The Big Top

    

This event has a clown or circus  theme.

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:8 

Bible Truth: As children of God we are instructed to be serious and careful in  behavior, manner, and appearance.

　

1. Open in prayer

2. Introduction

When we think of a circus many thoughts may enter our minds. Basically a circus is a group of traveling entertainers, including clowns, acrobats, and sometimes animal trainers and their animals. They usually perform in a very large tent sometimes referred to as a big top.

A clown is a person that dresses and acts in a way for the expressed purpose of making someone laugh or to gain attention to themselves. A clown can also be describes as someone funny, someone who behaves comically, someone who behaves in an absurd manner, someone who behaves in a silly or funny way, or someone who is ill-mannered or ineffectual.

When a person “clowns around” they behave comically or in an absurd manner. The dictionary describes absurd as ludicrous, ridiculous because of being irrational, incongruous, or illogical. It also describes it as lacking any meaning that would give purpose to life

While clowning around and pretending can be fun at times there are several things we must never clown around with. These things are our salvation, our testimony, the things of God, and the good news.

3. Praise and Worship Songs

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

4. Memory Verse

1 Thessalonians 5:8  NKJV   

  “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

5. Don’t Clown Around With Your Salvation

We should not behave irrational with the wonderful gift of salvation that God has given us through His Son, Jesus.

Hebrews 2:3  NKJV  

   “…how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and we confirmed to us by those who heard Him…”

Matthew 4:17  NKJV   

  “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ”

     One day Jesus will come and take the Christians (the saved people) to His home. We refer to this as the rapture. Only those who have properly prepared themselves will be taken. Sin interferes with you being properly prepared. Since the time of Adam and Eve, people have needed forgiveness from sin. With His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus provided this necessary deliverance once and for all. His deliverance is for all people and for all time. There is no one who cannot receive it.

Matthew 22:1-14  NIV    

“Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: ‘the kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. Then he sent some more servants and said, Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ But they paid no attention and went off – one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

     God has given an invitation to everyone to be part of the kingdom of heaven. However, not everyone will accept His invitation. Some will make light of it (they will not care about it) and others will be so preoccupied with this life that they have no concern for the kingdom of God. It is up to each person to accept the gift of salvation. By not accepting salvation through Jesus Christ, a person is actually rejecting the precious invitation that God is giving them to be part of the kingdom of God. A lot of people want to go to heaven, but not all of them prepare themselves for it. Some  people  “clown around” with their salvation and some will neglect accepting salvation.

The man, in the parable of the wedding banquet, was invited to the feast and he accepted the invitation, however he did not prepare for the banquet. The wedding garment had been provided for him to wear but he did not put it on. The man had ignored a basic obligation (responsibility) placed on him when he accepted the king’s invitation to the feast. He was supposed to wear clean clothes. To come to a wedding banquet unprepared or in soiled clothes was an insult to the king.

To be part of the kingdom of heaven we must accept the invitation, put on the proper clothes (a coat of righteousness is given to us at salvation) and keep our clothes from being soiled -without spots (sanctification). Our eternal salvation is nothing to “clown around” with or play around with! Don’t  “clown around” with your salvation.

6. Game – Darts / Pop The Balloons

7. Don’t Clown Around With Your Testimony

Our testimony is the  proof: of what we claim. We must behave in a reasonable or acceptable manner. Fruits of repentance are necessary. Our actions must show that we have repented from our sins and turned from a lifestyle of sin.

Luke 3:8  NKJV    

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…”

     Our personal life reflects on our testimony. More people watch our lives more than they listen to our words. Our actions truly do speak louder than our words, therefore we must pay careful attention that our lives are in line with the Word of God.

Titus 2:7-8  NKJV   

  “…in all things showing yourselves to be a pattern of good works, in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”

     How we live and look is very important to our testimony. Living out the truths that we believe as a Christian will influence those that we come in contact with and point people to Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12  NKJV    

“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

     Our Christian walk, our testimony, must measure up to the God we serve. God is a holy God and our life, how we live and look, must reflect that. We cannot clown around with our testimony (our witness on behalf of God). Remember, people are watching you!

8. Game – Knock Over The Cans

9. Don‘t Clown Around With The Things Of God

As a child of God, our behavior must be consistent with the Word of God. We must not “clown around” with or be inconsistent with the things of God. It was never God’s plan for us to be up one day and down another. After we accept the gift of salvation it is our responsibility to stay spiritually healthy. We cannot afford to “clown around” with our spiritual health. We must be spiritually healthy and ready when Jesus returns. If He finds impurities (sin) in you when He return, you will not go to heaven with Him. Bible reading, prayer, attending church, worship to God all play a very important part in our Christian walk. In order to stay spiritually healthy we must have all of them.

The Bible is God’s Word for all people in all seasons of life – young and old. It  a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

Psalm 119:105  NIV   

  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

     The Bible will guide us in what is right. Knowing the Bible is the greatest protection you can have against false doctrine and Satan’s temptations.

Prayer is communicating with God. It is talking and listening to Him. All relationships need time and attention. If you stopped talking to your friends you would eventually drift apart. It’s the same with God. If you stop talking to God you will eventually drift away from Him. God loves you and wants you to love Him and spend time with Him. When you spend time with friends you get to know them better – what they like and dislike, and how they’ll respond to different situations. A good friend will make you feel loved and secure.  It’s the same and so much more with God. When you spend time with Him you will get to know Him – His likes and His dislikes.

Fellowship within the body of Christ is essential for  your spiritual growth and the growth of the church. There are great benefits  of attending church. It provides friendship, accountability and companionship. When we share in in each other’s lives it will help bring relief and encouragement for problems and it will help us not to feel a sense of isolation or loneliness. Friends can give assistance, comfort, strength and defense.

Hebrews 10:25  NKJV    

“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

     God designed man to be a worshiper. Everyone worships someone or something. Worship means to ascribe worth unto someone or something. When we worship God we are giving great honor and reverence to Him. We are expressing our love and admiration to Him. In essence, we are giving back part of ourselves to Him (ministering to Him.  During our worship times we consider (think about) how extremely precious God is and the love that He has for us. It is a very special time between you and God.  It is a very intimate time- not a time to be talking to other people, doing other things, fidgeting, complaining, or thinking about other things. It is a time to be talking to God and listening to Him. You can expect to hear from God during worship. God is worthy of our worship- He is the only one worthy of our worship. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

Since God gave everything He had for intimacy with us, should we not do the same. As we enter into worship, let’s clear our minds, cleanse our hearts and begin to worship God for who He is. We must not “clown around” with the things of God.

10. Game – Bean Bag Toss

11. Don‘t Clown Around With The Good News

The Bible tells us that all have sinned. Sin is missing the mark. We are all born sinners. Our sin separates us from God. God loves people but He hates sin. God says that sinners must be punished. That punishment is spending eternity in hell separated from God. God loved us so much that He was willing to give His own Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus came as a baby, lived on earth, and died to take away the sins of the world. Jesus took our punishment for our sins.

We are expected to share the good news. It would be illogical for us to accept the most wonderful gift in the entire world, then keep it to ourselves. If we have been spared the punishment for our sin should we not desire that for others also?

