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After nearly one hundred years in Jerusalem, the city walls were still in ruins. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and successfully petitioned the king to go to Jerusalem and help. The neighbouring countries complained and threatened Nehemiah, trying to distract him, but he kept to his purpose and finished the job.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Nehemiah 1-8

Outline:

With King Cyrus’ support, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. (Nehemiah 1:1-2:9)
Despite opposition, Nehemiah oversees the rebuilding of the wall. (Nehemiah 2:10-6:14)
The wall is completed and Jewish families are registered. (Nehemiah 6:15-7:73)
Ezra reads the Law to the people which leads to celebration. (Nehemiah 8:1-)

Tips for teaching children:

Have the children draw a wall of bricks. Follow up with conversation about words and thoughts from the story. Write these on the bricks, one word or thought per brick. For more explanation, follow this link: Drawing Out an Idea
Nehemiah continued to build the wall despite opposition. Encourage older children to share situations and people that might distract them from doing what God wants them to do.
Younger children can build walls with wooden blocks.
Sing Building Up the Temple

Tips for teaching adults:

The Book of Nehemiah can be read to learn about real-life leadership, community rebuilding, and spiritual renewal. Have the class read Nehemiah 1-8 and make personal notes that relate to these three themes before the class. And ask them to bring their notes to class.
When the class begins, divide the class up into three groups with each group focusing on only one of the three themes. Each group is to discuss where they see these themes in the book, collate their discussion in writing summarising their theme. Give each group about 30 minutes to discuss and write down their discussion.
Have the three groups come together to share with the other groups what they have learned and written down.
Following this have the class discuss the following questions: How can we incorporate more of these themes in our life in the classroom and in our personal lives? What can we learn personally from Nehemiah to help us to become more mature as a follower of Jesus?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Return to Jerusalem-Rebuilding Walls

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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The Lord had always promised that the people would return to their land someday. After 70 years in exile, many of the Jewish people finally returned. Zerubbabel led one group back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Ezra led another group back to teach the people and restore God’s Law.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Ezra 1-10

Outline:

A group of Jews leaves captivity and returns to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1-6)
Ezra leads another group from captivity to restore the law in Jerusalem. (Ezra 7-10)

Tips for teaching children:

Build a temple with wooden blocks or Lego
Help children make a scroll and write a letter to God thanking him for keeping his promises.

Tips for teaching adults:

If you wish, you could show this brief video explaining some of the significance of The Cyrus Cylinder. This piece of archaeology directly connects with the story of the Bible in Ezra and in 2 Kings.
Since this book is too long to read during the class time, encourage the class members to read it before they come to the class.
Questions for discussion:
- What questions do you have for God about this story?
- Why is the rebuilding of the Temple in the book of Ezra important to the life of the community?
- What were some of the things in the book that stood out to you and why? Get the other class members to engage in the conversation.
Have each class member write on a piece of paper a sin of unfaithfulness to God or the church, they want to confess. Wad these pieces up and throw them into a waste bin. Then call on someone to pray a prayer of confession for these sins but end the prayer with thankfulness, forgiveness and renewal.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Return to Jerusalem-Temple & Law

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King Xerxes now ruled Persia. Because he had deposed his queen in a drunken feast, a search was made throughout the kingdom for a new queen. Under the direction of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther was put forward and chosen. Not knowing that his beautiful queen was Jewish, Xerxes fell in with a plan to destroy the Jewish exiles living in his land. Queen Esther saved her people by revealing her Jewish origins to the king and convincing him to let the Jews defend and protect themselves.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Esther 1-10

Outline:

Esther becomes queen.(Esther chapters 1-2)
Haman attempts to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. (Esther chapter 3)
Esther saves her people. (Esther chapters 4-8)
The Jews defend themselves and celebrate. (Esther 9-10)

Tips for teaching children:

Make a crown.
Provide paints so that children can paint a portrait of Queen Esther.
Write talents or gifts on individual cards (cooking, singing, money, etc.). Have children take turns picking a card and then explaining how that gift might be used to help God’s people.

Tips for teaching adults:

Plan an evening together with the class that reflects 9:13 – feasting and giving of gifts. Traditionally the book of Esther is also read at Purim but have the class read it before the evening. On the designated evening, eat together and follow with the exchange of a gift that takes its theme from Esther. As host, prepare another traditional Feast of Purim food, Hamantaschen (ears of Haman) – triangular shaped pastries. Here’s a link to the recipe: https://bellyfull.net/hamantaschen-cookies/
Just enjoy the evening together talking about what you have learned from your reading of the book. You may want to especially discuss 4:13-14 and 6:13 and what these verses have to do with the idea of the providence of God. Where else in the book is the providence of God possibly seen?
End the time by reading Romans.8:28 and thanking God working in our lives.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Queen Esther

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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The Medo-Persian Empire conquered the Babylonian Empire. Darius was the new ruler of Babylon. When he saw that Daniel had served Babylon well, he appointed him a government official for Medo-Persia. Soon, he considered putting Daniel in charge of the whole government. Other jealous officials plotted against Daniel and put Darius in a position where he was forced to have Daniel thrown to the lions. God saved Daniel from the lions and caused Darius to show respect toward the Lord.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Daniel 6
Colossians 3:23

Outline:

The king’s officials are jealous of Daniel and trick the king into making a law to trap him. (Daniel 6:1-9)
The king reluctantly has Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. (Daniel 6:10-18)
God protects Daniel’s life and the king punishes those who tricked him. (Daniel 6:10-18)

Tips for teaching children:

Help the children make a craft depicting lions.
Sing the song “Good Old Daniel”
Discuss Daniel’s work ethic and how he was a good official for the king because he worked as if he were working for God. Talk about Colossians 3:23 and what our work ethic will be.

Tips for teaching adults:

This is a story that should be read during class. Since there is quite a bit of dialogue, I would suggest dividing up the reading into parts. Choose someone to read the narration, and other class members to read the parts of Darius, the other advisors, and Daniel.
If you know the song “Rescue Me” (by Keith Lancaster), I recommend singing it during class time. The theme of the song fits the lesson today. It even has lyrics about “lions."
Praise & Harmony Singers "Rescue Me"
Rescue Me by Tim Parish (with musical notes)
Use these questions for discussion: 1) Why could Daniel continue his regular devotion to God in the face of this threat? 2) What can we learn about Daniel’s character from this story? What character or actions of Daniel do you need to imitate?
Daniel’s courage didn’t begin in the lions’ den—it was formed long before. What spiritual discipline(s) can you practice regularly that will help shape your faith so that you can respond faithfully in times of crisis?
End with a prayer asking God to help us rise to the challenge of practising our faith consistently and faithfully, so we can respond to times of crisis and threat as Daniel did.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Daniel and the Lions

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Belshazzar held a drunken banquet for royal guests. To add excitement to the party, he called for the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem many years before. The revellers praised their false gods and used the holy temple objects to drink wine from. In the midst of this disrespect, a human hand mysteriously appeared from nowhere and wrote on the wall. The king’s court could not interpret the writing, so Daniel was brought to the feast. Daniel interpreted the writing to mean that Belshazzar and the kingdom would fall. That night, Belshazzar was killed, and Darius, king of the Medes, took over Babylon.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Daniel 5

Outline:

A mysterious hand writes words on the wall during King Belshazzar’s drunken party. (Daniel 5:1-9)
Daniel is brought in to interpret the words. (Daniel 5:10-28)
Daniel is promoted and the king falls to a new king. (Daniel 5:29=32)

Tips for teaching children:

Spend time talking about respect for God in the light of the king’s disregard.
Allow the children to show their best interpretations of the king’s partying and then extreme fear.
Before class, use a white crayon to write “Mene, mene, tekal, parsin” on white paper. These words should not be visible to others. As you tell the story, brush dark paint over the words to make them appear.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read the text, dividing up the reading according to outline in the show notes.
Discuss the following questions: how did Belshazzar demonstrate his inability to rule over the kingdom? What can we learn about who he was from this story? What does Daniel do and say to demonstrate who God is and what God does or can do? What do you think is the primary point to this story?
Hand out blank paper to the class members. Ask them to draw four lines in a row across the page. If God were to write four words to describe your life, what would he write? If appropriate, ask class members to share what they wrote..
End the class with a prayer asking God to guide the political leaders of your nation and to guide your life into deeper obedience and trust.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Writing on the Wall

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a huge golden statue to be built. All the people were ordered to bow down to this idol or be thrown into a blazing furnace. The king heard that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow. They had been educated in the king’s palace and now served as government officials, but they told the king they only worshipped the true God and would not bow down. They were thrown into the furnace but did not die. When they walked safely out of the furnace, the king was impressed by the power of God. He promoted these Jewish men to even higher positions.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Daniel 3

Outline:

King Nebuchadnezzar commands everyone to bow before his gold statue. (Daniel 3:1-7)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abedgego refuse to bow and are thrown in a fiery furnace as a result. (Daniel 3:8-23)
King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses God saving the men from the fire. (Daniel 3:24-30)

Tips for teaching children:

Challenge older children to spell the name Nebuchadnezzar.
Provide a paper and crayons (red, yellow, orange, brown, black) and let the children draw fire. Follow this up by adding drawings of four simple “people” in the fire.
Sing the song: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Three young men lived very long ago.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
To an idol, they would never bow.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Into a fiery furnace, they were therefore cast.
Nebuchadnezzar said they’d never last.
God was there and He never let them go.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Tips for teaching adults:

If you can bring a clay brick to class or a clay-fired piece of pottery. Ask the class to guess how hot a furnace or kiln had to be to fire pottery in the ancient world? The answer is about 1000o C (1800o F). Ask if anyone knows the melting temperature of various metals (silver – 960, lead – 330, glass softens at 800 and is workable at 1000).
Read chapter 3 dividing the reading according to the outline in the show notes. As you are reading you can show a slide of the famous Ishtar Gate found here: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ishtar-Gate Tell the class that this gate that led into the city of Babylon was built by King Nebuchadnezzar and represents his wealth and power.
You may want to ask these discussion questions: What could these three have done before this that prepared them to face this threat? What can we do to prepare ourselves to act faithfully before we are faced with a crisis? What is the primary point of the story – the faithfulness of these three men from Judah or the honour of the God of these three men? Why?
How is this story an illustration of what Jesus says in Matthew 5:16? What is one thing you can do this week to demonstrate your faith in a public way that will not draw attention to you but to God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Fiery Furnace

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When the Kingdom of Judah turned away from God, God allowed the enemy nation of Babylon to capture the Jews and take them away to Babylon. The temple and the city walls of Jerusalem were destroyed. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon commanded that the brightest and most handsome captives be educated and taught to serve in the Babylonian courts. When Daniel and three other young Jews were told to eat the king’s food, they refused because it was food that God had forbidden Jews to eat. When the officials saw that these young men were healthier and stronger when they obeyed God’s food laws, they allowed them to continue obeying the Lord. These four young men impressed the king because they were smarter than all the men in the king’s court.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Daniel 1

Outline:

The King of Babylon captures Jerusalem and takes captives. (Daniel 1:1-2)
Daniel and three other young men honour God by refusing to eat the king’s food. (Daniel 1:3-17)
The king recognises that Daniel and his friends are the best of his servants. (Daniel 1:18-21)

Tips for teaching children:

To tell the story, use this slideshow made by young men. Link to slideshow.
Provide a large piece of paper. Have the children write the following along the bottom of the page, “I will honour God with my body. 1 Corinthians 6:20”. Then decorate the poster with drawings of body parts. Add footprints, fingerprints and handprints. Children could even glue on a lock of hair.
Place vegetables in two small plates. One should be clean and the other should have crumbled chocolate cookie on it so it appears to be dirt. Talk about how the food God approved was clean and the king’s food was unclean. Which food would they want to eat? Be sure and let them eat the clean vegetables.

Tips for teaching adults:

Use the same vegetable activity as for the children above.
Read Daniel chapter one, dividing the reading up into outline provided in the show notes.
After the reading, use some or all of the following questions to begin a discussion:
- What are some lessons you see the text teaching?
- How is Daniel being faithful to God by not eating the king’s food?
- What is the point of eating only clean food, not unclean.
Follow up with these:
- What kinds of things sets Christians apart from the world or what marks us off as being followers of Christ?
- Challenge the class to generate a list of boundary markers that should separate Christians from the world.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Daniel and the King’s Food

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Ezekiel was a Jewish priest who was captured and taken to Babylon a few years after Daniel. God chose him to prophesy about all of the things that were happening back in Jerusalem. After Jerusalem was destroyed, Ezekiel began prophesying about the hope that God would restore the Jews to their land someday. God showed Ezekiel how he could bring a bunch of old dry bones to life. In the same way, God could bring His people back to life if they would turn to Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Outline:

In a vision, Ezekiel witnesses God bringing dry bones back to life. (Ezekiel 37:1-10)
God explains that, in the same way, he will bring life back to his people. (Ezekiel 37:11-14)

Tips for teaching children:

Collect items so that children can learn about bones. These might be toy skeletons or x-rays. Make a point to have children feel their bones through their skin.
Show pictures of bones, muscles, flesh and skin.
Discuss hope and how it is more than a wish. It is a belief that something will happen.

Tips for teaching adults:

Have the text read in the class. Use outline in show notes to divide up the reading.
Ask the class to think about the following questions and then get a few people to share their responses with the class. Have you ever felt hopeless? Why? What happened to move you from hopelessness to hope?
This story is one of the most powerful texts on hope in the OT. Another one is in Ephesians 2:1-10. Read these verses and ask class to compare this text with Ezekiel 37. How are they similar? What’s the message of hope in the Ephesians text?
Write down some of the promises God has made to us as his people? Close in prayer by thanking God for his promises and the hope we have in Jesus.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Ezekiel & the Valley of Dry Bones

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Jeremiah continued to warn the people of Judah that their nation would be destroyed if they did not repent (say they were sorry and change their ways) and follow God. The Lord commanded Jeremiah to write these warnings on a scroll and read them to the people. Jeremiah dictated the words to his secretary, Baruch, and then told him to go to the temple and read it to the people. Eventually, the scroll was read to King Jehoiakim. He did not want to repent, so he cut the scroll into pieces and threw the pieces into a fire. He wanted Baruch and Jeremiah arrested, but the Lord kept them safely hidden. Jeremiah and Baruch wrote the scroll again and began preaching that the nation of Judah would be destroyed because the king and the people did not repent.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Jeremiah 36

Outline:

Baruch transcribes Jeremiah’s words onto a scroll and then reads it before the people. (Jeremiah 36:1-10)
King Jehoiakim burns the scroll. (Jeremiah 36:11-26)
God has Jeremiah and Baruch recreate the scroll. (Jeremiah 36:27-32)

Tips for teaching children:

Make a scroll. Children can write “Jeremiah 36:2” on the scroll. Older children can write out part or all of the verse: ““Jeremiah, get a scroll. Write on it all the words I have spoken to you about Israel and Judah and all the nations. Write everything I have spoken to you since Josiah was king until now.”
Research Hebrew letters and copy them onto the scroll
Talk about the concept of repentance and turning to God. It may be helpful to use a road sign that depicts a “U-turn”.

