read verses 2-4 (or ask confident readers) to find out what it was. Talk together about this, helping the children to see the blasphemy of Belshazzar’s actions, not only desecrating the Temple vessels but using them to praise and worship idols (verse 4). Point 2 The Writing on the Wall Read verses 5-8 yourself, emphasising the word ‘Suddenly …’ (NIV), trying to convey in your voice the drama of the occasion, and the terror felt by the king. Remind the children that the God Belshazzar was deliberately dishonouring was watching, as He always is. Point 3 Enter Daniel Explain that the queen (possibly the Queen Mother) who was not at the banquet (verse 16) remembered how helpful Daniel had been to Nebuchadnezzar in interpreting dreams (ask the children to remind you – lesson 14). Ask a volunteer to read verse 12, asking all the children to join in with the last sentence (“…Call for Daniel …” NIV) Read or relate the gist of Belshazzar’s words to Daniel (verse 13-16) and ask the children to find out what reward he was offered. Ask them what they think of Daniel’s reply (verse 17) and discuss it briefly. Point 4 The Reason for the Message Explain that Daniel reminded Belshazzar of the greatness of the previous king (Nebuchadnezzar) who was famous and feared throughout the world, and who, like Belshazzar, had become very proud and arrogant (remind the children about the golden statue – lesson 15) and had lost everything, even his mind, until he acknowledged God and His power. By contrast Belshazzar ignored all this. Read (or ask a confident volunteer) to read verses 23-24. Point 5 The Writing Explained Ask 3 volunteers to read verses 26-28 and explain them simply. Note that Daniel was rewarded (verse 29) and Belshazzar suffered the consequences of his blasphemy against God. Conclusion Explain that Belshazzar must have known about the incidents in the life of Nebuchadnezzar, but he chose not only to ignore God but to provoke Him. He most certainly knew where the gold and silver dishes came from, and deliberately used them to flout God. What a dangerous thing to do! Remind the children that God loves us and wants us to love and acknowledge Him through trusting in the Lord Jesus. He is sad when we ignore and forget about Him, and even sadder when we turn our backs and refuse to acknowledge Him – but God is loving and patient (2 Peter 3:9) and longs for us to come to Him for forgiveness, something Belshazzar was unwilling to do. Talk about this as much as you feel appropriate. Pray with the children, thanking God for His love for us, and asking Him to forgive us and to preserve us from deliberately offending Him. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet while you share the party biscuits if you have them, perhaps with a drink of juice! Lesson 17 Aim: Daniel in the Den of Lions Daniel 6 To show the importance of worshipping God in the face of opposition. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils. Introduction Give the children a set time (about 2 minutes) to think of as many animals from the Bible as they can, either individually, or as a group. Check their list, and if they have included lions ask what story they appear in. Say that Daniel in the lions’ den is one of the best known stories in the Bible, and that today the children are going to help you find out why Daniel was thrown to the lions, and what we can learn from his refusal to turn his back on God. Point 1 Jealous Officials Remind the children that Daniel had been a very important person in the kingdom and explain that under the new king, Darius, who succeeded Belshazzar he became even more important to the point that he was going to be put in charge of the whole kingdom (verse 3). Ask the children how the other officials might have felt about this (read verse 4 to check), and talk together about their plot to find fault with Daniel’s behaviour, and the fact that they could find no wrong-doing (verse 4). Say that they could think of only one way to get Daniel into trouble with the king. Read verse 5 together to find out what it was. Point 2 The Plot Read verses 5-9 together, and discuss the plot made by the officials. Note that the king allowed himself to be flattered into signing a decree he was later to regret. Ask what the children think about the king’s role in the plot. Point 3 Daniel’s Reaction Ask what Daniel did when he heard about the new law (verse 10). Ask a confident reader to read the verse to check the answer, and note the words, “… just as he had done before …” (NIV), and point out that Daniel refused to stop worshipping and praying to God, even although he knew the consequences. Talk together about this. Point 4 The King’s Reaction Note that the officials were spying on Daniel (verse 11) and could not wait to report him to the king who had made a law that could not be changed (verses 12b and 15). Ask how the king felt about what he had done (verse 14) and what he tried to do to help Daniel (verses 14 & 18). Read his comment to Daniel (verse 16b) when the time came for him to be thrown to the lions, and point out that the king had noticed Daniel’s consistent faith in God (“… the God Whom you serve continually …” NIV). What do the children think about the king and the law he made, and why do they think he made it? Point 5 The Lions’ Den Share out the reading of verses 17-23 among confident readers. Explain the lions were kept deliberately hungry so that they would devour their prey immediately. Point out that although we know how the story ended, Daniel did not know that the lions would not attack him. But he trusted