Jesus is God’s gift to the whole world. Without Jesus we have no hope. Because He not only died, but was resurrected, the world does have hope!  Our sins can now be forgiven through Jesus and those who ask for forgiveness and live for God will one day be able to live with God in heaven. God sent Jesus Christ, His one and only Son so that we could have eternal life with Him in heaven. The message of Jesus (the Good News) is for everyone in every part of the world. Jesus told His followers to go into all the world and make disciples.

Matthew 28:19,20  NIV  

   “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Mark 16:15 NKJV      “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

     It is important that each of us share the Good News, the message of Jesus. We are to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Each of us are to share the message of salvation to the best of our ability. God has called each one of us to do our part in reaching our world for Him. There is nothing more wonderful that you can give to people than the knowledge of a God who loves them and can forgive their sin. Good new is great to hear and great to share. Each one of us has been called by God to share the Good News wherever we are. We are to be a witness everywhere we go and in everything that we do. We are not to “clown around” with the great responsibility that God has given us. A person’s salvation is nothing to joke about, and we must take our responsibility seriously.

12. Game – Cake / Cookie Walk

13. Worship Song –  _______________________________

14. Challenge / Altar

1 Thessalonians 5:5-8  NKJV    

“You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

Sober – serious and thoughtful in demeanor or quality.

Serious – not lighthearted, thoughtful (careful), not laughing or making jokes, being sensible, not joking or pretending.

Drunk – under the influence of something  that leads to: lost control over behavior / movement / speech and  irrational, unacceptable, unsuitable, illogical behavior.

     As a child of God we must not allow ourselves to be influence by the negative or sinful things of this world. We must be serious and thoughtful in demeanor. Our behavior, manner, and  appearance should be a reflection of what we profess to be. Our character, our reputation,  is very important.

We must: never behave in an irrational way with salvation, our testimony must never be unacceptable, we must never behave in an unsuitable manner with the things of God, and we must behave logically with the good news.

15. Refreshments or a light meal

16. Crafts 

17. Dismissal

Footprints In The Sand – Last Days of Jesus’ Life Prior To Arrest

Last Days of Jesus’ Life Prior To Arrest – Week 6

This event has a beach theme.

Memory Verse: Matthew 21:10  

Bible Truth: We must decide for ourselves who Jesus is.

 

1. Open in prayer

2. Introduction – Palm Sunday – Triumphal Entry

On the Sunday (the first day of the week) before Passover, the Priest would parade through the city with the sacrifice, a lamb without spot or blemish. The people would line the streets and cheer as the sacrifice passed by. This was also the day that Jesus entered the city, directly behind the priest caring the sacrifice.

Matthew 21:1-7  NKJV    

“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’” So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them.”

     Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Today we know this event as Palm Sunday or the triumphal entry. The priest had just passed by the people with the Passover lamb that was going to be sacrificed on Passover.

Matthew 21:8  NKJV    

“And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”

     When the people saw Jesus they began to wave the palm branches that they had and shout “Hosanna!”  “Hosanna” means save us now!

Matthew 21:9  NKJV    

“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”

     The crowds spread their coats on the ground for the donkey with Jesus to walk over. We know Jesus as our “Passover Lamb“. A “lamb” without spot or blemish.

3. Praise and Worship Songs

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

4. Memory Verse

Matthew 21:10  NKJV    

“And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

5. Cleansing The Temple – Teaching In The Temple

Shortly after entering town, Jesus went to the temple where He drove out the moneychangers and the merchants. This was the second time He had driven them out – the first time was at the beginning of His ministry.

Matthew 21:12-13  NKJV   

  “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”

     After cleansing the temple, Jesus went in it and began to teach. Many people that were sick or came to be healed. The people were very excited about what Jesus was doing, even the children, who were crying out, “ Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Matthew 21:14-16  NKJV    

“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and  saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

     The next day when Jesus went back to the temple the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching. They asked Jesus who gave Him the authority to do the things that He did. In response to their question, Jesus told them the parable of the wicked vinedressers. When Jesus finished the parable the priests and the elders were very angry because they knew that He was talking about them. They began to plot how they could get rid of Him. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples went to the religious leaders to offer his help.

Matthew 26:14-16  NKJV    

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”

6. The Parable Of The Wicked Vinedressers

Matthew 21: 32-46  NKJV   

  “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.”

     In this parable the vineyard represents God’s kingdom. The landowner, God,  provided for the vineyard with the greatest care. The vinedressers were the nation of Israel and the servants represented the prophets, God’s messengers. The Jewish leaders rejected the prophets a of God and had treated them very badly. They had even murdered many of them. Then God sent His Son Jesus, the Messiah, but the vinedressers (the Jewish leaders) had rejected Him also.

Ephesians 2:19-22  NKJV    

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

     Jesus is known as the “Chief Cornerstone” and well as “The Stone That The Builders Rejected.”

7. Game – Palm Branch Relay

Need:  2 palm branches

Line the children up into two teams. Give the first person in line a palm branch. At the signal the first person on each team will run to the front and say the memory verse. Then they will run back to their team. The process continues until everyone on their team has had a turn. The team that finishes first is the winner.

8. Jesus Tells Of His Future Return

Matthew 24: 36-51  NKJV    

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.  Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus was trying to tell the people…

1. That no one knows when He will return, but that He will return.

2. That before He returns people will be indifferent about God, Him, and the things of God.

3. That we should be alert, preparing, and watching for His return.

4. That the faithful  (wise) servant will be rewarded when He returns, however the unfaithful (evil) servant will be condemned.

 

9. The Parable Of The Wise And Foolish Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13  NKJV    

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.  “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

     In this parable there were ten young women waiting for the bridegroom to come and get his bride. After a period of time all went to sleep.  When the cry went out that the bridegroom was approaching they awoke and prepared to go out to meet him by trimming the wick in their lamps. Five of the young women were wise and had put oil in their lamps ahead of time. But the other five young women were not wise – they had not properly prepared. They had not put oil in their lamps, so they asked the wise ones for some of theirs. They were told to go buy their own oil because they (the wise) did not have enough for both of them.  While they went to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived and left with those that were ready (prepared). When the unwise returned and saw that they had been left behind, they tried to get in to the wedding, but the door was already shut and locked.

The meaning of the parable is that we must watch and prepare for Jesus, our Bridegroom.  We don’t know when He will come for us so we must be ready at all times. If when He returns, He finds a person unprepared they won’t go with Him and eventually they will Him say, “I do not know you.”

10. Game – Pass The Candle

Need:  2 candles or plastic lanterns

Line the children up into two teams. Give the first person in line a candle. At the signal they will pass the ball over their head to the person behind them. When the candle reaches the end of the line, that person will run to the front of the line and say the memory verse. Then they will pass the candle over the head to the person behind them. The process continues until the person who was originally at the front is back in the front (they must say the memory verse also). The team that finishes first is the winner.

11. The Parable Of The Talents

Matthew 25:14-30  NKJV    

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

This parable shows…

1.  Faithfulness is important to God.

2. Our reward will be based on our faithfulness to what we are called to do, not on what responsibilities we are given. Even small tasks that are faithfully done will be rewarded.