Tips for teaching adults:

As a teacher I would plan on using props for this story. You may use a PowerPoint slide of a fire burning in a brazier. And bring a large sheet of paper with writing on it and rolled up as a scroll, and a box-cutter knife.
Divide the reading up into sections. You can use the outline in the show notes. Choose a few readers to read the story. When the reading gets to the place where Jehoiakim cuts the scroll, one person will cut strips from the scroll and let them fall to the floor. He can keep cutting as the text is read until the whole scroll is cut.
Here are some questions for discussion: 1) what do you think Jehoiakim was thinking when he was cutting up the scroll and throwing the strips into the fire? 2) Why did he respond like this instead of fear?
Read Jeremiah’s comment on King Jehoiakim in 22:13-19. What did God expect the king of Judah to be like? What would make him a good king? What can we learn about this for our lives?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jeremiah and the Scroll

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Jeremiah continued to preach and prophesy the word of the Lord as he watched the Kings of Judah lead the kingdom to its downfall. God sent Jeremiah to watch a potter at work. In watching the potter mold the clay, Jeremiah learned that Judah was in the hands of God just as the clay was in the hands of the potter. Later, the Lord told Jeremiah to destroy one of the potter’s clay jars by smashing it in front of the leaders of Judah. This showed how the Kingdom of Judah would be destroyed if the people did not turn to God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Jeremiah 18-19

Outline:

Jeremiah observes a potter at work and then delivered a message to the people (Jeremiah chapter 18)
A message about a broken jar (Jeremiah chapter 19)

Tips for teaching children:

Younger children can play with playdough and form various shapes. Older children can make a simple bowl from clay or dough.
Sing He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Tips for teaching adults:

Supply Play-Doh (or clay if available) for each class member and ask them to make a piece of pottery.
As they are making their pieces of pottery, have both of these chapters read if time allows. Otherwise read 18:1-18 and 19:1-15.
After the pieces are finished, you, the teacher, can hold your piece of pottery you made for all to see and name one good about it and one thing that didn’t go right in the making of the piece. Ask each class member to do the same with their piece.
Follow up with challenging each class member to state one good thing about themselves and one thing they would like to change with God’s help..
End with a prayer asking God to be the potter and each class member to be his pliant clay to make us into what he desires for his glory.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jeremiah- Lessons from a Potter

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Unlike his evil grandfather and father, King Josiah tried to lead the people of Judah back to God. He cleared Judah of all forms of idol worship. When he ordered the temple of the Lord cleaned and repaired, the high priest found the Book of the Law that had been lost and forgotten. Convicted by the words in the book, Josiah gathered all the people and read the Book of the Law to them. For the first time in hundreds of years, God’s people celebrated the Passover according to God’s law. Although the Word of God had been in the temple all along, it had not been read.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 22-23:30

Outline:

The Book of the law is found when King Josiah orders the Temple repaired. (2 Kings 22:1-23:3)
Hezekiah orders the systematic removal of false worship in Judah and celebrates the Passover with the people. (2 Kings 23:4-25)
King Josiah dies. (2 Kings 23:26-30)

Tips for teaching children:

King Josiah is the last good king of Judah. Children can decorate crowns.
Create a “holy space” in the area where you are teaching. This is not to be a re-creation of the temple but an area the children know is “special”. This might be sitting on a beautiful blanket or cloth. It may be a table with a shiny tablecloth. In this space talk about God and how holy he is.
- First, enjoy and appreciate God’s presence. Read some scriptures. Talk about the amazing things he has done. Pray.
- Next, introduce “idols” into the space. This could be as simple as writing the word “IDOL” on papers and then placing them in the holy space. Allow a few moments for the children to be offended by these being in an area devoted to God.
- Finally, talk about Josiah being so angry because people had placed unholy things in God’s space. He set out to remove all of these throughout his kingdom. Allow children to crumple up and “destroy” the idols you introduced.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin class by asking for personal stories of finding something significant or interesting when doing repairs on something.
Prepare yourself to summarise the story: read the story through several times and use the outline in the show notes to guide you through the summary.
Ask following discussion questions: What was successful about Josiah’s reform? What was unsuccessful? Why?
Organise a time and place for the class members to come together to share a meal together. During the meal, ask each other to recommit themselves to one another – to love and honour one another and to commit themselves to continue to follow God.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: King Josiah

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King Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from God that he would die. Hezekiah knew there was still much work to do in Judah. He wanted to help the country be better and teach the people to love God. Hezekiah could not do that if he were dead! Hezekiah prayed that the Lord would give him a longer life. The Lord stopped Isaiah before he had even left Hezekiah’s palace. He told Isaiah to go back and tell Hezekiah that he would live 15 more years. A sign of this healing was a miraculous moving of a shadow on steps.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 20:1-11
Isaiah 38 (Isaiah’s version)

Outline:

Hezekiah’s Illness and Healing (2 Kings 20:1-7)
The Sign of the Shadow on the Steps (2 Kings 20:8-11)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about how Hezekiah prayed, and God heard him. God always hears our prayers, and he answers our prayers according to what he knows is best for us. A simple song about this can be found at God Answers Prayer.
Guide the children in writing prayer requests on index cards or paper. They can shuffle the cards and then select one card at a time and pray.
Take time to notice shadows caused by lights or the sun. Making shadow figures with hands is fun. Guide children to notice how shadows are caused by an object blocking the sun or light. A shadow cannot form behind a light. When God gave Hezekiah a sign with a shadow, the shadow defied science. It was a miracle.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read this text read in the classroom. Choose two people to read the two sections outlined in the show notes.
Ask these discussion questions: What makes Hezekiah’s prayer so powerful? What does this say about our prayers? What can we learn about prayer from Hezekiah?
God changed his mind as a result of Hezekiah’s prayer. What do we learn about God? What can we learn about our relationship to God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: King Hezekiah Prays for Health

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Hezekiah (the 13th king of Judah) had just begun to rule. He was a good king and restored true worship among his people. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, attacked Judah. He mocked God and King Hezekiah. Hezekiah prayed for God’s protection. Isaiah, the prophet, told Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer. Just as Isaiah prophesied, Sennacherib was defeated. The angel of death wiped out his army, and he ended up being murdered by his own sons.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 18-19

Outline:

The kingdom of Israel falls, and good King Hezekiah rules Judah. (2 Kings 18:1-12)
The Empire of Assyria besieges Judah’s capital, Jerusalem, and pressures the people to accept its rule. (2 Kings 18:13-37)
Isaiah prophesies Assyria’s defeat. (2 Kings 19:1-7)
Assyria increases the pressure, and King Hezekiah prays. (2 Kings 19:8-19)
Isaiah prophesies, and then God causes the army to retreat. (2 Kings 19:20-37)

Tips for teaching children:

Younger children can make a crown and talk about good King Hezekiah.
Talk about praying when we are afraid. Experiment with a new kind of prayer method. Click here for Prayer Methods.
For older children: Draw a vertical line down the centre of a whiteboard or piece of paper to form two columns. In the left column, list the ways the Assyrians made fun of God and his followers in 2 Kings 18:19-25; 28-33. Then, ask the children to list ways that people today might make fun of God and his followers. Allow the children to express their reactions to these and suggest possible coping strategies if appropriate. Complete this activity with a prayer to God to ask for his help.

Tips for teaching adults:

Summarise these two chapters (2 Kings 18-19) in the classroom time. Before the class, read the chapters two or three times to get familiar with how the story develops. Using the outline in the show notes, add sub-points to help you retell the story. You could choose important verses to read as you present. Take about 15 minutes to summarise.
Here is a link to an article that will give some context for the story we read in the Bible.
Using Hezekiah’s prayer as a model, rewrite this prayer in your context (as a class or as individuals – whichever you choose). Have someone volunteer to pray their prayer on behalf of the class members.
Ask the class members to name several things that people in our culture put their trust in to save them (i.e. money, jobs, pleasure, etc.). Lead the class in prayer and renounce these false gods and reaffirm your trust in the true and living God and promise to follow him.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: God Protects King Hezekiah and His People

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Nineveh was the capital city of Israel’s enemy, Assyria. The Lord commanded Jonah to go and tell the people in Nineveh that their city would be destroyed if they did not repent of their wickedness. Jonah did not want to teach the people of Nineveh because he thought they would never change. He headed in the opposite direction – away from Nineveh – to try to hide from God. When the boat he boarded ran into a storm, Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a big fish. Jonah spent three days praying inside the fish, and then he was spit out. When Jonah finally went to Nineveh and preached, the wicked people repented and turned to God. The Book of Jonah ends with Jonah still resentful that these evil people received God’s mercy.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Jonah 1-4

Outline:

God calls Jonah but Jonah runs from God. (Jonah 1:1-16)
Jonah’s three days inside a fish. (Jonah 1:17-2:10)
Jonah goes to Ninevah. (Jonah chapter 3)
God’s mercy makes Jonah angry. (Jonah chapter 4)

Tips for teaching children:

Guide children in drawing a fish. Once they have finished, they can add a stick figure inside the fish to represent Jonah.
Make a boat from paper.
Talk about the fact that all people deserve to hear about God. Make a collage or draw pictures of different kinds of people.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read the book of Jonah during the class session. Choose an easy to read from a simple translation such as the English Standard Version or the International Children's Bible and select four people to read the four chapters.
This story confronts us with our prejudices and smug privileges as God’s people. Make a list of people groups that would be very different (ethnically, socially, morally) from the group in the classroom. Pray for them for God to bless them.
This story confronts the church, too. Is your church a welcoming church? How would the church respond if someone from the list you created in the previous question came into your assembly? As a class, brainstorm different ways to make your congregation more welcoming to outsiders? In other words, think about how you can communicate to visitors that you were expecting them and you are so glad they came.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jonah and the Big Fish

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When evil Athaliah heard that her son, King Ahaziah (6th king of Judah), had been killed, she declared herself Queen of Judah. She was so evil that she killed her own grandchildren so that they would not try to be kings or queens in her place. Baby Joash was hidden in the temple by his aunt, so he was not killed. Jehoiada, the priest, cared for Joash and taught him about God. When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada led the people in crowning Joash as the new king in Athaliah’s place. During his reign, Joash organised the work of the temple and had it repaired to its former glory. Sadly, in his later years, Joash turned away from God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 11-12

Outline:

Baby Joash is secretly kept safe in the temple. (2 Kings 11:1-10)
Seven-year-old Joash is crowned King, and evil Athaliah is killed. (2 Kings 11:11-21)
Repairing the temple. (2 Kings 12:1-16)
Joash’s last days. (2 Kings 12:17-21)

Tips for teaching children:

For younger children, hide a doll and have everyone find it.
Clean a room in the church building or your house. Repair something if it is appropriate.
Use the “God’s Story” page to reflect on this story.

Tips for teaching adults:

The story today covers two chapters. Read chapter 11 and then summarise chapter 12. Read chapter 11 in a dramatic way, adding depth to the story. Assign class members to read each character’s speech in the story. Don’t forget to choose someone to read the narrator’s part..
This story has brave characters. Who were they? How did they show their bravery? What was at stake? How did their bravery fulfil God’s purposes for his people?
Jehoiada was a positive and powerful influence for good on Joash’s life. Who has been a positive influence in your life? How have they been a positive influence on you? How has this impacted your life?
There are people in your congregation who are a positive influence in the congregation. Identify those people, write a note of encouragement and gratitude and give the note to them. Pray for them by name.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Joash – the Boy Who Became King

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Naaman, a wealthy military man from Aram (Syria), had leprosy. The servant of Naaman’s wife was a young girl who had been captured from Israel and taken away from her parents. The girl suggested that Naaman go to the prophet Elisha in Israel to be healed. When Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions and dipped in the Jordan River seven times, he was then healed of his leprosy.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 5

Outline:

Naaman sought healing in Israel. (2 Kings 5:1-7)
Naaman was healed of his skin disease. (2 Kings 5:8-19)
Gahazi lied and took money from Naaman. (2 Kings 5:20-27)

Tips for teaching children:

Craft: Have children draw a picture of Naaman on a thick piece of paper. Glue or tape a craft stick to the back, with only a small portion remaining behind the picture and most protruding from the bottom. Poke a hole in the bottom of a plastic or paper cup. Stick the craft stick inside the cup through the hole so that the picture of Naaman can slide in and out of the cup. The children can push the stick in and out of the hole to “dip Naaman in the water” seven times. Decorate the cup if you wish.
The young servant girl helped Naaman. Talk about ways children can help people. Ask children to draw pictures of these.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class with sharing stories about the different kinds of rivers the class members have swam in and for them to describe what kind of river these were. Were they clear blue or brown and muddy? Did you feel clean afterward or not?
Read the story in a dramatic way with different people reading the different characters in the story. Including the narrator, there will be eight readers with each one reading their character's speech. .
This story has several characters. On a white board write down each one. You should have: Naaman, servant girl, King of Aram, King of Israel, messenger/Gehazi, Elisha, Namaan’s servants (7). Ask the class to describe each one (their emotions, actions, etc). Which one do you identify with today? Which one have you identified with in the past? How is Naaman a model to us? What do we learn about God in this story?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Naaman is Healed

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A wealthy woman had an extra room built onto her house and furnished it comfortably for Elisha. Elisha and his servant used the room whenever they passed through the area of Shunem. In thanks for her help in preaching the word of God, Elisha told the woman that she would give birth to a son even though her husband was very old. She did give birth to a son, but after a few years, he died. The woman placed the boy’s body in Elisha’s special room and then went to find Elisha. Elisha came and raised her son from the dead.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 4:8-37

Outline:

An important woman shows hospitality to Elisha. (2 Kings 4:8-10)
The woman and her husband have a baby boy. (2 Kings 4:11-17)
The son becomes sick and dies. (2 Kings 4:18-21)
The woman fetches Elisha to save her son. (2 Kings 4:22-37)

Tips for teaching children:

Discuss how we can bless those we know who preach and teach. Perhaps make cards or prepare cookies for the preacher in your church.
Craft: Use a box (like a shoe box) to make a bible times house. Create a room on the roof like the woman did for Elisha.
The boy in the story sneezed. For fun, take turns sneezing and choose who has the funniest sneeze.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read this story dramatically with different class members reading the parts of the different characters in the story. Choose someone to be the narrator, one to read each of the characters in the story.
Although hospitality is not the main point of the story, it is an obvious component of it.
- In what ways did this woman demonstrate hospitality?
- Why is hospitality so important?
- How does it demonstrate the character of God?
One of the primary characters in this story is the woman. Spend some time describing her.
- What does this story tell us about this woman? Especially note verses 25-30.
- What are some of the qualities of this woman that are worthy of imitating?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Elisha Raises a Boy from the Dead

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A prophet died, leaving debts his widow and two sons could not pay. The creditor decided to take the two sons as slaves to pay the debt. When the widow begged for Elisha’s help, the Lord miraculously provided them with enough oil to sell and pay off the debt.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 4:1-7

Outline:

The desperate widow of a prophet approaches Elisha. (2 Kings 4:1)
Elisha directs a miracle that multiplies oil and saves the widow’s sons. (2 Kings 4:2-7)

Tips for teaching children:

Ask the children to think about how they would have felt if they had been the sons in this story.
Provide olives and olive oil so the children can touch, smell and even taste them.
Draw pictures of jars in various shapes and sizes.
Provide jars and water so younger children can reenact the pouring of oil into jars.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read the story aloud from three or four different translations.
Bring a small jar of olive oil to the classroom and bring various kinds of olives for the class to enjoy tasting.
Divide the class into groups of three or four and challenge them to write down all the different ways the ancient world utilised oil from the olive tree. Asking Google or AI is encouraged. After a short period of time, ask each group to share what they came up with. Compare each group's answers. Did any group come up with a use that no other group did?
Discuss the following:
- God uses what we have to bless – even if it's just one jar of olive oil. How has God used you or what you have to bless others?
- God protects and provides for the vulnerable. Why is God so concerned for those who are vulnerable, such as widows, children and the poor?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Elisha and the Widow’s Oil

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We are taking a couple of weeks off to rest, relax and spend time with family. May God grant you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
David and Mary

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Elijah continued to be a prophet in Israel during the times of Kings Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram (7th, 8th, and 9th kings of Israel). Elisha became Elijah’s helper. When Elijah’s work as a prophet came to an end, a chariot and horses of fire appeared, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah’s special gifts were passed on to Elisha to continue the work of the prophets. Elijah was one of a handful of people in the bible that went straight to heaven without dying.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Kings 2:1-18

Outline:

Elijah’s farewell tour and departure (2 Kings 2:1-12)
Elisha takes up Elijah’s ministry (2 Kings 2:1-12)

Tips for teaching children:

Take the children outside to look at clouds. Find clouds that like things in today’s lesson (horses, chariot, Elijah or Elisha, a coat). Use this opportunity to talk about heaven.
Teach young children how to draw loops that increase in size to form a whirlwind.
Use paints or markers to illustrate the story.

