COURSE OVERView
Theme Scripture: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3, NLT)
Theme Focus: Students will learn about figures from the Bible to identify character traits that will help them live in fellowship with Jesus and others.
created us for a purpose.
*6 Witness for Jesus John the Baptist John 1:29–37
Forgiven Completely Peter Luke 22:54–62
gives us a testimony to share with others. John 1:29b
forgives and cleanses us from all of our sins.
Knowledge has Power Ethiopian Eunuch Acts 8:27–38
will lead us to knowledge and truth. Acts 8:35 10 complete lessons for a 5-day or 10-day program *Recommended for a 5 day program
Course Summary
Lesson One:
What’s Trending – A Life of Purpose (Genesis 1:26–31)
In this lesson, students learn they were created in God’s image. Just as Adam was created for a specific purpose, each student has a specific role in God’s world. Students will learn that they were born with value and purpose for God’s good will as they seek to care of His beautiful world.
Lesson
Two:
What’s Trending – Integrity Brings Blessings (Daniel 1:8–15)
In this lesson, students learn the importance of living in obedience to God’s Word even when they are in situations completely different than anything they’ve ever known. The temptation to sin may come from any number of sources, but students will learn that, like Daniel, they have the strength to say “No,” especially when anything comes against God’s commands.
Lesson
Three:
What’s Trending – Prayer Makes a Difference (2 Chronicles 14:8–13)
In this lesson, students learn that amazing things happen when they choose to pray. Instead of taking matters into their own hands or resorting to violence, prayer should be their first line of defense. Even though King Asa’s army was far outnumbered by Zerah’s forces, Asa trusted in the Lord. His dependence on God resulted in a miraculous victory over his enemy. King Asa’s example of prayer will give every student something to imitate.
Lesson
Four:
What’s Trending – Courage Stands Up (Esther 4:9–16)
In this lesson, students learn about how Queen Esther found the courage to approach the king. She asked for help even though doing so could have resulted in the loss of her life. Students will learn to be like Esther and exercise faith to know they will receive the power of God to give them courage. Their bravery is evident when they ask God and put all their trust in Him.
Lesson Five:
What’s Trending – Moved to Action (Jeremiah 38:6–13)
In this lesson, students will realize that, as Christians, they must do more than feel sorry for those who are less fortunate. Just as Ebed-Melek was moved to get Jeremiah out of a muddy pit, true compassion should inspire them to do something to address the problems they see in their community and world.
Course Summary
Lesson Six:
What’s Trending – A Witness of Jesus (John 1:29–37)
In this lesson, students will learn the importance of following the example of John the Baptist. Even though others were confused about his identity, John the Baptist never lost sight of who he was. He knew that he was a messenger of God who was sent to tell the world about Jesus. Students will see that they can spread the same message about Jesus in the world and stand up for what they believe.
Lesson Seven:
What’s Trending - Forgiven Completely (Luke 22:54–62)
In this lesson, students learn about how they can be forgiven completely just like Peter, a passionate disciple and a faithful follower of Jesus. When given the opportunity to openly acknowledge his relationship with Jesus, Peter repeatedly denied knowing Jesus. Rather than condemn or punish Peter, Jesus forgave him. Students will learn that forgiveness is not reserved for those who behave the best, but forgiveness is for everyone who seeks it from God.
Lesson Eight:
What’s Trending – Service Counts (Luke 23:18–26)
In this lesson, students learn that service for others counts with God. Simon of Cyrene wasn’t only at the right place at the right time, he was also willing to serve. He didn’t realize the importance of his simple act of carrying the Cross of Jesus. As students go through this lesson, they will be challenged to make themselves available to serve others in the name of Jesus and for the cause of Christ.
Lesson Nine:
What’s Trending – Loyalty Matters (John 20:11–18)
In this lesson, students learn how their loyalty to Jesus matters. This lesson features Mary Magdalene who was distraught at the disappearance of Jesus’ body. She didn’t recognize Him when He stood a few feet away from her. It wasn’t until He said her name that she recognized His voice. Students will learn that loyalty to Jesus has benefits far beyond anything they could ever imagine.
Lesson Ten:
What’s Trending – Knowledge Has Power (Acts 8:27–38)
In this lesson, students will witness the Ethiopian eunuch as he struggles to understand the Bible. As a result of his diligence, he gained a deeper understanding of the Bible when God sent Philip to help him. If the eunuch had given up, he may have missed his blessing. Students will be encouraged to follow the example of diligence and continue studying the Word of God. The conclusion of the lessons doesn’t have to mean the end of their Bible study.
The Jesus Connection Snacks
Lesson One: Favorite Animal
• Regular-sized rice cakes (flavored or plain)
• Variety of spreadable toppings (chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, peanut butter, icing, flavored cream cheese)
• Fruit slices (kiwi, banana, apple, strawberry, oranges)
• Small cookies
• Pretzel sticks
Using food to recreate their favorite animal is a great way for students to be reminded of how hard Adam worked to name all the animals.
Lesson Two: Gingerbread Daniel
• Gingerbread men
• Fruit chews or dried fruit
• Licorice strings
• Small, round, bite-sized candies or raisins
• Icing
After receiving Gingerbread Daniels, students can decorate him however they want.
Lesson Three: Prayer Snacks
• Pretzels (small)
• Raisins
• Apple slices
• Yogurt
Help students learn to spell “pray” as they create their own snacks using the materials in the particular order.
Lesson Four: SOS Cookies
• 2 “S” cookies and 1 “O” cookie per student
• Variety of icings
• Variety of small cake decorations
The Jesus Connection Snacks
SOS is a group of letters used as a Morse code, signaling distress or danger and the need for help. But when people see others hanging up a sign that bears those letters, they have a general understanding that the sign holder is asking for help. Allow students to decorate their SOS cookies as a reminder to ask for help.
Lesson Five: Servings of Kindness
• Snack-sized, sealed plastic bags
• Hand sanitizer
• Bowl of trail mix and snack mix
Since today’s lesson is on acts of kindness, students will prepare snacks for each other today using the snack bags and materials provided.