3. God disapproves of laziness.

4. Unfaithful (unprofitable) servants will be cast into the outer darkness.

 

12. Dividing The Sheep And The Goats

Matthew 25:31-46   

  “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’  “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

From these words of Jesus we can see that…

I. Everyone will stand before Jesus.

2. Some people will be blessed and they will receive eternal and everlasting life with God.

3. Some people will hear Jesus say, “Depart from Me,” and they will be cast into everlasting and eternal fire.

4. When we do something for someone in need it is the same as doing it for Jesus.

 

13. Game –  Dividing The Sheep From The Goats

The greatest peace that we can ever have comes from knowing that we are ready to stand before Jesus! One day Jesus will divide all the people in the world. The saved will be placed on His right hand side and the unsaved will be placed on His left hand side. Those on the right hand side, the one’s that have been washed by the blood of Jesus, will be allowed to go to heaven. Those on the left side, the unsaved, will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

The choices that we make while we are alive will determine where we will spend eternity. Our choices determine if we will be placed on the right or on the left.

Need: white balloons, black balloons, 2 large trash bags, 4 baskets or boxes – label two of them “Enter in“” and the other two “Depart from Me”.

Blow up the balloons and divide them .Put half in one bag and the other half in the second bag.

Each team must form a line. The first person in the line will be given a bag of balloons . At the signal the first person on each team will pass a balloon to the person behind them. White balloons must be passed over the heads and other balloons must be passed between the legs. The girl on the end must put the balloons in the correct baskets. White balloons will go in the “Enter in” box and the black balloons will go in the “Depart from Me.“ box. The first team to divide all the balloons correctly will be the winner.

14. Jesus’ Last Passover Meal  And The Garden of Gethsemane

On the Thursday, after arriving on Sunday, Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples. Passover is a feast remembering the exodus from Egypt. Passover also points to Jesus Christ as our Passover lamb. During the meal Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him. Shortly after saying that, Judas left the room and went to tell the religious leaders where they could find Jesus.  After the meal, Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper (communion).

Matthew 26:26-28  NKJV   

  “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

     Communion is a very intimate time between a person and Jesus. It is a time to remember what Jesus has provided for us, a time to look toward His future return, and a time to committee to preparing to be His bride.

Late Thursday night, after Jesus and His remaining 11 disciples finished the Passover meal and the institution of communion, they sang a hymn then went to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:30 NKJV   

  “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

     In the Garden Jesus spent the night in prayer. Jesus knew that He was about to be crucified. He was praying for God to give Him the strength to fulfill what He had came to do.

Matthew 26:36-38  NKJV    

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

     Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done.

Matthew 26:39 NKJV   

  “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

     As Jesus prayed, He was in so much anguish that He began to sweat drops of blood.

     Luke 22:42-44  NKJV   

  “saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

15. Game – Are You Ready?  Musical Chairs

One day Jesus will return for His bride. Only those who have prepared themselves and are watching will go with Jesus when He returns. God invites everyone to come to Him for salvation. The Bible tells us that the only way to God is through Jesus. If we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, our sins will be forgiven. Some people get too busy in their lives to accept God’s offer. Even after some people accept Jesus as Savior, they get too busy to know Him as He desires for them to. God wants to forgive our sins and He wants us to take time to know Him

Need: Chairs – 1 less chair than the number of children playing, and music.

Line the chairs up side by side. Have the children form a circle around the chairs. When the music starts the children will march around the chairs. When the music stops the children will set down – only 1 child per seat. The child that is left standing is out of the game.

Remove 1 chair and start process again. Continue to play game until there is only one child left. That child is the winner. They represent a person that had taken the time to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

16. Worship Song – ______________________________

17. Challenge / Altar – Who Is Jesus To You

 Matthew 21:10  NKJV  

   “And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

Who is Jesus to you?

Does your life show it?

It was important for the temple of God  to be clean during Biblical times. Today, we are the temple of God, and it is just as important for us to keep our temple spiritually clean. The Holy Spirit will not dwell (live) where there are impurities.

18. Refreshments or a light meal

19. Crafts

17. Dismissal

 

CRAFT, GAMES, TAMETAGS, TREAT BAGS AND PROPS IDEAS:

 

 

HANDOUTS

 

 

 

Footprints In The Sand – Miracles Of Jesus

            Miracles Of Jesus – Week 5

This event has a beach theme.

 

Memory Verse: Matthew 8:27

Bible Truth: Jesus has power over nature, sickness, and death.

1. Open in prayer

2. Introduction – Miracles

A miracle is a supernatural act of God that cannot possibly be explained or done by a human. Jesus performed several kinds of miracles while He was here on earth, including miracles of healing, miracles over nature, and miracles of raising the dead. Jesus had compassion on those who were sick, crippled, blind, poor and rejected. Jesus has power over nature, sickness, and death.

Jesus used the miracles that He performed to teach spiritual lessons and to reaffirm something that He said. Every thing Jesus done was to bring glory to God. Jesus also used miracles to  teach us how much God loves us and wants the best for our lives. While Jesus was on earth He showed His power over death, sickness, and nature.

3. Praise and Worship Songs

1. _______________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________

4. Memory Verse

Matthew 8:27  NKJV    

“So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

5. Jesus Has Power Over Death

Jesus showed power over death when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. One day when Jesus arrived in Capernaum He was greeted by a multitude of people who were waiting for Him. As Jesus was speaking to the people a man named Jairus approached Jesus. His twelve year old daughter was very sick and about to die. Jairus asked Jesus to come with him and lay His hands on his daughter and she would be made well.

Mark 5:21-24  NKJV    

“Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.”  So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.”

      As Jesus was on His way to Jairus’ house they were approached by some people from Jairus’ house and told them that the girl had died and not to trouble Jesus any longer. When Jesus heard what the people had to say, He told Jairus not to be afraid and to believe.

Mark 5:35-36  NKJV     “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

      After this Jesus allowed only three of His disciples (Peter, James and John) to continue with Him to Jairus’ house. When they arrived at Jairus house there was a lot of commotion. The people were crying (very loudly) over the girl’s death. Jesus asked the people why were they causing such a commotion, and that the girl was only asleep.

The people laughed at Jesus because of what He said and they made fun of Him. Jesus then made all of the mourners get out of the house and He went into the room where the girl was laying. Peter, James, John, and the girl’s parents went into the room with Jesus.

Mark 5:37-40  NKJV    

“And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.”

      Jesus took the girl by her hand and told her to get up. Immediately upon hearing the words of Jesus, the girl arose and began to walk around the room. Her parents were amazed.

Mark 5:41-43  NKJV    

“Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.”

      Jesus instructed the parents to give the girl some food and for them not to tell anyone what had happened.

6. Game – Memory Verse Cover Up

Matthew 8:27  NKJV    

“So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” 

Need: 2 poster boards and construction paper.

Write the memory verse on poster boards (leave a little space between each word). Make squares out of  construction paper  (enough to cover up every word).