Tips for teaching adults:

This story can be read during the class time. This can be organized as a dramatic reading, assigning different characters in the story to different readers or one person could read the narrative part, another be the voice of Elijah, another Elisha, and another could be the group of prophets.
Spend several minutes discussing aspects of this text. You could help start conversation by choosing some of the following discussion prompts:
- Describe the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. What can we learn from this relationship?
- Why do you think the fiery chariot and horses come between Elijah and Elisha just before Elijah was taken up in a storm?
- What does the coat of Elijah represent?
- When Elisha asks for a ‘double-portion’ of Elijah’s spirit, what is he really asking for?
- What legacy of faith do you want to leave?
- What legacy of faith do you want to leave your children and others?
- What can you do to pass your faith to others who come after you? What can you do now to make this happen?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Elijah and the Whirlwind

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Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, led his people and wanted them to trust God. Everyone was very afraid when a huge army was about to attack Judah, so King Jehoshaphat called all of the people together to fast and pray. The Lord spoke through a prophet and told the people not to worry because this battle belonged to the Lord. Jehoshaphat sent the army into battle, but, different to other battles, he placed a group of men in front to praise the Lord in song. While the army of Judah was approaching the battlefield praising the Lord, the Lord set the enemy armies against each other. By the time Judah’s army arrived at the battle, it was already over. The enemy armies had killed each other!

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Outline:

King Jehoshaphat leads the people in prayer to God. (2 Chronicles 20:1-19)
God defeats the enemies and Jehoshaphat leads the people in praise of God. (2 Chronicles 20:20-30)

Tips for teaching children:

Recreate the scene in verse 28 by making instruments and having a praise parade.
Ask the children to share anything they might be afraid of. As a group, pray like Jehoshaphat and the people prayed in verse 18 by lying face down on the ground.
Guide the children in making up a tune for the words of verse 21, “Thank the Lord. His love continues forever.”

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class by singing, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” and “Rescue Me.”
This story can be read during the class time. Use the outline in the show-notes to divide up the reading.
Here are some discussions questions related to verses 1-4:
- How did Jehoshaphat emotionally react to the news of a large army coming to attack?
- How did he respond to this news?
- What can we learn from him about when we feel overwhelmed by a problem?
Here are some discussions questions related to verses 5-12:
- What do you notice about what Jehoshaphat prayed?
- How can rehearsing God’s character and past actions help us when we pray?
Hand out pieces of paper to the class members and ask them to write down problems they are facing that feel overwhelming to them. Collect these and designate someone in the class to read these out and then pray about them.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jehoshaphat and the People Pray

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Elijah had been in hiding for the 3 years of the drought. The Lord now told him to reveal himself to King Ahab. Elijah bravely asked the king to gather all the people at Mount Carmel for a contest to see whose god was real. Priests of the false gods, Baal and Asherah, also attended. The priests prayed and chanted all day, but they could not get their “gods” to send fire down to burn the sacrifices on the altar they had built. Finally, Elijah had his altar doused in water and prayed to the Lord to send fire. Fire immediately consumed the sacrifice, the wood, stones, soil and even the water overflowing into the trenches around the altar. Everyone there now knew God was real. After this time, the rain came, and the long drought ended.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Kings 18

Outline:

Elijah summoned King Ahab, the prophets of Baal and the people to Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:1-20)
In a contest between prophets, the Lord proves he is the only true God (1 Kings 18:21-40)
Eolijah prays and God ends the 3 year drought. (1 Kings 18:41-46)

Tips for teaching children:

Before telling the story, conduct a number of simple contests. These may include simple contests like arm wrestling, who can stand on one foot for the longest time or who can refrain from smiling the longest as everyone else is being silly. This can lead into the story of the contest between God and Baal.
Make a thaumatrope (simple animation) with alternating pictures of an altar and of fire. Online instructions such as these can be helpful. https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/thaumatrope/

Tips for teaching adults:

Bring 12 large rocks into the classroom and ask three or four volunteers to build an altar while someone reads v.20-40.
Ask the following questions: What do you think is the main point of the story? How would you respond to this story? Why would you respond this way?
Bring a fire lighter. Hand out pieces of paper and ask the class members to write down their answer to the question: “What “Baals” compete for your devotion today?” Then ask them to take the lighter and light their paper. Then throw it into a bowl of water to put out the fire.
End class with prayer recommitting the class to serving God and God alone.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Elijah and the Contest at Mt. Carmel

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God sent the prophet Elijah to tell King Ahab (7th king of Israel) that a terrible drought would come upon Israel because of his disobedience. Ahab’s evil wife, Jezebel, was so angry that she started having prophets of the Lord hunted down and killed. The Lord sent Elijah into hiding by a brook of water. The Lord kept Elijah safe. Twice each day, the Lord had bread and meat delivered to Elijah by unusual means – ravens. When the brook dried up, the Lord sent Elijah to the home of a poor widow. When Elijah stayed at the widow’s home, she miraculously had enough flour and oil to make bread. She never ran out. When the widow’s son died, Elijah raised him from the dead. The Lord took care of Elijah.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Kings 17

Outline:

Elijah prophesied a drought and then went into hiding at God’s command. (1 Kings 17:1-6)
God provided for Elijah through a widow from Zarephath. (1 Kings 17:7-16)
Elijah raised the widow’s dead son. (1 Kings 17:17-24)

Tips for teaching children:

For small children, hide a picture of Elijah and find him.
Provide flour, oil and water and make bread together.
Guide older children in reflection using the “God’s Story” reflection page.

Tips for teaching adults:

Bring to class bread, oil and a burner and ask a couple of people to make flat bread in the classroom while you are having the class. Or you can bring to class some bread to share that you have made out of flour and oil. Recipe
Ask the class to share any stories about drought that they might have experienced and how they and their community coped.
There are three sections in our story today. Challenge the class to think of at least one way we can respond to each section in the story. Here are some ideas you can give the class to get them thinking: What are the issues of trust in the story? What can we learn about God’s provision and God’s power?
Here are some further questions to ask: How does Elijah reveal his trust in God? How does the widow? How does God demonstrate his power over the weather? What does this say about the god, Baal, and his power?
End the class with a prayer thanking God for his provision and empowering the class members to deepen their trust in God, especially when things look bleak.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: God Takes Care of Elijah

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Rehoboam was officially appointed the new king when his father, Solomon, died. When Rehoboam became king, Jeroboam gathered the people together and asked Rehoboam to be easier on the people and not make them work as hard as Solomon had done. The court elders advised Rehoboam that the people would love and follow him if he did this. Rehoboam ignored this good advice and listened to his young friends’ bad advice instead. They told him to make the people work harder and to treat them more like slaves. Because of this, the people rebelled, and the kingdom was divided into two parts. Rehoboam was king of the smaller part- called Judah. Jeroboam became king of the larger part- called Israel.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Kings 11:26-43
1 Kings 11:41-12:24

Outline:

Jeroboam, man of the people (1 Kings 11:20-40)
Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, is an unwise king (1 Kings 11:41-12:15)
God’s nation divides (1 Kings 12:16-19)
Israel chooses Jeroboam as their leader (1 Kings 12:20-24)

Tips for teaching children:

Use a pizza as a way to tell the story. Spread tomato sauce and cheese on the pizza as you talk about Saul, David and Solomon. Cut the pizza into 12 pieces (12 tribes) but keep the pizza together.
Then, show a jar of hot peppers. Describe Rehoboam’s cruel treatment of the people. The people rejected Rehoboam. Then divide the pizza into two parts (2 kingdoms). One part should have 2 parts to represent 2 kingdoms. One part should have 10 pieces to represent Israel.

Tips for teaching adults:

This story can be read in class. Use the outline provided in the show-notes for how to divide the reading up.
There are several questions that this text can generate. Here are a few to think about and possibly use in the classroom. What principles of leadership can we learn from this story? In what ways does Rehoboam reveal his pride? What are the consequences of pride and poor leadership? What can leaders of God’s people today learn from this story about keeping God’s people united?
In a more general way, encourage the class to brainstorm important 10 pieces of wisdom you believe the young people of your congregation should hear and follow? Follow up by brainstorming ways you can share your wisdom with the youth in a healthy way.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: God’s Nation Divides

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Solomon built a fantastic temple for the Lord. This temple replaced the Tabernacle tent that had been used since Moses’ time. After the temple was completed, the Lord reminded Solomon that this huge, beautiful temple would mean nothing if the people ever turned away from Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Kings 6:1-9:9

Outline:

Construction of the Temple and palace (1 Kings chapters 6-7)
Dedication of the Temple (1 Kings chapter 8)
God speaks to Solomon (1 Kings 9:1-9)

Tips for teaching children:

If teaching small children provide blocks so that they can build their own version of the temple.
Guide the children in finding Egypt and Jerusalem on a map. Talk about how God led them out of Egypt and slavery. Then, talk about the lavish temple in Jerusalem.
God was not limited to living in the temple only. Older children can discuss I Corinthians 3:16 and talk about how our bodies are a temple for God to live in.
Older children can discuss the temple versus the palace. Solomon’s palace was twice as big as the temple. Why do you think he had the temple build first?

Tips for teaching adults:

Below are three links to animations to Solomon’s Temple.
- Solomon’s Temple (this one is a cut-away drawing of the Temple. This would be good to use as a PowerPoint slide while you are studying these chapters in class as a visual.
- An animation description of the Solomon’s Temple: (5 minutes)
- An animation description with commentary and interpretation of Solomon’s Temple (10 minutes)
God is not contained in a building even though he may be in the building 1 Kings 8:27). Ask participants to write down two places where they especially feel the presence of God and worship him more freely or genuinely.
At the end pray to God summarizing the words of Solomon.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Solomon Builds the Temple

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After David’s death, his son, Solomon, became king. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon did not ask for selfish things; instead, he asked for wisdom to be a good king for the people. God granted Solomon his request. He judged many cases, such as the time two women claimed that they were the mother of a baby. Solomon said he would cut the baby in two so each woman would have an equal share. To save the baby, the real mother said that the other woman could have the baby. By this, Solomon knew who the real mother was. These types of judgment and Solomon’s great Proverbs made him famous for his wisdom.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Kings 3:3-28
1 Kings 4:29-34
James 1:5

Outline:

God gives King Solomon wisdom to rule. (1 Kings 3:3-15)
Solomon applies wisdom to a dispute between two mothers. (1 King 3:16-28)

Tips for teaching children:

Define wisdom as “applying knowledge in practical ways in various situations.”
Read 1 Kings 4:29-34 to the children. Ask the children what kinds of things they think Solomon knew about animals and plants.
Print the words of James 1:5 on a paper and provide children with paint, markers, glitter or other items so they can decorate a border around the verse.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin by asking the class members to share what they believe was some of the best wisdom their parents passed on to them? Follow up by asking what they believe has been the best wisdom they have given to their children?
Read the story from 1 Kings.3:3-15. Choose two-three readers to divide up the reading.
To encourage participants to engage the Scripture, ask the following questions:
- What experiences might Solomon have had growing up that would motivate him to ask God for wisdom in ruling God’s people?
- What qualities or character traits do you see the young Solomon has from this story?
- What piece of wisdom would you give Solomon in order for him to grow in these qualities & character traits?
Read James 1:5 and 3:13-18. Draw two columns on a white board. Write “earthly wisdom” as head of one column and “heavenly wisdom” as head of another column. List the traits of each in their respective columns. Participants can discuss ways we can encourage each other to act in ways that are wise.
End the class time by praying for wisdom, particularly the things mentioned in James 3:17-18.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Wise King Solomon

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Although David was a good king, there was a time when he did not choose to follow the Lord. Once, when he looked across from the roof of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman, Bathsheba, bathing. This led David to commit adultery with Bathsheba. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David arranged to have her husband murdered so that he could marry her. The prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin. David’s heart was such that he repented of his sin and asked the Lord to forgive him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

2 Samuel 11:1-12:25

Outline:

David gets Uriah’s wife pregnant. (2 Samuel 11:1-5)
David arranges a coverup and has Uriah killed before marrying Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:6-27)
The prophet, Nathan, confronts David and the child dies. (2 Samuel 12:1-23)
Solomon is born. (2 Samuel 12:24)

Tips for teaching children:

Show wedding photos and talk about promises husbands and wives make to one another.
Talk about the importance of confessing sin. Provide a shallow dish of sand. You or any of the children can use your finger to write a sin in the sand. Pray and ask God’s forgiveness. After the prayer, wipe away the word (the sin) you wrote in the sand. This represents God’s forgiveness.

Tips for teaching adults:

The story is likely too long to read in its entirety during the class time so it can be summarized. Be prepared to read certain parts when summarizing such as the story of the one little female lamb.
David saw and took what didn’t belong to him. This set him into a downward spiral leading him to commit adultery and murder. But these are only symptoms of something deeper in David.
- What, do you think, is behind David’s actions?
- Where did David go wrong?
- Why would he send for Bathsheba knowing that she is a married woman and married to one of his most trusted and capable soldiers?
- Besides the obvious sins of adultery and murder (two of the ten commandments), what other sins was David guilty of?
Challenge the class in their interactions with people to ask themselves the question, “am I treating this person as one made in God’s image or am I using them for my purposes?”
There is forgiveness in this story, too. Have everyone pray to God and confess their sin. Following this have someone pray on behalf of the people in the class using the words of Psalm 51:1-12 (but change singular to plural). After the prayer ask someone to read Psalm 32:1-5.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: David’s Sin with Bathsheba

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King David remembered his good friend Jonathan. He found out that before Jonathan died, he had had a son named Mephibosheth. David had Mephibosheth brought before him. He gave Mephibosheth all of the land that had belonged to Saul. He also gave him servants and told him he would always care for him. He treated him like a son. David did not wait until Mephibosheth asked for help. He gave kindness freely.

Bible verses used in this episode:
2 Samuel 9

Outline:

King David seeks out Jonathan’s descendants. (2 Samuel 9:1-4)
King David blesses Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. (2 Samuel 9:5-13)

Tips for teaching children:

Learn to say and spell M-E-P-H-I-B-O-S-H-E-T-H
Discuss “kindness” and plan something kind the group can do.
Make coupons or gift vouchers to give parents or others. An example coupon for a mother might contain the words, “This coupon can be used for washing the dishes. I will smile and wash the dishes for free today.”

Tips for teaching adults:

Have someone read the story aloud. Ask the group to reflect on the following questions:
- Why would David want to show kindness to the house of Saul?
- And what does David get out of this?
This is a story about David's kindness, a kindness motivated by his promise and loyalty to Jonathan. David’s act of kindness was not expected. Challenge the class to plan an act of kindness to someone in their congregation or family that is not expecting it. It could be a nice gift, an invite to a meal, cleaning a house.
Challenge the class to plan how to create space for others not normally in your circle of friendship — invite someone who’s “outside your circle” to eat with you or go visit someone who you would not normally visit.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: David Helps Mephibosheth

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After Saul and Jonathan died in battle, David became the king of Israel. The people loved David. He made Jerusalem the capital and the main place of worship for Israel. He made two attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. On the first attempt, he did not follow all of God’s instructions, but the people were still celebrating, and David was very popular. When a man named Uzzah touched the ark, he immediately died. On the second attempt, David followed God’s instructions and the ark was safely moved to Jerusalem. David learned that being popular does not mean that one can forget the Lord.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 31:1-6; 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-19

Outline:

The Death of King Saul (1 Samuel 31:1-6)
David is recognised at the king of all Israel. (2 Samuel 5:1-5)
God’s presence is established in the new capital, Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6:1-19)

Tips for teaching children:

Show illustrations of the ark of the covenant. There is a good one in the tabernacle set at www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/moses-tabernacle/
Find Jerusalem on a map.
Make a paper crown and decorate it.