Lesson Six: Edible Phones
• Banana sliced in half lengthwise
• Peanut butter, yogurt
• Small fruit (raisins, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes)
• Graham crackers
In order to tell others about Jesus, we have to communicate with them. Phones are a popular mode of communication. Allow students to set reminders to show love to others at all times. Have students decorate their edible phones using the materials provided. They may use either the graham cracker or the banana slice as the base for their phone.
Lesson Seven: Crowing Roosters
• Circle-shaped crackers
• Triangle-shaped crackers
• Cheese slices (triangles and squares)
• Apple slices
• Raisins
Jesus said that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny him three times. Today, students will create their own crowing rooster as a reminder that Peter was still forgiven even though he denied Jesus.
The Jesus Connection Games
Lesson One: Name That Animal
Remind the children that Adam named all the animals. For this game, the players are seated in a circle. Each player gives the name of an animal and its sound. One player starts by saying someone else’s animal and sound. Without hesitating, the player whose animal and sound was called says someone else’s animal and sound. This continues until someone hesitates. Then the game starts over.
Lesson Two: Hokey Pokey
Daniel said “no” to disobeying God’s command around the type of food he should eat. Players form a straight line. Standing in place, they sing and follow the directions for each verse:
I put my right hand in, I take my right hand out, I put my right hand in and I shake it all about, I do the “Hokey Pokey” and I turn myself around, That’s what it’s all about!
The Hokey Pokey!
The game continues with my left hand, my right foot, my left foot, my right ear, my left ear, my head, and my whole self.
Lesson Three: Jesus Loves You
King Asa loved the Lord and trusted Him to help him in the fight. Asa knew that the Lord loved him. The Lord loves us, too. Stand in a circle and sing “Jesus Loves Me.”
Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so, Little ones to Him belong, They are weak but He is strong.
Insert the name of one student in the chorus:
Yes, Jesus loves Kenny, Yes, Jesus loves Kenny, Yes, Jesus loves Kenny, The Bible tells me so.
Tell the student to stand in the middle of the circle as you sing to him or her. The children will appreciate feeling the love of Jesus as you sing for them personally. Then everyone can give the child in the center a hug. Repeat the song and hug for each child in the class.
The Jesus Connection Games
Lesson Nine: Wheelbarrow Race
This game provides team cooperation and demonstrates loyalty. In order for a team to win, everyone has to give their best. Mark a start and finish line 15 or more feet apart. You need equal amounts of students. Each pair decides who shall play the part of the wheelbarrow first. The wheelbarrow player gets down on his or her hands and knees. The second player on each team picks up his or her partner’s feet and at the sound of “Go,” the wheelbarrow walks all the way on his or her hands to the finish line. The players change positions and return to the starting place. The next two people in line repeat the same process until each person on the team gets a turn. The first team that finishes is the winning team. Loyalty is sticking together even when it is difficult, or when you may be losing.
Lesson Ten: Favorite Game
Allow the children to play their favorite game.
The Jesus Connection Crafts
Lesson One: One of God’s Children
Remind the children that God created each of us with a special purpose. They will complete the fold-out mini-story of their lives.
Lesson Two: My Car
Cut an automobile shape out of heavy paper for each child. Let the children color these as they wish. Attach wheels with staples. Then they can “drive” them on the top of the table. Talk about obeying God even when we go away from home.
Lesson Three: Peaceful Doves
Let the children cut out a simple dove pattern from white paper and glue it on a piece of light blue paper. Print today’s verse on the dove. Tell the children that many people think of peace when they see a dove.
Lesson Four: Crowns of Royalty
Give the children crown templates that have been cut out, but not taped together. Let them glue on sequins or just color the crowns. Then tape them together and let them pretend to be kings and queens.
Lesson Five: Cards of Kindness
Give students card templates made of card stock. Allow them to decorate up to three cards to give to a friend or loved one.
Lesson Six: A Good News Picture
Print in permanent marker “Jesus loves you” on pieces of construction paper, and give one to each child. Let the children decorate these papers with crayons, stickers, and stamps. They can make as up to three pictures. Tell them to give the pictures to other people so they can tell them about Jesus. Be sure the children know what the words say.
Lesson Seven: Jesus Forgives
Print today’s verse, “I am sorry for my sin,” in permanent black marker on paper plates, and give one to each child. Let the children color these plates as they wish. They will benefit from pretending to read the verse.
Lesson Eight: Jesus’ Cross
Outline a large simple cross with black marker on a piece of construction paper for each child. Put glue on the inside of the cross. Set out small scraps of many colors of construction paper and let the children place these on the cross until the glue is all covered.
The Jesus Connection Crafts
Lesson Nine: Friendly Flying Disc
Give each child a paper plate on which you have printed today’s memory verse. Let the children color these as they wish. Then give them each another paper plate to glue to it to form a flying disc to give to a friend.
Lesson Ten: Bible Scrapbooks
Fold a piece of black construction paper in half for each child. Print “Bible” on the cover of each in white crayon or white paint. Have each memory verse printed on its own page, and insert one of each page into your students’ “books.” The children can then decorate their “Bible books” by placing a sticker or coloring a picture on each page. (Children may learn to “read” these booklets by remembering which sticker is by which verse.)
Children Lesson 1
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: Genesis 1:26–31
Lesson Focus: God created us for a purpose.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
For six days God worked, putting the world in place. What a beautiful world God had made! He Himself had said that it was good.
However, God’s world was incomplete because there was no one to enjoy it or to care for it. On the sixth day, God made man out of the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. Since he was made in God’s image and likeness, man had intelligence and character. He had the ability to worship and love God. God also gave man the responsibility to be the steward of His creation.
God put Adam to sleep and from his rib made a woman. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ for she was taken out of man.” Together they were to be a team, working as stewards of God’s creation.