Divide the group into 2 teams. Give each team enough construction paper squares to cover up entire verse. At the signal the first person on each team will run to the poster, say the verse and cover up 1 word. They will run back to their team and the next person will do the same. The team that covers up the memory verse first is the winner.

7. Jesus Has Power Of Evil Spirits

Jesus showed His power over evil spirits by healing and delivering a boy. After Jesus had been on up on a high mountain with Peter, James, and John, He came back down to where the others disciples were. There was a great multitude of people there with them. One of the people in the crowed, a father, came to Jesus and told Him that he had brought his son to the disciples to be healed, but they could not heal him. The son had several problems. He had an evil spirit living in him causing him to be unable to speak. The evil spirit also caused the boy to have seizures. During these seizures the evil spirit would try to kill the boy.

Mark 9:17-18  NKJV    

“Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit.  And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”

       Jesus questioned the father about how long the boy had been that way. After listening to the father Jesus told him that all things are possible to those that believe. The father said that he did believe, and he asked Jesus to help him with any unbelief.

Mark 9:21-24  NKJV   

  “So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

       Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and commanded it to leave the boy’s body. The spirit cried out, then it came out of the boy. When this happened the people that were standing around watching thought the boy was dead. Jesus took the boy’s hand and helped him up. The boy was alive and well!

Mark 9:25-27  NKJV   

  “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.”

8. Game – True Or False Tic-Tac-Toe

Need: poster board , 16 index cards  and tape

Draw a large tic-tac-toe board on the poster board. On 8 index cards write a “O” and on 8 index cards write an “X”

Divide the class into two teams. Place the tic-tac-toe board a short distance from the teams. Give one team the “O” cards and the other team the “X” cards.

Ask the teams questions, one at a time. If they answer the question correctly the may place one of their cards on the board. The first team that gets three of their cards in a row is the winner.

TRUE/FALSE STATEMENTS

1. Jesus showed power over death when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead.  (TRUE)

2. Jairus asked Jesus to come with him and lay His hands on his son and she would be made well. (FALSE IT WAS HIS DAUGHTER)

3. Jesus allowed only three of His disciples to continue with Him to Jairus’ house. (TRUE)

4. When they arrived at Jairus house the people were crying over the girl’s death. (TRUE)

5. The people laughed at Jesus because of the way He was dressed. (False- THEY LAUGHED AT WHAT HE SAID)

6. Jesus invited the mourners to stay for lunch. (FALSE- HE TOLD THEM TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.)

7. Peter, James, John, and the girl’s parents went into the room with Jesus. (TRUE)

8. Jesus showed His power over evil spirits by healing and delivering a boy. (TRUE)

9. A father told Jesus that he had brought his son to the disciples to be healed, but they could not heal him. (TRUE)

10. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and commanded it to leave the boy’s body. (TRUE)

11. A nobleman went to Jesus on behalf of his son, who was very sick. (TRUE)

12. Jesus showed His power to create when He fed 100,000 people. (FALSE HE FED 4,000 AND 5000 PEOPLE.)

13. One evening, after ministering to a large crowd, Jesus told His disciples that He wanted to go to the other side of the ocean. (FALSE – THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAKE.)

14. While asleep, a big storm came up but he disciples weren’t  afraid so they let Jesus sleep through it. (FALSE – THEY WERE AFRAID SO THEY WOKE JESUS UP.)

15. Jesus said ,“Peace, be still,” everything was calm,  the storm was over. (TRUE)

9. Jesus Has Power Of Sickness

Jesus showed power over sickness when He healed a nobleman’s son. Jesus returned to the city where He changed the water into wine. While He was there a royal officer in the king’s army heard that Jesus was there. The officer (a nobleman) went to Jesus on behalf of his son, who was very sick. The boy was so sick he was about to die. He asked Jesus to come with him.

John 4:46-47  NKJV    

“So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.”

      Jesus told the father to go his way and that his son was alive. The officer believed Jesus and he went on his way. On his way home, the officer was met by his servants. They told him that his son was alive and well.

John 4:50-53  NKJV    

“Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.”

       Because of this miracle the boy was healed and the family received salvation – they believed in Jesus as God’s Son.

10. Game  – 3-Legged Relay

Need: Pieces of yarn or string, a sign that reads “I‘m going to walk with God.”

Divide the group into two teams of equal number. Pair the children up within their team and tie two of their legs together.

At the signal the first pair from each team will run to the sign and say “I‘m going to walk with God.” then run back to their team. The next pair on their team will repeat the process. The first team to finish is the winner.

11. Jesus Has Creative Power

Jesus showed His power to create when He fed the 4000 and the 5000 people. The New Testament tells of two different times when Jesus fed the people who came to hear Him preach. Shortly after the death of John the Baptist Jesus took a boat across the Sea of Galilee to a quiet lonely place. However, thousands of people followed Him there to hear Him. It grew late, and the disciples worried about feeding the crowd. They checked to see if anyone had food to share. All they found were five loaves of bread and two fish.

John 6:1-10  NKJV    

“After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,  “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.”

     Jesus thanked God for the food and divided it between the disciples. They broke off chunks for each person. Everyone got enough to eat, and when they had finished, the disciples even collected twelve baskets of leftovers! Five loaves of bread and two fish had miraculously fed 5,000 people!

John 6:11-13  NKJV   

  “And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.”

     Another time, Jesus had been teaching on a hillside for three days. The baskets of food that people had brought were almost gone. Jesus did not want His followers to go hungry, so He asked the disciples to collect whatever food was left.

Matthew 15:32-34  NKJV    

“Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Then His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.”

     They found only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. Just as before, Jesus gave thanks to God and divided up the food.

Matthew 15:35-38  NKJV    

“So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.”

     That day, He fed 4,000 people, with seven baskets remaining after everyone had eaten.

12. Game – Burst Your Balloons

Need: slips of paper, marker, balloons, 2 garbage bags.

Print the words of the memory verse on separate slips of paper (make 2 sets). Blow up balloons, inserting one rolled slip of paper into each balloon before tying. Put balloons in 2 garbage bags- keeping each set separate.

Divide the group in two teams and line them up in a row. Place each team’s bag of balloons a short distance from them. At the signal the first person on each team will run to the bag, take out a balloon and pop it to remove the slip of paper. Then they will take the paper back to their team. The next person in line will repeat the process. The first team to remove all their slips of paper and  arrange them in order is the winner.

13. Jesus Has Power Over Nature

Jesus showed His power over nature when He calmed a storm. One evening, after ministering to a large crowd, Jesus told His disciples that He wanted to go to the other side of the lake. After they began to cross the lake Jesus laid down on the bottom of the boat and went to sleep. While asleep, a big storm came up and the boats were tossed to and fro. Large waves began to come into the boat that Jesus and His disciples were in.

Matthew 8:23-25  NKJV    

“Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

      The disciples were afraid and they woke Jesus up. When they told Jesus that they were about to die He asked they why they were afraid.

Matthew 8:26-27  NKJV  

   “But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

      Jesus arose and rebuked the wind. As soon as Jesus said ,“Peace, be still,” everything was calm,  the storm was over. The disciples were amazed at the power of Jesus.