Tips for teaching adults:

I would suggest summarizing 1 Samuel 31 – Saul’s death and 2 Samuel 5 – David becoming king but read 2 Samuel 6:1-19. Choose some readers to read the different sections.
Discuss and list some ways that our worship can demonstrate that we regard God as holy and worthy of all our honour and respect. Think in terms of the kind of language we should use in worship and what actions we should do or not do. In other words, how would you put together a worship that demonstrated to everyone present that God is a holy God?
God was offended by Uzzah’s action. David was offended by God’s action. Which offends you more: God’s action or Uzzah’s action? Why?
What is one thing you can do to show that you believe that God is a holy God and should be given the kind of respect he deserves?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: David Becomes King

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Saul continued to be jealous of David. He hunted him and tried to kill him. David had raised his own armies and could have fought Saul, but he did not. He respected Saul as king. David trusted the Lord to know when it was time for him to become king. Once, David came to Saul’s camp and found Saul sleeping. He quietly took Saul’s spear and water jug to prove to Saul how close he had been. After walking a long distance away, David called to Saul and told him that he could have killed him but chose to show mercy. Mercy means to show kindness even though we have the power or opportunity to hurt someone.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 26

Outline:

David quietly takes a spear and water jug from a sleeping King Saul. (1 Samuel 26:1-12)
Paul offers momentary peace to David. (1 Samuel 26:13-25)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about mercy and what it means. Mercy is compassion or forgiveness that is shown towards someone when we have the power to punish or harm them.
Play a game where King Saul must identify David from the rest of the group.
- One child should lie on the floor and pretend to sleep like King Saul did. The child should wear a blindfold. Place a couple of objects near him to represent a spear and water jug.
- The rest of the children should group behind the sleeping King Saul.
- Once Saul is “sleeping” the group chooses one child to quietly slip up to Saul. The child should remove the items and bring them back to the group.
- The child playing David should say “Mercy” to signal King Saul to wake up and identify which child was David.
Print the word MERCY in the middle of a large paper and then allow the children to decorate it with markers, crayons, glitter or other items.

Tips for teaching adults:

This story is brief enough to read it during the class so I suggest that you have this text read.
Ask the class to look over the story and to think about David’s words and actions. What were some right things that David does and says in this story? What can we learn about David?
Challenge the class with the following: Live in such a way that your conscience is clear—even if others misunderstand you. At the end of each day ask, “If God looked at my actions today, would I be guiltless?” Pray according to how you answer.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: David Shows Mercy to Saul

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David moved to Saul’s house. Saul often asked him to play the harp for him when he was upset. Saul became jealous when the people began to prefer David over him. In his jealousy, he threw a spear at David and tried to kill him. Saul’s son, Jonathan, was David’s friend, and he helped David escape from Saul.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 18:1-11 and chapter 20

Outline:

David and Jonathan become firm friends. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
King Saul becomes jealous of David’s growing popularity. (1 Samuel 18:5-11)
Jonathan recognises Saul’s threats and helps David escape. (1 Samuel 20)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about jealousy and how it is seen in a child’s life.
Make friendship bracelets.
Paint friendship paintings. Two children work together on the same picture.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class time by asking the class members to think of their two or three closest friends and follow up with the question, “What makes them your closest friends? What qualities make them your friend?” Get someone to write these qualities or character traits on a white board.
Have the text of 1 Samuel 18:1-11 read and then talk about the friendship of David and Jonathan. Although the Bible never spells out why they were such good friends, use your imagination, and discuss what qualities might they have that made them good friends and focus on Jonathan’s character.
Summarise 1 Samuel 20 and follow up with these questions: 1) What did Jonathan sacrifice for his friendship with David? How does Jonathan model the character of God?
Go back to the white board and ask everyone to choose one of these characteristics of being a friend that they lack and then pray about that silently for a minute or so.
Close the session with a prayer focusing on asking God to help us be true friends to one another.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jonathan Helps David Escape

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David’s older brothers went to fight battles with King Saul while David stayed home and cared for his father’s sheep. When David was sent to take food to his brothers, he was appalled to find that the whole army was afraid of the Philistines. Every day, a huge soldier, Goliath, came forward and mocked the Lord and his army. David trusted in the Lord’s strength and knew that the Lord would help him defeat Goliath. David used his sling and killed Goliath with a stone between his eyes.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 17

Outline:

David hears Goliath’s bold challenge. (1 Samuel 17:1-30)
David kills Goliath (1 Samuel 17:31-58)

Tips for teaching children:

If your space is tall enough, measure the height of Goliath and place a sign or tape on the wall at that height. 9 feet and 4 inches or 284.48 centimetres.
Supply the children with 5 smooth stones each. Using Sharpie markers or paint, invite the children to write 5 words of their choice that describe their faith commitment. Example: “Mary will trust God always.”
David had perfect aim. The children can throw tennis balls at a stack of overturned cups to practice their aim.
Show pictures of a sling.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class by singing “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.”
Ask the class to have their Bibles open at 1 Samuel 17 and then discuss the following questions from the text:
- What qualities and characteristics of David does the story bring out?
- How has David’s role as shepherd prepared him for his battle with the giant?
- What does this tell us about our past victories and our present “giants” we may be facing?
- What great acts of faith have you done or that you have seen in others?
Have each class member to write down two or three times when God has helped them in the past to have a victory over a challenge they were facing. Follow up with asking each class member to pray silently to God thanking them for this victory.

Full teaching instructions, free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: David and Goliath

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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God told Samuel that he had chosen a new king for Israel, and the new king was to be one of Jesse’s seven sons. When Samuel saw the sons, he assumed the Lord would choose Jesse’s oldest son. Instead, to everyone’s surprise, the Lord chose the youngest son, David. Samuel anointed David as the new king, but it would be many years before the time was right for David to take Saul’s place. The Lord chose David even though he did not look as big and handsome as his older brothers. The Lord does not judge by outward appearance but by the heart.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Outline:

God sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king, (1 Samuel 16:1-5)
Samuel anoints David. (1 Samuel 16:6-13)

Tips for teaching children:

Before the session, ice and decorate plain cookies but add salt to a few of them. Show the iced ookies to the children and ask them to judge which would taste the best (without tasting). Finally, allow the children to taste the cookies and talk about how what looks good on the outside does not show what the inside is really like .
Make a craft involving hearts.
Anoint each of the children to show them what it was like for David. Use water as it is less messy than oil.
Talk to the children about what is in their hearts.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read the text or choose another person to read this story. Follow up the reading with the question: What does it mean that God was looking for a man after God’s own heart? What kind of heart would this be?
Use the rest of class time to set up a date and time for your class to go “people watching.” The idea is to watch people and try to see them with the eyes of God, seeing them as God sees them.
- Meet at a public space where there are people who are out and about. This could be a mall, the downtown area or any place where there are people walking about. Pair up and spread out. Each pair should find a spot to sit and watch people walk by. As you watch people walk by, think about what God may see in these people. Ask yourself the questions: “What does God see?” “What is their heart like?” “What is their story?” “What would God want to say to them?”
- Do this for about ½ hour or so and then gather for a coffee and sit and reflect on this experience. Here are some further questions to ask: “What was this experience like?” Did you see people in a different way? How so? Was there anyone you saw that stood out to you? Why? What would you say to them? How would we interact with others if we saw them as God sees them?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Samuel Anoints David

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The Lord gave King Saul specific instructions on how to handle a battle with the enemy, the Amalekites. King Saul disobeyed the Lord in front of all of the people, and then he refused to admit his own sin. When Samuel confronted him, Saul made excuses and even blamed others. Although Saul would remain in place as king for many years, it was at this time that the Lord rejected him as King.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 13:5-14; 15:1-35

Outline:

Saul’s impatience costs him the crown. (1 Samuel 13:5-14)
Saul disobeys God’s plan for battle. (1 Samuel 15:1-9)
Saul makes excuses and Samuel delivers God’s judgment. (1 Samuel 15:10-35)

Tips for teaching children:

Discuss taking responsibility when we have done something wrong.
Discuss God’s forgiveness when we repent. As a prayer exercise, provide small pieces of paper and pens. Children write their sins on the paper and then pray to ask God’s forgiveness. After the prayer, crumple up the paper and throw it in a rubbish bin. Plan for a quiet and thoughtful time for this, so the children do not rush through it. One way to do this is to turn the lights low and light candles.

Tips for teaching adults:

The big takeaway from this story is the words Samuel spoke to Saul, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Here are some questions to ask the class members. Remember to give them time to think and to formulate a response:
- What does Samuel mean by this?
- Does this mean that ritual in worship is not important? Why or why not?
- How does this apply to our context today? How can we be guilty of sacrifice without obedience?
Pass out paper and have each person in class write down an area of their life in which they struggle to obey God fully. After a period of time, ask each class member to pray about what they’ve written, asking God to give them strength and courage to obey and not to offer excuses. Ask God for the strength to trust him more, even when it is difficult.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: King Saul Disobeys God

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Although God warned Israel of the many problems associated with having a king, the people still demanded one. They wanted to be like the nations. Though reluctant, a handsome young man named Saul was anointed as Israel’s first King. The people quickly found out that having a king was not as good as they thought it would be.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 8-10

Outline:

Israel demands a king. (1 Samuel 8:1-22)
Samuel and Saul meet, and Samuel anoints Saul as king. (1 Samuel 9:1-10:8)
Saul is announced as King. (1 Samuel 10:9-27)

Tips for teaching children:

Use water in a small pitcher to “anoint” kings in the class.
Discuss the negative aspects of wanting to do things just because others are doing them.
Younger children can “find the donkey” like Saul did. Use a toy donkey or pictures of a donkey.
Make a crown.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask the class if they would be willing to share decisions they have made (big or little) and an unintended consequence of their decision, whether good or bad. What did they learn from their decision?
This is a longer story, so you, the teacher, will need to summarise it for the class. Alternatively, you can ask the class to read the story before class, so everyone will be familiar with it when they come to class.
How do you make decisions? When do you bring God into the picture in making decisions? How can you make decisions that honour God and are within his will?
When Saul met Samuel, he didn’t know that God was orchestrating this meeting. Think about a time in your life where you believe you experienced a God moment, a meeting with someone or an event that you think was a God-orchestrated meeting or event. Share this with the class. Why do you believe this? How did it affect or change you or others?
When Saul was announced as the king, he was hiding. Are you hiding from a ministry God is calling you to? Ask the class to share something they think God is calling them to, but they are ‘hiding’ from? How can the class encourage them to come out of hiding?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Saul Becomes Israel’s First King

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While young Samuel was sleeping, the Lord called his name. Not recognising the voice, Samuel ran to the elderly Eli, mistakenly thinking it was him. When the voice continued to call Samuel, Eli told him to listen carefully. The voice must be the voice of the Lord. The Lord spoke to Samuel and told him that Eli’s sons would not be the new priests of Israel. Samuel would be. Samuel served the Lord as long as he lived as a Priest, Judge, and Prophet.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 3

Outline:

God calls young Samuel, but Samuel does not recognise God’s voice. (1 Samuel 3:1-9)
God speaks to Samuel and shares bad news about Eli’s family. (1 Samuel 3:10-18)
Samuel grows and establishes a solid reputation as a prophet. (1 Samuel 3:19-21)

Tips for teaching children:

Invite the children to come to class in their pyjamas. Enjoy acting like Samel sleeping and hearing God calling his name.
Play a game where one child sits in the middle of the room, blindfolded. The other children move around the room and take turns calling out “Samuel, Samuel.” If the blindfolded child recognises the voice of the caller, then they trade places.
Talk about hearing God’s voice through reading the Bible.

Tips for teaching adults:

This chapter is short enough to read in a class setting. I suggest using the outline provided in the show notes above. Alternatively, you can arrange for the class to listen to the story in audiobook format. Chances are, someone in the class will have an audiobook app on their phone.
Instruct the class to be completely quiet and still, and to listen in complete silence. Do this for 1 minute. What did they hear? What did they notice?
Encourage the class to get into the habit of really listening to God’s voice when they read the Scripture. Find a quiet space and a quiet time. Read the Scripture slowly and mindfully, concentrating on the words of the text – not just the words themselves but also the emotional content of the text, the way the text moves forward. Encourage the class to be intentional when reading the word of God. And begin your Scripture reading by saying, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” The following week, ask the class if this made a difference in their reading and understanding God’s word.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Lord Speaks to Samuel

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Hannah did not forget the promise that she had made to the Lord. After her son, Samuel, was weaned, she took him to the Tabernacle and presented him to Eli, the High Priest. Samuel’s parents returned home, but Samuel remained with Eli to be a helper. Samuel would have cleaned and run errands and lots of other jobs to help the priests. Hannah made a new robe for Samuel every year and brought it to him when she and Elkanah visited the Tabernacle.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 1:21-2:26

Outline:

Hannah gives her son, Samuel, to God. (1 Samuel 1:21-28)
Hannah gives thanks. (1 Samuel 2:1-10)
Young Samuel’s purity in contrast to Eli’s evil sons. (1 Samuel 2:11-26)

Tips for teaching children:

Children can design a coat. Alternatively, outline a coat and provide materials for the children to decorate it. Talk about Hannah giving Samuel a new coat every year.
Collect stories of children doing heroic things and share the stories with the children in your class.
Invite the children to reflect on how it would be in the tabernacle and what they might see or hear.
Young children can clean or straighten up the classroom to relate to Samuel helping in the tabernacle.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask the class to think of an answered prayer and then write down a short prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God. Ask those who are willing to read these prayers to the class.
As a class, do something special for the children in your congregation. Depending on the size of the church or your resources, do something that will encourage your children, do something that communicates your love and God’s love and that communicates how special they are.
Pray for the children of your congregation by name – pray that they will grow up serving God and pray that you will do what you can to help them grow up to serve God.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Samuel- Helper in the Tabernacle

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Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah taunted Hannah because Hannah had no children. Hannah prayed and wept near the entrance when she accompanied Elkanah to the Tabernacle. In her prayer, she promised the Lord that if He gave her a son, she would give that son to Him all the days of her life. Hannah’s prayer was so intense that the High Priest, Eli, saw her and thought she was drunk. Hannah’s prayer was answered, and she gave birth to a son. His name was Samuel.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 1:1-20

Outline:

Hannah is childless (1 Samuel 1:1-8)
Hannah’s prayer and vow (1 Samuel 1:9-18)
Samuel is born (1 Samuel 1:19-20)

Tips for teaching children:

Explain how to pray and try a few different prayer methods. Click here for suggestions.
Invite a woman to class to dress as Hannah and tell the story from her point of view.

Tips for teaching adults:

After you read the story, ask if anyone has felt like they have been in Hannah’s place before. Perhaps they have been in a situation where others have prospered and they have not. Perhaps they have been overlooked and have seen others receive blessings. Invite them to share with the group.
Hand out blank index cards. Ask the class to write down a longing they have, a longing they want God to fill. Give time for people to write something down. Ask the class to silently pray to God about this longing. At the end of the session, challenge them to pray about this during the week.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: God Answers Hannah’s Prayer

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Boaz was the owner of the field where Ruth gathered grain. He was also a relative of Naomi’s late husband. When Boaz took notice of Ruth and treated her with kindness, Naomi knew that he would be a good husband to Ruth. She instructed Ruth to follow the wise custom of lying at the foot of Boaz’s bed to show that she wished to marry him. Boaz also followed tradition by gaining the permission of another relative of Naomi’s who had the right to marry Ruth. Boaz and Ruth married, and when they had a son, Naomi took care of him like her own grandchild.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Ruth 2-4

Outline:

Ruth meets Boaz. (Ruth chapter 2)
Naomi’s plan for Ruth. (Ruth chapter 3)
Boaz marries Ruth. (Ruth chapter 4)

Tips for teaching children:

Provide materials so that children can draw a picture of their family. Teachers should remember that this is the child’s perspective. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and children have no control over the situations. In all cases, affirm the child and remind them that God loves them and the people in their family.
Lead the children in reflection and “wondering questions.” The children may also have their own questions.
- I wonder why Naomi thought that Boaz would be a good husband for Ruth?
- I wonder how Naomi helped Ruth take care of her baby?
- What would happen if someone new joined my family?

