Jesus came to this world to walk in our shoes. He came because He promised He would. He came because He loves us and wants to be with us forever. There are so many experiences found in the Bible! This section focuses on the stories found in the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Every day Jesus showed how much God loves us.
I have found that having pictures and scriptures for the story especially during the restrictions of Covid-19 very helpful in teaching the lesson. It’s also great with Zoom.
Faith and Peace — Jesus Calms the Storm — Luke 8
In this presentation, we look at three short stories about faith. Jesus told some parables. One was about faith as small as a mustard seed. Another was about setting a lamp where it can be seen. Our main story is about Jesus calming the storm. He showed the disciples what it means to rest in complete faith in God. He also showed them how capable he was in caring for them. He commanded the wind and the waves and brought peace. This strengthened the disciples faith and it grew. One activity is to plant a few small seeds and care for them so that they will grow, as a reminder that our faith will grow as we spend time with him and learn to trust Him more and more. Another activity is to make a foil boat and use it in demonstrating the story.
A Night Time Visitor — Nicodemus Talks to Jesus — John 3
The most quoted salvation verse, John 3:16, is here in this story, Jesus talks to Nicodemus. He also talks about the importance of being born again. We are invited to be part of God’s family. We ARE part of His family, when we accept Him as our Savior. We show this by being baptized. This slide presentation includes the basic lesson, songs, a craft, and an invitation to become a child of God.
The Woman At The Well — John 4
In this presentation we learn that Jesus give us life. He encourages us to ask for a special gift, for living water. That gift is the Holy Spirit which helps us to truly get to know God. It calls us to repentance and teaches us what is right and good. It leads us to salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Savior. These are big concepts for little ears. But knowing that Jesus knows us and loves us as our best friend is a message we all can understand. Along the way, we have fun pulling water up from a ‘well’ and do a craft.
Jesus Commissions the 12 Apostles to Go Two by Two then 72 sent to go preach and heal — Luke 6 & 9, Matthew 9
After Jesus spent all night praying, He chose 12 of His disciples to be apostles. Then He commissioned them to go ahead of Him to the villages of Israel and Judea to announce that the kingdom of heaven was near. Jesus gave them authority to heal, cast out demons and raise the dead. Thus the apostles joined Jesus in His mission and activities. Jesus want us to join Him in spreading the good news, too. One craft option is to make a first aid kit, so that we can help people get well too,
Jesus and the Children — Let the Children Come to Me — Mark 10:13-16
Jesus was busy teaching. Was He too busy to see the children? The disciples assumed He was, but Jesus was not. He invited the children to come and He blessed them. Are we too busy to see the people that have come to see us; to ask about God; to ask for a favor? This lesson hits home for me. Oh to be like Jesus!
Jesus Feeds 5000 — Luke 9
The real story starts with the disciples returning from going out to tell the good news and doing miracles as they were commissioned and empowered by Jesus to do. With God, all things are possible! Rather than resting, Jesus talks to the large crowd about the kingdom of heaven and heals them. We look at the parable of the mustard seed and yeast and see how little things grow and provide for many. Then Jesus feeds the 5000! Indeed little becomes much and many are blessed! With God, all things are possible!
Jesus Heals Canaanites and Feeds 4,000
This PowerPoint lesson also has a several short stories. It starts with Jesus visiting Tyre and Sidon where a Syrophoenician, a Canaanite woman asks for Jesus to heal her daughter. He continues on His journey through Canaanite territory to the Decapolis where He healed a deaf and mute man. Then a crowd of people come and spend 3 days with Jesus, bringing their sick and listening to His teaching. Before He sends them home, He gives them food, feeding over 4,000 people with just 7 loaves! Everyone was filled and their were 7 baskets of left overs! The point is that Jesus did not just come for the Israelites. He came as the healer, savior, and provider for everyone!
Jesus Anointed with Perfume mixed with Tears — Luke 7
How is perfume made? Take the smell challenge; What is that smell? Why was Jesus anointed? How can we be like sweet smelling perfume? These questions and more are answered in this presentation. Kids enjoy using their senses of smell and making something sweet smelling to give to someone as they share God’s love.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus — Walking on Water Matthew 14
Preview and download at this link
This is such a fun interactive story. Encourage the kids to pretend they are on a boat. Bring a fan and maybe a spray bottle to add wind and water to the experience during the storm. Have them get out of the boat like Peter. This slide presentation also includes songs, a craft and more. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is like a tight-rope walker focusing ahead. Try it.
Two Rich men’s Response — Zacchaeus — Luke 18 & 19
In this presentation, we look at both the story of the rich man who went away sad, unwilling to give to the poor and the story of Zacchaeus who gladly welcomed Jesus and committed to giving both to the poor and those he had cheated. Jesus said salvation had come to his house. God loves a cheerful giver. During the lesson, we also learn about the sycamore tree and it’s seeds. Zacchaeus’ heart was soft and ready to be planted with the love of Jesus. The other rich man’s heart was hard and pokey like a young sycamore tree fruit (seed).
Jesus’ Transfiguration — Matthew 17
Preview and download here at this link
This presentation starts with a show and tell. After kids share their bright and beautiful objects, we’ll talk about how God is brighter and more glorious than all these. He is brighter and more glorious than the son. Peter, James, and John were privileged to see Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in all their heavenly glory.
Lazarus’ Death and Resurrection — John 11
Preview and download here at this link
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die. After listening to John 11 with a live drama, the children get to use Lego people to retell this amazing story of the power of God. Planting a seeds represent how God brings new life after burial.
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
Just days before Jesus’ crucifixion, the crowds celebrated Jesus by singing Hosanna to the Son of David. It was a procession meant for a king. Are you ready to praise God and Jesus for all they are an have done for you? Let’s do it! But first let’s listen to the story and prepare either the stick figures or palm branches for our Praise Procession.
