Try this fun way to teach kids about what breaking God’s law means! I do love an object lesson and with so many inexpensive sheriff or police officer costumes available right now, why not? Base the object lesson on 1 John 3:4-5. “Everyone who sins breaks the law in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins.”
For this object lesson, you need a hat, a badge and some plastic handcuffs. You also need two white t-shirts, one with the word “SIN” written all over it black marker. Ask a volunteer to wear it over their regular clothing. (They should wear the clean white t-shirt underneath.)
In a country voice says, “Howdy ya’ll! I’m Sheriff So and So (your name here). I just read a Bible verse that tells me some of you might be lawbreakers. You know what happens when you break the law right? (Let kids guess.) I got my cuffs ready to take away the lawbreakers. Let’s read this verse together so you know what I’m talking about. (Read the verse out loud or ask a kid to read it.) There it is! Plain as day. Uh-oh what do we have here?
(The volunteer walks out wearing his SIN shirt.) Hey there fella! You know you’ve been breaking the law haven’t you? Don’t try to deny it because the word SIN is all over your shirt. Tell me how you got so many charges against you. (The volunteer can tell a story about how he told a lie, stole some gum or was disobedient to his parents.)
You stacked up some charges didn’t you? Well, it looks like you’re going to jail, partner. Unless, this fellow Jesus takes away your charges. Did you know that Jesus loves you and that he will forgive you for your sins? (Volunteer will pretend he doesn’t.) If everyone will bow their heads and close their eyes, I will pray with you. You say what I say but mean it with your heart, okay?
(The volunteer removes his SIN t-shirt while the kids eyes are closed and tosses it away where no one can see it. He should also repeat the prayer after you.)
That’s it! Look at there! The SIN is gone and you aren’t a law breaker anymore. I guess I’ll have to put my cuffs away!
Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog at Tools for Kids Church.
Breaking the Law Object Lesson from 1 John 3:4-5