Their job was to take care of the Garden of Eden. Adam was told to give names to all of the animals of the field, and to every bird of the air. Because of the intelligence that God had given to Adam, he was able to do it. The animals were all called by whatever name Adam gave them.
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening Activity
Teacher: “How many of you have ever been to the zoo?” (Wait for responses.)
Teacher: “What do you see at the zoo?” (Allow time for students to respond. If they do not mention it, talk about the zookeepers who take care of the animals.)
Teacher: “In the same way, we must take care of the world around us. We must take care of the animals, flowers, trees, and our friends and families.”
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: A Life of Purpose
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 1. Read the Bible story with students.)
God made everything beautiful. God made you and me to take care of His beautiful world. God created a beautiful world. It had pretty flowers, wholesome vegetables, and amazing trees. It had birds that flew and some that walked. It had all kinds of animals, both big and small. It had water with all different kinds of fish. At first this wonderful world had everything, but no people to enjoy it. Then God said that He would make a man and a woman to enjoy all that He made. They were to have children. Do you know why? So, they can help take care of God’s creation, too. And most of all, God made us with purpose so He could love us and we could worship Him.
Key Word for the Day
“God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)
For
Further Discussion:
Teacher: “What do you see in the mirror? You see your ‘image.’ God made people in His image. That means that God made us like Him. We can think, we can make things, and we can take care of things. That is what the Bible means when it says that we are created in the image of God.”
Read the verse through together several times until the children can repeat it from memory. Help your students look up the verse in their Bibles to read it in its entirety.
Children Lesson 1
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
I Have Purpose!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
Jeannie’s grandma was very tired. She had cleaned the whole house and washed the clothes.
Jeannie wanted to help her. “Grandma, can I cook the dinner?”
Grandma smiled, “Jeannie, you are too small to cook. Maybe you could hand me a potato for the soup.”
“Okay,” said Jeannie. “But I really want to do something big.”
Then Grandma remembered something. The big plant in Jeannie’s room needed to be watered. Grandma filled the pitcher with water and handed it to Jeannie.
Jeannie was happy to have a purpose in helping. She was helping take care of God’s world and helping her grandma.
Updating Software: Activity 1
Have a volunteer read the instructions on page 3 of the student book. Then have the children identify the pictures and words. If most of the students are hesitant readers, read the completed poem, have one student read the poem aloud, and let them fill in the blanks under guidance. If students are fluent readers, they may do this page independently. When the activity is completed, have one student read the poem aloud with all the words filled in.
Updating Software: Activity 2
Turn to page four and read the directions. Allow students time to color the pictures.
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Review over “I was Created for Purpose”. Remind the students that they have a purpose to pray for them-
selves as well as others. Lead a discussion with the children on how prayer and purpose work together. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “One of God’s Children.”
Snack Time
Use the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Favorite Animal.”
Game Time
Use the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Name That Animal.”
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link. Begin worship time by singing the theme song. Hum through the song and encourage the children to hum along with you. This will help them begin learning the tune.
You may also sing the song “My God is So Big.” Pointing to each of the children, and say, “God made ________________ (call all of the children’s names).”
This makes them feel special.
Clean-Up
This is a good time to begin the groundwork for teaching skills of neatness and cooperation. Tell the children that they can be God’s helpers as they clean up the room and prepare to go home. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have students repeat the following prayer: “Dear Lord, we thank You for creating animals, fruit, vegetables, trees, flowers, birds, and most of all, for creating us! Help us to take care of the things You made. Amen.”
Children Lesson 2
Jermaine and Terrance liked to play video games together. But they could only play when they finished their homework and chores.
One day Jermaine didn’t feel like finishing his homework, so he put his folder away as if he completed it. On the same day, Terrance didn’t feel like cleaning his room so instead he pushed everything into his closet. They were playing their favorite video game when dad walked in. “Boys, did you both finish your homework and chores?” he asked.
They looked at each other and shook their heads.
“I’m disappointed, but I appreciate your integrity,” said Dad, “turn off the game and do the right thing.”
Updating Software: Activity 1
Read the directions on page 3. Assist the students who need help with finding the words. Answers:
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster heading “I Make Good Choices God’s Way”. Lead a discussion with the children on integrity and courage work together. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet 2
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “My Car.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 5 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Gingerbread Daniel.”
Game Time
Turn to page 8 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Hokey Pokey.”
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Fill in the blanks:
Days Favor
Updating Software: Activity 2
Read the directions on page 4 to your students. Answers: 1) no; 2) yes; 3) yes; 4) no; 5) yes. The unscrambled verse is: “Do what is right and good” (from Deuteronomy 6:18, NIV).
Have the students recite this prayer: “Dear God, thank You for giving me the ability to be a person of integrity. Lead me towards doing what is right in Your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” D A Y S N D
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or the memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Children Lesson 3
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: 2 Chronicles 14:8–13
Lesson Focus: God hears and answers our prayers.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
Zerah was the general of the army of Cush, a vast African empire encompassing more than modern-day Ethiopia and the Sudan. Cush was south of Egypt, so Zerah probably had to lead his army through Egypt to get to Judah. Egypt was probably too afraid of this million-man army to do anything other than allow them safe passage through, and Zerah probably thought defeating the tiny kingdom of Judah (just the southern two tribes of the Jewish people) would be simple.
But Zerah didn’t know about Asa’s God. Asa was a godly king who led the people of Judah to turn away from idols to the one true God. Asa had an army of 580,000 men, but this was small in comparison to the big army with chariots that Zerah brought. Asa knew that his only defense was the Lord, so he prayed. The Lord miraculously answered his prayer and the Cushite army was utterly defeated before them.
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening Activity
Play a pantomime version of “Follow the leader” where you act our ways to follow Jesus. You can act out such things as: sharing food with someone, sharing toys, praying, or helping someone carry groceries.
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: Prayer Makes a Difference
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 3. Read the Bible story with students.)
Zerah, the leader of a big army from Africa, invaded Judah. Zerah believed he could win because his army was mighty, and he could fight anyone. His warriors had over a million men and three hundred chariots. He thought that his big army could defeat Asa’s smaller army.