14. Worship Song – ___________________________

15. Challenge / Altar

We can have peace knowing that Jesus has power over sickness, death, and nature.

Matthew 8:27  NKJV   

  “So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

16. Refreshments or a light meal 

17. Craft 

18. Dismissal

 

CRAFTS, NAMETAGS, TREAT BAGS AND PROPS

 

 

HANDOUTS

 

 

Footprints In The Sand Fun Days – Jesus’ Teachings

     Jesus’ Teachings – Week 4

This event has a beach theme.

 

Memory Verse: Matthew 4:19 

Bible Truth: We must follow Jesus.

 

1. Open in prayer

2. Introduction – Fishers Of Men

After Jesus left the wilderness He was walking by the Sea of Galilee. There He saw the brothers Simon and Andrew fishing.  Jesus told them that if they followed Him that He would make them fishers of men. They left their nets and followed Him. Then two other men, James and His brother John, joined them.

Matthew 4:18-22  NKJV    

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”

What is a fisher?

A fisher is a person who fishes; a person who catches fish as a sport or occupation.

What is a fisher of men?

A person who wins souls for the Kingdom of God.

3. Praise and Worship Songs

1. __________________________________

2. __________________________________

4. Memory Verse

Matthew 4:19  NKJV    

“Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

5. Jesus Chooses Twelve Men

Jesus was a great teacher while He was here on earth. Jesus taught about God and His love for us. Jesus chose 12 men who traveled with Him everywhere He went and learned from Him. We call these men His disciples, because they were His followers.

Matthew 4:18-25  NKJV    

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.”

     These twelve men traveled with Jesus and helped Him spread the Good News. Together they went to temples and synagogues, to hillsides and seashores – anywhere people would gather and listen to Jesus. Everywhere Jesus went people would listen to Him. After Jesus’ ascension to heaven the disciples, except Judas, went on to evangelize their world. Much of the New Testament was written by them under the inspiration of God.

6. Game – Fishing Relay

Matthew 4:19  NKJV    

“Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus’ followers (the disciples) were called to be fishers of men. We too, have been called to be fishers of men.

Need : 2 short fishing poles with a magnet at the end of the string instead of a hook, construction paper fish with a paper clip attached to each one, and a sign that reads: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Divide the class into two teams. Line the children up and give the first person on each team a fishing pole. At the signal the first person on each team is to run to the pond and catch a fish. They are to say “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then run back to their team with their fish. The next person in line will repeat the process. The team that finishes first is the winner.

7. Jesus’ Methods Of Teaching

Jesus used several method of teaching. Often He used sermons similar to what we hear in church on Sunday. On other occasions He would use parables.  A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly or spiritual meaning. At times Jesus taught in parables. Parables can also give us a glimpse of what heaven is like and what future things God has planned for us that we otherwise might not be able to understand. Jesus said He used parables to hide the truth from those who didn’t want to listen. He used parables to communicate truth to those who already believed in Him and He used parables to help people understand what He was teaching. Altogether, Jesus taught about 30 parables.

A few examples of the parables that Jesus taught are:

* The Parable Of The Sheep And The Goats

Matthew 25:31-46    

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

* The Parable Of The Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1-8  NKJV    

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

* The Wise And The Foolish Builders

Matthew 7:24-27  NKJV     “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

* The Parable Of The Vineyard Workers

Matthew 20:1-16  NKJV     “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

* The Parable Of The Lost Coin

Luke 15:8-10  NKJV     “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

* The Parable Of The Prodigal Son  

Luke 15:11-32  NKJV     “Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’  “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;  for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.  So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”

8. Game – Go Into The World

Need: 1 ball designed like a globe or world, and music

Have all the children stand in a circle. Give one of the children the ball. Turn on some music and have the children pass the ball around the circle. Stop the music. Whoever has the ball when the music stops is out of the game.. The game continues until only one person is left or until allotted time runs out.

9. The Sermon On The Mount

The Sermon on the Mount was one of Jesus’ more famous sermons. In that sermon Jesus taught us how He wants us to live when we believe in Him. The Beatitudes list ways that we can be happy. Also in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus answered several questions about living a Christian life.

Matthew 5:3-12  NKJV    

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called the sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My

sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the

prophets who were before you.”

10. Game – “Dividing The Sheep From The Goats“

The greatest peace that we can ever have comes from knowing that we are ready to stand before Jesus! One day Jesus will divide all the people in the world. The saved will be placed on His right hand side and the unsaved will be placed on His left hand side. Those on the right hand side, the one’s that have been washed by the blood of Jesus, will be allowed to go to heaven. Those on the left side, the unsaved, will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

The choices that we make while we are alive will determine where we will spend eternity. Our choices determine if we will be placed on the right or on the left.

Need: white balloons, black balloons, 2 large trash bags and 4 baskets or boxes – label two of them “heaven” and the other two “hell”.

Blow up the balloons and divide them .Put half in one bag and the other half in the second bag. Divide the group into two teams.

Each team must form a line. The first person in the line will be given a bag of balloons . At the signal the first person on each team will pass a balloon to the person behind them. White balloons must be passed over the heads and other balloons must be passed between the legs. The girl on the end must put the balloons in the correct baskets. The first team to divide all the balloons correctly will be the winner.

11. Jesus And Children

Children were important to Jesus. He never turned them away.

Matthew 19:13-15  NKJV   

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.”

     Once when someone asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a little child to stand beside Him. Jesus honored children and sternly said that those who hurt children will be judged.

Matthew 18:1-6  NKJV   

  “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea”

12. Game – Jesus’ Teachings Memory Board Game

Need:

9 note cards with the following written on them:

2 cards with “A parable is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning.” written on them.

2 cards with “The Sermon on the Mount was one of Jesus’ more famous sermons.“ written on them.

2 cards with “Children were important to Jesus.” written on them.

1 card with the memory verse written on it.

Divide the class into two teams. The teams take turns turning over two cards. If the cards match they will remove them and earn a point, if they do not match they will turn them back over. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

13. Worship Song – ________________________________

14. Challenge / Altar – Follow Jesus

Matthew 4:19  NKJV    

“Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

     We must follow Jesus. What does the word “follow” mean? It means to go along something such as a road or path, following the path, take same direction as someone, go as directed by someone, obey something or someone, to act in accordance with something or someone, develop in accordance with something or someone‘s behavior, or to imitate or do the same as somebody or something .

Are you following what Jesus taught ? Are you doing what God has called you to do?

15. Refreshments or a light meal 

16. Crafts 

17. Dismissal

 

CRAFT, NAMETAG, TREAT BAGS, GAME AND PROPS IDEAS

 

 

HANDOUTS

 

 

Footprints In The Sand Fun Days – Jesus’ Preparations For Ministry

     Jesus’ Preparations For Ministry – Week 3

This event has a beach theme.

 

Memory Verse: Matthew 3:16 

Bible Truth: Jesus was baptized in water and with the Holy Spirit.

 

1. Open in prayer

2. Introduction – Water Baptism

Those who accepted Jesus as Savior in the time of the New Testament were baptized in water to show that they were Jesus’ followers. Jesus established the command and the Church obeyed it.

