Lesson: Candy Corn and the Trinity (Part 1)

Most kids I know love candy corn, so using it to explain a complex topic such as the Trinity is a fun way to help them remember biblical truths. In Part 1 of “Candy Corn and the Trinity,” kids will learn what the Trinity is and how scripture proves it’s existence. Furthermore, kids will be able to identify the three unique persons as God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
TARGET AGES: 10-14
OBJECTIVE: To understand that the Trinity, as compared to a piece of candy corn, has three distinct parts that make a whole.
MAIN IDEA: A piece of candy corn has three distinct colors just like the Trinity has three distinct persons. The bible is very clear that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the parts of the Trinity.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: John 1:1-4 & 14, Genesis 1:1-2 & 26, John 8:58, John 10:30, Matthew 28:19
MATERIAL(S): a large picture of candy corn, Candy Corn Trinity Cross Craft Kit (from Oriental Trading)
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Introduction (5 minutes)
OPENING MESSAGE: Hold up the picture of candy corn and say, “Who likes candy corn? It’s a popular candy this time of year, so we are going to use candy corn to learn more about the bible.” Tape the picture of candy corn on the white board or wall.
OPENING PRAYER: Say, “God, thank you for giving us new and fun ways to learn more about your word. Help us today as we learn about the Trinity. Amen.”
Craft and Lesson (35 minutes)
1. Prepare the craft by having it ready for the students to assemble (consider making an example for them to follow). Comment, “Today we are going to make a craft about the Trinity. Who can tell me something about the Trinity?” Help students understand the definition of the word Trinity (“three-in-one”) by identifying the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Say, “We are going to find scripture that proves there is a Trinity. While I teach, you may work quietly on your craft.” Be sure to take time during the lesson to help the students with their crafts and answer any questions.
2. Point to the picture of the candy corn and emphasize that each of the three colors are distinct yet make the whole. Say, “We can relate candy corn to the Trinity because each part is unique while contributing to the whole. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit each have qualities that make them unique while contributing to the full nature of God.” Read the following scriptures that point to the Trinity:
John 1:1-4, 14 – Jesus is also called the “Word,” he existed in the beginning, everything was made through him, and he became human to live on earth.
Genesis 1:1-2 – The Holy Spirit was present at creation.
Genesis 1:26 – God said, “Let Us,” and “Our image,” indicating plural persons.
John 8:58 – Jesus said, “…before Abraham was…I AM,” indicating he was God.
John 10:30 – Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”
Matthew 28:19 – (Great Commission) Jesus identified the attributes/persons of the Trinity when he said, “…baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
3. Lastly, admit to the students that trying to fully understand the Trinity can be confusing, but we are to have faith in God that his word is true. Comment, “Just because we don’t fully understand something about the bible doesn’t mean it isn’t true. When we pray and ask God to help us understand then we will learn more. But we have to be okay with the fact that sometimes we won’t know all the answers (because we live by faith). Thankfully, God does know all the answers and he is always in control!” Allow time for the students to ask questions about the Trinity.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
RECAP: We know from scripture that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit make up the three distinct parts of the Trinity. Next week we will learn the unique qualities of each role and how they work together in our lives.
CLOSING PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for the bible because it speaks truth into our lives. Help us trust you when we don’t completely understand. We know you will equip us to live by faith. Amen.”