Gospel Story

Lower Elementary
Curriculum
F O L L O W I N G J E S U S I N T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T
MAR T Y MAC HOWS K I
I L L US T R AT E D B Y
A. E . MAC HA
New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC 27404
www.newgrowthpress.com
Gospel Story Lower Eementary Curriculum (NT): Following Jesus in the New Testament
Text Copyright 2013 by Covenant Fellowship Church.
Illustration Copyright 2013 by New Growth Press
All rights reserved. The Gospel Story Lower Elementary Curriculum (NT) is for purchasers to use at home or at
church. Each purchaser may print out lessons and coloring pages for the use of their family or church members.
These materials may not be copied or downloaded for any other use without express written permission from
New Growth Press.
Published 2013.
Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV),
copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the
United States Patent and Trademark Ofce by Biblica, Inc.
Cover Design: Faceout Books
Curriculum Design and Typesetting: Faceout Books
Art Direction: Matthew Nowicki
Coloring Sheet Art Work: Ramona Doyle
ISBN 13: 978-1-938267-07-9
20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 1 2 3 4 5
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T E AC HE R S HE L P S
1. Using the Gospel Story Curriculum .............v
2. Quick Start Guide .....................................vi
3. A Step-by-Step Lower Elementary
Lesson Guide ........................................... vii
4. Four Key Ingredients
of a Well-Taught Lesson ............................xi
LESSONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. The Birth of Jesus Foretold ........................ 1
2. The Birth of Jesus ...................................... 9
3. Jesus Presented in the Temple .................. 17
4. The Ministry of John the Baptist ............. 25
5. The Baptism of Jesus ............................... 33
6. The Temptation of Jesus .......................... 42
7. The Wedding Feast .................................. 51
8. Jesus Cleanses the Temple ....................... 59
9. Nicodemus .............................................. 67
10. Good News ............................................. 75
11. The Miraculous Catch ............................. 83
12. Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man ................. 91
13. The Sermon on the Mount
The Beatitudes ........................................ 99
14. The Sermon on the Mount
Love Your Enemies ................................ 109
15. The Lords Prayer .................................. 117
16. Treasure in Heaven ................................ 125
17. The Wise & Foolish Builders................. 135
18. The Four Soils ....................................... 143
19. The Hidden Treasure ............................. 151
20. Jesus Calms the Storm ........................... 160
21. Jesus Feeds the Multitude ...................... 168
22. Jesus Walks on Water ............................. 177
23. Take Up Your Cross .............................. 185
24. The Transguration ............................... 193
25. Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers ...................... 201
26. Jesus Claims to Be God ......................... 210
27. The Pharisee & the Tax Collector .......... 218
28. Lazarus .................................................. 228
29. Jesus & Zacchaeus ................................. 236
30. Triumphal Entry ................................... 244
31. The Widows Offering ........................... 252
32. Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet ............. 260
33. The Last Supper .................................... 268
34. Jesus Promises to Send the Holy Spirit .. 277
35. Jesus Is Arrested ..................................... 286
36. Peter Denies Jesus .................................. 294
37. The Crucixion & the Criminals .......... 302
38. The Death of Christ .............................. 311
39. The Resurrection ................................... 320
40. Doubting Thomas ................................. 329
Table of Contents
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41. Another Miraculous Catch .................... 339
42. The Great Commission ......................... 347
43. The Ascension ....................................... 355
44. Pentecost ............................................... 363
45. Peter & the Prophet Joel ........................ 371
46. New Believers ........................................ 379
47. The Lame Beggar Walks ........................ 389
48. Ananias & Sapphira............................... 397
49. The Death of Stephen ........................... 406
50. Saul Is Knocked to the Ground ............. 415
51. The Gentiles Are Converted .................. 424
52. The Fruit of the Spirit ........................... 433
53. The Body of Christ ............................... 443
54. Love ...................................................... 451
55. Pauls Work in Ephesus .......................... 459
56. A New Creation .................................... 468
57. God Loves a Cheerful Giver .................. 477