Matthew 28:18-20  NIV    

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ ”

     We, too, should obey it. When we are baptized we are obeying Jesus, and it is a milestone (memorial) in our life. It is a time that we can return to in our memories as a specific moment that we know we declared to others that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer. Water baptism does not save us. We are baptized to show others that we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and want to follow Him and live for Him. Water baptism is also an illustration of our dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ Jesus.

3. Praise and Worship Songs

1. _______________________________

2. _______________________________

 

4. Memory Verse

Matthew 3:16  NKJV    

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

5. John The Baptist and Jesus

John’s father was Zacharias, a priest and his mother was Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were relatives. Many years before John was born, Isaiah prophesied about him.

Matthew 3:3  NKJV    

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”

     God had a very special work for John the Baptist. He was to prepare the way for Jesus and His ministry.

Matthew 3:1-2  NKJV   

  “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

     John went out into the wilderness where he preached repentance and baptized those who repented.

John 3:4-6  NKJV    

“Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

     Many of the people who heard John preaching thought he was the Messiah. But John told them he was only a messenger who announced the coming of someone much greater than himself.

Matthew 3:11  NKJV   

  “indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

     When Jesus was thirty years old He went to the Jordan River, where John was at. He wanted John to baptize Him, but John told Jesus that he needed to be baptized by Him (Jesus). Jesus told John that it was necessary for John to baptize Him.

Matthew 3:13-15  NKJV    

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.”

     So John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

Mark 1:9-11  NKJV   

  “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17  NKJV   

  “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

     As Jesus came up out of the water, the sky opened and Jesus saw the Holy Spirit coming down from heaven in the form of a dove. As the dove rested on Jesus’ head a voice from heaven was heard, saying, “This is My Son who I love. I am well pleased with Him.”

6. Game – Fill In The Blanks Relay

Matthew 3:16  NKJV    

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

EXAMPLE:

Matthew 3:16 NKJV

“When __________ been

____________, Jesus came

___________ immediately from the

water; and behold, the __________

were opened to Him, and He saw the ___________ of God descending like a _____________ and upon Him.”

Need: Blue marker, red marker, 2 large sheets of paper (or poster board), 21 index cards (or small pieces of paper), tape.

Print the words of the memory verse on 2 large sheets of paper, drawing blank lines for seven words. Write each missing word on a separate index card (or small piece of paper) – make 2 sets. Be sure to keep the sets separate, using red marker for one set, blue marker for the second set.

Divide the group into two teams and line the teams up. Place index cards, tape, and paper on the floor at the front of the room, in front of each team. At the signal, the first person on each team is to run to the front and choose an index card. Then they are to place it in the right blank on the large sheet of paper (or poster board). They will then run back to their team and the next person will repeat the process. The fist team to finish is the winner.

7. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is often represented or symbolized by wind, fire, or a dove. However, He is not a dove, the wind or fire. He is the third person of the Trinity. God the Holy Spirit wants to be our Coach or Counselor to help teach us and guide us in our Christian life. He wants to be there all the time, helping us to be the best we can be for God. The Holy Spirit lets us know when we are doing something wrong, and He also  helps us to do what is right. He wants to direct our lives and teach us.

The Holy Spirit is given to us so we can have power to live for God. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit gives us power and boldness to live for God and be His witnesses.

Mark 1:9-13  NKJV    

“It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.”

      When Jesus was baptized all three members of the Trinity were present. God the Father spoke from heaven, God the Son was baptized in water, then God the Holy Spirit descended from heaven and baptized Jesus (God the Son) in the Holy Spirit.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift from God. When a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will help them to live a victorious life.

The Holy Spirit

*  will help you with your shortcomings and weaknesses.

*  will help you love others

*  will help you be a bold witness

*  will help you worship God in spirit and in truth

*  will give you power to minister

*  renews, refreshes and revives you.

* will help you live for God and to be His witness.

* will help you to be bold, strong, courageous, wise, and powerful for God.

* will teach you

* testifies to the truth of your salvation – gives you assurance that you are saved

* works in you to purify you

* will cause you to be a mirror that reflects the glory of God.

* will guide, teach you, counsel and coach you in your Christian walk.

* will convict you of sin. He will tell you when you are doing something wrong.

* helps you with your prayer life. When you allow Him, He will pray through you. Often when you pray in tongues it is the Holy Spirit praying words for you

* will comfort you

And much, much more. The work of the Holy Spirit in your life, and the help that He gives, is endless.

8. Game – Fill The Cup Relay

Need: 2 cups, 2 spoons and 2 containers of water.

Everyone can play the game – need 2 teams of equal number of players.

Divide the girls into two teams and have them line up in two line. Give each team a spoon and a container of water. The first person on each team is to fill their spoon with water and carefully carry it to their cup and pour the water in it. They will then run back to  their team, and the next person will do the same. They will continue until their cup is full. The first team to fill their cup is the winner.

9. Jesus In The Wilderness

Matthew 4:1-11  NKJV   

  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”  Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

     After Jesus was baptized He was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed and fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness. The tempter, Satan, came to Jesus in the wilderness to tempt Him into worshipping him. Each time Satan would try to tempt Jesus, Jesus would answer him with Scripture (the Word of God, the Bible). When Satan stopped tempting Jesus the angels came and helped Him. After the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus began His ministry.

10. Jesus’ Example

Matthew 3:16  NKJV    

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit og God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

1. We should follow Jesus’ example in everything that we do.

2. We should begin to prepare ourselves for whatever ministry God has for us.

a. Surrender to God (salvation)

b. Follow Jesus’ example in water baptism and infilling of the Holy  Spirit

c. Hide God’s Word in your heart

3. Rely on God’s Word to overcome temptation – Jesus hid God’s Word in His heart and that is how He  overcame the devils temptations.  How can we expect to overcome or resist the devil without the Word of God?

11. Game – Soccer Ball Roll

Need: 2 teams of equal number, 2 small soccer balls and 8 markers.

Line the children up in 2 rows. Place the markers in position.

*                                     *                                  *                            *                   CHILDREN

*                                     *                                  *                            *                   CHILDREN

Give the first child on each team a small soccer ball. At the signal the first child is to roll the ball with their feet around the 4 markers, then back to their team. The next person is to repeat the process. The first team to finish is the winner.

12. Worship Song – ___________________________________

13. Challenge / Altar

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV  

   “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”

     Salvation is by God’s grace not by our works. If we accept salvation through Jesus’ dying on the cross for us, we are saved and we will go to heaven. Repentance comes first – before water baptism. After salvation (repentance), water baptism is a natural step in our faith.  Each person that is saved should follow Jesus’ example in baptism.

Have you followed Jesus’ example in being baptized in water and with the Holy Spirit?

Allow children time to pray.

14. Refreshments or a light meal

15. Crafts

16. Dismissal

 

CRAFT, NAMETAG, GAME AND PROPS IDEAS:

 

 

HANDOUTS

 

 

Footprints In The Sand Fun Days – Jesus’ Childhood

   Jesus’ Childhood – Week 2

This event has a beach theme.