But Zerah didn’t know that God always helps His people who pray to Him. Asa was the king of Judah, and he followed after God. His army was small, and he knew it would be hard to go up against Zeruah’s huge army.
King Asa prayed and asked God to help his little army. He prayed to God and looked for His help to win the battle. King Asa went out to fight against Zerah’s great army. God had mercy on him and his people. God gave them great victory over the big army!
For Further Discussion:
King Asa did what was right and good in the eyes of the Lord. He commanded the people to get rid of the idols and worship only the Lord God. He told the people to obey God. Then he built up walls around the cities to protect them.
Then a very large army came. Zerah led a million soldiers and three hundred chariots from the great kingdom of Cush in Africa. King Asa had an army of only thousands. How could his little army win against such an enormous enemy?
King Asa knew that God would protect his people even from an army of a million men. Asa marched out with his small army into the valley where Zerah and the Cushite army were waiting for them.
Asa prayed to God, saying, “O Lord, you can help a weak army as easily as a powerful one. Help us now, O Lord our God, because we are relying on you. And in your name, we have come out to fight against this huge army. Lord, you are our God. No one can hope to defeat you.”
Then an amazing thing happened. God struck down the Cushites. Those that were not struck down ran away as fast as they could go. King Asa and his soldiers
Children Lesson 3
ran after them, and the Cushites were crushed before the Lord and King Asa’s army.
Sometimes children think that they need to belong to a big gang to protect themselves, but we must let them know that God is able to take care of them. The only group they need to belong to is the group that cares about them and is positive whether at church or in other activities.
Key Word for the Day
“Help us, LORD our God” (from 2 Chronicles 14:11b, NIV).
Explain that today’s Memory Verse is part of Asa’s prayer. Help the children find the entire prayer in their Bibles. Ask a strong reader to read the verses out loud while everyone else follows along. Ask the children to tell how God answered Asa’s prayer. Be sure to explain that our help comes from God, not hurtful people.
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
Story Time: I Can Pray!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
Tony was having a hard time making friends at school. Everyone seemed to have a group of friends. When he told his dad, they prayed together and asked God to help Tony.
The next day the teacher asked the students to find a partner for their reading book. Tony looked over his shoulder and noticed that Sherrie was not finding anyone. So, he walked over and asked her if they could work together.
Sherrie smiled at him and made room for him to sit at her table.
Tony and Sherrie became great friends. He couldn’t wait to get home and share with his dad that prayer really does make a difference!
Updating Software: Activity 1
On page 3, read through the instructions and have students underline the correct phrase.
Updating Software: Activity 2
On page 4, give students time to write out their prayer and color the picture.
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Review again over “I was Created for Purpose”. Remind the students that they have a purpose to pray for themselves as well as others. Lead a discussion with the Children on how prayer and purpose work together. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet 2
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Peaceful Doves.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 5 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Prayer Snacks.”
Game Time
Turn to page 8 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Jesus Loves You.”
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or the memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have the students repeat the following prayer: “Dear Lord, thank You so much for answering our prayers. We know that we can trust You to protect us. Amen.”
Children Lesson 4
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: Esther 4:9–16
Lesson Focus: God causes us to be people of courage.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
The story of Esther takes place when the Jewish people were taken from their own land to foreign countries. Esther and her older cousin, Mordecai, lived in the cities of the Medes. Though they were far from the Promised Land and their ancestors had greatly sinned against God, God still was preserving them and caring for them.
When King Ahasuerus divorced his wife, Esther won the beauty contest to be his next wife. Because of Mordecai’s advice, Esther concealed her Jewish identity. When wicked Haman wanted to kill all the Jewish people, he did not know that the queen herself was a Jew. When Mordecai heard of Haman’s plans, he knew that God had made Esther queen so that she could help deliver the Jewish people.
This was a difficult job because the queen really had no power. She couldn’t even walk into the throne room without the king inviting her. Esther asked her people to pray and fast for three days before she approached the kings. After this time of prayer, Esther approached the king and delivered the Jewish people.
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening Activity
Talk about what a king does. Explain that in countries that are ruled by kings, the people must do what he says for them to do. Not many countries have kings today, especially kings that have the power to make people obey them.
Play a game of “The King Says” (which is just like “Simon Says”) to help the children understand what a
king does. Choose someone to be the king’s messenger. When the messenger prefaces directions with “The king says...”–such as, “The king says touch your toes.” “The king says clap your hands”–students must follow the directions. However, if the messenger says something like “Close your eyes,” “Do a dance,” or “Wiggle your shoulders” without saying “The king says...” first, they are not to move. If they move, they’re out. The last one standing is the next king.
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: Courage Stands Up
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 4. Read the Bible story with students.)
Esther was a beautiful queen. God gave her the job of saving her people. Esther was willing to die so that her people might live. Esther was afraid, but she trusted in God when the people prayed.
Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, refused to bow down to Haman, the king’s advisor. Haman decided to kill all of the Jews because of Mordecai.
Esther was afraid. She wanted to see the king, but she knew that it was against the law to go to the king without an invitation.
Esther said, “I will go to the king. If I must die for helping my people, I will die.” God gave Esther courage to do what was right.
For Further Discussion:
Esther and her older cousin, Mordecai, were among the Jews who had been taken away from their homes in the Promised Land. King Xerxes chose Esther to be his queen because she was so beautiful.
Haman as a man who had an important job with the king, so everyone was supposed to show respect to him by kneeling down. Everyone one bowed down to Haman except for Esther’s cousin Mordecai. He was a Jew, and he would only bow down to God. When Haman learned that Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to
Children Lesson 4
him, he became very angry. Haman decided that he wanted to have all the Jews killed so he could teach Mordecai a lesson.
As soon as Mordecai heard about Haman’s plan, he went to Esther for help. He told her everything that was going to happen and how much money Haman promised to put in the royal treasury if all the Jews were killed. He asked Esther to beg the king to have mercy on her people.
