"Being Sorry" Bible Object Lesson & Teaching Skit

When we get caught doing something wrong, it’s natural to feel embarrassed and even truly sorry. However, we can get stuck in a rut of saying “I’m sorry” but not actually changing anything. The bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV) So according to the bible, we must say we are sorry but it doesn’t stop there, God does some cleansing in us. Use this object lesson to show kids that being truly sorry, involves repentance; that’s turning away from sin. (“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2)
Banana Smashing Skit
Supplies: Garbage bags, bananas, rubber mallet, table, goggles (optional)
Prepare: Cover a table with plastic garbage bags. Place some bananas on the table along with a rubber mallet. Each banana should be separated from the bunch. Wear old clothes and instruct your volunteer to wear old clothes too.
Say: (You need two volunteers for this object lesson.)
Volunteer 1: Ooh…I love bananas. I see you have some tasty bananas there.
Volunteer 2: Yep! I do! Would you like one?
Volunteer 1: Oh yes! I would!
Volunteer 2: Okay, I’ll get you one. (Places a banana on the table away from the bunch and smashes it.)
Volunteer 1: Hey! You said you were going to give me a banana, not smash it. How can I eat a smashed banana?
Volunteer 2: Oh dear! I am so sorry. Truly sorry. Let me get you one right now. (Gets another banana and smashes it.)
Volunteer 1: Have you gone bonkers? That was my banana. You said you were giving me that. Now there are two smashed bananas. I don’t think you are really sorry.
Volunteer 2: (Puts down the mallet.) Yes, I am truly sorry. Look, I am putting down my hammer. Would you like a banana?
Volunteer 1: Well, yes, I would but no more smashing.
Volunteer 2: No problem. Now close your eyes.
Volunteer 1: No way. You might smash a banana on me.
Volunteer 2: Never. I am sorry, really.
Volunteer 1: Okay. (The volunteer closes his eyes.)
Volunteer 2: (Picks up a banana, peels it and takes a bite.) Yum!
Volunteer 1: (Opens his eyes.) Hey!!!!
Both volunteers run off the stage.
Well what do you think? Was he really sorry? (No.) How could you tell? (Because he didn’t change his behavior.) What should we do? (Encourage discussion and pray for kids.)
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church.
Don’t miss our printable christian stories for kids where you’ll find this same concept illustrated. The lesson plan about John the Baptist also deals with the meaning of repentance.