 

Memory Verse: Luke 2:49

Bible Truth: We should be about the Father’s business.

 

1. Open in prayer

2. Introduction – The Three Gifts

Jesus was given three gifts from the wise men. These three gifts represented the three offices that  Jesus would hold. Jesus was a prophet, priest and king. During the Bible time gold was a gift for a king, myrrh was a gift for a prophet, and frankincense was a gift for a priest. Jesus is the King of Kings. In addition to being God’s Son, Jesus was a prophet also – He spoke for God. Jesus is our High Priest – He made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

3. Praise and Worship Songs

1. __________________________________

2. __________________________________

4. Memory Verse

Luke 2:49  NKJV    

“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business” 

5. The Wondrous Star

On the night that Jesus was born wise men who studied the stars discovered a new and wondrousstar. The wise men had access to Daniel’s scrolls which contained the prophesy of Jesus. The wise men knew a great king had been born. They were so sure that He was the King of Kings that they set out on a journey to find Him.

Matthew 2:1-8  NKJV    

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

     The wise men knew if they followed this star it would lead them to a king, so they went in search of  Him. They took with them gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Their journey lasted for several years. For almost two years the wise men followed the star that they had first seen on the night of Jesus’ birth. Nothing stopped them in their quest to find Him. They didn’t give up searching for Him.

Matthew 2:9-11  NKJV    

“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

     Finally, they arrived at Mary and Joseph’s house. When they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. Then they presented Him with the gifts that they had brought with them, gold, frankincense and myrrh. The wise men acknowledged their was something different about Jesus.

Gold was a gift for a king

Myrrh was a gift for a prophet

Frankincense was a gift for a priest

6. Game – Pass The Star

Need: 2 paper stars.

Write the memory verse on two stars. Divide the class into two teams and line them up in two rows. Give the first person on each team a star with the memory verse on it. At the signal the first person will read the verse then pass the star to the next person. They will repeat the process. The team that finishes first is the winner.

7. Joseph’s Dream

After the wise men departed, later that night an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph to take his family to Egypt and to stay there until he was told to leave. The angel told Joseph that King Herod was looking for Jesus and wanted to kill Him.

Matthew 2:13-15  NKJV    

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son”

     The family arose immediately that night and departed for Egypt and was there until the death of King Herod, then they returned home. The gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus provided for Joseph to take his family to Egypt in order that the prophecy would be fulfilled and that Jesus would live.

8. Game – The Wise Men Visit Jesus Relay

Need: 2 wise men crowns and a  picture of Jesus.

Divide the children into two teams. Each team lines up behind their starting line. At the signal, the first player on each team will run to the front, put on a crown and bow down and say “Jesus is the King of Kings”. They will then run back to their team and the next person will put on the costume and repeat what the first player did. The team that finishes first is the winner.

9. Jesus Grew

Jesus continued to grow in wisdom. Jesus and His parents would go to the temple in Jerusalem for each of the Jewish feast and festivals. The temple was an important part of Jesus’ life. Once when they had went to a Passover celebration in Jerusalem, Jesus amazed the scholars with His wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures. The priest and scribes in the temple knew there was something different about Jesus. They listened to Jesus explain the scriptures in a way that was way beyond His years. Jesus was about 12 years old at the time.

Luke 2:41-48  NKJV    

“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

     After the feast Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem thinking that Jesus was somewhere among their traveling group. When they didn’t find Him they returned to Jerusalem and searched for Him for 3 days. Finally they found Him in the temple listening to the teachers, asking questions, and teaching them. When Jesus’ parents found Him, He told them that He must be about His Father’s business.

Luke 2:49  NKJV    

“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business”

     From this point on the Bible does not say anything else about Jesus’ childhood.

10. Game – Burst Your Balloons

Need: Slips of paper, marker, balloons, 2 garbage bags.

Print the words of the memory verse on separate slips of paper (make 2 sets). Blow up balloons, inserting one rolled slip of paper into each balloon before tying. Put balloons in 2 garbage bags- keeping each set separate.

“And He said to them, / “Why did you seek Me? / Did you not know /  that I must be / about My Father’s business” / Luke 2:49  NKJV

Divide the class into two teams and give each team a bag of balloons. At the signal the children will open bag and take out balloons and pop them in order to get the slip of paper out. Once paper is out they are to arrange slips of paper in verse order. The first team to arrange their slips of paper in order is the winner.

11. Jesus Was Obedient

The dictionary defines king as a ruler who has with complete power. They have supreme authority and power. Jesus was, and is, the King of Kings. He had, and still has, supreme authority and power.

Luke 2:46-52  NKJV     

   “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

     Even though Jesus is the King of Kings He was obedient to His parents.

Luke 2:51  NKJV      

“Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them…”

     One definition of subject is: a person ruled by another, somebody who is ruled by a king, queen, or other authority. Obedience was very important to Jesus, even as a child. Jesus was obedient to His earthly parents as a child and later on He was obedient to His heavenly Father.

Philippians 2:8  NKJV       

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

12. Game – Simon Says

Play Simon Says for about five minutes.

When game is over explain the following to the children:

As we played “Simon Says” there were children who got out right away. They heard my voice, but they weren’t paying attention or didn’t understand what I said when they heard so they didn’t obey. Some people are like these children with God’s Word. They hear the Word of God, but they don’t listen carefully and obey it.

The second group of players that got out did what I said for a while, but not for the whole game. Some people are like these children with spiritual things. They obey God’s Word for a time, but then they turn away from God because of bad things that happen in their lives or because they give in to the temptations that come. They stop trying to please or obey God.

The third group listened and obeyed my words the entire time. They persevered and worked hard to stay in the game. That’s like people who listen to and obey God’s Word their entire lives. They don’t stop obeying God when they’re tempted to do wrong or when bad things happen in their lives. They persevere, or follow through, on their decision to live for God.

Maybe you have accepted Jesus into your life, but you find yourself giving in to temptation. Make up your mind today to obey God – then obey Him! Heaven will be your reward.

13. Worship Song – _______________________________

14. Challenge / Altar

Obedience was very important to Jesus, even as a child. Jesus was obedient to His earthly parents as a child and later on He was obedient to His heavenly Father.

Philippians 2:8  NKJV      

  “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

     We must surrender to Jesus’ kingship through salvation and obedience to Him. We must also be obedient to our parents, just as Jesus was obedient to His parents.

Proverbs 20:11  NKJV        

“Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right.”

     Also, like Jesus, we should be about the Father’s business. We must be obedient to whatever call He has on our life.

Luke 2:49  NKJV  

  “And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business”

15. Refreshments or a light meal 

16. Crafts

17. Dismissal

.

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CRAFT, GAME, NAMETAGS AND PROPS IDEAS

HANDOUTS

 

Watching And Waiting

     Watching And Waiting

Memory Verse: John 14:1-3

Life Application: We must be ready for our Bridegroom when He returns.

 

 

Revelation 22:17  NKJV     “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

     Is your heart crying out, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!”? Are you desperate for your bridegroom? Does your heart beat rapidly in anticipation of His return? Do you long to smell His fragrance and feel His presence? Are you watching and waiting for the bridegroom’s return?