Esther sent a letter to Mordecai and asked all the Jews to fast and pray for three days and nights. She said that when they were done fasting and praying, she would go to the king even though she didn’t have permission. It was against the law, and she could be killed for approaching the king without an invitation. She said, “If I must die, then I will die.”
Esther went in to see the king, and he listened to what she had to say. Because of Esther’s courage, the Jewish people were saved.
Key Word for the Day
“And if I perish, I perish” (from Esther 4:16b, NIV).
Read the memory verse several times until the children can repeat it from memory. Be sure they learn the reference as well.
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
Story
Time: I Have Courage!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
Janet was on her way to school when she noticed her neighbor, Taneisha, was sitting on the sidewalk.
“Hey Taneisha! You need to keep moving so you don’t miss the bus,” said Janet.
“I know Janet…it’s just that if I get there early some of the older kids bully me,” said Taneisha.
“Taneisha…I will stay with you the whole time,” said Janet.
When the bullies started to say mean words to Taneisha, Janet let them know to leave her alone. Later
at home, she explained to her mom what happened on the bus.
“You are a courageous person to stand up for others,” said her mom.
Updating Software: Activity 1
Page 3 will help children learn how to understand story sequence and discern how to be brave in a difficult situation. Discuss what is happening in each of the boxes. Then help the children put the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the proper boxes. After the story is in the proper sequence, have a volunteer read the story in the correct order.
Updating Software: Activity 2
Turn to page 4. Talk about how the verse in each situation will help the children be brave.
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster heading “I Make Good Choices God’s Way”. Lead a discussion with the children on how integrity and courage work together. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Crowns of Royalty.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 5 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “SOS Cookies.”
Game Time
Turn to page 9 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Singing Syllables.”
Children Lesson 4
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or the memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have students repeat the following prayer: “Dear Lord, help us to remember that You are with us, especially when we have something difficult to do. Amen.”
Notes
The men took Jeremiah and threw him down into a big, muddy hole called a cistern. The cistern was used to save water for the people, but now it was all empty except for mud. Jeremiah sank down into the yucky, sticky mud. He had nothing to eat and nowhere to sit or sleep.
Ebed-Melek, a Cushite man from Africa, came to help Jeremiah. Ebed-Melek was one of the important men in the king’s palace, but he was the only one who wanted to help Jeremiah. Ebed-Melek went to King Zedekiah and told him what the wicked men did. Soon, Jeremiah would starve to death in the cistern.
King Zedekiah told Ebed-Melek to take thirty men to help pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he died. Ebed-Melek found strong ropes along with old rags and clothing. He took the old rags and clothes and threw them down to Jeremiah.
“Here, put these under your arms,” he told Jeremiah. “If you do this, the ropes won’t hurt you when we pull you out of the cistern.” Jeremiah listened and placed the clothing under his arms and then he was pulled up from the men with Ebed-Melek.
They pulled him out of the cistern. Soon afterwards there would be soldiers who would overtake the city of Jerusalem. God told Jeremiah to deliver a special message to Ebed-Melek. God said to him, “I will rescue you. Not one sword will touch you. You will escape with your life because you trust in Me.”
Key Word for the Day
“And they pulled him up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern” (from Jeremiah 38:13a, NIV).
For Further Discussion:
Teacher: “I want everyone to share one way you can be kind to someone in the class.”
Encourage the students with ideas of how they can show true kindness to each other.
Read the verse together until the children can recite it from memory.
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
Story Time: I Can Take Action
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
Karen was worried because her grandma had been sick. She wanted to take action to help her grandma feel better.
At first Karen thought maybe she was too young to help. But before her grandma came home, Karen placed her grandma’s favorite blanket on the couch and set her grandma’s Bible on the table.
When her grandma was ready to come into the living room, she was surprised by Karen’s work. Karen sat with her grandma and read her Bible story folder to her.
“I feel much better now!” said Grandma.
Karen was happy that she took action to help someone in their time of need.
Updating Software: Activity 1
Assist your students to connect the dots to show action in kindness.
Updating Software: Activity 2
Read the words and sentences to the students. Ask them to call out the missing words.
Answers: 1) Jeremiah 2) Jerusalem 3) Ebed-Melek 4) each
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster with the heading “I Tell it Everywhere.” Share with the students that sharing their faith is about taking action when sharing their testimony. Lead a discussion with the children on how taking action and witnessing work together. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Lesson 5
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Cards of Kindness.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 6 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Servings of Kindness.”
Game Time
Turn to page 9 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “The Unfinished Story Game.”
Step 6: Signing Off (Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Pray the following prayer over your students: “Dear Lord, thank You for all the people who help children around the world. May each child grow up to help and serve others. Amen.”
Notes
Children Lesson 6
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: John 1:29–37
Lesson Focus: God gives us a testimony to share with others.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
John the Baptist had a special place in Jesus’ ministry. John told the people to repent of their sins which included selfishness, robbery, and the exploitation of the poor so they would be ready to receive the Messiah. As a symbol of their repentance, John baptized them.
Soon the crowds and the baptisms drew the curiosity of the religious leaders. They sent a delegation to check out John’s credentials. They asked, “Who was he?”
John answered with an Old Testament scripture that he was one crying in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord.” John told the people that his baptism was just with water, but after him would come One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John was talking about Jesus.
The next day when Jesus came toward him, John testified to all the people that Jesus was God’s Son. John preached repentance of sins, but Jesus would take away the sins. John bore witness to the fact that the Holy Spirit came down as a dove upon Jesus as he baptized Him.
We also know that Jesus is the Christ. We can bear witness to that even more than John the Baptist. Jesus died on the Cross and rose again. He has forgiven our sins and lives in us. What a message we must tell!
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening
Activity
Teacher: “Baptism is a symbolic act showing our death and resurrection with the Lord.”
Children are literal-minded. Most of them do not begin to understand symbolism until they are at least 9 years old. But it can be explained to show that we believe in the Lord Jesus. It would be helpful to take a walk to or show your church’s baptismal area in this introduction.
