"Green" Bible Object Lessons for St. Patrick's Day

Every March people around the world, (even the non-Irish) celebrate the life and ministry of St. Patrick with the color green. Like the green countryside of the mother land, Irish fans proudly wear their green ensembles. Why not take advantage of this color’s seasonal popularity by using green for a few object lessons. You can find most of the items you need right in your pantry or grocery store. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
God’s green wonders! You need a clear glass beaker or pitcher for this object lesson. Fill it nearly full with water then add a few drops of blue food coloring. Say, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. He created a big, blue ocean and a beautiful blue sky. Kind of like the blue water here in my jar. But, besides the blue sky and the vast blue ocean, God also created many green things on the earth like trees, grass, fruits and flowers.” Squirt in a few drops of yellow food coloring to make the water turn green. Stir and say, “Some green things like trees, were made to shade us and protect us from the rain. Some green things like the grass under our feet was meant to give us a nice place to rest. The green plants that make fruits and seeds and flowers feed us. God sent us many green things.” Show the kids how wonderful–and green God’s creations are! Perfect for St. Patty’s Day.
Caught by sin. You need to make this object lesson a few hours or even the night before you plan to teach with it. Mix several boxes of Jello to make a two batches for show and add some different foods to the Jello like peas, corn, carrots to one. The Jello should be loaded with vegetables. I make this in a clear glass bowl so the class can see better. Hide the good batch. Say, “Look guys, I brought us a treat today. Who likes Jello? Me too! Let’s take a look!” Let kids see the vegetables stuck in the Jello. “Oh no! I thought we would have a good snack but it looks like something is stuck in there. What is that?” (Let kids respond.) “Yep, vegetables. Who likes veggies in their Jello?” (Let kids respond.) “You know this green Jello full of vegetables reminds me of something I read in the Bible. That our lives are like this Jello. It’s bouncy and fun but sometimes we can get things stuck in our lives that shouldn’t be there–like sin. When we have sin our lives, people won’t want we have. Nope. We need to live a good life, according to God’s Word.” (Show the other bowl of Jello.) “So which Jello do you want? The one with the veggies or this one? Right! Just like people seeking God, they should find your life looking yummy. Who wants a snack?”

I hope you find these green object lessons useful for St.Patrick’s Day!
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church.