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Sunday School Lesson: Using the Tongue

Beckie Stewart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:18:53 +0000

Print off this Sunday School lesson about using the tongue to honor God. It is based on James three and will help children see that God is pleased when we speak in right ways. God himself is our example on righteous speech. This lesson was intended for a Sunday School classroom setting but could also be modified for a children’s church lesson about the tongue.

Bible Truth: Good speech can honor God – using the tongue.
Scripture: James 3:1-12
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Original Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. All our lessons plans are open for improvement and others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: white/black board; writing tool; paper, matches, and cup of water

Learning Goal: After this lesson, children will understand proper speech that honors the Lord and others.

Learning Indicator: By retelling the lessons taught in the passage back to the teacher with understanding to James teaching on the tongue.

Learning Activity #1

Active Listening: Divide the children into two groups and assign the first group the task of listening for the ways that James compares the tongue. Assign the second group the task of listening for the importance of controlling the things that they say.

Immediately following the reading of the passage call on some volunteers from each group to share what they discovered in the listening assignment and write their answers on the white/black board.

Learning Activity #2

Agree/Disagree: Read the following statements and have the children take turns telling whether they agree or disagree with the statement. Encourage them to give a small statement about why they agree or disagree about the statement from the passage read in James.

1) The tongue can be tamed. Disagree. (Js 3:2, 8)

2) We stumble in many ways with what we say. Agree. (Js. 3:2)

3) As Christians our tongue can only bless God now. Disagree. (Js. 3:9)

4) A rudder is small but controls the ships directions. Agree. (Js. 3:4)

5) A fountain can give bitter and fresh water at the same time. Disagree. (Js. 3:11)

6) A small flame can cause a forest to burn down. Agree. (Js.5)

Learning Activity #3

Open Discussion: Help the children understand the difficulty of controlling the tongue especially without the Lord by using paper and matches. The first time you burn a small piece of paper talk about how you can’t do anything to control how quickly it burns the paper and it’s direction. With a second piece a paper, dip ½ of it in water and as it burns the half not wet talk about the wet side representing how when we give the Lord control of our tongue, the Holy Spirit can temper the damage our tongue can do by controlling it’s direction.

Test: Ask several volunteers to give examples of ways they can use their tongue to bless the Lord and others. Ask several others to give examples of ways the tongue can be used to curse the Lord and others.

Connection with the Gospel:

This lesson gives an opportunity to speak to the children about the way the Lord can make a difference in their lives when they put their faith and trust in Him as Savior. The children should be told that the Holy Spirit resides within them when they become Christians, and it’s the Holy Spirit that enables them to live in obedience to the Lord.

Present the opportunity to the children to personally accept Christ as their personal Savior by giving a simple presentation of the gospel to them. Have all the children bow their heads with their eyes closed and ask any children wishing to pray and seek Jesus as their Savior to raise their hand. Be sure to pull them aside separately to speak with them and determine their understanding and desire for salvation.

Connection with Life:

Help the children elaborate on ways they can use the things they say to encourage others and be examples to those around them that do not know Jesus as their Savior. Talk to the children about common areas of sin and encourage them to seek forgiveness from the Lord for the times they have used their words to hurt others. Challenge them to seek forgiveness from those they have said unkind things to that day.

Sunday School Lesson “Purpose in Tough Times”

Beckie Stewart — Mon, 31 May 2010 02:54:49 +0000

This Sunday School lesson will help children begin a discussion and gain understanding to the Lord’s desire to use hard times in their lives to strengthen them and teach them more about Himself and to strengthen their trust in the Lord. This lesson is based on James 1:1-4 and can be used for Sunday School or Children’s Church.

Bible Truth: God has a purpose for our tough times.
Scripture: James 1:1-4
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Original Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. All our lessons plans are open for improvement and others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: Bible, marker board to write answers to discussion questions

Learning Goal: After this lesson, children will be able to explain some reasons the Lord allows us to endure difficult things in life.

Learning Indicator: by discussing the meaning of the reasons James gives in this passage for trials.

Learning Activity #1:

Active Listening: Divide the children into two groups, and ask the first group to listen for the purpose of trials. Assign the second group the task of listening for ways they can learn in hard times.

Immediately after the reading of the passage call on volunteers from each group to share what they learned, and write it on a white/chalk board what they shared. Help point out that the Lord wants us to come to the place where we lack nothing in our lives when we realize we have Him. Also point out that ways that we do that are by having confidence that the Lord is with us in that hard time.