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: A Witness of Jesus
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 6. Read the Bible story with students.)
John the Baptist lived out in the desert. He ate the berries and insects for his food. He loved God and made sure that people knew to get ready for God’s Son, Jesus. John told the people to stop doing the wrong things and act better. People did what he said and were baptized.
Lots of people came to John the Baptist with questions. Some wanted to be baptized, while others wanted to know if he was God’s Son. But John made sure to tell them that he was not God’s Son.
When John saw Jesus coming his way, he knew He was God’s Son. John told others, “He is God’s Son!” Two of Jesus’ disciples started to follow Jesus because of what John said about Him.
For Further Discussion:
Jesus had an older cousin that God gave a special job. His name was John, but people called him John the Baptist because he baptized people. John also told people that God’s King, the Christ, was coming so they should be sorry for their sins and start doing things that God wanted them to do.
John baptized the people who were sorry for their sins in the Jordan River. Being baptized was a way for the people to show they were really sorry for the wrong things they had done. John was so busy preaching out in the desert that he didn’t have time for fancy clothes and food. He ate berries, honey, locusts, and other things he found.
The Jewish leaders were curious about all the people who come to John to be baptized. They didn’t know
Children Lesson 6
who he was so they asked him a lot of questions. They though he was the Christ, Elijah, or a special prophet.
John said, “I’m a man in the desert saying, ‘Get ready for the coming of Jesus.’”
The next day when John saw Jesus coming his way, he said, “Look! Here is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world.”
Key Word for the Day
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (from John 1:29b, NIV).
Some children may already have memorized the verse. If so, review it and have them find the verse in their Bibles.
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
Story Time: I Can Witness!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
William came into the living room and sat next to his dad with his Bible.
“Dad, I don’t understand this Bible story,” said William. His dad turned off the TV, read the scripture, and explained it carefully to William. Then he turned to the next chapter for William to read and explain it to him.
“But Dad,” he said, “I can’t know the Bible like you.”
His dad smiled, “Son, we all must start somewhere. You can do this.”
William did what his dad told him to do and even shared with his friends at school. He was a witness about Jesus.
Updating Software: Activity 1
On page 3, have students draw a line to who they could talk to about Jesus.
Updating Software: Activity 2
One page 4, assist students with crossword puzzle based on clues.
Answers: Across: berries and Jesus; Down: dove and sins; Scrambled word: BAPTIZED
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster with the heading “I Tell it Everywhere.” Share with the students that sharing their faith is about taking action when sharing their testimony. Lead a discussion with the children on how taking action and witnessing work together. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “A Good News Picture.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 6 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Edible Phones.”
Game Time
Turn to page 9 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “John Says.”
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Pray the following prayer over your students: “Dear Lord, help us to tell others about You today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Children Lesson 7
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: Luke 22:54–62
Lesson Focus: God forgives and cleanses us from all our sins.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
Peter’s denial of Jesus during His trial seems like such an unbelievably terrible thing to do. We feel that we would never do such a thing if we were in Peter’s place. But how many times do we remain quiet when others mock our Lord? We may not realize it, but our silence is a denial of Him.
When Jesus predicted that He would leave the disciples, Peter wanted to go with Him. Jesus knew that Peter could not come with Him to the Cross, but Peter insisted that he would follow Jesus to the death. It is often easy to make a promise with a surge of emotion that is difficult to carry out under different emotional circumstances. Jesus answered Peter that instead of laying down his life for Him, he would deny Him three times before the rooster crows.
When the soldiers came to get Jesus in the garden, Peter cut off a soldier’s ear, thinking that he was defending his Master. This was not the way Jesus’ kingdom was to be ushered in and Jesus compassionately restored the man’s ear. Peter was bewildered and scared by all these events. Why wasn’t Jesus claiming His kingdom in a powerful way? If Jesus were captured, what would the authorities do to Peter, His close friend?
Peter followed Jesus and the soldiers from a safe distance. When Jesus was taken into the palace of the high priest for questioning, Peter entered the courtyard. Three different people asked Peter if he was friends with Jesus, and he denied knowing Jesus all three times.
Just then the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered what Jesus had said. Peter was so sorry and depressed.
But Jesus forgave him and encouraged him after His resurrection.
Jesus questioned Peter three times later, “Simon, do you love me?” Three times Peter had to confirm his love for the risen Lord just as he had denied Him three times.
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening Activity
Teacher: “What sound does the rooster make?” (Allow time for students to respond.)
Teacher: “Did you know that roosters give a special message? They say it is about time for the sun to come up. We will soon hear a Bible story about a rooster. What message do you think it will give today?”
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: Forgiven Completely
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 7. Read the Bible story with students.)
Peter promised Jesus that he would always follow Him. But Jesus knew that Peter would not keep his promise. Jesus said that before the rooster crowed the next morning, Peter would say three times that he was not a friend of Jesus
The same night Jesus was taken away from his friends. Peter was too afraid to say he was Jesus’ friend. Peter followed Jesus, but not closely. Peter stood outside until a girl asked him, “Aren’t you with Jesus?”
“I am not,” said Peter.
A short time later, a man said, “You were with Jesus.” But Peter said no again.
Then another man said, “He is with Jesus.”
Peter said, “No, I am not!” Then the rooster crowed, and he remembered what Jesus said. Peter felt sad, but Jesus looked at him and forgave him.
Children Lesson 7
to serve Him with all their hearts. Lead a discussion with the Children on how serving happens more freely when they accept God’s forgiveness. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Jesus Forgives.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 6 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Crowing Roosters.”
Game Time
Turn to page 9 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Jesus Forgives.”
Step 6: Signing Off (Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have the students pray the following prayer: “Dear God, thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Please forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Amen.”
