standard supplies supplies...8 four step lesson path this symbol will appear whenever preparation...

Extra Supplies

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supplies

Standard Supplies□ Elementary Creative Teaching Aids□ Bible Discoveries (student books)□ Discovery Pack (craft books)□ Friends (take-home papers)□ Bibles□ Balloons□ Beanbags or balls□ Bible-time clothes□ Butcher paper□ CD player□ Clear tape, masking tape□ Coins□ Construction paper, scrap paper□ Craft sticks□ Crayons and colored markers

□ Glue or glue sticks□ Hole punch□ Index cards□ Newsprint or chart paper□ Paper clips□ Paper fasteners□ Pencils with erasers□ Poster board□ Scissors□ Song Sheets from PraisePac□ Spinner and game markers□ Stapler□ Whiteboard, markers, and erasers□ Yarn, glitter, confetti

Triumphal Entry□ Plant with branchesOPTIONAL □ Magnifying glass□ Trench coat

Resurrection Sunday□ Handheld mirror OPTIONAL □ Video recorder

Ascension□ Cream cheese—whipped□ Knives□ Napkins□ Pale-colored markers or highlighters□ Pickles —mini□ Sandwich salami□ Pickles —mini

Lesson 1□ Basin of water

□ Decorative supplies□ TowelOPTIONAL □ Footprint or shoes template

Lesson 2□ Items that represent events or people to celebrate□ Video recorderOPTIONAL □ Blanket

Lesson 3□ Prepared cards

Lesson 6□ Damp paper towels□ Washable ink pad

Lesson 7□ Colored paper squares

□ Alphabet macaroni or cereal□ Sticky notes□ Cardboard□ Pennies marked with colored dotsLesson 8□ Church directory or newsletter□ Magazines

Lesson 9□ Paper bag or shoe boxOPTIONAL □ Church directory or church leaders

Lesson 10□ Paint and brushesOPTIONAL □ Old shirts

Prayers & NotesPrayers & NotesUse this page to write down prayer requests, notes, or your students’ birthday list. You can reference these notes to follow up on your students and record how their prayers were answered.

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Four Step Lesson Path

▫▫ This symbol will appear whenever preparation takes more than five minutes or whenever supplies are needed that are not included on the list of standard materials (on page 6).

Bible Activity ChoicesBy participating in activity choices, children will discover ways to keep close to Jesus.

▫▫ Roller Coaster: Discovery Pack Project A, tape—prepare one or two samples before class

� Vine and Branches Tag: No materials needed � Bible Helps: Bible Discoveries p. 4, Bibles,

pencils

Bible Study:John 15—17Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study John 15—17: Jesus teaches that He is the true vine.

� Bible Study: Bible Discoveries p. 2–3, Teaching Aid 2 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), Bibles, pencils

� Bible Review: No materials needed � Memory Verse Practice: No materials needed

Bible ReadinessTo help connect their experiences of getting close to people with the Bible story of Jesus giving comfort to His disciples, children will participate in a drama and discussion about being close.

▫▫ Bible Discoveries p. 1, plant with branches; Optional: trench coat, magnifying glass

Bible Basis: John 15—17Lesson Focus: Keep close to Jesus.Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” John 15:5

Close to JesusTriumphal Entry

Use this lesson on April 5 as indicated in the Table of Contents. See page 29 for the first lesson this quarter.

Bible ResponseTo apply to their own lives the Bible story about the vine and the branches, children will choose a way to keep close to Jesus during the coming week.

� Teaching Aid 3 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), marker, Friends, Triumphal Entry

Understanding the BibleJesus used an illustration about a vine because agriculture was an integral part of Bible-time life and culture. Each disciple could understand this analogy. Jesus referred to Himself as “the true vine” (John 15:1). The word “true” shows that Jesus is the original and genuine vine and also implies that there may be other, false vines. Bearing fruit (vss. 2, 4-5) may be clarified by Galatians 5:22-23.

John 15:18—16:4 shows Jesus preparing the disciples for the hatred they will encounter as His followers. They are told to expect persecution but also are promised that Jesus will be with them through His Spirit. Jesus also called His disciples to love fellow believers with the kind of love He Himself had. He knew that this kind of love could sustain them through the hardest times.

John 16:33, “I have overcome the world,” shows that on the night before His death, Jesus knew with certainty the victorious outcome of His mission.

John 17:1-26 is Jesus’ longest recorded prayer. Though Jesus prayed by looking toward heaven (vs. 1), other prayer postures found in the New Testament include prostrating oneself, kneeling, and lifting hands.

Lesson Video for Step 2!Use the code on the inside

front cover of this teacher’s guide.

Bible Basis: John 15—179

Teacher DevotionalWhen Teaching the Bible to Elementary Students . . .We all have the emotional urge to be close to someone. Learning to stay close to Christ is a necessary part of Christian growth for your students, and also answers a basic human need.

• This age group is starting to identify less with their parents and more with their peers. As they form new relationships, finding that Jesus is someone they can be close to is a meaningful discovery.• While they may desire closeness with Christ, the practical aspect can be hard to grasp. Give realistic options on how to be close and encourage children to find the way that suits them.• Reassure students that learning to maintain a close relationship with Jesus is a process that requires effort and daily practice.• This is a good time to reinforce that children should read the Bible on their own. Encourage them to reread this week’s Bible story later in the week, use a children’s devotional guide, or read through the Book of John in a Bible geared to their age and reading level.

Triumphal Entry

Early Bird OptionsAs students arrive, invite them to join one of these activities. This will give you an opportunity to greet others as they arrive.

Palm Branch—Since today is one week before Ressurection Sunday, you can encourage the children to begin thinking about the last week of Jesus’ life and His entry into the city of Jerusalem. Set out scissors and sheets of green paper. Let the children cut out palm branches and write the memory verse on them.

Classroom Vine—Let the children work together to create a visual of today’s Bible passage to use as a reference during the Bible story. Before class, use yarn or a rope to drape a “vine” around part of the room. Provide chenille wires, green paper, and tape. Encourage each child to create a branch using the stem and paper with a leaf for each immediate family member. Have the students twist their branches onto the vine.

H ow important is it for us to keep close to Jesus? Why do we make the effort? This week’s Scripture passage gives us Jesus’ own insight into these

questions.In John 15, Jesus urges His disciples repeatedly

to remain in Him. Then in chapter 17 He prays for His disciples—that they will be one with Him. Jesus was also concerned about all believers of all time as indicated by John 17:20-21, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

Jesus knew that keeping close to Him was critical. He gave part of His reason in chapter 16. Jesus warns His followers that they will face persecution and hardship and that they will need to keep close to Him just to make it through. That’s one of many reasons Scripture gives for keeping close to the Lord.

Why do you keep close to Jesus? Do you have a favorite verse that brings you peace and comfort and helps keep you close to Him?

What results do you see in your life from keeping close to Jesus?

May Jesus’ love for you motivate you this week to keep close to Him.

Bible Readiness

LESSON FOCUS: Keep close to Jesus.

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To help connect their experiences of getting close to people with the Bible story of Jesus giving comfort to His disciples, children will participate in a drama and discussion about being close.

Materials:

� Bible Discoveries, p. 1 ▫▫ Plant with branches ▫▫ Optional: trench coat,

magnifying glass

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In today’s Bible story Jesus teaches about the vine and the branches. Using an object lesson from nature, Christ illustrates how Christians need to remain close to Him, the way branches are connected to a vine. To start the students thinking about what it means to be close to someone, you’ll have them stand close to others while they use their minds to think about people they consider close to themselves. Then use the Bible Discoveries page to start a discussion about ways we get close to others.

