What better way to grab a child’s attention than through an effective object lesson? Jesus tossed seeds on the ground and even invited a child to sit on his lap to illustrate kingdom principles. Those visual aids helped many to understand the points he made. People today are no different! Help children understand the principle of godly obedience by using these object lessons.
Telephone Call: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1 KJV) I tell kids, “Here is a direct command from God!” (You need a volunteer for this object lesson. Before the class, I put the volunteer’s phone number into my phone but rather than use his name, I put “God.” When the volunteer called my phone during the object lesson, the name, “God” appeared.” Kids, did you know that this scripture is a direct command from God? It’s like God calling me to tell me what things I need to do to be happy, safe and blessed. Wouldn’t you take a phone call from God?” (Kids say yes!) “Then you should always follow the commands of God.
Valentine to Jesus: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 15:14 KJV) I say, “Giving a Valentine’s Day card to someone you like lets them know how you feel about them. Obeying God’s commands is like giving Him a Valentine’s Day card. Obedience proves to God that you truly love Him and honor Him. In this scripture was saying that people who love him will listen to Him. Do you love Jesus? Would you like to show him?” (I use a giant Valentine’s Day card to illustrate this point.)
Road Map to Happiness: (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 KJV) Bring in an old map to show. I highlighted roads and drew circles around certain places with a red pen. I spread the map out in front of the kids and say, “I love road maps! They keep me on track when I am traveling. I never have to wonder where I am or how to get where I want. All I have to do is follow the route that’s planned and I can easily get from point A to point B. God’s word is like this map. It leads me safely through life by giving me good directions. One good direction God gives me and you is found in Deuteronomy 6. Let’s read it!” (We read the scripture together.) “Here’s the road map to blessing!”
I am sure you could tweak these object lessons to suit other principles too. Feel free to use them as you can!
Godly Obedience Object Lessons
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I really like the telephone object lesson. It gives the children an “Aha!” moment and to see that we are not to ignore the call of God ( his commands ).