Tips for teaching adults:

Come prepared to give examples of disasters that resulted from people trying to cut costs or take shortcuts. For example, the ship Titanic sank on 14 April 1912 after hitting an iceberg. Over 1,500 people. Lifeboats were cut from 64 to 20—the legal minimum—to maintain the ship's aesthetics and maximise deck space
Ask the class when they did the right thing even though it was difficult or came at a cost.
Read Ruth chapters 2-4 and ask the class to describe Boaz’s character. They should pay attention to what is said about him, what he says, and what he does.
Pray that God may help you be loyal, faithful and have a heart to do the right thing.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Ruth and Boaz

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Naomi’s husband and two sons died while they were all living in the foreign country of Moab. She told her two daughters-in-law to go back to their own parents. Naomi wanted to return to her relatives in her original homeland of Judah. One daughter-in-law did what Naomi said, but the other (Ruth) travelled with Naomi to take care of her. Ruth worked hard in the fields to support Naomi.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Ruth 1:1-2:13

Outline:

Naomi returns to Bethlehem after living ten years in Moab. Her husband and sons have died, but she is accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Ruth. (Ruth 1:1-22)
Ruth works hard in the fields and earns the respect and protection of the owner. (Ruth 2:1-13)

Tips for teaching children:

Many children come from non-traditional families, so use this opportunity to talk about how God understands and loves people no matter what their family situation is. Naomi and Ruth had suffered many losses and did not have support around them. Even so, they loved each other and helped each other.
If possible, bring barley or a barley product to class for the children to experience. Malt is made from barley, so children could eat malt-flavoured candy.

Tips for teaching adults:

I suggest using the outline above to divide up the reading. Alternatively, you can assign readers to read the following sections aloud:
- Ruth 1:1-5
- Ruth 1:6-18
- Ruth 1:19-22
- Ruth 2:1-7
- Ruth 2:8-13
Focus on Ruth’s character. Invite class members to call out the aspects of Ruth’s character that emerge from the story. Choose someone to write these on the whiteboard or chalkboard, as they are called out. Encourage the class members to focus on her actions, words and description.
Follow up by writing on the white/chalkboard names of people in the class (or people they know) that have this character. For example, “loyalty” is one aspect of Ruth’s character. Ask the class, “Who do you know that is a loyal person or who demonstrates the character trait of loyalty.
Pray and thank God for these people, who possess these godly character traits.
Another thing we see from the story is how Boaz began caring for Naomi & Ruth, two people who were vulnerable. Commit as a class to encourage someone the class knows who is vulnerable, such as an older person in a care facility or a widow living alone. Some ideas might be:
- Visit them regularly.
- Pray with and for them.
- Remember them with a gift on their birthday and holidays.
- Collect money to pay for a bill.

Free teaching instructions are available from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Ruth and Naomi

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Many Philistines gathered in a temple to celebrate and worship their God. They brought Samson out of prison, put him in front of everyone, and made fun of him. He asked a servant to lead him to a place between two pillars. By this time, Samson’s hair had grown long again. Samson used to be proud and thought he was strong by his own strength. Now he knew he had only ever had strength because God gave it to him. So, Samson asked God for strength to do one more thing. Samson pushed the pillars apart, and the whole temple collapsed, killing the Philistines and Samson.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 16:21-31

Outline:

Over 3,000 Philistines gather in a temple to praise their god, Dagon, and force the blinded Samson to perform for them. (Judges 16:21-27)
Samson prays to God for strength to crash the temple down on the Philistines and himself. (Judges 16:28-31)

Tips for teaching children:

To begin the class, let children take turns wearing a blindfold and finding their way through a simple obstacle course of chairs.
Build a temple out of building blocks and knock it down.
Guide the children in drawing pictures as you tell the story. Instructions for Draw and Tell here.

Tips for teaching adults:

Bring one or two Jenga Blocks sets to the class. Divide the class into four groups and play one or two games of Jenga. How far did the winning team get before the tower fell? Applaud the winner or winning team.
Take the Jenga Blocks and construct a ‘temple.’ Choose someone to play Samson. Read the story choosing three readers: a narrator, the crowd, and a Samson. And when verse 30 is being read, have the person playing Samson to collapse the temple. This will make the reading more dramatic and memorable.
Samson prayed, “Lord remember me” and make me strong one more time.” Pass around some note cards and ask the class to write down what they hope their final act in life will say about their faith. Collect these and read them to the class.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Death of Samson

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Although the Lord chose Samson, Samson did not always choose God! He fell in love with a Philistine woman named Delilah, who did not believe in God. The Philistine rulers paid Delilah to find the secret of Samson’s strength. Delilah begged Samson to tell her his secret and finally revealed that his strength was in his long hair. Delilah told the Philistine leaders, and they cut Samson’s hair, made him blind, and put him in prison to do hard work.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 16:4-22

Outline:

Samson succumbs to Delilah’s begging and reveals the source of his strength. (Judges 16:4-17)
Delilah turns Samson over to the Philistines for silver and they capture him. (Judges 16:18-22)

Tips for teaching children:

Use a balloon to illustrate the concept of peer pressure. Blow up the balloon, but do not tie it. Explain that this balloon is like us. We might be able to say no the first time someone pressures us, but when they pressure us repeatedly, we can’t take the pressure and give in. Example: One of your friends says a swear word (blow up the balloon a little more), then another friend swears when they lose at sport (blow it up some more), then your friends begin to swear at the park (blow it up some more). When the balloon finally bursts, explain that we can take the pressure for a while, but if we keep hanging around friends who swear, then we finally can’t stand the pressure, and we swear.
Research online to find images of individuals with exceptionally long hair. Show them to the children.
Invite a volunteer to have their hair cut during class.
Roll a ball of play dough and add features to form a head. Children can roll strands of play-dough “hair strands”. They can cut it and then repeat.

Tips for teaching adults:

Have the class read the story. You could choose four readers: one reader as narrator, one as Delilah, one as the Philistines and the fourth as Samson.
Ask the men in the class if they have photos of themselves with long hair. Why did you have long hair? When did you cut it? Why?
Not everyone in your life has your best interests at heart. Draw on a whiteboard/chalkboard two columns: the first column is “characteristics of a healthy relationship and 2nd column is “characteristics of unhealthy or toxic relationships. Let the class come up with characteristics for both columns, and then discuss what makes these characteristics good or bad for relationships.
Pray that each class member will develop characteristics that lead to healthy relationships.

Full teaching instructions are free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Samson and Delilah

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The Israelites drifted away from the Lord again, and the Philistines began to harass and hurt them. The Lord blessed a childless couple with the birth of a son named Samson. The Lord told Samson’s parents that Samson was to live by a vow (promise) never to cut his hair or drink any alcohol. He would be a Judge of Israel and have special strength from God. Samson kept the vow, and as he grew up, his strength became well-known throughout the land.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 13-15

Outline:

The birth of Samson (Judges 13:1-24)
Samson marries a Philistine woman (Judges 14:1-20)
Samson begins fighting the Philistines (Judges 15:1-20)

Tips for teaching children:

Since the story is about a strong Samson, at the beginning of class, have the children do some arm wrestling. Pair them up evenly according to their relative strength.
Another thing to do at the beginning of class is to let the children eat a spoonful of honey and tell them that in the story today, there will be some honey.
For a review activity, you can hand out paper and ask the children to draw and colour one of the scenes from the story. When they are finished, have the other children guess which part of the story this is. Additionally, you could have them retell that part of the story.

Tips for teaching adults:

Divide the class up into three groups. Tell each group to read Judges 13-15. Give them a set of questions to answer after they read the text. You can find a set of review questions on the Missions Bible Class website. Here’s the link: https://missionbibleclass.org/old-testament/part2/judges-and-ruth/birth-of-samson/ Give each group about 20 minutes to read the text and answer the questions.
After this bring the groups together asking for answers to each question. As a teacher, you can decide how each group is to give their answers to the questions.
To conclude, lead a discussion on what they learned about God in these chapters and what they learned about Samson. Help the group consider the following:
- Do you ever struggle with some of the things Samson struggled with?
- How have you handled these struggles?
- Give people time to formulate their answers.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Birth of Samson

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Gideon gathered 32,000 Israelites to fight the huge Midianite army of 135,000 men. The Lord commanded Gideon to reduce his army to only 300 men. Gideon and his small army surrounded the Midianite camp at night and, at a signal, smashed jars, blew trumpets, and yelled. Torches were in all of the jars, so the Midianites became totally confused by the noise and light display. In their confusion, they began to fight and kill each other. As they fled, Gideon ordered all Israelites to attack. Gideon did things God’s way, and his small army won a seemingly impossible battle.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 7

Outline:

God pares down the Israelite army. (Judges 7:1-8)
Gideon and his servant scope out the enemy camp. (Judges 7:9-18)
God caused Gideon’s army to miraculously defeat the enemy. (Judges 7:19-25)

Tips for teaching children:

The dream that the Midianite soldier had about a giant loaf of bread rolling into the camp and destroying a tent will sound humorous to children. A fun activity would be to set up little tents with cloth and a stick. Then let the children aim for them and bowl them over with a ball.
Fill a shallow dish with water and place it on the floor. Children can drink from it and mimic Gideon’s soldiers in the story.
A simple craft would be broken pieces of pottery with a small tea light sitting on it. Write “remember Gideon” on it.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin with the following question: “Have you ever felt inadequate or outnumbered in a situation?” How did you handle it?
This story can be read in the class. Choose three readers to read the three parts to the outline in the notes above. Or choose six readers to read and divide chapter 7 into verses as follows:
- 1-3
- 4-8
- 9-14
- 15-18
- 19-23
- 24-25
The following questions could be used for reflection and discussion. Ask as many questions as time allows.
- How did fear play a role in the story—for both Gideon and the Midianites?
- What does this story reveal about God's power and human weakness?
- What role did obedience play in Gideon’s success?
- When have you felt outnumbered or overwhelmed and had to rely on God's strength?
- How can we support one another when we feel hesitant or fearful like Gideon?
- Where in your life might God be asking you to trust Him more and yourself less?
End the class with prayer, praying for trust in God even when life doesn’t make sense; pray that God may use you to do his will and to rely on God’s strength, not yours.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Gideon and the Midianites

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As Israel again drifted away from God, the Midianites began to attack and destroy crops and loot the people. While Gideon was threshing wheat in a secret location, an angel of the Lord came to him and told him to lead the Israelites in a fight against the Midianites. Gideon came from the weakest clan in Israel, so he wanted reassurance that the Lord wanted him to lead. The Lord miraculously made wool fleece wet and then dry according to Gideon’s request, so Gideon knew that he should obey God and become the new Judge of Israel. The Lord chose Gideon to lead even though Gideon’s family was not famous or strong.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 6

Outline:

Israel strays from God and calls for help when it suffers for it. (Judges 6:1-10)
Gideon accepts God’s call to cleanse Israel of idols. (Judges 6:11-32)
- An angel visits Gideon. (11-24)
- Gideon destroys idols in Israel. (25-32)
Using a test of wool, God confirms Gideon’s leadership in saving Israel. (Judges 6:33-40)

Tips for teaching children:

Mix oil and water in a jar and secure it with a lid. Guide the children in shaking the jar to mix the liquids. As you watch the liquids separate, talk about how God did not want his people to try to mix idol worship with following him.
For younger children, provide an outline of a sheepskin and guide them in gluing cotton wool or wool yarn onto it.
Collect items made from wool to show the children.
Remind the children of the cycle of the judges. Printable instructions for the Judges Review Wheel.

Tips for teaching adults:

As the teacher, I would ask the class members to share stories of times when they were afraid. Why were they afraid? What did they do to overcome their fear?
Group reading: Divide the class into four groups. Each group will read and discuss one of the sections of Scripture found in the outline above.
After all groups are finished reading, one member from each group should report back to everyone how their group would summarise their part.
Following the summaries, have each group ask the rest of the class questions from their section of the story. For instance, one group could ask the other three groups, “What was the father of Gideon named?” For these questions, everyone should first try to answer without referring to the Scripture. You may spend 15 minutes or so on these questions, depending on your available time.
At the end of the session, choose a couple of readers to read the following verses: Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 3.
End with a prayer asking God for courage to act in faith, courage to do what God has called each of us to do, and courage to be faithful.

Full teaching instructions at Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Gideon and the Fleece

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Deborah, the judge, held court while sitting beneath a palm tree. She was wise and helped the people solve their problems. She told Barak, commander of the army of Israel, that the Lord wanted him to fight an enemy named Sisera. Barak refused to fight unless Deborah accompanied him. She went along, and they defeated Sisera’s army. During the battle, Sisera escaped and hid in the tent of a woman named Jael. During the night, Jael killed Sisera in his sleep. After the events, Deborah and Barak composed a song about women winning the victory.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 4-5

Outline:

Deborah, the judge, organises Barak to lead an army against the Canaanite enemies. (Judges 4:1-16)
Sisera, the enemy commander, is killed by a woman. (Judges 4:17-24)
Deborah’s song (Judges 4:17-24)

Tips for teaching children:

Outline a picture of a palm tree and guide the children in writing or drawing facts or observations about Deborah inside the outline.
Guide the children in writing a poem or song about God.
Construct a visual aid to depict the cycle of the time of the judges.
- Safe with God
- The people forget God
- The people suffer
- The people call out to God to save them
- God sends a judge to save the people
- And then start at the beginning again, safe with God.
  Printable instructions for the Judges Review Wheel.

Tips for teaching adults:

You or other participants can read the following sections of Scripture. For added dramatic effect, sounds or video of a thunderstorm can be playing in the background while the poem sections of chapter 5 are being read. If using a YouTube link, such as this one, be sure to turn the sound off until the ad finishes playing at the beginning. You could also pause it until you are ready for the sound.
- Reader 1: Judges 4:1-24
- Readers 1-7, reading one section of this poem each:
  1. Judges 5:1-8
  2. Judges 5:9-13
  3. Judges 5:14-18
  4. Judges 5:19-23
  5. Judges 5:24-27
  6. Judges 5:28-30
  7. Judges 5:31
Considering that the heroes of the story are women, list the ways women serve in the church. Discuss what would happen if the work and ministry of the women of your congregation stopped.
Pray for your women of God. Thanks God for them and how vital they are to the work of God.

Free teaching instructions from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Deborah the Judge

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The Lord had such confidence in Job’s faith that He allowed Satan to test him. Satan took away Job’s wealth, children, and health. Job’s wife and friends were not much help because they tried to convince him that he probably deserved the things that were happening to him. Despite his suffering, Job refused to give up his faith in the Lord. Satan was proved wrong, and in the end, the Lord blessed Job with even greater health, wealth, and family than before. Through a series of questions and revelations from the Lord, Job learned that God knows more than any human does. We may not know why things happen, but God does. We can trust Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Job 1-2; 16:1-5; 38-42

Outline:

God allows Satan to test Job (Job 1:1-2:10)
Job and his friends talk (Job 2:11 through chapter 37)
God speaks to Job (Job 38-41)
God reinstates Job’s life (Job 42)

Tips for teaching children:

Discuss some of the amazing attributes of God from Job chapters 38 through 41). Provide illustrations and further study of any of these items. You could use the internet or a public library for resources.
For artwork, have the children draw or paint pictures depicting any of the subjects in those same chapters.