Learning Activity #2

Agree/Disagree: Read the following statements to the children and have them tell whether they agree or disagree that it was taught in the passages they heard.

James wrote these verses. Agree.
These verses teach that God’s children never have hard times. Disagree.
James wanted us to understand there is a purpose in hard times. Agree.
Faith is tested because of disobedience. Disagree.
God’s desire is for us to lack nothing in our walk with Him. Agree.
Joy is possible even in difficult times. Agree.

Learning Activity 3#

Open Discussion: Take all the previous statements and discuss the reasons they agreed or disagreed with the statement. Lead the children into a discussion regarding the purpose of trials and the lessons that can be learned in those trials with questions and further discussions regarding the statements that they agreed and disagreed.

1) This statement mentioned James as the author of these verses. What do we learn about James from these verses? (Bond-servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ). Tell the children that he was also the half-brother of Jesus and explain the term “bond-servant”. Definition of bond-servant—one who freely serves the Lord.

2) We know that God’s children do go through hard times in life. What are some of the hard times that you’ve gone through? (Children will talk about such things as parents divorcing or dying, difficulties in school, and problems with friends.

3) Everyone faces hard times. What are some ways the Lord helped you in that hard time? (Share personal stories with the children to help them understand that the Lord may be helping them and they might not be recognizing His help.)

4) Why do you think hard times can come from disobedience? Help the children understand how the consequences that follow wrong choices by giving examples such as detention in school for talking fresh to a teacher or time-outs for disobeying their parent.

5) What do you think James means that the Lord’s desire is for us to lack nothing? Explain how this doesn’t necessarily mean just our physical needs, but the ways we can have healthy relationships with people and make choices that bring joy to our lives and pleasure to the Lord.

6) What do you think makes it possible to have joy in hard times? Explain to the children that joy can be found in hard times when we keep in mind that the Lord will not abandon us in those times and that He will carry us through those difficult times.

Test: Ask several volunteers to restate what they learned about the purpose of trials and what they can learn from those difficult times. If they need help prompt them by asking “How did the Lord help you in a hard time?”

Connection with the Gospel:Jesus was called a ‘man of sorrows’ and experienced many trials during his time on Earth. He can be trusted to give us strength when we too face trials. Children need to remember the promise that Jesus gave us that He will never leave us or forsake them when life gets hard. For Christians, we know that suffering can help us become more like Christ.

Connection with Life: Ask for volunteers to share a difficult time they faced and ways that they felt the Lord helped them. If they are unable to identify the way the Lord helped them, make suggestions like: providing family/friends to listen to them, no longer being in that situation, and ways the Lord provided for their needs.

Need More Ideas? Browse all our free Sunday School lessons for children or find a Bible coloring page for your class.

Lesson: Peter Raises Dorcas

Beckie Stewart — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:44:28 +0000

Print off this free Sunday School lesson based on Acts 9 where Peter raises Dorcas back to life. This lesson teaches children the difference their lives can have on others, and the power of how the Lord can work in the lives of those willing to obey Him. You can also modify this lesson to work in Kids church or other ministry settings.

Bible Story: Peter Raises Dorcus
Scripture: Acts 9:36-43
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Original Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 20 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. All our lessons plans are open for improvement and others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: Pictures of Dorcas (and clothes she made, if possible), and pictures of Peter alone in the room with Dorcas, and Peter with others with Dorcas (as possible to find); search google images, purple construction paper cut in 1 inch slices length wise and purple construction paper uncut.

Learning Goal: After this lesson, the children will demonstrate their knowledge about the key people and events in this passage.

Learning Indicator: In the retelling of the story back to the class the children display what they learned.

Learning Activity #1

Active Listening: Ask the children to listen carefully for the detail of the story in order to re-tell it. Read (and summarize) Acts 9:36-43 and engage the children with good story telling techniques such as various voices depending on whether it’s the narrative or a person/s speaking.

Divide the children into two groups and assign one group the listening assignment of identifying all the things they learn about Dorcas. Assign the second group the job of identifying the actions and words of Peter to help Dorcas.

Immediately after the story call on volunteers to retell the story and from each group the facts they identified from their listening assignment.

Learning Activity #2

Agree/Disagree: Read the following statement and have the children tell you the reason they disagree with any untrue statements.