58. A Gift of Righteousness ......................... 486
59. Abraham: Father to All by Faith ............ 496
60. Believe & Confess ................................. 506
61. Paul in Chains ....................................... 515
62. The Supremacy of Christ ....................... 525
63. Chosen before the World Began ............ 535
64. From Death to Life................................ 546
65. The Gift of Men .................................... 554
66. Putting Off the Old Self ........................ 563
67. The Armor of God ................................ 571
68. The Humility of Christ ......................... 580
69. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize .................. 588
70. Character Counts .................................. 597
71. God Breathed the Scriptures ................. 605
72. The Hearts Desires .............................. 613
73. Born Again! .......................................... 622
74. Gods Word Is Living ............................ 630
75. By Faith ................................................ 640
76. Loving One Another ............................. 649
77. Worthy Is the Lamb .............................. 659
78. At the Throne Worshiping ..................... 667
Table of Contents
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Using the Gospel
Story Curriculum
Welcome to the Gospel Story curriculum! The Gospel Story curriculum is a three-year
program comprising 156 lessons divided equally between Old Testament and New
Testament78 lessons in each. On any given week, the Gospel Story curriculum presents the
same Bible story at three distinct levels: preschool (3- to 5-year-olds), lower elementary (grades
13), and upper elementary (grades 46). The learning levels are exible and the program
can be tailored to meet your needs. For instance, you could include rst grade students in the
preschool curriculum or fourth grade students in the lower elementary program if that works
more effectively for the structure of your Sunday school.
Because all children in preschool through the sixth grade are taught the same Bible story
each week, follow-up for a family with children in different grade levels is simplied. In
addition, the companion devotionals, Long Story Short (Old Testament) and Old Story New
(New Testament), as well as The Gospel Story Bible, follow the same scope and sequence as the
curriculum and are designed to be used together.
A 3-year-old who begins with lesson one would nish the rst learning level at age 5 before
moving up to the lower elementary level where he or she would start all over again with
lesson one. After another three years, at age 9, he or she would advance to the upper elementary
program and begin a third and nal time with lesson one. The idea is to provide a survey of the
Bible three times over the course of nine years, each time jumping up a learning level, increasing
the depth and challenge of the material as well as adjusting the age-appropriate activities to keep
the lessons fun and challenging.
Each learning level of the Gospel Story curriculum was written with a specic learning
objective. With the youngest group, the preschool children, we are looking to familiarize the
children with the Bible stories and help them see Gods big plan of salvation in the Bible.
The next level, lower elementary, takes a more detailed look at how each of the Bible stories
connects to the gospel and to Gods larger plan of redemption. With the upper elementary level,
we review the same basic instruction but incorporate activities designed to challenge the older
childs developing mind, encouraging them to search the Bible text and analyze Scripture for
themselves.
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Quick Start Guide
AN E AS Y- T O- F OL L OW L I S T T O HE L P Y OU P - R- E - P - A- R- E
P P R I NT OUT T HE L E S S ON.
A printed lesson allows you to make highlights and pencil-in notes to follow
in the classroom.
R R E AD T HE B I B L E PAS S AGE AND R E V I E W T HE L E S S ON OUT L I NE .
Review the lesson and read the assigned Bible passage early in the week to give you
time to think through creative ways to present the lesson.
E E F F I C I E NT L Y GAT HE R T HE I T E MS Y OU NE E D F OR T HE AC T I V I T I E S .
Gather items in a box or plastic bin during the week as you go about your normally
scheduled routine to avoid the last minute rush and extra work.
P P R AC T I C E T E AC HI NG ONC E T HR OUGH AT HOME .
Practice helps you to learn the lesson yourself so that when you present it to your
class you will not be so tied down to your notes.
A AL WAY S R E V I E W T HE WHE R E I S J E S US ? / WHE R E I S T HE
GOS P E L ? L E S S ON P R E PAR AT I ON S E C T I ONS .
Understanding how an individual story relates to Gods larger plan of redemption
is the most important component of your preparation. Know it well so you can fold it
into multiple parts of your lesson.
R R E AD Y T HE T HI NGS Y OU L L NE E D T O B R I NG.
Add items you will need for class, e.g., your Bible, to the bin of supplies and inventory
your materials the night before you teach.
E E ND Y OUR WE E K OF P R E PAR AT I ON WI T H A T I ME OF P R AY E R F OR
Y OUR C L AS S .