Begin by choosing five volunteers to read the drama about K.C, Bible Investigator. You may want to have them look over the drama before class starts. To make the drama more fun for your students, provide a trench coat and magnifying glass for K.C.’s costume. You will also need a plant with branches for K.C. to look at during the drama.

. What did K.C. think it meant to be close to someone?

. What do you think it means?

. Who are some people you feel close to? (Accept students’ responses. They will probably say certain friends, siblings, cousins, a grandparent, maybe a parent or teacher, a neighbor or others involved in their lives. Try to get all the students to offer at least one person to whom they feel close.)

. What are things that you do to get close to someone? (Let children offer their ideas freely, as long as they are realistic and sincere. Encourage them to share from their own experiences ways they have developed closeness with someone. They might say they spend time together, go or do things together like playing together, camping, playing video games, etc. Others may say they write letters or email, talk on the phone, share hobbies, work together on school projects.)

Tie to the BibleBefore Jesus left His disciples to go back to heaven, He told them how to keep close to Him. What He said is also the way He wants us to keep close to Him, even though He isn’t here in person. We’re going to explore what Jesus said in our Bible story now.


Bible Study:John 15—17

Gather the students into a circle on the floor or at a table as you prepare for today’s Bible story. Have a volunteer find the Book of John on the Bible Overview Chart (Teaching Aid 2). Remind the children that we can learn about Jesus in the Book of John. Explain that this week’s Bible story takes place at the end of the Passover meal, right before Jesus was arrested. Pass out pencils, Bibles, and Bible Discoveries. Have the students turn to pages 2 and 3 in Bible Discoveries. Also ask the children to turn to the Book of John in their Bibles. Have them insert a bookmark in chapter 15 in preparation for the lesson.

Ask for volunteers to take turns reading the paragraphs of the Bible story. Be aware of children who may have reading difficulties

or be reluctant to read aloud. Be prepared to help any child with a difficult word or phrase.

As you are reading and come to the first Bible symbol, have everyone look up the Bible verse. Ask for another volunteer to read it aloud and then, as a class, decide on the correct answer. Ask the children to write down the answer. (For your convenience, the correct answers are given on the Bible Discoveries pages shown below.) Continue reading and stop when you reach the next Bible symbol. Again, ask for a reader, decide on the answer, and have the children write it in the blank. Continue reading to the end of the Bible story. Be sure to read the Bible memory verse at the end.

Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study John 15—17: Jesus teaches that He is the true vine.

Materials:

Bible Study � Bible Discoveries, pp. 2–3 � Teaching Aid 2 � Bibles � Pencils

Bible Review � No materials needed

Memory Verse Practice � No materials needed

Bib

le Discoveries, p

p. 2-3

remain

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Memory Verse


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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”

John 15:5

Memory Verse Practice . What does it mean to bear fruit? (To become like Jesus—to

let Jesus’ character show through us.)

Say the verse in unison. Hook one of your arms with one of the children. The two of you say the verse. The child hooks his other arm with another child. All three of you say the verse. Continue adding children and repeating the verse until all the children are hooked into the line. If you have a large class, divide the children into two groups. Have another adult begin saying the verse with you. Then you each hook arms with a child from your respective groups. Continue as described above. Everyone will be saying the verse in unison.

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Bible Review Questions . What example did Jesus use to

tell His disciples to keep close to Him? (Jesus said that He was like a vine and His disciples were like branches.)

The children might better understand a vine to be like a tree trunk. If you have access to a vine you might bring it to class to give the students a visual understanding of a vine and branches. Or, use the vine made as an Early Bird Options Activity.

. How are a vine and branches related to each other? (The vine gives life. If the branches are not connected, they die. If they stay connected, they grow and bear fruit or leaves.)

. How are we—Jesus’ disciples —like branches connected to Jesus? (If we are connected to Jesus, we can grow in our faith and become like Him; without Jesus, we can’t do His work or have His power. Discuss how family members are also connected.)

. What did Jesus pray for all of His followers? (That they would be one with each other and with God and Jesus, that they would see Jesus’ glory and know His love.)

. Why do you think it’s important for us to keep close to Jesus? (So we can become more like Jesus, so we can learn to please God and do what’s right, so

we can be protected from the evil one, so we can know joy and peace, etc.)

Bible Review ActivityExplain that this is a true/false game. Students will decide if Jesus did or did not say the following statements based on what they have just learned from the Bible story.

Have children listen to each statement. If a statement is something Jesus said, the students clap. If it is not something Jesus said, they stomp their feet.

Keep close to Me. (clap)I am the vine, you are the branches. (clap) If you want to keep close to Me, pay Me

lots of money. (stomp)Apart from Me you can do nothing. (clap)I am like broccoli, you are like

tomatoes. (stomp)I want you to know that the Father

loves you. (clap)I cannot pray for believers in the future.

(stomp)Father, protect My disciples from the

evil one. (clap)Father, help My followers to be one with

each other. (clap)Jesus prayed to ask His Father to

protect us from the evil one. (clap)Those who remain in Me will grow

vegetables. (stomp)Without Jesus the disciples could get a

lot more done. (stomp)I want you to know that I love you. (clap)


Bible Activity Choices

Bible Helps Vine and Branches Tag

� Bible Discoveries, p. 4 � Bibles � Pencils

To let the students read what the Bible says about keeping close to Jesus, have the children use their Bibles to look up the verses on page 4 of Bible Discoveries. Then they can complete the sentences. The correct answers are: pray, learn, teach, sing, obey.

� No materials needed

Let the children play this active game to help them understand more about the connection between the Vine and Branches as taught in today’s Bible story. One child begins as the vine. He or she tags another player, and they link arms. The player who was tagged is a branch and must keep an arm linked with the vine at all times. The vine runs to tag another player, who links arms with the branch. The vine continues to tag players and add branches until all of the players have been caught. Let the children take turns being the vine.

By participating in activity choices, children will discover ways to keep close to Jesus.

To help the children explore ways they can keep close to Jesus, as taught in the Bible story from John 15—17, provide as many of these choices as possible. The tag game needs a large area. You may want to play it as a whole class, then let the children choose from among the other activities.

▫▫ Discovery Pack, Project A, pp. 3-6, 31—prepare one or two samples before class

� Tape

Encourage your students to have fun learning the books of the Bible while playing this game. As they become more familiar with Scripture, they will understand how to keep close to Jesus. Have the children follow the directions on page 31 of Discovery Pack to assemble the craft on pages 3–6. Make a photocopy of the Game Rules on page 4 before assembling. You may also have students play on your preassembled samples. Then the children can take their pages home to assemble. You may want to consider keeping one project in class for children to play with during the quarter. Let students work in pairs to play one of the games described in the directions.

Roller Coaster

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Bible Response



TAKE–HOMES

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Seeing God throughout the WeekAsk your students to read John 15:5 throughout the week to remind them to keep close to Jesus. Encourage them to choose one of the ideas that they talked about in class to focus on this week. Invite them to pray each day for help to keep close to Jesus.

To apply to their own lives the Bible story about the vine and the branches, children will choose a way to keep close to Jesus during the coming week.

Materials:

� “I Am the Vine” (Teaching Aid 3)

� Marker

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� Friends, Triumphal Entry

� Bible Discoveries, Triumphal Entry

� Discovery Pack, Bible Book Roller Coaster

After the children have cleaned up, gather as a large group and summarize what they’ve learned today, beginning the process of applying their new knowledge of keeping close to Jesus.

Jesus knew that the disciples would need to learn how to stay close to Him after He went back to heaven. He talked about a vine and its branches so we could see how important it is to keep close to Jesus. He wants us to stay close to Him every day, just as He wanted that for the disciples.