Dorcas’ name means Tabitha. Agree.
Peter was in Joppa when Dorcas died. Disagree. He was in Lydda, near Joppa.
The Lord told Peter to go to Joppa. Disagree. Two men came to get him.
Peter touched Dorcas to heal her. Disagree. He kneeled and prayed.
Dorcas was known for the clothes she made. Agree.
Peter left Joppa right away. Disagree. He stayed a few days with Simon, the leather tanner.

Learning Activity #3

Craft: Have 8 by 11 construction paper sliced into 1” strips (length wise) prior to class. Teach the children how to weave the strips to make a mat and glue onto solid purple piece of paper to keep the project together. Explain to the children that Dorcas was known for items that she made from purple cloth as you help the children weave their own place mat.

Test: Ask several volunteers to role play the story, selecting one to play the Narrator of the story, Peter, Dorcas, and some of the children play the disciples and others the friends of Dorcas. If they need help prompt them with the questions like “What comes next?”

Connection with the Gospel:

This miracle shows that even the disciples had been given the power to raise the dead after Jesus ascended into heaven. Jesus instructed the disciples to spread the news about the Lord. Jesus empowered the disciples to do what He called them to do, such as raise the dead and heal the sick. The disciples demonstrated the Lord’s power to raise the dead, but Peter remained in Joppa to help the people learn more about the Lord and His salvation for them.

Connection with Life:

This is an excellent time to remind the children that the Lord is the Author of life and His desire is for us to live in such a way that our lives impact others. Ask the children how Dorcas is remembered in this story and how Peter is remembered in this story. Challenge them to think about the ways in which their lives can make a difference to others.

Need More Ideas: Find a Sunday School game or kids craft idea to use in your class.

“Jesus Knows Me” Sunday School Lesson

Beckie Stewart — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:09:08 +0000

This Sunday School lesson will teach children that Jesus is like a good shepherd who knows and loves his sheep. It is based on the classic passage in John 10 where Jesus states those truths. This lesson plan was originally written for elementary aged Sunday School, but you could easily modify it for Children’s Church or a preschool Bible lesson. We also have two preschool lessons based on this same Bible passage that teaches how Jesus loves and Jesus Saves his sheep.

Bible Story: Jesus Knows Me
Scripture: John 10:1-18
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Original Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: pictures of shepherds, pictures of gates that lead into sheep fold, picture of Jesus dressed like a shepherd (any pictures that can be obtained about shepherds). Try searching on Google images.

Learning Goal: After this lesson . . .

The children will be able to share the important people and events from this passage.
The children will be able to identify the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.

Learning Indicator: by retelling the story back to the teacher and relating the relationship with the sheep and their shepherd.

Learning Activity #1

Active Listening: Divide the children into two groups, and ask the first group to identify everything they learn about the shepherd in the story. Ask the second group to listen for the things they learn about the sheep.

Immediately following the reading of the passage, call on volunteers from each of the groups to retell the part of the story based on what they learned about the sheep or the shepherd.

Learning Activity #2

Agree/Disagree: Read the following statements and have the children indicate whether they agree with the statement or not. Have them explain the reason they disagree.

Sheep will go to anyone who calls to them. Disagree. (Verses 5, 8, 12-13)
A good shepherd will lay down his life to save his sheep. Agree. (Verses 11, 15, 17-18)
Strangers and hired men will kill a wolf trying to hurt the sheep. Disagree. (Verses 12-13)
Good shepherd don’t have to enter the door to be good. Disagree. (Verses 1-2)
Jesus describes Himself as the door and the good shepherd. Agree. (Verses 7, 9, 14)
The sheep recognize their own shepherd by his voice. Agree. (Verses 3-4)
Jesus is trying to figure out who His sheep are. Disagree. (Verses 14-16)
Jesus says He knows His sheep like the Father knows Him. Agree. (Verses 14,16)
Jesus was forced to die for His sheep. Disagree. (Verses 17-18)
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy Jesus’ sheep. Agree. (Verses 8, 10, 12-13)

Learning Activity #3

Open Discussion: Display various pictures and lead a discussion to help the children understand the ways that recognizing voices would be important in each of these situations. Use pictures such as: a parent and a child (in any situation that has the potential for danger), or person with Seeing Eye dog.

Game: To further enhance the lesson play the following game. Ask for two volunteers and this would be a good opportunity to choose two children that are good friends. This game will display trust in a not only the voice but the person. Blind fold one of the friends, and have the other friend find a spot in the room to stand. Have the seeing friend guide the blindfolded friend to them while guiding them around obstacles in the room.