Never forget that we are dependent upon God to transform the hearts and lives of
the children in our classes.
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A Step-by-Step Lower
Elementary Lesson Guide
A closer look at the components of a preschool lesson.
L E S S ON T I T L E
The lesson starts out with the lesson number, title, scripture passage, and the main truth the
lesson is written to communicate. In the Old Testament curriculum, the lesson number corre-
sponds to the devotional week number and The Gospel Story Bible story number. In the New
Testament curriculum, the lesson number corresponds to the devotional week number, but The
Gospel Story Bible number is inserted in your lesson.
L E S S ON S NAP S HOT
The preschool lesson snapshot provides, at a glance, a simple lesson plan, a timeline for the
class, and a list of all the materials you will need to complete the activities and object lessons. If
you print out a copy of the Lesson Snapshot you can use it as your lesson plan. You can high-
light the object lessons you are planning to use and adjust the times based on the size of your
class or the amount of time you are planning to allot for a particular activity.
OP E NI NG AC T I V I T Y AND I NT R OD UC T I ON
Each preschool lesson begins with an opening activity to introduce the Bible lesson for that
day. The activities in this section use everyday classroom items like paper and paper clips
or common items you would have on hand like a set of keys or a coin. If you are short
on time you can always count on the opening activity to be simple and easy to do without
much preparation.
B I B L E S T OR Y
Every lesson in the Gospel Story curriculum has a corresponding story in The Gospel Story Bible.
Use the Bible story time to engage the children. Gather the children around you on a rug.
Use creativity when reading the story by changing your voice to match that of the characters
who are speaking. For example, Goliath would have a deep gruff voice while young David
would have a boys voice. At some point in the story, turn the book around to show the children
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the illustration. When youve nished reading the story, show the children the illustration again
as you ask them the questions found in the Lets talk about it text box.
B I B L E S T OR Y D I S C US S I ON
Along with the questions in The Gospel Story Bible, weve provided additional Bible story
questions for every lesson in the curriculum. If you are working with younger preschool
children provide them the help they need to answer the questions. Remember, the questions
are teaching tools not a test. Consider one of the following creative ways to use these questions
with younger children:
Ask the question and have an adult helper prompt the children with the correct answer.
Use a puppet and ask it the questions. The puppet can respond with the correct answer
quickly on some and enlist the help of the children on others.
Once you ask a question, give the children clues to help them. If for instance you want
them to tell you what God created rst you could say, When we turn on the wall switch
at night we get _______?
You can tell children the answers to the questions before you read the story, then quiz
them when you are through by asking the very same questions. Remember that repetition
is an important key to learning.
WHE R E I S T HE GOS P E L ?
This section is written to help instruct you as the teacher on how to connect a particular story
to Gods larger plan of redemption. It is not designed for you to read verbatim to the class. The
goal is for you to study and understand how each lesson connects to the broader story line of the
Bible. Sometimes this section will give you a related passage that helps to connect the passage of
the day with the gospel. Read through this section and look for opportunities to use the infor-
mation you learn to teach the children how the lesson connects to the gospel.
S NAC K AND S NAC K QUE S T I ONS
Younger kids love a snack break. You dont have to prepare elaborate snacks. Simple cookies and
juice or pretzels and water are a welcome treat for the children. Always be aware of food allergy
restrictions in choosing snacks. Weve provided additional questions for you to ask during
snack time. Like the Bible story discussion, dont expect them to be able to answer all the
questions without help.
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S WOR D B I B L E ME MOR Y
The Sword Bible Memory program is designed to help families memorize Gods Word
together month by month. Since we memorize a passage over the course of a month, verses do
not always connect to a particular classroom lesson. But, by spending more time on one passage
rather than a short time on a new one each week, the children are better able to remember and
retain what they memorize.
Everyone, regardless of age, memorizes verses from the same Bible passage each month.
The preschool children memorize one verse, the lower elementary school children memorize
three verses, and the older elementary school children and their parents memorize the
whole passage.
The verses of each memorization level stand alone.
As the children move through the curriculum every three years they will have the
opportunity to add to passages they have already memorized.