completely in God to do what He thought was best, and God honoured his faith by shutting the mouths of the lions so that not even a scratch was found on him (verse 23). Point 6 A God to be Trusted Note the king’s reaction (verse 23), the punishment of the officials, and the king’s new decree. Read verses 26 and 27 out loud together. The king knew about God and acknowledged Him as the living and powerful God, One Who rescues and saves and is in charge of everything in heaven and earth, but we don’t know if he trusted God for himself. Conclusion Say that it is possible to know all about God, to have lots of Bible knowledge in our heads and to know all the Bible stories, but God wants us to trust Him in our hearts, and to know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Daniel trusted Him completely. He knew the consequences, but did not waver from his daily worship of God, and did not try to hide it. Give the children the opportunity to share any difficulties they experience at school and from their friends for going to church and Sunday School, and trying to live God’s way. Offer them help and support and promise to pray for them. Pray with the children, thanking God for Daniel’s stand and asking for the courage to openly worship and acknowledge Him in the face of opposition and ridicule. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet. LESSON 18 IS A REVISION LESSON USING THE NOTES FOR LESSONS 13-17 Lesson 19 Aim: The Coming of Christ Genesis 3 Isaiah 7:1-14, 9:1-2 & 6-7 To explore God’s promise of a Saviour. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils; banknote and packet of sweets (both optional); short quiz about the Fall (optional). Introduction Ask the children if they ever make promises (eg. to tidy their room, feed the goldfish, etc.) and if they manage to keep them. What about promises made to them? Are they always kept? Show the banknote and point out the words, “……..Bank promise to pay the Bearer on Demand ……….Pounds”. This is an official promise. Show the packet of sweets, and promise the children you will share it at the end of the lesson. Say that today the children will help you to find clues and promises from God about the coming of Christ long before He came into the world as a baby. Point 1 God’s Wonderful World Get the children to brainstorm items from God’s created world – help them to see that everything comes from God. He created not only animals, birds, etc. but things like the law of gravity, the raw materials from which we make so many things; and of course the brains and the abilities He gave to men and women who found ways to use the marvellous resources God has given us. Stress that God has given us a beautiful and wonderful world, and He was very pleased with it (Gen.1:31). But things went wrong ………….. Briefly recap. the story of the Fall (Gen. 3:1-13, 21-24) (perhaps in the form of a quiz). Point 2 The Promise of Defeat for Satan (Gen. 3:14-17) Now look at Gen. 3: 14-15 where God tells the snake he will be punished for what he has done, and explain that God is really talking to Satan (who took the form of a snake) telling him that one day he will be crushed and defeated (verse 15). Ask the children who they think would be able to do that, and discuss this briefly. Point 3 The Promise of “God with Us” (Isaiah 7:1-14) Help the children to find Isaiah ch. 7. Explain that Isaiah was a prophet whose job was to bring the people messages from God. Explain that he lived in violent and troubled times. Explain that Ahaz, the King of Judah, the descendant of David, was being threatened by Ephraim and Aram, who had joined together against him, and that God promised him a sign to strengthen his faith and resolve (verses 9&14). Read verse 14, and explain that while it probably referred to the wife of Isaiah who had a baby (Is. 8:2), for us it has a much greater meaning. Help the children to find Matthew 1:23 while keeping their finger at Isaiah 7:14. Ask two confident readers to read these two verses. Explain that God, through the prophet Isaiah, is pointing ahead to the One Who will come, the One Who is really Immanuel – God with us, and Who came down to earth to be with His people. Talk about this together. Point 4 The Promise of a Light for the World (Isaiah 9:1-2) Ask the children to imagine they are in a room where it is too dark to see properly (or outside when it becomes very dark and gloomy before a heavy shower) then the light is switched on, or the sun comes out and the darkness is chased away. Explain that that is what it would be like for the people in Isaiah 9. They had had many years of war, and had turned their backs on God, and were living in gloom and despair (8:22). But God has not forgotten them. Note the promises to honour Galilee (9:1) (ask the children to remind you what happened in Galilee), and to send His light into the world (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6 “…a light for the Gentiles …”) - the promise of salvation through Jesus that is to come. Point 5 The Promise of a Child to be Born (Isaiah 9:6-7) Read Isaiah 9:6, 7 and talk about the wonderful promise of a Child Who will be born, with all these marvellous titles (read them again slowly) and explain them simply – One Who will rule wisely and well, Who will protect as a father and Who will bring peace and wholeness to people’s lives – and Who is the mighty God! A descendant of David (Matt. 1:6, 16), He will rule justly and righteously – and forever (verse 7). Read verses 6 and 7 again allocating different verses or phrases to the children as you read it together. Talk together about the Child Who is to be born, and help the children to marvel at this wonderful prophecy. Conclusion Point out that the people of Isaiah’s time could only look forward with longing for these promises to come true, but we can look back and see that God did indeed keep His promises – that the Saviour did indeed come just as He said, that He defeated Satan by rising from the dead. Explain that we can know the power of the risen Lord in our lives now, if we put our trust in Him. Talk more about this, in a way that is appropriate for the class. Pray with the children, thanking God that He keeps His promises, and for the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our Lord and Saviour. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet, and remember to share the sweets if you promised them! Lesson 20 Aim: The Annunciation and Mary’s Song Luke 1:26-56 To show the importance of believing God’s Word. You will need – Bibles, worksheets, pens/pencils. Introduction Ask the children what they do when they feel really happy (eg. laugh, sing, dance, turn cart-wheels, etc.). Now ask about a time when they felt really happy, or what it is that makes them happy, and allow them to talk about this for a few minutes. Say that today we’ll learn how Mary was given news that made her so happy that she made up a song to God. Point 1 A Special Visitor (verses 26-29) Ask the children to remind you of some of the prophecies they learned about last week. Ask if anyone can remember the name of the place that was to be honoured (Isaiah 9:1). Encourage the children to find Luke 1:26, and to read the verse aloud when they find it, noting the name of the place mentioned. Explain that a young woman called Mary lived there and one day she had a very special visitor. Read verses 27-29 and help the children to find out as much as they can about Mary, and who the very special visitor was. Ask how they think Mary must have felt. Point 2 Amazing News (verse 30-33) Point out that the angel must have guessed how Mary was feeling because of his first words (verse 30). Read verses 31-33 to find out the momentous news she was given. Explain that Mary was an ordinary girl from a small town, and God greatly blessed her in this wonderful way not because she was perfect (no-one is perfect apart from the Lord Jesus – Romans 3:10) but because He chose her to be the mother of his Son. Note the titles He was to be given (explain that ‘the Most High’ was a frequently used name for God in the Old Testament) and the Name He was to be called – ask if the children know what it means (Matt.1:21). Remind the children that Jesus was a descendant of David, but that, unlike David, His throne and Kingdom will last forever. Point 3 The Son of God (verses 34-38) Note Mary’s objection (verse 34) that the Baby would need a father, and she wasn’t married, and the angel’s wonderful reply that this would all come about from the power of the Holy Spirit, so the Baby to be born really would be the Son of God (note “…the Holy One …” verse 35 NIV). Explain that the angel mentioned Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, who was to have a baby in her old age, to show that with God nothing is impossible (verse 37). Read the verse together. Ask a volunteer to read Mary’s reply (verse 38) as she took in the amazing news, noting how she submitted to God’s plan for her. Point 4 The Visit to Elizabeth (verses 39-45, 56) Comment on Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a special baby (you may wish to fill in the background to Elizabeth’s pregnancy). Note the reaction of the baby, and Elizabeth’s greeting, especially verse 43, “…the mother of my Lord …” (NIV). Point out that Mary stayed three months with Elizabeth (verse 56). Point 5 Mary’s Song (verses 46-55) Explain that Mary was so overcome by events and by Elizabeth’s greeting that she makes up a song of praise to God (which is often known as ‘The Magnificat’). Point out that the song is like a Psalm and read it together before talking about what it means. Notice that in the first few verses (46-49) she pours out praise to God for what He has done for her. His mercy includes all those who honour Him (explain that ‘to fear’ means ‘to honour or revere’, not being afraid of Him, verse 50). ‘His arm’ (verse 51) refers to all His powerful acts as Mary recalls His mercy to His people, and the powerful things He has done (ask the children to suggest a few examples). We can see that Mary knew her Bible as she ends her song by mentioning the promise God made to Abraham (Gen 22:16-18) and praising Him for remembering that promise. Conclusion Point out that Mary believed the angel’s words even although it seemed so amazing and impossible, and she believed that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:17 NIV). Say that, although sometimes it can be difficult, especially when people at school (even teachers) or elsewhere try to disprove or pour scorn on stories like the virgin birth, it is important that we believe and trust in God’s Word. Explain that faith means believing what we can’t see (Hebrews 11:1) Talk with the children about the problems they may face about the Bible, in school or elsewhere, and assure them that you and other Christian friends will always be willing to help and discuss problems with them. Pray with the children, thanking God for Mary’s faith to believe Him and asking that we will believe and trust in God and His Word. Thank Him that nothing is impossible with Him. Remember the topics in the Prayer Spot for this week. Help the children to complete the worksheet.