Test: Have the children retell the story and choose at least from each listening group to tell the part they learned from their listening assignment. If they need help, prompt them with “What came next?”

Connection with the Gospel:

This illustration of Jesus being the Door and the Good Shepherd will help the children recognize the relationship Jesus wants to have with those He loves. This is a good time to talk about Jesus dying on the cross for their sins and providing a way to have a relationship with Him. It’s a good idea to talk to the children about how they can recognize Jesus talking to them by the things He says to them in the Scriptures….like being kind, obeying parents, not lying, etc.

Connection with Life:

Discussion: Ask for different children to share a time when they knew it was important to listen to their parents or a teacher. Talk to them about either what happened because they did or didn’t listen. Challenge the children to strive to obey on a parents or teachers first request.

Need More Help? Browse all our free Sunday School lessons or read about the importance of prayer in teaching Sunday School.

Moses’ Dream Vs. God’s Dream (Sunday School Lesson)

Beckie Stewart — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:15:18 +0000

This Sunday School lesson draws an important spiritual point about Moses form Stephan’s speech in Acts 7 before the Sanhedrin. This lesson plan will help children see that the Lord has a plan for their lives and how He wants them to look for it and follow it. It can be for Sunday School or Children’s Church. This is a great opportunity to help children think ahead to the special plans that God has for their lives.

Bible Story: Stephen tells about Moses in Acts 7
Scripture: Acts 7:17-36
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Original Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: Obtain as many pictures of Moses displaying the verses spoken of in this retelling of the life of Moses in the NT such as: Moses slaying the Egyptian, Moses tending sheep in Midian, Moses before the burning bush, Moses and any of the plagues, Moses parting the Red Sea. Try searching for these phrases on Google Images.

Learning Goal: After this lesson, the children will not only know the events of Moses life, but they will be able to see the difference between following their own dreams and following God’s dreams for their life.

Learning Indicator: by retelling the story back to the teacher and sharing the differences between God’s dream and Moses’ dream.

Learning Activity #1:

Active Listening: Divide the children into two groups and have the first group listen for what Moses thought He should do for his people (Acts 7:24-28). Ask the second group to figure out the reason the Lord made Moses wait 40 more years before He told Moses what to do to help his people (Acts 7:30-35). Help the children understand that God’s plan was for the Jews to leave Egypt and return to their own land while Moses’ plan included a deliverance from bondage while remaining in Egypt.

Immediately after the story call on volunteers from each group to retell the story that gives the answer to their listening assignment.

Learning Activity #2:

Agree/Disagree: Read the following statements and have the children discuss the reasons they agree or disagree with the statement according to the Scriptures read.

Moses was raised in Pharoah’s home and knew the Egyptian ways and customs. Agree. (Verses 21-22)
Moses killed a Jewish man. Disagree. (He killed an Egyptian man, verse 24)
Moses was educated and had power. Agree. (Verse 22)
The Jewish men understood that Moses wanted to deliver them from bondage. Disagree. (They were afraid of him, verses 27-28)
Moses lived in Midian for 40 years. Agree. (Verses 29-30)
A bush burning in the wilderness but not being destroyed was something Moses saw all the time. Disagree. (He marveled when he saw it happening and turned to check it out more closely, verses 31)
God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. Agree. (Verses 31-34)
God knew the Jews were in trouble and wanted Moses to help them. Agree. (Verse 34)
After waiting 40 years, it was time for Moses to be the ruler and deliverer. Agree. (Verse 35)
Moses succeeded in doing God’s plan in delivering the Jewish people out of Egypt. Agree. (Verse 36)

Learning Activity #3

Open Discussion: Have the children sit in a circle and ask them questions about what they dream about doing when they become adults. Share your dreams of when you were a child and how they are the same and different than you dreamed. Share the reasons your dreams changed or remained the same. Share how you see the ways the Lord worked in your life to prepare you for what you were going to do to serve the Lord.

Test:

Retell the story: Ask for volunteers to help retell the story as was read in the book of Acts. If they need prompting ask them, “What came next?”

Connection with the Gospel:

These Scriptures teach the children that some times it might take a long time for the Lord to carry out His plans for our life, but that many times it is because the Lord is working in our life to prepare us for His plans. Share how the Lord’s plan for Jesus included only three years of ministry and then His death on the cross for their sins.

Connection with Life:

Discussion: This lesson helps the children understand that sometimes God’s plan for them might be different than their plans. Challenge the children to take their dreams and desires of what they want to do when they grow up to the Lord. Talk about having a heart willing to do what the Lord would want them to do, even if it might be different then their plans. Help them understand that the Lord’s plans are always for them to have a future and a hope in this life and the life to come.