. How can you and I keep close to Him, starting today? (Encourage children to draw on ideas they’ve already heard about during the class time today, and to add more ideas as they come to mind. Among the ideas children may say are praying, reading their Bible, memorizing and repeating Bible verses, spending time with Christian friends, listening to Christian music, going to church and Sunday school, and Wednesday nights, having devotional times with their family or on their own, reading Christian books and novels. While many will have the usual “right” answers, encourage individual thinking and ideas that will have personal meaning to children.)

Use Teaching Aid 3, “I Am the Vine,” to list all the children’s ideas. After finishing the list, mount the poster in a prominent place as a reminder.

Jesus said we need to stay close to Him so we can bear fruit.

. What kinds of fruit would Jesus and maybe others see in you if you stay close to Jesus starting this week? (Encourage children to think about how their closeness to Christ will produce changes in them. Ideas may include being more obedient, not giving in to sin, wanting to share with others, being more kind, forgiving others more easily, being bold in telling others about Jesus, etc.)

Prayer TimeAsk children to form a circle, again standing close to each other with shoulders touching. Ask that each pray a sentence prayer, either aloud or silently, asking for Jesus’ help in staying close to Him this week. Close the prayer time by asking God to bring fruit out of the lives of the students as they maintain their closeness to Jesus, the vine. Close by having each child say, “Keep close to Jesus!”


▫▫ This symbol will appear whenever preparation takes more than five minutes or whenever supplies are needed that are not included on the list of standard materials (on page 6). 15

Understanding the BibleIt was customary in Bible times to visit a tomb within the first three days after a family member died. The purpose was to put spices on the body. In Jesus’ case, the Sabbath regulations were the reason no one visited until Sunday morning.

Mary Magdalene, among the first to visit the tomb, had followed Jesus through His ministry. The empty tomb startled Mary. She assumed that grave robbers had stolen the body. Finding it empty, she ran to find Peter, who was thought of as the leader among the disciples.

Peter and John raced to the tomb. Upon entering, they encountered an orderly scene. The neatly-folded grave clothes indicate that Jesus’ body was not stolen by grave robbers who would have stolen the clothes along with the body or thrown the clothes aside in a heap.

Mary was not the only person to not recognize the risen Lord (John 21:4, Luke 24:16, 37). In some cases, the Lord Jesus prevented people from recognizing Him until He was ready to be revealed.

John 20:8-9 indicates that the disciples believed in Christ’s resurrection based on their eyewitness proof of the empty grave coupled with Jesus’ promise given beforehand. It was only later that the disciples realized that the resurrection was prophesied in Scripture.

Bible Activity ChoicesChildren will choose activities to explore why we can believe Jesus rose from the dead.

▫▫ Vanishing Faces: Handheld mirror, 2 chairs � Belief Search: Discovery Pack Project B,

pencils, stapler � I Believe: Bible Discoveries p. 4, Bibles,

pencils

Bible ReadinessTo help connect their experiences with truth to the Bible story about Jesus’ resurrection, the children will participate in an activity and discussion.

� Bible Discoveries p. 1, pencils

Jesus LivesResurrection

Use this lesson on April 12 or 15 as indicated in the Table of Contents. See page 29 for the first lesson this quarter.

Bible Basis: John 19:16-18, 41-42; 20:1-18; Romans 10:9Lesson Focus: We can believe Jesus rose from the dead.Memory Verse: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Bible ResponseTo apply the Bible story of Jesus’ resurrection to their own lives, children will respond to Jesus’ rising from the dead.

▫▫ Discovery Pack Project B (assembled), pencils, PraisePac CD (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), CD player, Friends Resurrection

Bible Study:John 19:16-18, 41-42; 20:1-18; Romans 10:9Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study John 19:16-18, 41-42; 20:1-18; Romans 10:9: Jesus rises from the dead.

� Bible Study: Bible Discoveries pp. 2–3, Teaching Aid 2 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), Bibles, pencils

▫▫ Bible Review: Teaching Aid 4 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), Bible-time clothes; Optional: video recorder

� Memory Verse Practice: No materials needed



Teacher Devotional

Bible Basis: John 19:16-18, 41-42; 20:1-18; Romans 10:916

When Teaching the Bible to Elementary Students . . .Second and third graders have an unceasing appetite for factual information. Their journey to salvation involves an assimilation of the facts that Jesus rose again and has power over death.

• Feed students’ hunger for facts by giving them as many age-appropriate details as possible about Jesus’ death and resurrection. • Logical thinking is a trait now common to your students, and they are constantly mentally organizing and categorizing the information you provide. When they’re quiet, they may be processing an idea or understanding its link to other facts they know.• Be sure each student is connecting the data of Jesus’ resurrection with their personal need for a Savior. All those facts aren’t useful if they don’t have a personal reality.• Motivate children to read their Bibles by giving them tips on where to find answers and more information when they ask questions. Their drive to know may get them into Scripture independently where they will find more jewels about their Lord and their faith.

Resurrection

Early Bird OptionsHere are suggestions for ways to keep children meaningfully occupied while you greet others as they arrive.

Resurrection Cards—Give the children an opportunity to begin thinking about the joy and excitement of the Resurrection in preparation for today’s lesson. Set out markers and paper and let the children make Resurrection cards to give to someone today. You may want to write some key words on the board to help them. Some examples include: Jesus, alive, resurrection, risen.

Board Game—Set out the “Digging for Treasure” game (Teaching Aids 5–7). Have the students read the directions on the back of the game board. Then let them have fun playing the board game to learn more about Jesus. This will give them another opportunity to be sure they understand what the Bible has to say about Jesus and His life and resurrection. Encourage children to look up the references in their Bibles if they are unsure of an answer or want additional information.

T hink about some of the old hymns that describe the fact that Jesus is alive, hymns like “He Lives,” “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” and “Up From

the Grave.” These powerful hymns give a strong testimony to Christ’s resurrection.

If you were to write a song about why you believe Jesus is alive, what evidences would you include in the verse? What experiences would you include in the chorus? Write down some of the reasons why you believe Jesus is alive.

The hymn writers proclaimed the fact of Jesus’ resurrection, but they also detailed their own personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ being alive is more than just a historical fact. It’s an experience that we as believers carry with us each and every day.

We can claim the same promise that Jesus gave to His disciples. “And surely I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). With confidence in His finished work for us on Calvary and His resurrection from the dead, we can sing and live with the joy of His continual presence in our daily lives.

As you celebrate Christ’s resurrection, take time to express your joy in a creative format such as a song or poem.

Bible Readiness

LESSON FOCUS: We can believe Jesus rose from the dead.

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To help connect their experiences with truth to the Bible story about Jesus’ resurrection, the children will participate in an activity and discussion.

Materials:

� Bible Discoveries, p. 1 � Pencils R

esurrection

Help the children begin to understand the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, as depicted in today’s Bible story, by making a connection with surprising news they themselves may have heard. Have them look at some different situations they might encounter and have to decide on the truth of the situation. After the activity, you can follow up with a discussion about their own ideas regarding the resurrection of Jesus.

Pass out pencils and the Bible Discoveries leaflets for Resurrection. Have the children look at page 1 in Bible Discoveries. Read the opening paragraph, and let volunteers read the speech balloons. Have the children sign their own paper, and then allow time for them to get classmates to sign their opinions in the different boxes. When finished, let the students tell which people they believed or didn’t and why. If you have a large class, limit the number of signatures (or initials) but encourage everyone to get at least four different children to sign their paper.