By the end of the curriculum each child will have memorized 36 passages for a total of over
200 verses. For example, this is how Psalm 23 breaks down:
Preschool. The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).
Lower elementary. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down
in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in
paths of righteousness for his names sake (Psalm 23:1-3).
Upper elementary and parents memorize the entire psalm.
Notice how, at each successive level, a child builds on what she has already learned, and every-
one in the family memorizes the same Bible passage together.
AC T I V I T I E S AND OB J E C T L E S S ONS
The activities and object lessons are designed to help you add creativity to your lesson.
Although they are listed in the lesson snapshot toward the end of the lesson, you can use an
object lesson any place in your instruction. Consider these options:
Use the coloring sheet as the opening activity while all of the children arrive.
Use an object lesson or activity after you finish your Bible story discussion, before
the snack.
Use an object lesson or activity after the snack time before the memory verse.
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Use the object lessons as the curriculum for a large group meeting where you bring two
smaller classes together for activities. In that case, you could use the opening activity,
Bible story, and discussion portions of the lesson with a smaller group before assembling
the kids together for the larger group program.
P R AY
Dont underestimate the importance of demonstrating prayer in your classroom. Prayer at the
beginning of the class, after the opening activity and introduction, invites God to bless your
class time. Prayer at the end of your class provides an opportunity to invite the childrens partici-
pation by having one or more of the students thank God for the days lesson. Prayer also gives
you an opportunity to remind the children of the key points of the lesson as you thank God
specically for each one. Finally, remember to pray for the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts and
lives of the children.
AD D Y OUR OWN TAL E NT S AND C R E AT I V I T Y
Consider using the gifts God has given you to add your own personal touch to the lessons in
the following ways:
Worship and singing. If you are gifted musically, you can easily add a time of singing at
the beginning or end of the lesson. Children love to sing.
Puppets. Just about every component of the lesson can be enhanced with the use of simple
puppets. Children love interacting with puppets. The puppets can help answer questions
by giving the children hints, or give the children instructions before an activity, or draw
the children in to read from The Gospel Story Bible.
Props. A lessons object lessons and activities are meant to spark your own creativity.
Always feel free to enhance an activity or object lesson to make it a better t for the children.
There is nothing like bringing a few extra props to enhance a lesson and help keep a
childs interest.
Costumes. Start a costume box where you keep a half-dozen childrens costumes. This
could be a large plastic storage bin, an old hard side suitcase, or even an old steamer trunk.
Fill it with used at sheets cut to size with neck holes for simple costumes. Include acces-
sories like belts, plastic swords, a kings crown, a few hats or bandannas, and a few phony
beards. When you nd a good walking staff, add it to your collection by placing it in the
corner of a classroom closet or in a corner. Then when it comes time to teach the lesson,
throw a few costumes on the kids and move them around acting out the story as you read
it from the Bible or The Gospel Story Bible. Simple dramas with children do not need
scripts, lines, or practice. You will be amazed at how many Bible stories come to life with
a simple at sheet costume and a staff.
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Four Key Ingredients
of a Well-Taught Lesson
There are four key ingredients to keep in mind when using any grade level of the Gospel Story
curriculum. If you learn these four key ingredients and incorporate them, you will be amazed
at how God will transform the lives of the children in your classroom over time. We start with
prayer and end with Gods power. In between we prepare our lessons well and present them
enthusiastically. The results are in Gods hands, but he promises to match our presentation of
the gospel with working of his Spirit to change lives. Lets explore these four key ingredients.
I NGR E D I E NT 1 : P R AY E R
Our work is a partnership with God. We need his grace to reach the children in our class.
Solomon said it this way, Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain
(Psalm 127:1). Prayer is a great way to admit our weakness and call out to God for help with
the preparation and presentation of our lesson and to move in power in the lives of the children
in our class. Consider the amazing promises of Scripture regarding prayer: This is the con-
dence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us
(1 John 5:14). There is no doubt that it is Gods will to reach the next generation with the
gospel. So spend time in prayer before each lesson and watch God move in the hearts and lives
of your children.
Pray that God would help you in your preparation.
Pray that God would help you in your presentation.
Pray that God would move in power to open the ears and eyes of your children
to the gospel message.