Optional Game Idea “The Encouragement Game”

Here is a simple game to accompany this lesson plan. It challenges the kids to encourage one another and begin to think how God has blessed them with talents and interests to serve God & others. Watch the video below and read our detailed directions for this Sunday School game.

Need More Help? Browse all our free Sunday School lessons or read about the importance of prayer in teaching Sunday School.

An Angel Breaks Peter Out of Jail – Lesson Plan

Beckie Stewart — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:59:55 +0000

This Bible lesson will help the children see the importance and power of praying for one another. It is based on the Bible story in Acts 12 where God rescues Peter from jail while the other disciples were praying for his safety. This lesson was first taught in Children’s Sunday School but could easily be modified for Children’s Church or other learning contexts.

Bible Story: An Angel Breaks Peter Out of Jail
Scripture: Acts 12:1-17
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Original Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 20 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: Pictures of Peter bound in jail; Angel opening prison doors; angel escorting Peter to city gates; Peter at house where other disciples are gather (or any pictures available from these passages). Try searching Google images for these names

Learning Goals:

When this lesson is finished, the children will demonstrate their knowledge regarding Peter’s rescue from prison.
Children will express what Peter learned about the Lord from being in prison and being rescued.

Learning Indicator:

By having the children retell the story and point out the important points at the end of the lesson.

Learning Activity #1

Active Listening: Divide the children into two groups and have the first group listen for Peter’s response to his release from prison. Have the second group listen for the response of the other disciples to Peter’s release from prison.

Immediately following the story ask two volunteers to retell the story, one from each of the listening groups about their part of the listening assignment.

Learning Activity #2

Agree/Disagree: read the following statement and have the children take turns stating whether they agree or disagree with the statement.

Herod had Peter arrested and put in prison for three days. Disagree. It was only overnight because the angel released him later that same night.
Peter thought he was dreaming his release from prison. Agree.
The angel told Peter he wasn’t dreaming. Disagree. Peter realized it after the angel left and he found himself standing at the gate leading into the city.
Peter’s chains fell off when he stood up. Agree.
Peter slept between the four guards who bound him. Disagree. He only slept between two.
When Peter realized he was free, he went to John’s house. Disagree. He went to Mary’s house.
Rhonda recognized Peter’s voice at the door. Agree.
Mary and the others immediately believed that Peter was at the door. Disagree. Peter had to continue to knock for them to believe Rhonda and open the door to him.
Peter left after telling Mary and the others how he got out of prison. Agree.

Learning Activity #3

Open Discussion: Have the children sit in small groups and lead them in a discussion about praying. Take prayer requests from the children about things that they are concerned about for those they love and for themselves.

Help the children understand that the Lord usually answers prayers one of three ways: yes, no, and wait. Help them express their feelings about why it’s so hard when they get a “no” or “wait” answer. Talk to the children about the fact that a “no” or “wait” is because the Lord always knows what is best for us and it might not be the right time for us to receive it.

Help the children take the “yes”, “no”, and “wait” answer into the story of Peter and those praying for him and talk about how those three answers of prayer apply to this incident in Peter’s life.

Test:

As the children retell the story and discuss how God worked in regards to prayer, prompt them with questions and see how well they caught the point of this lesson.

Connection with the Gospel:

This miracle shows the way the Lord frees anyone from a prison they might be and how important it is for us to pray for others who might be in trouble.

Connection with Life:

Ask for volunteers to share a time they prayed for someone and how the Lord answered their prayer. Begin with a recent time the Lord answered a prayer for you and if you can share it about a way the children can see that the Lord answered the prayer for someone they know; such as someone in they knew who the Lord recently healed.

Need More Ideas? Browse our full list of Sunday School lessons or read some hints for teaching children to pray.

Lesson: Jesus Changes Saul to Paul

Beckie Stewart — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:39:25 +0000

This lesson teaches children the difference Jesus can make in a person’s life when they put their faith and trust in Him as their Savior. The children will learn that the sins we think the Lord would never forgive, He does forgive. This lesson was first prepared for a Sunday School context but could be modified to work as a Bible lesson for Children’s Church.

Bible Story: Saul’s Conversion
Scripture: Acts 9:1-9, 19-22
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 20 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: pictures showing Saul encountering a bright light on the road to Damascus and/or pictures showing him talking in the synagogues or with people.

