Jesus did many amazing miracles in His life on Earth…in fact, “He did all things well” as people said of Him! We can trust that He will do all things well in our lives, too. He loves us and promises His presence, even if we still struggle. These crafts celebrate the healing of a man born deaf and mute. Through them, children will consider the importance of having “open ears” to God’s Word and mouths that are ready to share His love with those around us. An interactive puppet can have its tongue and ears “opened” and moving. A set of “ears” honors listening well.
Verses or Captions to Consider… (Mark 7:31-37)
And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” -Mark 7:33-34
And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. -Mark 7:35
“Open my ears…to hear your words!”
“Open my mouth…to speak your praise!”
Open up! Jesus Heals a Deaf Man…
He does all things well! Jesus can do anything!
Ephphatha!
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video demonstration of this children’s sermon and related Bible craft ideas.
- Compare our full Sunday School Lesson from Mark 7:24-37
Craft one: “Hearing Ears” (Two Ways)
You will need:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, etc.
- Paper plates (optional)
- Pipe cleaners
- Other decorations (jewels, stickers, etc.)
Procedure:
- Select whether to make “hanging ears” or a headband.
- For either craft, cut two ears fashioned after the shape of animal or human ears.
- For “hanging ears”, add captions and hole punch to add pipe cleaner “earrings” to the cut-out ears.
- For a headband, attach the ears to a strip of paper that will go around a child’s head.
- Add extra verses or captions, and decorate as desired with color or stickers. Wear the “ears” to recall the story and importance of listening to God!
Craft Two: “Transformation Puppet”
You will need:
- Paper bags (or paper plates)
- Stickers/decorations
- Markers/crayons
- Cardstock/paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Captions/verses
Procedure:
1. Decorate paper bag to look like a man, adding facial features and “clothing.”
2. Cut paper or cardstock into ear shapes.
3. Using brad fasteners, attach the ears behind the paper bag, allowing them to move in and out of visibility.
4. Cut a strip of red paper and roll it or fold it accordion-style. Tuck it under the “mouth” of the bag and glue or tape.
5. Add verses or captions. Use the puppet to tell the story of the ears and mouth “opening”!