When everyone has enough signatures (or initials) on their paper, call the group back together for a time of discussion. Ask the children to look at their page and take a quick vote to see which of the four situations most thought was a strong fact that they could believe. Then take time to ask the children to back up their answers with a reason why they thought that one situation was more easy to believe and why.

Sometimes we hear things that we aren’t sure whether to believe.

. What do you do to find out if something you’ve heard is true? (Ask someone who saw it happen, talk to an adult, call someone who would know, watch TV news, or go online, etc.) Let the children give examples from their own experiences.

Resurrection brings up something that some people aren’t sure if they can believe—that Jesus came back to life after being dead. It sounds really amazing.

. What do you believe about the Resurrection event and why? (Encourage the children to give honest answers, even expressing any possible doubts. Be careful not to criticize, as children this age are just beginning to separate what’s real from what’s made-up—they know that when TV or cartoon characters “come back to life,” it really doesn’t happen in “real life.” This may create an internal struggle to comprehend Jesus’ rising from the dead. As the lesson continues, the children will learn the facts about Christ’s resurrection. This discussion will also help you see which facts the students already know (and misunderstandings they may have) about Jesus’ death and resurrection. You also need to keep in mind that children this age tend to tell you what you want to hear as well as having a tendency to tell you what they think their parents or grandparents believe. Make this time as unpressured as possible.)

Tie to the BibleToday’s Bible story introduces us to people who were there when Jesus rose from the dead. Let’s find out what the facts are.

Bib

le Discoveries, p

p. 2-3


Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study John 19:16-18, 41-42; 20:1-18; Romans 10:9: Jesus rises from the dead.

Materials:

Bible Study � Bible Discoveries, pp.

2–3, pencils � Teaching Aid 2 � Bibles

Bible Review � Teaching Aid 4 � Bible-time clothes ▫▫ Optional: video recorder


Gather the children into a circle on the floor or at a table where they can be comfortable for today’s Bible story about Jesus’ resurrection. Before beginning, ask the children to give you their definition of the word resurrection (rising from the dead). For the most part, the children should have some understanding of this concept.

Pass out pencils, Bibles, and Bible Discoveries. Have the children open Bible Discoveries to pages 2 and 3.

Use the Bible Overview Chart (Teaching Aid 2) to find today’s Bible story. After giving a clue, have a student point to the picture on the chart that answers it. Challenge the children to find: the part of the Bible that tells about before Jesus was on earth (Old

Testament); the part of the Bible that talks about Jesus on earth (New Testament); the Gospel that starts with the letter “J” (John); the letter in the New Testament that starts with the letter “R” (Romans). You may want to have the children bookmark Romans 10:9 in their Bibles to read the Bible verse later.

Let volunteers take turns reading paragraphs as you move through this newspaper-style story. Choose four volunteers to read the four “interviews.” Encourage the readers to read with expression as they go through the different accounts and viewpoints of the resurrection of Jesus.

At the end, have the class read the memory verse in unison from their Bibles.

Bible Study:John 19:16-18, 41-42; 20:1-18; Romans 10:9

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Memory Verse Practice . What does it mean to “be saved”? (That God has forgiven

our sins and accepted us into His family, that Jesus lives in us by His Spirit and is helping us to become like Him, that after we die we will live in heaven with Jesus, etc.)

Help the children choose key words in the verse and make up hand motions for them. Practice saying the verse with the motions.

To help students further understand salvation, refer to “Helping Grade-School Children Understand Salvation” on the inside back cover of this teacher’s guide.

Bible Review Questions . What was the amazing thing

that happened in this week’s Bible story? (Jesus died and came back to life.)

. What can you find in this “newspaper” that would help you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? (Jesus left the grave even though there were guards and a huge stone; Jesus’ body was gone; the burial clothes were left neatly folded; Mary saw Jesus alive.)

Point out that though newspapers didn’t exist in Bible times, the facts in the articles are from the Bible. If there had been newspapers, they might have been written similar to this one.

. Of the four people in the “interviews,” who do you think are the most believable? (Let the children give their opinions and tell why. Some might choose Peter or John because they actually went into the empty grave. Others might choose the Roman commander because he had not been a follower of Jesus and so wouldn’t expect Jesus to come back to life. Some might choose Mary because an angel spoke to her and because she actually saw Jesus.)

Ask a student to read Romans 10:9 from their Bible while the others follow along.

. What does our memory verse tell us about being saved? (If we agree to the truth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that He was raised from the dead by God the Father, we will be saved.)

Bible Review ActivityHave the class work together to create a newscast about today’s Bible story. As a large group, let them decide on what to include in the newscast and who will do the different jobs of reporting, newscaster, cameraman, and people to be interviewed. Have them use “Jesus Is Alive” (Teaching Aid 4) as background scenes. Bible-time clothes could be used as costumes.

After giving the class time to plan and come up with scripts, play out the newscast. If possible, record the newscast. Play it back at the end of the lesson as a reminder of the Bible story.

When you are finished with Teaching Aid 4, display it with other posters you have collected from past quarters to make a visual time line.

Resurrectio

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If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9


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I BelieveBelief SearchVanishing Faces

� Bible Discoveries, p. 4 � Bibles � Pencils

To help the children make sure they understand what they believe about Jesus’ resurrection, have them do the activity on Bible Discoveries page 4. Have students follow the directions to look up the verses and choose the correct sentences. When finished, the children should finish (on their own) the sentence on the star with their own personal answers.

� Discovery Pack, Project B, � Pencils � Stapler

Help the children solidify what they believe about Jesus and His resurrection from the dead by looking into the Scripture with this activity. (This booklet will be used during Step 4.) Have the students follow the directions on Discovery Pack, Project B, to put together the Belief Search booklet. Have them answer questions 1–6 now and save question 7 for later.

▫▫ Handheld mirror � 2 chairs

Have each child determine his or her dominant eye by holding out their hands, overlapping thumbs and fingers, to form a one-inch triangle. Look at an object through the triangle and close one eye. If the object doesn’t move from the center of the triangle, the open eye is dominant. If the object moved, the closed eye is dominant.

Place a chair in a corner with the back to one wall and other wall on the same side as the child’s dominant eye. Put the other chair close and facing the first one.

Students sit on the chairs. The one in the corner chair holds the mirror edge between his eyes with the mirror facing the wall. With both eyes open and staring at the other child, he moves his hand on the mirrored side like he’s erasing a board. The other child’s face will look like it’s being erased. Let each child try.

Each eye sees a different image. The brain combines the two images to look like the face has vanished.

The mirror helped play tricks on your brain. When Jesus’ body wasn’t in the the tomb, it was like someone playing a trick. But Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t a trick—it was real!

Children will choose activities to explore why we can believe Jesus rose from the dead.

Provide opportunities for the children to explore why we can believe Jesus rose from the dead, to reinforce the Bible story from John 19—20. Set up as many of these choices as you have room for. Move between activities to answer questions or offer assistance.

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Bible Response


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Seeing God throughout the WeekEncourage students to find the answers to questions they may still have about Jesus. Remind them that Jesus can help them understand the truth about who He is. Invite children to pray and ask Jesus for this understanding.

To apply the Bible story of Jesus’ resurrection to their own lives, children will respond to Jesus’ rising from the dead.

Materials:

▫▫ Discovery Pack, Project B (assembled)

� Pencils � PraisePac CD � CD player

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� Friends, Resurrection

� Bible Discoveries, Resurrection

Let students use their new understanding of how we can believe that Jesus rose from the dead.

We can believe Jesus rose from the dead—because the Bible tells us it’s true! Now think about how this can make a difference in your life.

Pass out pencils and hand out the Belief Search booklets (Discovery Pack, Project B), assembled during Bible Activity Choices. (Any student who did not work on a booklet can do this part in class, then assemble their booklet at home.) Have the children look at the page with question seven on it.