Learning Goals:

After this lesson, the children will express the difference an encounter with Jesus can make in a person’s life.
After this lesson, the children will express Jesus’ ability to change anyone no matter how evil they may seem to those around them.

Learning Indicator:

By pointing out ways that Jesus changed Saul the children will display the Lord’s power on a person’s life.
By discussing the sins they feel are unforgivable the children come to understand that no sin is beyond the Lord’s forgiveness expect absolute rejection of Him.

Learning Activity #1

Active Listening: Divide the children into two groups and have the first group identify what they learn about Saul before He encounters Jesus on the road. The second group should identify what indicates the differences found in Saul after his encounter with Jesus.

Immediately following the reading of the passages, have a volunteer retell the story the best to their recollection. Ask someone from the first group to describe Saul before He meets Jesus, and then ask for volunteer from second group to describe Saul after meeting Jesus.

Learning Activity #2

Read the following statements to see whether the children agree or disagree. Ask for a reason they disagree.

Saul lost his sight for 7 days and didn’t eat during that time. Disagree, 3 days
The men with Saul heard the voice but didn’t see anything. Agree.
Saul was a man murdering disciples of the Lord. Agree.
Saul was afraid to tell others about Jesus. Disagree, spoke about Jesus in synagogues.
Saul believed Jesus was a good man. Disagree, believed He was the Son of God.
Saul didn’t know who the voice was when it asked why Saul was persecuting Him. Agree. Voice identified Himself as Jesus.
The change in Saul’s attitude toward the Lord’s disciples amazed those listening. Agree.

Learning Activity #3

Discuss with the children about sin and ask them what sins they think Jesus could not forgive. Help them to realize that the only sin the Lord doesn’t forgive and that will keep them from heaven is the continual rejection of Jesus as their Savior.

Test:

Ask two volunteers to retell the story, having one describe the experience Saul had on the road to Damascus and the second to describe what he did in Damascus. Prompt them with questions like, “What happened next?”

Connection with the Gospel:

This story shows the difference Jesus makes in a person’s heart, thoughts, and actions. It is important for children to realize that Jesus wants us to see the truth about who He is and how He changes us from the inside to the outside, displayed in the actions and words a person does.

Connection with Life:

Discussion: Ask the children to share an incident in their lives about when they were tempted to do something mean to another person, but remembered what Jesus wanted them to do and chose to be kind instead. Challenge them to try to do something kind for someone who isn’t kind to them.

Need More Ideas? Then read our article about motivating children to learn, you can also find a wide selection of free Bible lessons for children on our website.

Lesson on Jesus’ Transfiguration

Beckie Stewart — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:22:40 +0000

This children’s lesson is adaptable for Sunday School or Children’s Church services. It was prepared with a broad range of children in mind.

The point of this lesson it to emphasize the truth that the Father once again spoke His approval for Jesus, His Son, and His desire for people to pay attention to what He says.

Bible Story: Jesus is Transfigured
Scripture: Matt. 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List: Pictures of Jesus on the mountain transfigured and talking with Moses and Elijah and/or pictures of the disciples seeing the cloud with God speaking to them. Try searching those phrases on Google Images; poster board and markers if no white or black board is available.

Learning Goal: When the lesson is over, the children will be able to express what the Lord wanted to teach Peter, James, and John when Jesus was transfigured before them about listening to Him.

Learning Indicator: The children will retell the story with all the details and be able to relate the truth that God the Father still wants us to listen to the things Jesus tells us.

Learning Activity #1

Active Listening: Divide the children into three groups according to the gospel being read. Give each group the listening assignment of gathering as much information from their passage as they can find.

Immediately after reading the gospel have that group give all the details they can remember and write their findings on the white/black board or poster board for each group. Help the children understand that 3 different men wrote each gospel and though told a little different, it doesn’t deteriorate from the truth of the passages.

Details from Matthew 17:1-13: Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain; transfigured Himself (which included His face shining like the sun and His garments white as light); Moses and Elijah appeared talking to Jesus; Peter said it was good for them to be there and wanted to build 3 tabernacles; God the Father came in bright cloud that overshadowed Jesus and spoke from the cloud that He was pleased with His Son and wanted them to listen to Him; disciples fell on their faces afraid; Jesus touched them and assured them not to be afraid and Moses and Elijah were gone; Jesus told them to tell no one about what they saw; they ask Jesus about those who say Elijah will come; Jesus says he will and will restore all things; says he already has come and disciples understood Jesus to be referring to John the Baptist.