Notes
Children Lesson 8
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: Luke 23:18–26
Lesson Focus: God provides service to people through us.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
Simon was born in the city of Cyrene which was on the north coast of Africa. We can gather that he was either an African Jew or an African who converted to Judaism and was at Jerusalem to observe Passover at the Temple. The disciple must have known Simon to mention him by name. Mark includes the names of his sons, Rufus and Alexander. Paul greets Rufus and his mother in the city of Rome. Most Biblical scholars identify this family with Simon. Paul also mentions that while he was in prison, Simon’s wife ministered to him as a mother. Perhaps Simon died by this time. History also tells us that Alexander became a bishop in Africa.
When we share this story with the children, we imagine that perhaps Rufus and Alexander were still children when the crucifixion occurred. They may have been present. For purposes of this lesson, we present how children would receive and understand it.
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening Activity
Read Mark 2:1–5. Have the children discuss the importance of teamwork (people working together). Help the children recognize that without the help of his four friends, the lame man might have never seen Jesus. You can also talk about the meaning of bearing one another’s burden (helping someone do something that is difficult to do).
Teacher: “Would anyone like to share how they have helped to share someone else’s burden?” (Allow time for a response.)
Teacher: “When you help people with things, even the little things like cleaning up a room, it’s something that pleases God. Later, we’ll talk about a man who helped Jesus.”
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: Service Counts
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 8. Read the Bible story with students.)
Pilate was a leader of the Romans, and he wanted to release Jesus. However, the crowd kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate spoke to the people three times for Jesus to be released. But they kept yelling and finally Pilate gave in to their demands.
He released a man (who did many wrong things) and gave Jesus (who did nothing wrong) over to be crucified. Jesus was terribly beaten by the soldiers. After this beating, the soldiers forced Jesus to carry a heavy cross to the place where he would be crucified. On the way, they grabbed Simon from the city of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Jesus.
Simon gave his service to Jesus when it was hard to carry the cross. After the resurrection, Simon and his family believed in Jesus and served in the new church.
For Further Discussion:
Simon traveled from his home in Africa to Jerusalem to worship in the great Temple. As he walked through the streets with his sons, Rufus and Alexander, he heard the angry and hateful voices. A huge crowd was following a man who was going to be crucified. Simon hated to have his sons see this terrible scene. He tried to get away, but it was too late.
Suddenly, one of the soldiers grabbed Simon. The man carrying the cross fell down and the soldier roughly placed that cross on Simon’s back. The man was bloody and beaten, but He looked at Simon with a wonderful look of love. This man was Jesus.
Many years later, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians at Rome. He sent a special greeting to Rufus,
Simon’s son. By that time, Rufus was grown and became a great believer in Jesus. Rufus’ mother received a special thank you from Paul because she visited him in prison. History books share that when Alexander grew up, he went back to his home in Africa and became a bishop.
Simon helped Jesus carry the cross. Rufus and his mother helped Paul. Alexander helped Jesus by being a great preacher in Africa.
Key Word for the Day
“They seized Simon from Cyrene...and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus” (from Luke 23:26, NIV).
Repeat the verse several times and then instruct students to repeat without looking.
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
Story Time: I Can Serve!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
Mrs. Smith was carrying home food from the store. Robert wanted to help Mrs. Smith carry her heavy bags, but he was afraid that he was not big enough. Robert decided that he was going to ask her anyway.
“Can I help you?” asked Robert.
“Yes, you can!” said Mrs. Smith. “Please hold open my door while I carry in these heavy bags.”
Robert held the door. He knew that his service for Mrs. Smith was the right thing to do.
“Thank you!” said Mrs. Smith, “I was struggling to get home, and you really helped me.”
Robert smiled and said, “You’re welcome!” As he walked away from her house, he began to look for ways that he could help other people.
Updating Software: Activity 1
For page 3, have students follow the dots to draw a cross.
Updating Software: Activity 2
For page 4, read each sentence and have students call out the rhyming word.
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster with the heading “I Am Forgiven.” Share with the students that accepting forgiveness for their sins gives them renewed freedom to serve Him with all their hearts. Lead a discussion with the children on how serving happens more freely when they accept God’s forgiveness. Feel free to share your experience.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Jesus’ Cross.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 6 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Time Pieces.”
Game Time
Turn to page 9 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Simon of Cyrene.”
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have the students pray the following prayer: “Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to be our Savior. We pray that You will help us to serve others when we can do so. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Children Lesson 9
Sharers of Christ
Step 1: Signing On
(Background Research and Preparation for Lesson)
Scripture Study: John 20:11–18
Lesson Focus: God gives us the strength to be loyal.
Suggested Materials: Children Student Folders, UMI Craft Booklet, Application Posters, pens, paper, extra Bibles.
Bible Background
Mary Magdalene has had a lot written about her, but not all of it is based on Scripture. Mark tells us that Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary. There is no basis for assuming that she was the sinful woman of Luke 7 who anointed Jesus’ head and feet with perfume. Scripture supports that Mary was a leader among the female followers of Jesus who ministered to Him during His earthly ministry.
These women who followed Jesus were often more faithful than the other followers as illustrated at His crucifixion. They stayed with Him after the other disciples had left and hid. It is this faithfulness that is evident in today’s lesson about Mary Magdalene. Her faithfulness is rewarded in Jesus appearing to her first before all others after His resurrection.
Step 2: Updating
(Opening and Preparing for the Lesson)
Opening Activity
Make a pitcher of a cold drink such as lemonade or fruit punch.
Teacher: “ I have something special for you. Do you believe that I have something special for you?” (After they respond, give them a cup to drink during the lesson.)
Teacher: “Jesus has something special for everyone—even children like you. What Jesus has to offer is much better than a cold drink on a hot summer day. It is Salvation.” (Explain that Salvation is God’s gift through Christ for everyone who believes in Him.)
Step 3: Downloading
(Present Activities to Communicate the Lesson Scripture)
Bible Story: Loyalty Matters
(Display the Bible picture from the Bible Storybook for Lesson 9. Read the Bible story with students.)
After Jesus died on the Cross, His body was taken to a cave on the side of a hill. It was called a tomb. There they placed His body, and a large stone covered it.