. Now that you’ve learned that Jesus is alive, what will you do about it? (Rather than answering aloud, have the children mark their choice under question 7. Be available to help children who may have questions. Some children may want to add to question 6. Allow time for the children to think through or discuss their options with you.)

. If you’re not sure what you believe or if you have questions about Jesus, what could you do to find out more? (Talk to parents, a Sunday school teacher, minister, or other

Christian adult; look for answers in the Bible; pray and ask Jesus to help me understand the truth; etc.)

If you have children who are ready to make a personal decision for salvation, use the information on the inside back cover, “Helping Grade-School Children Understand Salvation.” Remind the children that our Bible memory verse tells us to tell others about our decision. Encourage them to talk to their parents and include them in this important decision.

Prayer TimeHave a short time of silent prayer for the children to talk to Jesus about what they wrote in their booklets. Close with the song, “We Celebrate,” from the PraisePac CD found in the Creative Teaching Aids packet.

The Belief Search booklet instructs the children to give you their completed booklets at the end of class. During the week, read the booklets and, in the space provided, write a positive comment on each. Return the booklets to the students next week. Use the information they share to help you evaluate your students’ spiritual understanding.

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Bible Study:John 14:1-31; Acts 1:6-11Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study John 14:1-31and Act 1:6-11: Jesus comforts His disciples.

� Bible Study: Bible Discoveries pp. 2–3, Teaching Aid 2 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), Bibles

▫▫ Bible Review: Pale-colored markers or highlighters, Bible Discoveries pp. 2–3, whiteboard and marker

� Memory Verse Practice: No materials needed

Bible Activity ChoicesThrough activity choices, children will practice finding Jesus’ comfort.

▫▫ Mystery Message: Discovery Pack Project C—assemble sample before class, crayons or markers ▫▫ Comfort in a Blanket*: Thin-sliced sandwich

salami, whipped cream cheese, mini pickles, knives, napkins

� Word Puzzles: Bible Discoveries p. 4, pencils, Bibles

*Check with parents for any food allergies students may have.

Bible ReadinessTo help connect their experiences with worry or fear to the Bible story about Jesus comforting the disciples, children will work on an activity page and have a discussion about worries.

� Bible Discoveries p. 1, pencils

Jesus ComfortsBible Basis: John 14:1-31; Acts 1:6-11Lesson Focus: Jesus comforts us now and in the future.Memory Verse: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

Bible ResponseTo apply this week’s Bible story about Jesus comforting His disciples, the children will choose to ask Jesus for comfort about something that worries them.

▫▫ Paper bag, marker, slips of paper, pencils, Friends Ascension

Understanding the BibleJesus had told His disciples on previous occasions that He would be leaving and why (Matt. 16:21; John 7:33; 8:28; 10:14-18; 12:23-33). But the disciples had still not grasped the fact that Jesus would die, much less the significance of His death, resurrection, and ascension.

The chapters covering the evening of the Last Supper (John 13—17) show an interactive discussion between Jesus and the disciples. Apparently all of the disciples felt free to blurt out any question or concern to Jesus. And Jesus showed His willingness both to answer their direct questions and comfort them in their unspoken fears.

Jesus tried to help the disciples see the inseparable connection between God and Himself (John 14:9-11). Jesus also expressed the oneness of the Holy Spirit with God and Himself and promised to be with His disciples through the Spirit (vss. 16-17, 26). Jesus repeated this promise in John 15 and 16. Many people don’t know of this Presence in their lives. But it is by His power that we live. The real secret of the Christian life is abiding in Christ (John 15).

When Jesus promised the disciples “I will come to you” (14:18), this apparently refers to both His post-resurrection appearances as well as the coming of His Spirit.

Teach this lesson about April 19 or 22 as indicated in the Table of Contents. See page 29 for the first lesson this quarter.



Bible Basis: John 14:1-31; Acts 1:6-11

Teacher Devotional

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Ascension

Early Bird OptionsAs children arrive, present one of these activities to draw them into today’s lesson. This will give you an opportunity to greet students as they arrive.

Lists—To help the children begin thinking about the meaning of “the future,” have them work on this activity. On the board, print two headings: “Things I Do Now” and “Things I Will Do in the Future.” As children arrive, let them add to the lists things like “go to school” and “drive a car.”

Comfort Bible Verses—To help your students begin thinking about the comfort we get from God and His Word, have them mark comforting verses in their Bibles. Set out construction paper bookmarks. List Bible verses on the board. Have children look up the verses, read it, write the reference on a bookmark, and put the bookmark in their Bibles to use later. Remind them to look in the table of contents to find the page number for the book if they need help. Some verses about comfort include: Psalm 23:4; Psalm 86:17; Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Philippians 2:1. You may want to add others as well.

When Teaching the Bible to Elementary Students . . .While every child in your class will need the comfort of Jesus at some point, it might be difficult to spot that need in some students due to the diversity of emotional temperaments.

• As this age-group matures, they begin to experience and enjoy more independence. Some students may hide emotional needs behind a facade of independence, acting as though Jesus’ comfort is unimportant to them.• As they learn the right ways to express feelings, you can help your students by giving them examples of how to express their emotions, and by being a ready listener.• This age-group is starting to question and evaluate themselves. Nicknames, name-calling, labels, and stereotyping can have a very negative effect as they move through this evaluation time.• Your students are becoming a little less self-centered, and are starting to see the results their behavior can have on others. However, they still crave affirmation, support, and adult input. Help them start realizing that Jesus supports, affirms, and helps, just as you do.

E ach of us has a different idea of what brings comfort. For some, comfort might come in the form of a gentle hug or words of encouragement.

Some children seek comfort in snuggling with a favorite blanket or toy. What is your idea of being comforted?

Jesus understood that the disciples were going to go through some very tough times ahead. He knew that they were afraid. So He took time to speak words of comfort that they could cling to in difficult times. To underscore this, Jesus told His disciples that He would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to abide with them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Jesus’ words of comfort and peace apply to us as well. It is Christ’s legacy to us. In fact, throughout Scripture, God offers His children words of comfort. Consider these passages: Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalms 91; 103:13-14; Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 4:15-16; 7:25; Revelation 7:17.

Choose one to meditate on as you go through the week. Write out your choice below, or carry it with you on an index card.

Bible Readiness

LESSON FOCUS: Jesus comforts us now and in the future.

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To help the children begin thinking about how Jesus gives comfort as taught in today’s Bible story in John 14:1-31, lead the children in the following activity and discussion about identifying areas where they might have worries or fears that need comforting.

Before handing out the Bible Discoveries leaflets, read aloud the riddle on page 1: What’s something that belongs to everyone in different amounts and is always a mystery? Encourage all the children to take part in guessing the answer. When they give up, tell them that the answer is “the future.”

Hand out Bible Discoveries and have the children look at page 1. Read the directions, and allow time for the students to complete the two sentences by either writing or drawing their answers.

When finished, have the children break into small groups of two or three children. Each small group should share the answers they just wrote. Encourage the students to all participate as they share their answers.

Children this age have fears that are not rational to adults, and they are also developing adult-level fears that can feel very heavy. Gently accept what the children say without dismissing any of their fears as small, unrealistic, or something they “shouldn’t” worry about.

When they have finished discussing their answers, also have the small groups discuss the following question. You might want to print it on the board so that the children can refer to it as they reach that portion of their discussion time.

. What are some things that comfort you when you’re afraid? (Be open to a wide range of answers, from hugging a teddy bear to talking it over with an adult. Children have very different ideas about what is comforting at this age. Accept all reasonable, sincere answers.)