Detail from Mark 9:2-13: Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain; transfigured Himself (described as His garment radiant and exceedingly white, whiter than anything on earth); Moses and Elijah appeared talking to Jesus; Peter said it was good for them to be there and wanted to build 3 tabernacles; God the Father came in bright cloud that overshadowed Jesus and spoke from the cloud that He was pleased with His Son and wanted them to listen to Him; Jesus told them to tell no one about what they saw; they ask Jesus about those who say Elijah will come; Jesus says he will and will restore all things and Jesus makes reference to the suffering and contempt he received an how they did what they wanted to him.

Details from Luke 9: Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain to pray; while praying Jesus’ face became different and His clothes became white and gleaming; Moses and Elijah appeared and were speaking to Jesus about His departure that was about to happen in Jerusalem; disciples had been asleep but awoke to see the two men talking to Jesus; Peter said it was good for them to be there and wanted to build 3 tabernacles; God the Father came in a cloud that overshadowed them and spoke from the cloud that Jesus was chosen One and that He wanted them to listen to Jesus; disciples became afraid at Father’s appearance; and then found themselves alone with Jesus; they told no one about what happened on the mountain.

Learning Activity #2

Open Discussion: Have the children describe what they believe was the reason Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the mountain with Him. Help the children see that the Father wanted them to recognize who Jesus truly was and to listen to Him.

Test:

Children retell the story: ask for several volunteers to help take all three accounts and retell the story.

Connection with the Gospel:

This incident with Jesus helps them understand that even though Jesus deserved worship, He didn’t want His disciples at this time building a permanent place of worship. The voice from God reminds the children that the Lord wants us to focus our worship on the person of Jesus.

Connection with Life:

Discussion: Ask for volunteers to share why God the Father wants us to listen to Jesus. Help the children to understand that when God says, “No.” it’s because He always has our best in mind. Challenge them to choose one area that they will strive to listen to Jesus with this week.

Need More Ideas? Then browse this list of kids songs for Sunday School or find a game for your Sunday School lesson.

Lesson: A Heart of Worship

Beckie Stewart — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:51:40 +0000

Children trust the Lord much easier than adults, and so singing praise to Him comes more naturally to them. This lesson will focus on a Psalm about praise and teach the children more about worship. They will learn why God deserves to be worshiped and what it means to give him praise. This children’s ministry material was first prepared for a Sunday School lesson, but you could easily modify it to teach in children’s church.

Scripture: Psalm 100
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 11 (U.S. 1st – 5th Grade)
Time: 20 Minutes
Learning Context: Sunday School or Kids Church
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Supply List:

Bible: Psalm 100. Prepare beforehand the important points learned about praise from the scripture.
Lesson Aids: songs the children are familiar with and new ones.
Optional: Print off this free creation coloring sheet “God makes the Sun, Moon, and Stars.”

Learning Goals:

Children will express what they learn from Psalm 100 about praise.
Children will express the reason the Lord deserves praise.
Children will learn to give praise to the Lord.

Learning Indicator: Children will identify truths about God taught in this Psalm.

Learning Activity #1:

Establish the lesson briefly by explaining to the children praise to the Lord is a way to acknowledge the Lord for Who He is and that it’s similar to telling a person something that you like about them.

Read Psalm 100, one verse at a time giving an explanation of the different ways and reasons for praising the Lord.

Verse 1 teaches us that the Lord rules over all of the earth and when we shout with joy it’s an expression of gratitude for His power.
Verse 2 shows us that worship is a service to the Lord and we should enjoy it and we express it when we sing with joy.
Verse 3 reminds us that the Lord is in control of all things, He is our creator, and that we belong to Him.
Verse 4 talks about coming into the Lord’s presence with gratitude and praise.
Verse 5 speaks of God’s goodness, eternal love, and continual faithfulness.

Learning Activity #2:

Ask the children to verbalize all the truths they know about the Lord so they can get in the mood to praise Him. Build on what they learned about the Lord from Psalm 100.

He created everything and everyone.
He never leaves us even though we might feel alone.
He loves us forever and demonstrates His love for us.
He has great power and not even Satan is stronger than Him.
He sees everything and nothing can be hidden from Him.
He makes plans for our life that give us a future and a hope.

Learning Activity #3:

Sing familiar songs of praise with the children. Include songs that have hand motions so the children can express praise toward the Lord with their whole body.