I NGR E D I E NT 2 : P R E PAR AT I ON
God tells us in Deuteronomy 6 that we should teach the words of his law diligently to our chil-
dren. Diligent instruction demands careful preparation. Dont be content with just getting by.
The children might not notice that you were ying by the seat of your pants in class, but youll
know. Truth is, teaching a well-prepared lesson is a whole lot more fun than trying to wing it.
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Preparation takes time and we are all busy, yet consider these simple tips to help you prepare
your lesson without crippling your schedule.
Read your lesson a week ahead as a part of your Monday morning devotions.
Make a list of all the items you need for the object lessons you are going to teach and
gather them as you travel through your week.
If you can, practice the object lessons with children, yours or someone elses. Dont worry,
they love getting the inside scoop on what is going to happen on Sunday morning.
After your rst run-through with the lesson in hand, try presenting it again to an imaginary
classroom audience without reading from your lesson. This is particularly helpful in going
through an object lesson with the kids. If you dont review the object lesson and practice
you will likely have your eyes focused on the paper instead of engaging the children. Get
the main point but do not be tied down to saying everything just as written.
I NGR E D I E NT 3 : P R E S E NTAT I ON
In teaching, Jesus used object lessons and so do we. When Jesus wanted to teach the disciples
about Gods provision, he told them to consider the lilies of the eld (Matthew 6:28). When
he wanted to make a point about paying taxes, he used a Roman coin and asked the Pharisees
whose likeness was stamped on the coin (Matthew 22:20). This method of teaching with stories
and object lessons made a deep impression on his audience. Matthew reports the crowds were
astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their
scribes (Matthew 7:2829).
The Gospel Story curriculum is lled with object lessons that are fun for the students and that
will help even an inexperienced teacher to look like an expert in the classroom. Here are a few
presentation pointers to consider when planning your lesson.
Remember that you are teaching children, not adults. Children love it when you change
your voice to match the character of the person speaking or when you use facial expres-
sions to overstate emotion.
Stretch your comfort zone. Dont be afraid to put on a simple costume to make a point or
to use a puppet with younger children to help them ask or answer a question.
Repetition is your friend. If there are two object lessons that teach the same thing, dont be
afraid to use them both, even back to back. Repetition helps children to retain the truth
of the lesson.
Get the children involved. Ask them questions as you go or have them repeat the main
thrust of your lesson.
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I NGR E D I E NT 4 : P OWE R
In all our preparation before class and hard work to present our lesson to the class remember
that neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth
(1 Corinthians 3:7). Here is the bottom line: we need Gods power to effect change in the hearts
and lives of our children. The power to transform a hard heart into a heart for God is found in
the message of the gospel directed by the Holy Spirit to the mind of a person. The apostle Paul
said, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone
who believes (Romans 1:16). Consider these pointers:
You dont have to be an eloquent speaker for God to work mightily through you when you
teach. Paul said, For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not
with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the
word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God (1 Corinthians 1:1718).
Expect God to move in the hearts and lives of your children. Share the gospel with
condence. Dont expect the children to respond immediately. Think of the illustration
of the farmer sowing seed and watering the crop: the farmer doesnt expect to see the
shoots spring up the next day, and not every seed planted on the same day sprouts at
the same time.
Avoid calling for immediate outward demonstrations of faith like raising hands as an
indication of a decision for Christ. Children are all too eager to please you as their teacher.
Watch their lives over time instead. When God saves them, their lives will change. Instead
of having them raise their hand, send them back to talk to their mom or dad. Parents are
the ones best positioned to discern their childs true repentance.
Notice how our work, preparation, and presentation, is bracketed by Gods work, rst in our
asking for his help and lastly in us looking for his power. The Gospel Story curriculum is lled
with great object lessons but none of them has any power to change the life of a single child.
That is why weve included gospel connections in every lesson. Remember, the gospel is the
power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes so that even the least eloquent of teach-
ers can present a life-changing message with eternal results.
A F I NAL E NC OUR AGE ME NT
The apostle Paul told the Corinthians that he didnt come with eloquent wisdom or skilled
speech yet he brought a message of power and knew that it was God working through the proc-
lamation of the gospel that changed peoples lives. We teachers simply need to faithfully present
the gospel and watch God work. Consider how the hardest granite is worn away by the ow of
the smallest stream. Before you too harshly critique any one days presentation, rejoice in the
fact that a change depends not on you but on God.