Revelation 21:2  NKJV     “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Revelation 21:9  NKJV     “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me saying, ‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ ”

     The church is the bride of Christ. Just as a woman that is waiting for her wedding has responsibilities and obligations, we too, as the bride of Christ have responsibilities and obligations. During Biblical times a Jewish wedding (marriage) consisted of several steps. They were the arrangement, the preparations, the coming of the groom, and the marriage supper celebration.

The Arrangement

The first step in the wedding was the arrangement. The father of the groom arranged the match. The family sometimes sent a servant or a matchmaker to find a wife for the groom. This step could even occur when the bride and groom were children, and often they would not have even meet each other until the wedding day. At this time they completed the legal part of the marriage and a dowry was paid. The bride was a legal part of the groom’s family.

Believers are the bride of Christ. God the Father, the father of the groom, made the arrangement and then paid the price for the bride (the dowry). The dowry was the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. By giving up His Son the price was paid and the arrangement was sealed with blood. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior you have committed your life to Him. You are His legal bride.

After accepting the arrangement, the bride was given gifts. We too, are given gifts after accepting the arrangement (salvation) – the gifts of the Spirit. The Bible calls the church, those who trust in Jesus  for salvation / eternal life, the bride of Christ.

We have not seen our groom yet, we are waiting for Him to come. As the bride of Christ we have legal rights as part of God’s family. In the twenty-fourth chapter of Genesis we read about Abraham sending his servant, Eliezer, to obtain a bride for his son, Isaac.

Genesis 24:4  NKJV    “but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

     Eliezer chose Rebekah to be Isaac’s bride. An agreement was reached with her father and her brother, and Eliezer paid the dowry. God the Father sent a match maker, the Holy Spirit, to bring us into the family of God.

Genesis 24:53  NKJV     “Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.”

The Preparations

The second step of the wedding was the time of the preparations. Both the bride and the groom had preparations to take care of. During this time the bride was prepared to be a suitable wife for her husband. It was also the period of time in which she was observed for her purity. The bride waited and prepared herself for the coming of the groom. The groom was responsible to provide a suitable home for the bride. During the preparation period he prepared a home for his bride.

John 14:1-3  NKJV     “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

     When Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after His resurrection He went to prepare a place for us, His bride (the church/ the bride of Christ). As the bride of Christ we should be in the process of being perfected for the groom. We should be undergoing a process of sanctification (to be set apart).

Hebrews 10:14  NKJV     “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

     Sanctification is the process by which God enables Christians to separate themselves day by day from sin. It is also dedicating yourself to seeking God. We are to set ourselves apart from sin for the Lord’s use.

2 Timothy 2:20-21  NKJV     “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work.”

Cleansed By The Word

There should be a process by which believers are being made more and more like Christ- even if it is only gradual.

2 Corinthians 3:18  NKJV     “But we all, with a veiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

     We should also be in the process of being cleansed by the washing of the Word. We should conform more and more to what the Word of God teaches.

John 17:17-19  NKJV     “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

     It is God’s desire that we be sanctified.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4  NKJV     “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor”

     Our number one desire should be to please Jesus. As His bride we are to make ourselves ready for His return. He is coming back for a bride that is watching and waiting (and preparing) for His return.

The Bridegrooms Returns For His Bride

Luke 12:40  NKJV     “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

     We should live each day with the attitude of, “Today might be the day.” We are to watch and wait.

The third step of the wedding was when the bridegroom took the bride to his house. On the wedding day the groom would leave his home and go to the bride’s home to get her. As the groom returned to his own home with his bride a bridal procession followed. The groom took his bride into his house and completed the marriage. The Jewish wedding ceremony was conducted in the home of the groom with only a few witnesses.

One day Jesus will come and take His bride home (the rapture). Only those who have properly prepared themselves will be taken. Sin interferes with a person being properly prepared.

Matthew 25:1-13  NKJV     “The the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ The all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I saw to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you do not know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

     You must be ready for Jesus’ return yourself. No one else can make the preparations for you. In Biblical times if a groom arrived to get his bride and she was not ready or if he found her impure the wedding was off. Sometimes it cost her life. If Jesus arrives and finds us not ready or finds impurities (sin) in us, we will not be the bride of Christ.

The Marriage Supper Celebration

The fourth step of the wedding was the marriage supper celebration (wedding feast). Many people were invited to the marriage supper. The marriage supper lasted for seven days.

Revelation 19:7-9  NKJV     “ ‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the rig hteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” And he said to me, ‘These are the true saying of God.’ ”

     If we have accepted the arrangement made by God (salvation),we must take very serious our responsibilities and commitments. We must be so desperate for our bridegroom that we will do what ever it takes to be ready for His return. No one knows the exact time of His return, so we must be ready at all times. We must watch and wait for our Bridegroom comes like a thief in the night.

Revelation 16:15  NKJV     “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

Review

1. The Bible refers to the church as what?

2. We have responsibilities and obligations to _____________, our bridegroom.

3. During Biblical times what were the steps to a Jewish wedding / marriage?

4. Who arranged for a marriage during Biblical times?

5. The family sometimes sent a servant or a __________________ to find a wife for the groom.

6. When the legal part of the marriage was complete and the dowry was paid, the bride was a ___________  part of the groom’s family.

7. Believers are the  _____________  of _______________.

8. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior you have ____________________your life to Him.

9. We are given gifts after accepting the arrangement (salvation) – the gifts of the ____________

10. . As the bride of Christ we have ___________rights as part of God’s family.

11. God the Father sent a match maker, the ___________  _____________, to bring us into the family of God.

12. The second step of the wedding was the time of the ________________________.

13. Both, the bride and the ______________, had preparations to take care of.

14. During this time the bride was prepared to be a __________________    ___________for her husband.

15. It was also the period of time in which the bride was observed for her _______________.

16. The groom was responsible to provide a suitable ____________ for the bride.

17. When Jesus ascended to heaven, forty days after His resurrection, He went to ________________ a place for us, His bride (the church/ the bride of Christ).

18. As the bride of Christ we should be undergoing a ________________   _____   _____________________ (to be set apart).

19. What is sanctification?

20. We are to set ourselves apart from sin for the ______________ use.

21. According to II Corinthians 3:18, into who’s image should we be transformed into?

22. We should conform more and more to what the ________  ____  ______  teaches.

23. Our number one desire should be to please ___________.

24. Jesus is coming back for a bride that is watching, waiting and ____________________ for His return.

25. Only those who have properly prepared themselves will be taken when ___________ returns.

26. Sin _____________________ with a person being properly prepared.

27. If we have accepted salvation we must take very serious our _____________________________ and commitments.

28. Who knows when Jesus will return?

Elephant Door Hanger (2)

    Elephant Door Hanger (2)

Eephant Door Hanger (1)

        Elephant Door Hanger

Watermelon and Icecream Cone Pony Bead Keychains or Backpack Clips

     Watermelon and Icecream Cone Pony Bead Keychains or Backpack Clips