Song suggestions: Jesus Loves Me; Father Abraham; Lord, We Lift Your Name; and Our God is So Big.

Test:

Re-read Psalm 100 and then give a list of possible truths from it and have the children say, “Praise the Lord” if it was mentioned. (All will be true so they can practice giving verbal praise to the Lord.)

Does God want us to praise Him with shouts?
Does the Lord love us forever?
Does the Lord want us to come to Him with thanksgiving in our hearts?
Does the Lord want us to know about Him?
Did the Lord make us?
Is the Lord good?

Need More Ideas? Then browse our recommended worship music for children or find a Sunday School game to accompany this lesson.

Lesson: The Rewards of Obedience

Beckie Stewart — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:34:00 +0000

Sometimes obedience can be a difficult choice. This lesson helps children understand that they can trust the Lord no matter what He asks for them to do. It draws this lesson from the section in Luke 5 where Jesus calls his first disciples. This was first written for children’s church, but it could be modified for a kids Sunday School lesson about obeying God.

Bible Story: Jesus’ Calls the First Disciples
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
Target Age Group: Age 7 – 12 (U.S. 1st – 6th Grade)
Time: 30 Minutes
Learning Context: Children’s Church
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please leave your feedback and suggestions for this lesson plan. Others will benefit from your ideas. Click here to respond

Learning Objectives: After this lesson…

Children will recall the key people and events in this passage by retelling the story.
Children demonstrate an understanding of Jesus’ power and how they need to respond to Him.

Materials Needed:

Bible: Luke 5:1-11. Prior to the class outline the important points to ensure specific explanations of them.
Visual Aids: Pictures of Jesus in boat with crowds on shore; picture of Simon (Peter) pulling out full nets of fish. Try searching those phrases on Google Images.
A mouse trap that’s been prepared beforehand to lock open and a dollar bill.

Teaching Plan “Rewards of Obedience”

Establish the lesson by briefly describing the key people in passage by showing pictures of Jesus speaking to the crowds from the boat and Peter pulling full nets of fish from the water.

Active Listening: Prior to reading the story, divide the children into two groups and ask one half to listen for the way that Jesus showed His power. Ask the other half of the children to identify the responses of Peter to Jesus in the different incidents.

Read (and Recap) Luke 5:1-11. Read the passage using different voice inflections for Jesus and Peter. Reinforce the lesson by asking questions. What was the reason Jesus decided to get into a boat? He wanted to be able to talk easier to the large crowd. Whose boat did Jesus use? He took Peter’s. What did Jesus ask Peter to do? He asked him to get into the boat with Him and then to put his nets into the water. How did Peter respond to Jesus’ request? He put the nets into the water even though he believed it was a waste of time and effort. Say to the children, “If we’re honest, it’s hard to do what the Lord wants us to do sometimes, isn’t it?”

Review: When you’re finished reading the story, use the pictures to review the important people and events of his passage. Ask the children to give a response to their listening assignment. How did Jesus show His power? How did Peter respond to Jesus’ requests? Emphasize the rewards that Peter received by obeying Jesus.

Present the mouse trap and ask for a volunteer willing to trust the fact that you would never ask them to do anything that would bring them harm. Show the way a mouse trap works by setting it and putting a pencil inside of it to set it off. Put the dollar where the cheese is placed and reset the trap, locking it, without the children seeing it. Handle the trap carefully to help the child believe that it is set and could snap like it did with the pencil.

Say to your volunteer, “I want you to trust me that you can remove this dollar from the trap without feeling any pain.” If the child seems hesitant, continue to encourage them that you’d never ask them to do anything that would hurt them. Once the child safely removes the dollar, use the illustration to help the children understand they can always trust to Lord.

Lesson Evaluation

Ask a volunteer to retell the story. Remember to prompt him/her by asking, “What happened next?”
Ask for two volunteers to explain how Jesus showed His power and how Peter responded to Jesus’ requests.

Give a list of possible requests from the Lord and ask several children to respond with whether it would be easy or hard to obey. (Expect different responses.)

Share your favorite toy with your best friend.
Say something nice to someone who has been mean to you.
Invite someone to your party who didn’t invite you to theirs.
Make a card for your sister or brother saying what you like about them.
Share a piece of candy someone gave you with someone else.
Give a bigger piece of dessert to your brother or sister.

Need More Ideas? Then browse our list of free Bible crafts or try one of our children’s ministry game ideas along with this lesson.

Extrinsic Motivation: Using Rewards In Children’s Ministry