Tips for teaching adults:

This is a big and complex book. To help orient the class to discuss the book, as a teacher, I would show the Bible Project video on the book of Job. Here is the link. This is an excellent overview of the book that introduces some of its main ideas. Preview the video and prepare questions that the class can wrestle with. An example of a question might be "Does God run the world on a strict principle of justice?"
Ask the class members to share any personal experiences they have had in losing possessions and/or in losing their health. Be sensitive to those who share. Ask them how they dealt with their loss. What was helpful? What wasn’t helpful? Resist the temptation to give shallow and trite responses to people's stories of suffering. A big part of this exercise is to listen rather than talk.
Pray at the conclusion of the class time, asking God for wisdom in ministering to people who are suffering. Ask God to do his work in us and through us, even though we may be suffering. Acknowledge that our perspective is very limited, but that we trust God to work things out in the end.

Full teaching instructions are free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Job

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When the Lord told the Israelites to divide the land, Caleb had a special request from Joshua. Caleb was an old man, but remembered forty-five years earlier when he was one of the twelve spies who had spied out of Canaan. Because Caleb had faith that God would help Israel conquer the land (even though the enemy seemed like giants), Moses had promised him the land. Although he was old, Caleb still believed that the Lord could help him fight the enemy. The Lord told Joshua to give the land of Hebron to Caleb. Caleb did indeed overtake the enemy and occupy Hebron.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 14:5-15; 15:13-15; and 21:43-45

Outline:

Caleb claims his part of the land (Joshua 14:5-15 and 15:13-15)
Go’d’s promises restated (Joshua 21:43-45)

Tips for teaching children:

To begin a conversation about dividing the land, serve pizza and divide it into 12 portions before eating it.
Show a map of the land divided between the tribes. Many Bibles include this map in the back pages. Otherwise, a map such as this one will be helpful. https://bible-history.com/geography/map-canaan-tribal-portions
Invite an older Christian to visit your class and talk to the children about how they serve God.
Shared Craft: These older adults and the children can use paint and paper to make handprints together.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class with any of the following questions for discussion:
- How hard is it to keep promises?
- What makes keeping promises difficult?
- What are some factors that prevent us from keeping our promises?
Since the lesson is about a strong 85-year-old Caleb, follow up with these questions:
- Who knows some strong 80+-year-old people?
- What makes them strong?
- What keeps them going?
One is never too old to serve the Lord. Older people are still valuable in the work of God. Ask the class to brainstorm ways that older people can serve the Lord. Then brainstorm ways your class can encourage older people to serve the Lord.
Consider making any of these ideas a project.
Pray for the older people in your congregation. Thank God for his faithfulness to his promises.

Full teaching instructions are free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Conquering the Land & Fighting Giants

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People in the town of Gibeon were afraid Joshua’s nearby army would overpower them. They pretended to be from a faraway place and tricked Joshua and his army into promising to keep them safe. When the Israelites later heard that the Gibeonites were neighbours, they knew they had been tricked. Joshua made this mistake because he did not ask God to help him. Even so, they knew they had to honour the treaty. When enemies attacked Gibeon, Joshua took his army and protected them in a battle where the Lord caused the sun to stand still.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 9:1-10:15

Deuteronomy 7:1-5

James 1:5

Outline:

The Gibeonites tricked Israel into making a peace agreement. (Joshua 9:1-27)
Israel protects Gibeon and displays God’s strength over the Amorites. (Joshua 10:1-15)

Tips for teaching children:

Young children will enjoy dressing up in “old” clothes and pretending they are the Gibeonites playing a trick on Joshua.
For art expression, children can paint a sunburst. Before you begin, have them write “Joshua 10:8) along the bottom edge of a white paper. Help them squeeze some yellow paint in the middle of a paper. Provide straws so they can blow the paint out from the middle as if the sun. Alternatively, use paint brushes.
Read James 1:5 together and talk about God’s wisdom. If we do not depend on God’s wisdom we can fall for tricks that others play on us.
Collect examples of “tricks” that advertisers and others play. Read the packaging carefully to see how “fruit flavoured” is not the same as actual fruit juice. Other examples might be flash packaging for a game that is not all that fun, fake money or jewellery.

Tips for teaching adults:

Summarise Joshua 9 and then have the class read chapter 10:1-15. Ask one or two people in the class to do the reading.
Bring some examples to class to demonstrate that appearances can be deceiving. Items might include fool's gold, zirconium stone, or a bottle of "water" that has been replaced with salt water. Someone could taste this "water". Ask the class if they have ever been deceived and how that made them feel. Follow up by asking the class for some Bible examples of deceit and discuss how damaging the deceit was to relationships.
Ask the class why stealing from God was so bad for Achan. After discussing this, follow with the question: “How can we steal from God?”
End the class by praying that the class members will endeavour to be honest and generous.

Full teaching instructions are free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Gibeonite Trick

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Because Joshua believed the Lord would help the Israelites win another battle, he led the people in attacking the city of Ai. Israel lost miserably. The Lord told Joshua that one of the Israelites had taken things for himself during the battle of Jericho instead of devoting them to the Lord. Soldiers found a robe, silver and gold, that a man named Achan had buried and hidden inside his tent. Achan was stoned outside the city. The Lord then told Joshua to attack Ai again. This time, the Israelites won the battle. Achan thought he could hide his sin from the Lord, but he was wrong.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 6:18-19; 7:1-8:1

Outline:

Achan secretly kept spoils from the Battle of Jericho. (Joshua 6:18-19 and 7:1)
Without God’s blessing the Israelites lose the Battle of Ai. (Joshua 7:2-5)
Achan’s sin is exposed and punished. (Joshua 7:6-26)
Now, with God’s blessing, Joshua leads the people towards victory over Ai. (Joshua 8:1)

Tips for teaching children:

Place a number of pieces of fabric on the floor to represent tents in a camp. Before the children arrive, hide items resembling gold and silver under one of the “tents” so the children can find them.
Write “good secrets” and “bad secrets” on the white/chalkboard. Ask the children to list some and then discuss them. Examples might be as follows:
- Good secrets: A surprise birthday party, Christmas gift, doing something nice for someone and not telling them who did it, etc.
- Bad Secrets- doing something that is wrong and not telling, not telling someone something that could help them, hiding things that break the law or that could hurt someone or make them unhappy, anything that makes you lie to keep it hidden is a bad secret; any time someone tells you to keep something from your parents is a bad secret, and you should tell your parents.)
Warning: Treat this very carefully. It is a sad fact that children can be abused or mistreated and then told to keep it a secret. Be sensitive and alert to any situation in the lives of your children. If you become aware of any such situation seek professional advice. This is not a secret you can ignore.

Tips for teaching adults:

If time allows, have a reader read the entire text aloud to the class. The reading could be divided into sections and multiple readers used. One way to divide the reading is to use the points in the outline provided above.
Have the class members give examples of how the actions of one person can affect others. In other words, ask class members for examples of people being affected, good or bad, by the consequences of the actions of another person.
Neither Joshua nor Achan fully trusted God in this story. Ask the class to discuss what can be learned from each of these characters.
End the class by praying for the leaders of your church to seek God’s guidance. Also pray that we can re-commit ourselves in fulfilling our commitment to God.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

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Joshua led the people in a battle to overtake the walled city of Jericho. Instead of soldiers, priests and musicians led the people in marching around the walls of the city. After seven days of this, the people shouted and blew trumpets. Immediately, the walls of the city collapsed, and the soldiers completely destroyed the city of Jericho. Only one woman and her family were spared. This was because she (Rahab) had previously protected two Israelite spies.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 5:13-6:27

Outline:

Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord’s arm)y. (Joshua 5:13-15)
The Israelites overcome Jericho. (Joshua 6:1-27

Tips for teaching children:

Younger children can build “city walls” from blocks. They can then reenact marching around 7 times before shouting to make the walls fall.
Roll paper into tubes to make trumpets.
For older children lead a discussion about commandments are sometimes difficult. We do not always understand at the time. Scriptures you might use could be:
- 1 Peter 2:13-15
- 1 Peter 3:9
- Ephesians 6:1
- Matthew 5:44

Tips for teaching adults:

This story is not too long so the entire passage could be read aloud in class. Choose different readers to read the different sections of the story. Refer to the outline above to break the reading into parts.
Ask the class members: “If you were in charge of the battle of Jericho, what battle strategy would you have used?"
Choose someone to draw a picture of God’s battle plan on a whiteboard. Class members should direct the drawing by referring to the bible reading.
Joshua 5:13-15 is a significant text. Refer to Exodus 3:1-5 and ask the students to reflect on the following:
- How are the stories of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush and Joshua’s encounter similar?
- How are they different?
End the class with a prayer of humility, pledging ourselves to be obedient to God even when we do not fully understand or see the bigger picture.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Fall of Jericho

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After forty years of wandering in the desert, it was time to cross over the Jordan River and take the land that God had promised. Joshua instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and begin walking into the Jordan. Even though the river was at flood stage, it immediately stopped flowing so that all of the people could pass safely through. To help the Israelites remember all He had done for them, the Lord had them pile twelve large stones from the middle of the Jordan, one on top of the other, to make a memorial.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 3-4; 5:10-12

Outline:

The Israelites cross the Jordan River (Joshua 3:1-4:18)
Remembrance (Joshua 4:19-24 and 5:10-12)

Tips for teaching children:

Fun activity for very young children: Mark off an area on the floor to resemble a river. Lead the children in crossing the river.
Craft: Decorate stones with paint and glitter.
Devotional to remember what God has done. Have the children sit in a circle. Children will pass the stone from one to the other around in a circle. As individual children hold the stone, they should tell the group something that God has done for them. Once everyone who wishes to share has done so, pray and thank God.

Tips for teaching adults:

What are some “stones of remembrance” in your own life? In other words, How do you keep a record of God's faithfulness to you, God’s fulfilled promises to you, God’s goodness to you?
What are some ways that we can teach our children or the children in the church the faith and to help them remember God and his promises?
As the class to bring a smooth stone to class. Write on these stones one thing God has done for you, how God has been faithful to you. Give this stone to a child at church and tell them your story on how God has been faithful to you.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Crossing the Jordan

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Joshua sent two spies over the Jordan River and into the city of Jericho. Rahab, a woman in the city, let the spies stay at her house. When the city officials searched for them, she hid them on her rooftop under stalks of flax. She told the spies she would not turn them in as long as they promised to save her and her family when they returned to conquer Jericho. Before escaping to the nearby hills, they instructed her to tie a red cord in her window so that they would know where she was when they came back.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 1-2

Matthew 1:5

James 2:25

Hebrews 11:31

Outline:

God prepares Joshua to lead (Joshua 1:1-9)
Joshua prepares the people to take the land (Joshua 1:10-18)
Rahab protects the spies (Joshua 2:1-24)

Tips for teaching children:

Use a paper heart to discuss how following God can change lives.
- Prepare a paper heart by gluing two pieces of paper together. One paper should be black and the other white. Cut the paper into the shape of a heart.
- With the black side of the heart facing up, talk about how Rahab used to be a bad person doing bad things until she learned about God.
- Then, turn the heart over to the white side and discuss how Rahab began to follow God. She left her people and began to live with the Israelites.
- Using the heart again, apply this concept to people today and ourselves. We can choose to live a good life or a bad life.
Take the children on a walk to “find Rahab’s house”. Before the children arrive, find a window in your building and hang a red streamer or scarf from it. After learning about Rahab, take the children on a walk outside so that they can spot “Rahab’s house”.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class by asking these questions: Have you experienced leadership change in your congregation? What was it like? What went well and didn’t go well? What does it look like to step into a role after someone great has gone before you? How would you deal with fear or inadequacy in those moments?
Rahab was of questionable character and an outsider, so "what does Rahab’s story teach us about who God might include in His redemptive purposes?" What does Matthew 1:5 add to this discussion? What does this tell you about God?
Ask everyone in the class to write on a piece of paper an area of your life where you need courage or more courage. Have the class members place the papers you have written on into a bowl, and then begin drawing them out of the bowl and read to the class. Pray for each of these areas.

Full teaching instructions are free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Rahab Helps the Spies

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In this episode, David and Mary read Luke chapter 24.

Other verses you might like to read at Easter are...

Jesus is buried. (Luke 23:50-56)
The empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
Appearances after the resurrection (Luke 24:13-49)
- Road to Emmaus (13-35)
- The Disciples (36-49)

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As the time of Moses’ death drew near, the Lord told him to appoint Joshua as the new leader of Israel. Moses appointed Joshua and told him and all of the people to be strong and courageous because the Lord would be with them as they entered the Promised Land. Even at the age of 120, Moses was strong and had excellent vision, so the Lord directed him to climb Mount Nebo and view all of Canaan, the Promised Land. After viewing the land, Moses died.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 27:12-23 and Deuteronomy 31:1-8; 32:48-52; 34:1-12

Outline:

Leadership passes from Moses to Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23 and Deuteronomy 31:1-8)
Moses dies (Deuteronomy 32:48-52; 34:1-12)

Tips for teaching children:

Play follow-the-leader with younger children. First “Moses” can lead, and then ”Joshua”.
With older children, discuss attributes of a good leader (in school, in clubs, organisations and even government). If you notice natural leadership qualities in children, be sure and encourage them.
Review the life of Moses. Collect items or illustrations that depict his life. As children look at the items they can share what this relates to in Moses’ life. Items might include a basket, leaves coloured as if on fire, anything from the plagues, a stick/staff, water, sand, the number 10 and more.

Tips for teaching adults:

Divide class into groups of 5 or 6, supply paper/pens. Challenge the groups to write down as much as they know about Moses from books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy – his life, his experiences, his ups and down, his personality. Spend about 20 minutes in the groups and then come together to share what each group has written down. Did any group have a fact about Moses that the other groups didn’t have?
Another idea is to have volunteers draw on a whiteboard something from the life of Moses or something they know about Moses. The rest of the class guesses what is being drawn. As a teacher you could help things along by writing several things from Moses' life on cards and have people randomly draw a card and then draw this on the whiteboard.
Ask each group to choose one thing about Moses that instructs us to follow God more closely and more wholly and pray about that.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Death of Moses

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Enemies of the Israelites paid money to a sorcerer named Balaam so that he would call a curse on God’s people. The Lord spoke to Balaam, but Balaam did not listen. As Balaam and his donkey travelled along a road, an angel of the Lord blocked the path of the donkey. When Balaam beat the donkey, God miraculously caused it to talk to its owner. Finally, Balaam saw the angel and realized what had happened. He ended up blessing the Israelites instead of cursing them.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 22-24

Outline:

King Balak summoned Balaam, but God took control (Numbers 22:1-20)
Balaam’s donkey talked (Numbers 22:21-41)
Balaam blesses God’s people (Numbers chapters 23-24)

Tips for teaching children:

Make a donkey puppet
Explain the importance of words by using a tube of toothpaste as a visual aid. As you talk about kind words, squeeze a little paste out of the tube and onto a plate. Then, share examples of unkind words and squeeze more out. After you have done this a few times, then ask the children to put the paste back into the tube. Of course, this cannot be done.
In the same way, once words have left our mouths, we cannot take them back. The blessing or damage has been done. Be careful about what we say.
Take the time to specifically and genuinely bless each child with affirming words.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask the class an opening question: Have you said anything that you later regretted? Are there any volunteers to tell your story?
Words are powerful. Read James 3:9-10. Have the class discuss this question: How have you been blessed by what others have said, and how have you been cursed by what others have said?
Divide the class into groups of 4. Here’s the challenge: Each group chooses two families/individuals in the church to visit to encourage and pronounce a blessing on them. Each group member should write a note of encouraging words to bless the ones they see. Go visit this family, taking your notes of encouragement. After a brief visit, read the cards to the family, pray with the family, affirm your love, and leave.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Balaam and His Donkey

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When Israel camped in the wilderness, the Lord continually provided the people with manna and quail to eat. Even though He provided for their needs, their impatience and discontentment caused them to reject the food that God had provided. As a lesson for all to see, the Lord sent venomous snakes among the people so that many of them were bitten, became sick, and subsequently died.