Allow plenty of time for the small groups to talk through their ideas. Visit each group as they discuss. If necessary, help them to keep the discussion moving so that they complete the three items. When all the children have had time to share, gather them back together.

At this point, if you have sufficient time, you may want to have the different groups summarize the ideas they found. Ask for one volunteer from each group to tell about the exciting things they think might happen to them in the future. Have a volunteer from another group tell about the kinds of things they are afraid of as they consider the future. Then have a volunteer from a third group tell about some of the types of things that offer comfort to the children they were talking with.

Acknowledge that there are many different answers that could be given for each of these situations. However, the ones that have been shared are only a sample of the class. Recognize that some of the children’s answers have not been shared with the entire group but that doesn’t make them any less important. The way each person responds to the future, to being scared, and to needing comfort is important.

Tie to the BibleEveryone gets worried about something at some time. Even Jesus’ disciples became worried. But Jesus can comfort us. Listen carefully to see how Jesus comforted His disciples and how He can comfort us.

To help connect their experiences with worry or fear to the Bible story about Jesus comforting the disciples, children will work on an activity page and have a discussion about worries.

Materials:

� Bible Discoveries, p. 1 � Pencils


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Bible Study:John 14:1-31; Acts 1:6-11

Gather the children into a circle on the floor or at a table for today’s Bible story about Jesus giving comfort to His disciples.

Have the children find the New Testament on the Bible Overview Chart (Teaching Aid 2). Ask another child to find John. Explain that this week’s Bible story is part of the Passover meal that Jesus had with His disciples just before He was crucified. That part of the story comes from John. Talk about how the Bible story also tells of Jesus preparing His disciples for His ascension into heaven. Have a child find Acts on the chart.

Pass out Bibles and the Bible Discoveries leaflets. Have the children turn to Bible Discoveries, pages 2 and 3. Also have the

children find the Book of John in their Bibles to use for the Bible memory verse later in the lesson. Remind the children to refer to the table of contents in the front of their Bibles if they are not sure where to find the Book of John. Be ready to assist any children who have difficulty reading or who are visitors to your classroom.

Ask for volunteers to read the different sections of the story. You could have volunteers read different paragraphs of the story on pages 2 and 3. If your students are reluctant to read aloud, read the story to them while they follow along in their books. When you are finished reading the story, have the children read the Bible memory verse, John 14:1, aloud from their Bibles.

Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study John 14:1-31 and Acts 1:6-11: Jesus comforts His disciples.

Materials:

Bible Study � Bible Discoveries, pp.

2–3 � Teaching Aid 2 � Bibles

Bible Review � Pale-colored markers or

highlighters � Bible Discoveries, pp.

2 –3 � Whiteboard and marker


Bib

le Discoveries, p

p. 2-3

Memory Verse


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Memory Verse Practice . Why don’t we have to be worried or afraid? (Because we

can trust in God and Jesus.)

With the students seated in chairs or on the floor, begin calling out categories such as children whose birthdays are in the summer, children with a pet dog, or children wearing green. Any students who fit the category you call stand and say the verse together. Play until all have said the verse at least once. Try to think of as many unusual categories as possible. Be sure that every child is included at least one time. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in

God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

Bible Review Questions . Why were the disciples upset?

(Jesus told them He was leaving, and they had fears and questions about how they would get along without Him.)

. What are all the things Jesus said to comfort His disciples? List the children’s answers on the board to refer to during the next three questions. (They could trust Him; He was going to get a place ready for them in heaven; He would come back for them; He would send a Helper; He would be with them; He would give them peace; they would live with Him after they died.)

. Were Jesus’ promises just for the disciples at that Passover meal? (No, they are for all who believe in Him.)

. Which of Jesus’ promises have already come true? (We can trust God; Jesus went to prepare a place for us; He is always with us; He sent the Holy Spirit; He gives us peace.)

. Which promises haven’t come true yet? (Jesus hasn’t come back yet to take us to be with Him. If we die before that happens, we will live with Him in heaven.)

. Which promise do you find in today’s Bible memory verse? (Jesus tells us to believe in Him.)

Bible Review ActivityTo review today’s Bible story about Jesus comforting His disciples, give the students a chance to talk about the specific meaning of comfort.

. What do you think the word comfort means? (Comfort is a pleasant condition; when a person or thing gives a feeling of good comfort; to make one feel less sad or troubled.)

Have the students open Bible Discoveries to the Bible story on pages 2 and 3. Then pass out the pale-colored markers from your supply. Make sure that each child has a marker. Explain the directions completely before beginning to read. Tell the children that you would like to have them read along silently while you read the story aloud. The students are to look for sentences that show Jesus comforting His disciples.

Slowly reread the story. Have the children highlight any sentences that show Jesus comforting His disciples. When finished, the students may go back and underline in a different color any sentences that comfort them personally.

If some children are unsure of which sentences to mark, talk through a sentence as a class to decide how it might give comfort.



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Word PuzzlesComfort in a BlanketMystery Message

� Bible Discoveries, p. 4 � Pencils � Bibles

As the children have fun completing these puzzles, they will be learning more about how God comforts us now and in the future.

Let the children complete the puzzles on page 4 of Bible Discoveries to decode the Scripture references they need to fill in the missing words on the Flight Log. Encourage the students to all look up the different Scripture references as they use the verses to complete the sentences at the bottom of the page. The answers are: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:4; Romans 8:38-39;

comforts; tear; love. Then they should each fill in the sentence at the bottom to express their own personal feelings.

▫▫ Thin-sliced sandwich salami ▫▫ Whipped cream cheese ▫▫ Mini pickles ▫▫ Knives ▫▫ Napkins

This fun, unique snack will let students taste the comfort of Jesus. Let each child spread a thin layer of cream cheese onto each salami slice. Place a pickle in the center of a salami slice. Roll up each salami slice, jelly-roll style. Cut each roll into thirds. As students munch on their snacks, talk about how the salami wraps around the pickle just like Jesus surrounds us with His comfort. What are some fears or worries that students need Jesus’ comfort on?

*Check with parents for any food allergies students may have.

▫▫ Discovery Pack, Project C—assemble sample before class

� Crayons or markers

Give the children an unusual and fun way to think about experiencing the comfort and peace that Jesus provides for us now and in the future.

Explain the directions to the children before having them begin this activity. You may want to make a sample craft before class in order to show children how it works.

Have the students follow the directions you have explained that are on page 10 of Discovery Pack to color the Mystery Message on page 9. Then they fold the message accordion style and hold it at an angle to read it. (The correct answer is: In Jesus you will have peace.)

After the children have discovered the mystery message, they may use the coloring code to complete the page.

Through activity choices, children will practice finding Jesus’ comfort.

In the Bible study from John 14 and Acts 1, the children learned that Jesus ascended into heaven. Set up a variety of these activities to let students explore that Jesus comforts us now and in the future. Have an adult or teen helper at “Comfort in a Blanket” while you visit each activity to talk with students.

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Seeing God throughout the WeekEncourage children to turn to Jesus for comfort each day this week. Remind them that Jesus knows all about their worries and fears. The promise in their Bible memory verse can bring comfort to them.

To apply this week’s Bible story about Jesus comforting His disciples, the children will choose to ask Jesus for comfort about something that worries them.

Materials:

▫▫ Paper bag � Marker � Slips of paper � Pencils

After the children have cleaned up their activities, gather them back together into a large group. Use this time to help the children choose to ask Jesus for comfort about something that worries them. This will help to reinforce today’s Bible story about Jesus comforting His disciples and personally apply it to their own lives.

