You know how much I object lessons! Seeing everything as a teaching object has become a habit. I blame it on all those children’s ministry conferences. That’s where it all started. But enough about me, let’s get to today’s object lesson! Since it’s Christmas, I thought it would be fun to select a familiar holiday object like a red poinsettia plant. Whether real or artificial, this plant makes a beautiful example of an important biblical truth:
1 Samuel 16:7 is the verse I used, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Say: How many know what this plant is called? It’s a poinsettia–a popular Christmas plant. These plants can grow up to 10 feet tall. Did you know there are 100 different varieties of red, white, pink and burgundy flowers? They come from Mexico and are the best-selling Christmas plant. Have you or your parents ever bought one of these plants? Do you have one in your home? (Let kids answer.)
So what does this Christmas plant have to do with the bible? Well, let’s read this verse again. (Read 1 Samuel 16:7 with the class.) This poinsettia is beautiful and it makes any room look more festive but did you know that it is poisonous? That’s right. The leaves have a milky sap inside of them. If a person or an animal eats it this plant. it will make them throw up. So don’t even think about it! Just looking at this plant you would never imagine that it could be dangerous, would you? See, sometimes things are not what you think.
Just like in Samuel’s time when God sent him to anoint a new king. Samuel could not look inside the heart of the men he interviewed but God could see perfectly. What looks perfect on the outside may not be so perfect on the inside. Our Father in heaven does not judge us by our appearance, He looks at the heart.
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church.
Poinsettia Object Lesson (1 Samuel 16:7)