The people realised their sin and told Moses they were sorry for their actions. The Lord told Moses to mount a bronze snake on a pole. Anyone bitten by the poisonous snakes could look at the bronze snake and be healed.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 21:4-9

Outline:

The Israelites Complain (Numbers 21:4-5)
God punishes the people (Numbers 21:6)
Confession and healing (Numbers 21:7-9)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about complaining and how this is hurtful. To help children relate, act out opening a gift at a birthday party. Instead of saying thank you, offer complaints about the gift (wrong one, I don’t like the colour, it is not as nice as the one my friend got, etc.) Children should then talk about how this might make the gift-giver feel.
For a craft, guide the children in wrapping a chenille wire (pipe cleaner) around a craft stick or dowel. Write “Numbers 21:4-9” on the stick.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask the class to share some snake stories. Ask if anyone has experienced a snakebite, and if so, ask them to tell the class about their experience.
This is a brief and unusual story, but through it, we can learn something about God and possibly ourselves. Ask the class to discuss what they have learned about God from this story. And ask the class to compare themselves to these Israelites who complain. How are they like them and how are they different from them?
End the class with three prayers:
- Thanksgiving – for God’s provisions (spiritual and physical)
- Petition – for God’s mercy and forgiveness
- Pledge – to be a trusting people who rely on God’s provisions instead of complaining. Maybe ask three different people to pray

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Bronze Snake on a Pole

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Forty years had passed since the Israelites left Egypt to go to the land the Lord had promised them. After camping in an area called Kadesh, they ran out of water. When the people complained to Moses and Aaron, the Lord commanded Moses to speak to a rock so that water would miraculously gush from it. Instead of obeying the Lord, Moses chose to speak angrily to the people and then strike the rock twice with his staff. The rock produced water, but Moses paid a high price for refusing to honour the Lord. He would not live to enter the promised land.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 20:1-13

Outline:

The people complain and argue (Numbers 20:1-5)
God instructs, but Moses and Aaron disobey (Numbers 20:6-11)
God proclaims the punishment for Moses and Aaron (Numbers 20:12-13)

Tips for teaching children:

Gather rocks and paints and guide the children in painting them as if water is flowing from them.
Guide children to create a model. They can then use it to tell today’s Bible story to the class. Provide rocks, water bottles, spray bottles, straws, tubing, waterwheels or any other water-related items.
Discuss Ephesians 4:26-27.
- Uncontrolled anger allows the Devil to tempt us to act in ways we otherwise would not:
  We might hurt someone, say hurtful things, swear, or make bad decisions that we will regret later.
- Following this discussion, point out ways we might control our anger:
  We could pause and count to ten, take deep breaths, remove ourselves from the situation, or take a walk. We can pray alone or with someone.

Tips for teaching adults:

Our story today is only 13 verses long so that it can be easily read during class time. Choose three readers to read the different sections or choose four people to read the different characters in this story: the narrator, the people, God and Moses.
Leaders are held to a higher standard than the average person. Think of the leaders in your congregation. What kind of expectations does the congregation have of a leader that they wouldn’t have for the average person in the congregation? Are these expectations fair? What would be fair expectations? Pray for your leaders.
Leaders do carry a lot of responsibility in the church. And they are often not appreciated or thanked. As a class, do something good for your leaders and their families to show your appreciation and show that you are thankful for them. Here are a few ideas: take them out to dinner, buy a gift, buy a gift card, or publicly thank them in the worship assembly for their leadership. You could create coupons that they could redeem, such as “one free dinner brought to your house” or “one free lawn-mowing”, etc.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Moses Does Not Honour God

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As the people of God approached the land of Canaan that God had promised them, Moses took a census to record the number of people in the twelve tribes. A representative from each of these tribes entered into the land of Canaan to spy it out. When the spies returned, ten of them reported that the Canaanites were too big and strong to overcome. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, had confidence that God would help them conquer the land. The Israelites were then made to wander in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of their lack of faith.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 1-3, 13-14

Outline:

Moses organised the tribes and camp. (Numbers 1-3)
Twelve spies checked out the land and then reported back. (Numbers 13)
The Israelites rejected God’s plan and received punishment. (Numbers 14)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about the tribes using a pizza as a visual aid. Cut into 12 slices and place on small plates. Place a cup or coloured plate in the centre of the table and then arrange the plates around the cup to mimic the placement of the tribes around the tabernacle. After this, you can use the pieces to represent the 12 spies. Then, of course, eat the pizza!
If adults are meeting in another room from the children, then ask the children to be spies and obtain information. For example, find out how many people are wearing black shoes or how many purses are in the room. Children will enjoy trying to do this without adults seeing them. Make sure you let the leader of the adult group know before you do this.
Depict giant grapes by blowing up purple balloons and tying them together to form a cluster.

Tips for teaching adults:

Bring grapes and pomegranates to class for the students to eat while you are teaching.
Since this story is probably too long to read in class, ask the class to read Numbers 13-14 the week before, or alternatively, you can summarise the story during class time.
If the class is large enough, appoint twelve people to stand before the class and represent the spies. Two of the twelve will act the parts of Joshua and Caleb. Each group should try to convince the class of their point of view. As the teacher, encourage each group to refer to the Scripture for their argument.
A smaller class might focus on the opposing positions of the spies.
- The ten believed Israel should not try to take the land. Be sympathetic to their position and discuss why you think they make sense to many people.
- Why was it so difficult for Joshua and Caleb to change the people’s minds?
Ask the class to discuss some things that they are afraid of and how that affects their lives—their decisions, choices, and actions. Follow up with, “How do you handle your fear? How should you handle your fear?”
Pray about these fears.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Twelve Tribes and Twelve Spies

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God wanted everyone to know He was holy. Moses told the priests and the people how to worship God through sacrifices and offerings. God then revealed His presence by appearing as fire in the Tabernacle, in the Holy of Holies. Instead of worshipping the Holiness of God, Nadab and Abihu made their own fire. This disrespect was so great that the fire of the Lord consumed them and their fire.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Leviticus 10

Outline:

Nadab and Abihu disrespect God and die (Leviticus 10:1-3)
Nadab and Abuhu’s bodies are carried out and buried (Leviticus 10:4-7)
New Laws about priests respecting God (Leviticus 10:8-20)

Tips for teaching children:

Tell the story using a big candle representing God and matches representing Nadab and Abuhu’s fire.
Refer to missionbibleclass.org for complete instructions.
Talk about the holiness of God as it relates to the lives of the children you teach. How does God want us to respect Him at school, on the playground, and at church?
Print or write “God is Holy” in the centre of a paper. Guide the children in gluing red, yellow and red tissue paper around the border for decoration. Alternatively, children can draw, colour or paint a border of their choice.

Tips for teaching adults:

Read the story in class using three or four readers. To do a dramatic reading, choose one person to read the narrator’s part, another God’s voice, another Moses’ and another Aaron’s.
For greater understanding, I suggest the class watch the Bible Project video on Leviticus (8 min). It sets the story in the context of the book. Following the video, lead the class in a discussion of the video. Some conversation starters might be as follows:
- How does looking at the whole book of Leviticus help us understand the story of Nadab and Abihu better?
- What does this story have to teach us today as followers of Jesus about holiness and taking God seriously?
- What are some specific things we can do this week to live as a people who are set apart for God? In our home? Our work? Our communities? And at church?
- How can we honour and show our respect for God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Nadab and Abihu

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On their journey to the land of promise, God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle. This tent structure, its furnishings and even the clothes worn by the priests serving in it were special and beautiful. When asked to give supplies and use their skills to build the tabernacle, the people were so willing and generous that Moses finally had to tell them to stop. When all the work was completed, the presence of God filled the tabernacle and was visible to the people as a cloud by day and a fire by night. When the cloud moved, Israel knew it was time to pack up the Tabernacle along with the rest of their belongings and move to the next stage in their journey.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 35:4 through 40:38

Outline:

Moses assembles the supplies and workers to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:4-36:7)
Constructing the individual parts of the tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-39:43)
Moses sets everything in place in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-33)
God’s presence fills the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38)

Tips for teaching children:

Show illustrations of the tabernacle and the related parts (furnishings, priest clothing, etc.)
Discuss generosity and then explore ways the children might donate or participate in a benevolent project. This might include donations to a food bank or clothing for those in need.

Tips for teaching adults:

This is a large section of Scripture. As a teacher, I would be prepared to summarise all of it instead of reading the entire text. You may want to print the outline above and give copies to the class members.
Show this online Virtual Tour of the Tabernacle. Be sure to click on the ‘About’ tab at upper right of that website for helpful information about using this free material in public.
Discuss Exodus 40:34-35 and what it means in our lives for God to be present among his people. Encourage class discussion by asking questions such as:
- How is God present among his people today?
- How is this seen in our lives?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Tabernacle

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Moses was on a mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Down below, the people became anxious that Moses had been gone for so long. They begged Aaron to make a god for them to worship. He collected their gold jewellery and made a golden calf. When Moses came down from the mountain, he found the whole camp partying around the idol. Moses threw down the stone tablets and broke them. Moses ordered a serious punishment for this serious rejection of God. It was only after Moses begged God that God forgave His people.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 31:18-34:35

Outline:

The Israelites have Aaron build a golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6)
Moses begs God to have mercy on the people (Exodus 32:7-14)
Moses breaks the tablets and punishes the people (Exodus 32:9-35)
Moses continues to intercede for the people (Exodus 32:30-34:28)
Moses descends from Mount Sinai with new tablets from God (Exodus 34:29-35)

Tips for teaching children:

God is more important than anything or anyone. Talk about how treating something as more important than God is like worshipping an idol. For example, if we choose video games over God, then the video game is like an idol that we choose to worship.
Younger children can make tablets out of Play-Doh and “write” commands on them.
One craft you should NOT ask the children to make is a golden calf. God told them not to make an idol, so asking the children to do that very thing in class would not be a good idea.

Tips for teaching adults:

This section is probably too long to read aloud in one class session. I suggest you assign readers to read sections as follows:
- Exodus 32:1-35
- Exodus 33:18-34:7
- Exodus 34:29-35
There are several good points of discussion in this story. Choose one or more of the following for your class session:
- Discuss how our culture shapes our views of God and how we relate to him.
- Discuss Moses and God’s relationship, especially Moses’ willingness to intercede on behalf of God’s sinful people. What does this say about God? About Moses?
- Compare and contrast Moses and Aaron in this story. When are you like Moses? When are you like Aaron?
Challenge the students to do acts of loyalty to God this week (putting God and things of God first). They should be prepared to share their experience the next time you gather.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Golden Calf

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The Lord knew that His people would need rules so that they could get along and they would know how to love and obey Him. When the Israelites came to Mount Sinai, Moses went up on the mountain, and the Lord laid out his covenant with his people, which included the Ten Commandments and laws for life and worship. As the people watched Moses ascend the mountain into God’s presence, they heard thunder and trumpet sounds and saw lightning and smoke. The Lord wrote the commands on tablets of stone and gave them to Moses for the people.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 19:1-20:21 and Exodus 24:1-24

Outline:

God prepares the people to receive the Law (Exodus 19:1-25)
The 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-21)
Formal agreement and stone tablets (Exodus 24:1-18)

Tips for teaching children:

Play the memory game: Write the commandments on ten individual index cards and then make a duplicate set. Lay the cards face down on a tabletop and mix them up. Children take turns turning over two cards in hopes of making a matching set.
Read John 15:14 together and discuss how obedience relates to love.
Make “stone tablets” from salt dough or clay.

Tips for teaching adults:

Use either ten pieces of paper or ten index cards and write one commandment on each. Turn the ten papers facedown on a flat surface and then mix them up. Have the students take turns turning a paper over. Once the commandment is revealed, the student should tell the others which commandment it is (first, second, third, etc.). They can refer to the Bible for the answer if needed. Once answered, turn the card back over and mix it in with the others. Students continue to turn cards over and answer until they are familiar with all of the commandments. Finish off by turning all of the cards over and putting the commandments in order.
Challenge the class members to find ways to do the commandments during the week. As they go about their lives, they should look for specific ways that obeying God impacts their own life and the lives of others. Ask them to be prepared to share their experiences during your next gathering.
- For instance, “You must not have any gods except me”. How have they practised this?
- Or “you must not steal.” How can you practice the positive counterpart to this, “You must be generous?”

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Ten Commandments

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Within days of leaving bondage in Egypt and heading toward the land God had promised them, the people began to grumble and pine for the comforts of their old life. Despite their complaints, the Lord provided for their needs over and over. He caused bitter water to become sweet and even led them to an oasis to camp during the journey. He fed them by providing meat via large flocks of quail that flew into their camp each evening and a miraculous dew in the mornings, which turned into flakes of sweet bread (manna) for them to eat. A larger portion of these were provided one day each week so that the people could rest and observe the Sabbath the next day.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 15:22-16:36

Outline:

God provides the Israelites with water (Exodus 15:22-27)
God provides the Israelites with food (Exodus 16:1-36)

Tips for teaching children:

Memorise Philippians 4:19
Guide children in drawing pictures or listing things that God has provided them with.
Pray and thank God for what He has provided us with.

Tips for teaching adults:

Using the outline above, assign two readers to read from the Bible.
Challenge the students to consider the following:
- When faced with a crisis, what is our first response?
- If grumbling or complaining is our default response to a crisis, what practical steps can we take to develop a response of trust and thankfulness?
This story introduces the wilderness experience of Israel, where God tests the people. To give more context and understanding to the theme of testing, watch the Bible Project video on Testing. Following the short video, reflect on it (especially focusing on the section related to our story today) and ask the class:
- What new things have you learned?
- In what ways might this affect your everyday life or attitudes?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: God Provides Manna and Quail

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God’s people were finally on their way to their own land, Canaan! A pillar of cloud led the way by day, and a pillar of fire guided them at night. As the Israelites arrived at the edge of the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army caught up with them. Pharaoh had changed his mind yet again! The Lord protected His frightened people. The pillar of the cloud moved between the Israelites and the Egyptian army. Moses then stretched his hand across the sea, and the Lord caused a great wind to part the water and hold it back while the estimated two million Israelites passed through. When the Egyptians followed them, the Lord caused the water to flood and kill all of them.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 13:17-14:31

Exodus 15:1-21

Outline:

God directs the Israelites to the edge of the sea (Exodus 13:17-14:4)
Pharaoh’s army follows, and the Israelites doubt (Exodus 14:5-14)
The Israelites cross the parted sea. The Egyptians follow and drown. (Exodus 14:15-31)
Celebration and Worship (Exodus 15:1-21)

Tips for teaching children:

Look for “exit” signs and talk about how “exodus” means “exit”.
Write names and words from the story on cards. Children take turns drawing a card and then dancing in a way that makes the others guess what was written on the card (similar to charades)
Ask the children to share something this story teaches us about God.
Write a song or poem about God’s strength.
For a simple craft have the children decorate a cloud and a pillar of fire.