Label a paper bag “Jesus Comforts Me,” and place it where all the children can see it. We have been learning that Jesus comforts us both now and in the future. No matter what we’re facing or what we’re worried will happen, Jesus understands, He is there, and He comforts us.

. What’s something you’re worried about? (Rather than answering aloud, the children may write their worry on a slip of paper. You may take part in this activity as well. Tell them that no one will be reading their papers. This is between each of them and Jesus.)

We don’t know how Jesus will comfort us. He might give us someone to talk to; He might remind us of a special Bible promise; He might just help us to feel peace inside. Just remember that you can

talk to Jesus anytime about your fear and ask Him for comfort.

Prayer TimeHave the children form a circle around the “Jesus Comforts Me” bag. Let the children take turns saying sentence prayers to either tell Jesus about their fear and ask for His comfort or to thank Him for a way He has comforted them in the past. Children who are uncomfortable praying aloud may pray silently. After each child prays, he or she drops the slip of paper into the bag.

Close by thanking Jesus for His comfort. Have the class say together, “Jesus comforts us now and in the future.”

Be sure to return the Belief Search Booklets made last week with your responses. Encourage children to talk with you about any questions they may still have about Jesus.

Next week, April 26,

use Lesson 6 on page 64.

� Friends, Ascension

� Bible Discoveries, Ascension

� Discovery Pack, Mystery Messages

� Discovery Pack, Booklets with teacher responses

64



LESSON 6

Telling about JesusBible Basis: Acts 3:1-26Lesson Focus: God’s people tell others about Jesus.Memory Verse: They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:42

Understanding the BibleThe early Christians continued faithfully in the Jewish practices of worship and other customs for quite some time. Peter and John still observed the designated hours of prayer at the temple. They had probably seen the begging man on previous occasions, since he regularly begged at that gate (Acts 3:2). But on this occasion, Peter healed the man by the Spirit’s power and also preached to the quickly gathering crowd. Both the healing and the preaching served to help the crowd learn about Jesus. Peter clearly let it be known that the healing and preaching were done in Jesus’ name.

Peter’s message covered an explanation of who Jesus was in the context of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the teachings of Moses and God’s covenant with Abraham. This was a message that all in the temple crowd could relate to.

After preaching about Jesus, Peter and John were confronted by some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees (Acts 4:1). Peter and John ended up on trial before the Sanhedrin and took the opportunity to again explain about Jesus (Acts 4:7-22). The Sanhedrin decided to release them on this occasion.

Bible ReadinessTo help begin connecting their experiences to the Bible story about Peter healing the man near the temple, the children will join in a discovery activity and discussion.

▫▫ Bible Discoveries p. 3, pencils washable markers, ink pad with washable ink, damp paper towels

Bible Study:Acts 3:1-26Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study Acts 3:1-26: Peter heals and preaches.

� Bible Study: Bible Discoveries pp. 1–2, Teaching Aid 2 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), Bibles, pencils

� Bible Review: No materials needed � Memory Verse Practice: No materials needed

Bible Activity ChoicesChildren will practice telling others about Jesus.

� Jesus Facts: Bible Discoveries p. 4, markers � Board Game: “Digging for Treasure” Teaching

Aids 5-7 (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), Bibles

▫▫ Real-Life Roleplays: Index cards, marker

Bible ResponseTo apply to their own lives the Bible story about Peter healing and preaching, children will develop a plan to tell someone about Jesus.

� Whiteboard and marker, Bible Discoveries p. 4, markers, PraisePac CD and PDF song sheets (from Elementary Creative Teaching Aids), CD player, Friends Lesson 6

Use this lesson on Sunday, April 26, as indicated in the Table of Contents.



LESSON 6

Bible Basis: Acts 3:1-26

Teacher Devotional

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When Teaching the Bible to Elementary Students . . .Applying the principles the children learn each week to their own lives is obviously the desired result of each lesson you teach. With their various learning styles, each one takes in the lesson information in his or her own unique way.

• When having a discussion time, allow a moment for students to process information and assemble their thoughts. You might sometimes need to rephrase your question or give an example to help it make more sense.• As you teach, let children find information and answers themselves whenever possible. They’ll have the hunger to gain the details; give them time to look up information in their Bibles or on a map.• Analyze your own learning style and notice how it dictates your teaching style. Are there areas that could use extra effort or time on your part to make it more valuable to students?• Try different groupings for activities and discussion. Pair up children one time, use small groups another, separate boys and girls for an occasional lesson segment. Use what works best.

Early Bird OptionsIf you have children arriving before you’re ready for class to begin, use one of these ideas to keep the children busy and allow you to greet your students.

Telling Others—Have students make a list of ways people share information such as talk face–to-face, email, phone call, television, web sites, etc. Use old magazines to make a collage of the ways people share information. Encourage your students to think of unique ways information is shared, such as road signs, ads, etc.

Moving About—Help your students think about how hard life must have been for the man who couldn’t walk. Give your students challenges such as crossing the room and writing their name on the board, etc., without using their legs.

G od has given many different ways for us to tell about Jesus. Preaching in front of a crowd, as Peter did, is just one way. Peter preached because that was the gift God gave

him. Peter also healed a man in Jesus’ name, another gift from God.

God also gives us gifts and talents to use for Him and by His power. What gifts and abilities has God given you?

As Christians, we know that Christ lives in us and that we are being conformed to His likeness (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). As we interact with people around us, they will begin to see Jesus in us. If we are faithful to use the abilities God has given us—whether making music, creating artwork, serving others, or simply talking—we will find natural avenues for sharing about Jesus.

We are reminded by Paul as he wrote to Timothy that we are charged to use the gifts God has given us. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. . . .” (2 Tim. 1:7-8).

As you teach, thank God for this gift you have been given and the opportunity to tell these precious children about Jesus! Then begin to branch out and find other ways to tell the good news of Jesus. Ask the Lord to guide you into the best ways to use your abilities to help others learn about Jesus.

Bible Readiness

LESSON FOCUS: God’s people tell others about Jesus.

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To help begin connecting their experiences to the Bible story about Peter healing the man near the temple, the children will join in a discovery activity and discussion.

Materials:

� Bible Discoveries, p. 3 � Pencils � Washable markers ▫▫ Ink pad with washable

ink ▫▫ Damp paper towels

In today’s Bible lesson, the children will consider practical ways to tell others about Jesus. As you begin class, you will assist the children in finding out that they already know many ways to help others learn things.

Pass out pencils, markers, and Bible Discoveries for Lesson 6. Have the students turn to page 3 in Bible Discoveries and read the directions together as a class. Allow time for the children to fill out the page about themselves. If the students would like to, allow them to move to another part of the room as they fill in the blanks. When they have finished filling in the information about themselves as well as drawing the picture of a favorite memory, call them back together. Then do the fingerprint portion using the ink pad and clean up with damp paper towels. (An alternative to using an ink pad is to use washable watercolor markers. Have the children rub the end of their finger with the marker and immediately put their finger on the fingerprint box. Then they can wash up with the damp paper towel.) Next, the children get autographs from classmates. When finished, gather the group back together.

. What are all the different things on this page that someone could use to learn about you? (Facts from the ID card, fingerprint, picture of an experience or memory, what others say about me.)

. When you meet someone new for the first time, how do you start to get acquainted? (Talk to them, ask their name, find out about their family, ask where they live, learn about their favorite hobbies, ask someone else who knows them to tell you about them, etc.)

These are just a few ways that someone could get to know something about you.

. What are some other ways that people could learn about you or that you could learn about someone you don’t know? (Talk to them, read their baby book or yearbook, read a newspaper article about them, look at their report card, watch what they do, etc.) Help the children think of a wide range of ideas.