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BI BLE TRUTH
T HE BABY TO BE BORN TO MARY WOUL D BE T HE SAVI OR OF T HE WORL D
GOS P E L S T OR Y C UR R I C UL UM ( NT ) L OWE R E L E ME NTAR Y
L E S S ON 1
The Birth of
Jesus Foretold
L UK E 1
L ESSON SNAPSHOT
1. OPENING REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MIN
Use last weeks lesson outline to review with the children what they learned.
2. BIBLE STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Read Luke 1 from the Scriptures or read story 79, The Birth of Jesus Foretold, from The Gospel
Story Bible.
3. OBJECT LESSON 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Lost for Words
SUPPLIES:
Zechariah costume: an old sheet, a towel for a head covering, a fake beard, and a staff
4. TEACHING/DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Using the teaching points, teach through the lesson for today.
5. OBJECT LESSON 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Egg in the Jar
SUPPLIES:
two hard boiled eggs (Write the words baby Jesus on both eggs.)
two large-mouth, quart-size canning jars with lids
white bath towel
6. SWORD BIBLE MEMORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MIN
7. ACTIVITY TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Color a Picture
coloring page for NT Lesson 1one copy for each child
crayons or markers
8. CLOSING PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MIN
9. BONUS OBJECT LESSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Good Gifts from God
SUPPLIES:
poster boardenough to make a pennant for each student
felt-tip markers
TOTAL 75 MIN
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TEACHING POINTS
Two angels, two babies, one planLuke begins his gospel account by explaining the
careful, orderly way he researched and retold the story of Jesus. After a short introduction,
Luke tells of the angel Gabriel, who announced the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus
Christ the Messiah. Two women, Elizabeth and Mary, were to conceive miraculously. Elizabeth
was barren, much like Sarah (Abrahams wife) was barren. Once again, God promised to ll a
barren womb with life, demonstrating his magnicent power to accomplish his plan. Marys
pregnancy was to be more amazing still. God himself would cause Mary, a virgin, to conceive
a child by the Holy Spirit before she was even married! Her son, Jesus, would fulll the Old
Testament prophecy of an everlasting king on Davids throne. The angel further announced
that the child would be called holythe Son of God (Luke 1:35).
A gospel prophecyAfter the angel told her about Gods plan, Mary hurried to see Elizabeth.
When Mary arrived, Elizabeths unborn baby jumped inside her. Elizabeth was lled with the
Holy Spirit and said some amazing things. She said that Marys baby would be her Lord. She
knew that Mary had believed Gabriels words and had faith that what he said would come to
pass.
The birth of John the BaptistJust as the angel of the Lord prophesied, Elizabeth gave birth
to a son. People were surprised when Elizabeth decided to call him John because there was no
one with that name in their family. When Zechariah conrmed that the baby was named John,
he demonstrated faith in Gods plan and immediately regained his speech. The Holy Spirit
lled Zechariah who prophesied that God had raised up a horn of salvation (Luke 1:69).
This was a reference to Jesus.
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PREPARI NG T O T EACH
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OPENING REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MIN
Use last weeks lesson outline to review with the children what they learned.
BIBLE STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Read Luke 1 from the Scriptures or read story 79, The Birth of Jesus Foretold, from The
Gospel Story Bible.
OBJECT LESSON 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Lost for Words
SUPPLIES:
Zechariah costume: an old sheet, a towel for a head covering, a fake beard,
and a staff
Where Is the Gospel?
How does todays Bible story t into Gods greater plan of redemption?
When Mary saw Elizabeth with child, she realized that what the angel Gabriel had
told her was true. Then she heard Elizabeths prophetic blessing. Filled with wonder
and joy, she worshiped God with a song.
Mary was a sinner just like us. She needed a Savior (Luke 1:47), and she knew that
Gods promise was going to be fullled with the birth of the baby inside her. She knew
that Gods plan of salvation would somehow be about her son. Her words are a song
of praise to God for his incredible promise to Abraham and his descendants. The
fulllment of Gods promise to Abraham was going to come through Jesus. But Mary
could not have understood that her son would be sacriced on the cross in order to
fulll that promise. It is through Jesus that people from every nation are blessed.