Mary waited until early the next morning to go to the tomb. But when she arrived, the stone was rolled away, and Jesus’ body was gone! Instead, there were two angels inside the tomb.
Mary didn’t understand and she cried. While she was crying, Jesus asked her why she was crying. She did not know it was Jesus until He said her name. Her sadness was turned to joy because Jesus was alive!
Mary was loyal to Jesus and He sent her to the disciples the good news of His resurrection.
For Further Discussion:
Many people watched Jesus die on the Cross but after He died, the crowd walked away. However, Mary Magdalene and some of the other women stayed with Jesus. After Jesus died, He was buried in a tomb. His tomb was a small room carved on the side of a hill. Inside the tomb was a bed carved out for a dead body. Jesus was laid in a tomb for three nights.
On Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other women walked to the tomb to put perfume and clean cloths on Jesus’ body. They wondered how they would get into the tomb because there was a big, heavy stone rolled in front of it.
When the women arrived at the tomb, the stone was rolled away and it was empty. Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and the other disciples to share what she saw. Peter and John ran to the tomb and saw the clothes were there but not Jesus. When John saw the folded clothes, he believed that Jesus was raised from the dead.
Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb and cried. When she bent over to look inside of it, two angels
dressed in white were sitting where Jesus’ body had been laid. One was at the head and the other at the feet.
“Why are you crying?” they asked Mary.
She said, “They have taken away my Lord and I don’t know where they have put Him.”
Then she saw a man that she thought was a gardener. She said, “If you took Him away sir, please tell me where you have put Him.” She didn’t know that she was talking to Jesus.
Jesus said her name and she knew His voice. She said, “Teacher!”
Jesus said, “Go tell my brothers.”
Mary went to the disciples and shared her story that He was alive. She was the first person to see Jesus after He came back to life. Mary was loyal to Jesus and He chose her to be the first to see Him resurrected.
Key Word for the Day
“Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him” (from John 20:15b, NIV).
Teacher: “Who can give a good example of when it’s a good time to show love to a friend?” (Give students a chance to respond.)
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies for General Application)
Story Time: I Can Be Loyal!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
“Mom, can I play with LaKeisha today?” asked Cherise. “Well honey, we’ve already planned the day with Rodney and his mother,” said Mom.
“But I want to hang out with LaKeisha instead,” said Cherise.
“I understand Cherise,” said Mom. “I think we should keep our word and be loyal to Rodney. Don’t you think so?”
Cherise thought about how she would feel if her friends weren’t loyal to her. She wanted to be loyal to Rodney just like he would do for her.
“You’re right, Mom,” said Cherise. “We should keep our word and be loyal.”
“Exactly,” said Mom. “You will have a great time at the park!”
Updating Software: Activity 1
Turn to the picture on page 3. Explain the picture and help the students answer the questions. Have the students color the picture.
Updating Software: Activity 2
One page 4, have children write the word “FRIEND” in the open squares. Assist them to complete the sentences from the words in the puzzle.
Answers: I am FAITHFUL to my friend when I SHARE. I want to be KIND and HELP others. It’s FUN to be loyal and to do GOOD for others.
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster with the heading “I Want to Know Him.” Share with the students how loyalty to Jesus grows with the knowledge of His word. Lead a discussion with the children on how they can grow more loyal to Jesus when they know and understand the words of the Bible.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Friendly Flying Disc.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 7 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Love Bugs.”
Game Time
Turn to page 9 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the game “Wheelbarrow Race.”
Children Lesson 9
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have the students pray the following prayer: “Dear Lord, thank You family and friends. Help us to be loyal and true to each other. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Notes
Children Lesson 10
Key Word for the Day
“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35, NIV)
Review all the memory verses from previous lessons. Practicing memorizing this verse to the tune of “Here We Go Around the Mulberry Bush.”
Step 4: Scrolling
(Explore Strategies to General Application)
Story Time: I Have Knowledge!
(Display the front cover of the student folder. Have the children sit and follow along as you read the story aloud.)
Jesse was trying to read the Bible. He was having trouble. “This is too hard,” he said.
Uncle Daniel sat down beside him, “What’s wrong, kid?”
“You have to be a good reader to read the Bible,” said Jesse. “I’m not that good.”
“Let’s see what we’ve got here,” said Uncle Daniel. He turned to Acts 16:31. “Can you read this verse?”
“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved,” said Jesse.
Uncle Daniel said, “Jesus died on the cross for our sins. If we believe, He will save us.”
Now that Jesse had the knowledge of Salvation, he was able to ask Jesus to save him right away. Jesse can share his knowledge with others.
Updating Software: Activity 1
On page 3, read each sentence and have children underline the ones that are correct.
Updating Software: Activity 2
Answers to crossword puzzle: Across: (1) Savior, (3) Believe Down: (1) Saved, (2) Jesus
Step 5: Posting
(Next Steps for Personal Application of God’s Word)
Application Poster
Refer to the Application Poster with the heading “I Want to Know Him.” Share with the students how loyalty to Jesus grows with the knowledge of His word. Lead a discussion with the children on how they can grow more loyal to Jesus when they know and understand the words of the Bible.
Children Craft Packet
Refer to the UMI Craft Booklet for instructions on “Bible Scrapbooks.”
Snack Time
Turn to page 7 in the Teacher’s Guide for directions on the snack “Bible Snacks.”
Game Time
Allow the children to play their favorite game.
Step 6: Signing Off
(Review and Closing)
Worship Time
Use the Jesus Connection Songbook link.
Clean-Up
Have the children assist you in making sure that the room is restored to its original condition. Empty all the trash and wipe down all tables. You may either sing the Worship Time song or memory verse song with the students as they clean. Send student folders and crafts home.
Closing
Have the students pray the following prayer: “Dear Lord, we thank You for all the wonderful things we have learned about Jesus. Help us to remember the things we’ve learned and help us to do the things we learned. In Jesus’ name, amen.”