Tie to the BibleAfter Jesus went back to heaven, His followers wanted to tell others about Jesus. They knew that many people had never met Jesus. Those people didn’t know anything about Him. What did Jesus’ followers do to help people get to know Jesus? Let’s find out some ways in our Bible story.


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Bible Study:Acts 3:1-26

Gather the children into a circle on the floor or at a table for today’s Bible story. Pass out pencils, Bibles, and Bible Discoveries. Ask the children to turn to pages 1 and 2 in Bible Discoveries.

Have a volunteer find Acts on the Bible Overview Chart (Teaching Aid 2). Take a moment to explain that Acts tells more about Peter and the job the risen Jesus gave him at the end of the Book of John (Lesson 4).

Also ask them to find the Book of Acts in their Bibles. They should be familiar with the location of the Book of Acts by now. However, if they are still having difficulty finding it in their Bibles, remind them to refer to the table of contents in the front of their Bibles. Have them insert a bookmark in chapter 3 of Acts for later use.

Ask for volunteers to read parts in today’s Bible story. It is written as a drama. Assign different children the roles of the host, John, Peter, and the man. You may want to choose another child to be the narrator or you can read the part of the narrator. When you come to the Bible symbol, have the entire class look up the Scripture reference. Then ask for another volunteer to read it aloud. As a class, decide on the correct answer and have the children fill in the blank. (For your convenience, the correct answer is given on the Bible Discoveries pages shown below.) Then continue reading the story. Have everyone look in their Bibles to find the Bible reference for today’s Bible memory verse and read it aloud in unison.

Using the Bible and Bible Discoveries, children will study Acts 3:1-26: Peter heals and preaches.

Materials:

Bible Study � Bible Discoveries, pp. 1–2 � Teaching Aid 2 � Bibles � Pencils

Bible Review � No materials needed


Bib

le Discoveries, p

p. 1-2

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Memory Verse


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They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 5:42

Memory Verse PracticeOne child begins by whispering the memory verse to another child. If the second child thinks it is correct, he or she whispers it to another. If the child thinks the verse was whispered wrong, he says, “I challenge!” and says aloud what he heard whispered. The first child gets to correct the mistake. Then the second child whispers to another child. Play until all the students can whisper the verse correctly.

If you have a large class, ask a helper to do this activity with half of the class while you do it with the other half. This will allow everyone to participate more quickly.

Bible Review Questions . What two things did Peter do

to let the people know who Jesus was? (He healed the man in Jesus’ name—so people could see Jesus’ power—and he told the crowd who Jesus was—so people could learn the facts.)

. Why was it better for Peter and John to make the man able to walk rather than to give him money? (The money would get used up and the man would have to beg again. If the man could walk and work, he would be able to earn his own money and not have to beg.)

. What does it mean to do something in Jesus’ name? (It means we have His authority to do it.)

If students need help understanding this, give the example of a mother telling them to go tell their sister to come. The sister probably wouldn’t do it just because a sibling said so, but because of the words, “Mom said.” Those words mean “in their mother’s name.” Their mother wasn’t there, but the child had her authority. In a similar way, Peter had Jesus’ authority to heal the man.

. What did Peter tell the crowd about Jesus? (That Jesus is the Savior and that He could save them from their sins.)

. According to our memory verse, how long did the apostles keep telling about Jesus? (They never stopped.)

Bible Review ActivityReview the story by teaching this rhyme, saying it in a rhythm or as a rap and doing the actions.

Peter and John went to the temple to pray. (Walk in place.)

A man who couldn’t walk asked for money that day. (Sit and spread arms out.)

Peter and John gave him something more. (Show empty pockets.)

They helped him walk right through the door! (Jump up and walk in place.)

People came running to see what was up. (Run in place.)

The man jumped for joy, praising God with a shout! (Jump up and down with arms in the air.)

Peter said, “Jesus healed this man. (Point up.)

He’s the Savior for all in every land.” (Draw a cross in the air.)



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Real-Life RoleplaysBoard GameJesus Facts

▫▫ Index cards � Marker

Before class, write some simple situations for children in your class to tell someone about Jesus. For example, the class bully asks what you did last Sunday, or the smartest classmate at school walks up and asks, “Why do you believe in Jesus?”

Have students form groups of two or three and pick one of your cards to roleplay. Extra children can be bystanders listening and adding comments. As an alternative, let students create their own topics.

� “Digging for Treasure” (Teaching Aids 5-7), assembled previously

� Bibles

To be able to tell about Jesus, the children need to learn about Jesus. This game will help them learn more facts but it will also help them learn the value of teamwork.

Have the children read the directions on the back of the game board, and then have fun learning more facts about Jesus as they play “Digging for Treasure.” Encourage students to use their Bibles to look up the references if they are unsure of the answers or just would like to have additional information.

� Bible Discoveries, p. 4 � Markers

During Step 1, the children filled out an ID card about themselves. Now they have a chance to consider what facts would be included on an ID card for Jesus.

Have the students explore facts they know about Jesus by completing page 4 of Bible Discoveries. They can complete the ID card and draw the picture of a favorite Bible story. However, ask the children to wait until Bible Response before choosing who they will tell about Jesus this week.

Children will practice telling others about Jesus.

Give the students opportunities to practice telling others about Jesus to help strengthen their grasp of today’s story from Acts 3:1-26 by providing a choice of activities. Give directions for all the activities to the entire class. Then let the children choose which they would like to do first.

Bible Response



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Seeing God throughout the WeekEncourage students to follow through this week to tell the person they chose about Jesus. Remind students that God can give them the words the way He did for Peter and John.

� Friends, Lesson 6

� Bible Discoveries, Lesson 6

Give the children time to apply their knowledge of God’s people telling others about Jesus as taught in today’s Bible story about Peter and John in Acts 3:1-26. Help them brainstorm ways to tell others.

God’s people tell others about Jesus as we have learned from today’s Bible story about Peter and John. This is something that Jesus wants us to do and that He will help us do. And there are many ways we can do that as well!

. What are some ways we can tell about Jesus? (Write someone a letter, sing about Him, show others what He is like, do something in His name, call someone on the phone, draw a picture about Him, etc.) Accept all suggestions as children brainstorm a wide variety of ideas. Write the ideas on the board to help them keep focused.

Let’s each choose someone to tell about Jesus this week. Also choose what you will do to tell that person about Jesus. Pass out pencils or markers and Bible Discoveries. Ask the children to look at page 4. Some of them may have already filled in the ID card for Jesus during Step 3. Those who have not done this can do that

part at home. Have the students write their choice of who they will tell about Jesus this week on page 4 in Bible Discoveries. Allow time for the children to choose and write. When everyone is finished, talk about the different ways the children have chosen to tell someone about Jesus. This will help them solidify in their own minds the way they have chosen.

Prayer TimeHave the class pray “popcorn” prayers. Open the prayer by asking Jesus to help the children tell others about Him this week. The students continue the prayer by popping up from their seats and calling out the name of someone they want to tell about Jesus. Then they pop back down again as soon as they call out the person’s name. The children don’t have to go in order and may pop up several times. When the children are done “popping,” close the prayer by thanking Jesus for the people who have told you and your students about Him.

Sing the Unit 21 song from the PraisePac CD in the Creative Teaching Aids packet.

Close by having the children say together, “God’s people tell others about Jesus.”

To apply to their own lives the Bible story about Peter healing and preaching, children will develop a plan to tell someone about Jesus.

Materials:

� Whiteboard and marker � Bible Discoveries, p. 4 � Markers � PraisePac CD and

downloadable PDF song sheets

� CD player

standard supplies supplies...8 four step lesson path this symbol will appear whenever preparation...

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