T HE L ESSON
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Have one of the teachers dress up as Zechariah and use sign language to act out the message
the angel gave him. Remember, because of his unbelief, Zechariah was made mute (unable
to speak). This could be a humorous skit done ad-lib. A second teacher should try to guess
Zechariahs message. Think of this as a game of charades where Zechariah is trying to
communicate his vision.
Use the following questions to engage the children in a dialogue:
Does Gods promise to Zechariah remind you of a promise he made to
another Bible character?
(Zechariah and Elizabeth remind us of Abraham and Sarah. Just like Sarah, Elizabeth was
barren and was promised a son.)
What part in Gods plan of redemption is Zechariahs son going to play?
(John will announce the coming of Jesus and his ministry.)
TEACHING/DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Using the teaching points, teach through the lesson for today.
OBJECT LESSON 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Egg in the Jar
SUPPLIES:
two hard-boiled eggs
two large-mouth, quart-size canning jars with lids
white bath towel
To prepare, write the words baby Jesus on both eggs. Place one egg inside one of the jars and
set it on a table; cover it with the towel.
In class, hold the egg (the one not in the jar) in one hand and the empty, lid-covered jar in the
other hand. Ask for a volunteer to try to get the egg (baby Jesus) inside the jar (Marys tummy)
without opening the lid. Act as if it is possible and be surprised when your volunteer says that
it cant be done. Interview your volunteer to try to get her to say that its impossible to get
the egg into the jar without taking off the lid. Once you have established with the class that
it is impossible, set that jar down and retrieve the jar with the egg inside. Discuss the miracle
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that God did in placing baby Jesus inside of Mary even though she had no husband. Though
it was impossible, God did it.
Move on to ask the class what other impossible thing God did in this story. (He gave a baby to
Elizabeth, who was barren.)
SWORD BIBLE MEMORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MIN
Take time during the class to review the SWORD Bible Memory verses with the class. Provide
the opportunity for each child to recite the verses to an adult worker.
ACTIVITY TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Color a Picture
SUPPLIES:
coloring page for NT Lesson 1one copy for each child
crayons or markers
While the children are coloring, engage them by asking the following questions:
Where is the angel in the picture?
(Help the children point out the angel.)
Why do you think Mary was a bit afraid when the angel frst appeared?
(Angels just dont appear every day in our lives. How do you think you would react if an angel
popped into our classroom right now?)
What did the angel tell Mary?
(The angel told Mary she was going to have a very special baby she would name Jesus.)
God asked Mary to be the mother of Jesus, and she said yes. What is God
calling us to do?
(God is calling all of us to believe and trust in Jesus. Though Jesus came as a baby, he grew up
to be the Savior of the world and died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. God calls all
of us to believe.)
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CLOSING PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MIN
Pick several children to pray prayers based on the days Scripture passages.
BONUS OBJECT LESSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MIN
Good Gifts from God
SUPPLIES:
poster boardenough to make a pennant for each student
felt-tip markers
Cut poster board into pennant-sized triangles (one for each student). Write a word from the list
below in block letters on each of the triangles so that the children can color inside the letters.
In class, pass out the pennants and have the children color/decorate them with the markers.
(If you have more than sixteen children, assign more than one child per banner.) After they
are nished coloring, read Zechariahs prayer aloud (Luke 1:6879). While you read have the
child who has the corresponding word from that verse stand up and raise their banner. Then,
after you have nished reading, have the children one by one, in order, shout out their words:
Redeemed! Salvation! Saved! Mercy!, etc.
Verse 68Redeemed Verse 75Holiness
Verse 69Salvation Verse 75Righteousness
Verse 71Saved Verse 76Prophet of the Most High
Verse 72Mercy Verse 77Salvation
Verse 72Promised Verse 77Forgiveness
Verse 72Remember Verse 78Tender mercy
Verse 73Oath Verse 79Light
Verse 74Delivered Verse 79Peace
L E S S ON 1 - T HE B I R T H OF J E S US F OR E T OL D
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