Tips for teaching adults:

Choose participants to read the following passages aloud for the class:
- Exodus 13:17 – 14:31
- Exodus 15:1-18.
- If time is more restricted, choose either to read either Exodus 13:17-4:31 or Exodus 15:1-18
Begin the class by singing one or two songs with the theme of victory, battle, and warfare. For instance, you could sing “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” or “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
Here’s a link to a map that helps one to see possible routes of the Exodus from Egypt. Download Map 8.
For something different, use this YouTube link to a modern Hebrew composition of the song in Exodus 15. It is sung in modern Hebrew but has Hebrew and English subtitles and a video background.
This event is told as a military victory with God as the victorious warrior-king who defeated the oppressive enemy. Ask the class to discuss how the death/resurrection of Jesus can be described and understood as the victory of God over an oppressive enemy.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Crossing the Red Sea

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During the final and terrible plague upon Egypt, the firstborn children and even the firstborn of the livestock died as death passed through Egypt. Only those who followed God’s specific instruction to mark their doors were safe. As the angel of death passed over their homes, the Israelites ate the first Passover Meal. This last plague convinced Pharaoh to release the Jews they quickly left Egypt by night. Four hundred and thirty years of bondage were finally over.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus chapters 11-12

Outline:

Moses and Aaron warn the Pharaoh a final time (Exodus 11:1-10)
The first Passover meal (Exodus 12:1-28)
Death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:29-30)
God’s people leave Egypt (Exodus 12:31-51)

Tips for teaching children:

Reenact the Passover meal (complete with food).
Consider the seriousness of the story by listing who we know to be the firstborn in their family. This could even include pets. If the Passover was happening now, then we would certainly want to obey God’s instructions.
A fun idea is to eat French fried potatoes (or anything else in long strips). After enjoying the snack then show the children how to form a door frame with the fries. To re-enact the Passover instruction, add ketchup (or tomato sauce) to the “top of the door frame.”

Tips for teaching adults:

Plan and prepare to celebrate a Passover. This should be done in an intergenerational setting that involves all families in the class (or church) from the children to the grandparents. There are several written Passover cereomonys to choose from. Here are a couple of links on celebrating the Passover as followers of Jesus: https://messiahinthepassover.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Family-Messianic-Haggadah_Digital.pdf and https://www.celebratemessiah.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Celebrate-Messiah_Haggadah_2019_final-1.pdf
Read Luke 22:7 – 30 and discuss how Jesus’ celebration of the Passover fulfils the Passover celebration

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Death of the First Born

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh that the Lord wanted His people to stop being slaves and to leave Egypt. Pharaoh became angry and treated the Israelites even more harshly. One after another, the Lord sent ten different plagues upon the Egyptian people. Sometimes, Pharaoh tried to bargain with Moses, but each time Moses caused a plague to stop, Pharaoh’s heart would harden, and he would say the people could not go.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 4:20-23 and 4:27-10:29

Outline:

God’s Plan to Save His People using Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:20-31)
First request to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-21)
Second time to make the request of Pharaoh (Exodus 5:22-7:13)
The Plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7:14-10:29)

(The final plague in the next episode)

Tips for teaching children:

Use reflection questions so that the children can engage the story:
- What is something you wonder about this story?
- Which of the 10 plagues would you have most hated experiencing?
- How do you think the Egyptian people felt about their Pharaoh?
Discuss the fact that God heard the people’s cries and helped them. Encourage the children to share their struggles, and then everyone pray together.
Give each child a chenille wire (pipe cleaner) and show them how to make a staff and then a snake.

Tips for teaching adults:

Set up the class to watch two brief videos that will give some background to the story of the Exodus, particularly the story of the 10 plagues. After watching these, discuss the connections you can make between these videos and the story of Pharaoh and the Exodus. Why would Pharaoh continue to harden his heart in the face of these increasingly destructive plagues?
Here are the links:
- The goddess Ma’at (3 min)
- Gods & Goddesses of Ancient Egypt (4 min)
Have the class read the following Scriptures. After reading, discuss ways to keep our hearts from getting stubborn or hard? Finish this discussion with a prayer.
- Psalm 1
- Psalm 40:6-8
- Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Let My People Go!

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Even though Moses grew into adulthood in the Pharaoh’s palace, he always knew he was a Hebrew. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian for his own safety. During the next forty years, he married and helped care for his father-in-law’s sheep. One day, the Lord spoke to him. The Lord’s voice came from a bush that was full of flames but did not burn out. The Lord told Moses that he had been chosen to lead his people out of Egypt, but Moses offered up many excuses. The Lord gave Moses everything he needed to be a leader and even appointed Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 2:11-4:17

Outline:

Moses kills an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15)
Moses Escapes to Midian (Exodus 2:16-22)
God talks to Moses (Exodus 2:23-4:17)

Tips for teaching children:

Draw a vertical line down the centre of a piece of paper to create 2 columns. Write the title “God said” at the top of one column and “Moses said” at the top of the other. Add to each column as you talk about the story. Younger children will need more guidance, but older children can find the answers straight from the Bible. Instead of paper, use a whiteboard or chalkboard if you prefer.
Use the fun marble painting method to create a painting of the burning bush.
Make a texture map. Draw a map showing Egypt, Midian and Mt. Sinai. Glue on sandpaper for the land and blue cellophane for the water.

Tips for teaching adults:

Draw a vertical line down the centre of a piece of paper or whiteboard to create two columns. On the left-hand column, write “Moses’ excuses” and on the right, write “God’s response.” Locate the five excuses from our text, Exodus 3:7 - 4:17 and discuss what Moses is really saying deep down in these excuses. How is God the answer to each one?
Consider your own life. Have you ever offered any of these excuses to God? What would God say to you?
Pray for one another that each would be obedient to God and not offer excuses.
Measure the distance between Midian and Egypt. Follow the link below to find a number of useful maps. If using the maps in class, be sure to read the copyright information first. https://www.knowingthebible.net/bible-maps

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Lord Speaks from a Burning Bush

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Almost 400 years had passed since Joseph’s family, the Israelites, moved to Egypt. They were now slaves, and the current Pharaoh worried they had become so numerous. He ordered the deaths of all baby boys born to them. One mother, Jochebed, placed her infant son, Moses, in a basket and hid him among the reeds along the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him and raised him as her son.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 1:1-2:10

Outline:

The new Pharaoh fears the growing Hebrew population (Exodus 1:1-10)
Pharaoh’s plans for controlling the Hebrews (Exodus 1:11-22)
Baby Moses is saved (Exodus 2:1-10)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about families. What would it have been like trying to keep it secret that there was a baby in the house?
Make a basket craft

Tips for teaching adults:

Choose three or four readers to read the story aloud (using the outline supplied in the show notes).
Using a whiteboard or chalkboard, write the following character traits: abuser, courage, defiance, compassion, loyalty, and love. Ask the class to write about these traits in addition to the characters in the story who exhibited or demonstrated these traits.
What can you learn from each of these women characters that you need or desire in your life?
There are two families in this story: Moses’ and Pharaoh’s. Using information from the story, describe what home might have been like in Moses’ family and then describe what home might have been like in Pharaoh’s family. Pray that God will give you wisdom, guidance and a heart to be the godly family he wants you to be.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Birth of Moses

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Merry Christmas from David and Mary!

We will be back producing more episodes in January.

Scripture reading today: Luke 2:8-20

If you would like to review past podcast episodes relating to the Christmas stories, follow the links below:

Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus
The Birth of Jesus
Wise Men and a Star

Music: Angels We Have Heard on High by moodmode. Copyright free, pixabay.com

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Egypt and the regions near it experienced a seven-year famine. When Joseph’s brothers travelled to Egypt to obtain grain, Joseph did not reveal his identity until he saw that they were sorry for what they had done to him in the past. Joseph revealed his identity and forgave them for what they had done. After this, Joseph invited his father, Israel, to move the entire family to Egypt. Pharaoh welcomed Joseph’s family and gave them the land of Goshen as a place to live.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 41:53-47:12

Outline:

The brother’s first trip to Egypt to get grain (Genesis 41:53-42:38)
The second trip to Egypt to get grain (Genesis chapters 43-44)
Joseph reveals himself (Genesis chapter 45)
Jacob and his descendants all move to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-42:12)

Tips for teaching children:

Discuss integrity and how it applies in a child’s world (school, friends, siblings).
Older children can read Romans 12:17-19 and explain what it means.
After telling the story, ask the children to choose a scene from the story and draw it.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask the class to read the story during the week leading up to your gathering. Ask them to be prepared to discuss it. When gathered, ask the class for insights they gained in reading. How did the story relate to their own life?
Focus the class on Genesis 45:5-8 and ask the class:
- How could Joseph see God’s hand in all that has happened to him?
- Why were the brothers only seeing their own guilt and punishment?
Follow up with a time of reflection and consideration of our own life experiences.
- How has God worked to bring good out of bad?
- Have we suffered through difficulties but later saw how God used that difficulty to go on to bring some blessing to others?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Joseph Saves His Family

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In Egypt, Joseph became a slave to an official named Potiphar and quickly rose to be the head servant of the household. After Potiphar’s wife lied about him, Joseph was imprisoned. After interpreting the dreams of fellow prisoners, Joseph was invited to interpret the dreams of Pharoah. Pharaoh was so impressed that he placed Joseph in charge of all of Egypt to prepare for an upcoming famine. At every step, even away from his family, Joseph gave glory to God and acted with integrity.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis chapters 39 through 41

Outline:

Joseph in Potiphar's house (Genesis 39:1-20)
Joseph in prison (Genesis 39:21-40:23)
Joseph interprets the king’s dreams (Genesis 41:1-36)
Joseph saves Egypt from famine (Genesis 41:37-57)

Tips for teaching children:

Define integrity as “doing right even when no one else can see what you are doing. Integrity is doing what is right because it is right.”
Play a game, “What would you do if…?” Use this as a way to talk about what integrity means in various situations. For example:
- What would you do if your friends at a sleepover wanted to watch a movie your parents had said you were not allowed to watch?
- What would you do if you were in the school library and found $10 on the floor?
Help the children learn about Egypt. There are resources online or in the public library.

Tips for teaching adults:

For the following activity, you will need to choose volunteers who can read and then volunteers who can draw.
- Have at least four different readers read the scripture aloud to the class. Use the outline above as a guide for dividing the sections (or use your own outline).
- As the story is being read aloud, the other volunteers will be drawing what they hear. This can be done on a large whiteboard or paper so that everyone can see their work as they do it.
- Afterwards, discuss the drawings and how they reflect the reading.
The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife is well known. Ask the class to discuss Joseph's integrity.
- Where did Joseph develop his character of integrity?
- What can we learn about integrity from Joseph?
- Why is it right to make the right choice even if we knew we would pay for it later?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Joseph in Egypt

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Jacob had twelve sons, but his favourite was Joseph. Joseph’s brothers were jealous, so they conspired together and sold him as a slave to some traders heading for Egypt. They told their father that Joseph was dead.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 37:1-36
Genesis 35:23-26

Outline:

Extreme family tensions and dreams (Genesis 37:1-11)
Brothers take revenge (Genesis 37:12-32)
Jacob’s grief (Genesis 37:33-35)
Joseph ends up in Egypt (Genesis 37:36)

Tips for teaching children:

Guide children in writing the names of their siblings on small cards to form prayer reminders. Pray for the siblings in class and then send the cards home so the children will be reminded to continue praying.
Draw an outline of a coat and decorate it with paints, stickers or glitter.
Learn the names of the 12 sons of Jacob (from Genesis 35:23-26)
Sing the “Sons of Jacob Song” song.

Tips for teaching adults:

A long-sleeved coat was a symbol of favouritism and status. Challenge class members to display objects or photos representing status and honour and discuss why these are considered important.
There is much negative emotion in this story, leading to tragedy. Most of the students in your class can probably relate to the emotions in the story. Ask the class to think about and discuss the following questions:
- How is your family like or unlike this family?
- Have you felt like your sibling was favoured over you? How did this make you feel? How have you dealt with your feelings?
- Which character do you identify with? Why?
- Each of us might experience jealousy or resentment at times. How do you deal with jealousy and resentment in your life? How should you deal with these? Encourage the class to speak to one another about how they can deal with jealousy and resentment.
Pray that we may learn to love and accept one another.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Joseph Sold By His Brothers

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Having deceived his brother and father, Jacob escaped to relatives in Haran. During the journey, Jacob dreamed of a stairway between heaven and earth on which angels were ascending and descending to the Lord at the top. God reassured Jacob of his blessing and promise. Undeserving as he was, this promise sustained Jacob over the next twenty years as he worked for his uncle Laban and built a family and wealth. Eventually, Jacob returned to his home and was surprised to find that his brother, Esau, welcomed him with open arms.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 28:10-33:20

Outline:

Jacob encounters God at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22)
A growing family and trickery at Haran (Genesis 29-31)
Jacob returns to Canaan and makes peace with his brother, Esau (Genesis 32:1-33:11)
Jacob’s family makes their home in the land of Canaan (Genesis 33:12-20)

Tips for teaching children:

Dress up as one of the characters and tell the story from that character’s point of view
Designate one area as “Canaan” and the other as “Haran.” Move between the areas as you tell the story. (Start in Canaan, go to Haran, and come back home to Canaan.)
Make a craft involving a ladder. Alternatively, make a ladder of pretzel sticks and little marshmallows.
Draw a family tree with Jacob, his wives and children.

Tips for teaching adults:

This story is quite long (6 chapters), so it would be helpful to summarise it for your students instead of trying to go into too much detail or read the entire passage of Scripture. Use the outline above to help summarise, and then use the main points of the outline as "talking points." Draw questions from one or two sections of the story. For example, relate questions to Jacob’s dream of the ramp to heaven and his wrestling with God.
Alternatively, spread the story over four teaching sessions. Refer to the outline above and cover one of the four points per session.
To help students relate to the story, you might use one or more of these discussion starters:
- Which character do you identify with (or have at some point in your life)? Explain.
- How does Jacob’s character change throughout this story?
- God uses a scoundrel like Jacob to move his plans to bless the nations through him. What does this tell you about God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jacob Goes to Haran

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Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau should have inherited the responsibilities and blessings that come with being the oldest son, but he rashly sold his birthright to his younger brother for a pot of stew. Later, in an elaborate act of deception, Rebekah and her favourite son, Jacob, tricked the elderly and blind Isaac. He was fooled into promising Jacob the family blessing. Jacob escaped his angry brother by travelling to his mother’s people in the city of Haran.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 25:19-34
Genesis 27:1-28 through 28:1-5

Outline:

Twin sons are born to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 25:19-26)
Esau sells his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25:27-34)
Rebekah and Jacob trick Isaac (Genesis 27:1-40)
Jacob escapes to Haran to find a wife (Genesis 27:41-28:5)

Tips for teaching children:

Before telling the story, place a blindfold on a child volunteer. Hand them various items that they can feel and identify. Afterwards, tell the children that there will be a blind person in today’s story.
Use paper, a whiteboard, sand, and a stick to draw the four main characters (Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau). These can be simple stick figures. Help the children describe each character and what we have learned about them in today’s story.
Help the children concoct a stew. You could begin with a simple broth made with an instant soup packet and boiling water. Supply various ingredients and spices so children can add what they wish.

Tips for teaching adults:

Since this is a long story, perhaps you can divide the class into two groups and ask them to read the story and discuss aspects of the story. Hand each group a list of questions they are to discuss among themselves. After discussing these questions, gather the groups again to compare their discussion and responses.
Here are a few questions to hand to the two groups:
- In what ways are deception and trickery manifested in the story?
- What do you see as a primary theme in this story? Why?
- Describe the characters of this story: Esau, Jacob, Isaac and Rebekah. What are the positive and negative aspects of their characters?
- What is one lesson to be learned from the story?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jacob, Esau, and the Birthright

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Abraham wanted his son to marry a woman who worshipped the “true and living God,” so he sent a servant back to the land of his relatives to find a wife for Isaac. Rebekah and her family believed in God. She left her home and her family and travelled back to Canaan to become Isaac’s wife. Isaac married her and loved her, and they followed God together.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 24:1-67
2 Corinthians 6:14

Outline:

Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:1-9)
The servant encounters Rebekah and her family (Genesis 24:10-61)
Isaac and Rebecca marry (Genesis 24:62-67)

Tips for teaching children:

Gather wedding pictures to show the children. This is more fun if it is of people they know.
Invite a married couple to talk to the children about what it is like to be married to a Christian.
Trace the servant’s journey on a map.

Tips for teaching adults:

You, the teacher, may best summarise this long chapter for the class. Or, if you have more time, divide up the chapter and choose several readers to read it aloud.
Have the class name various marriage customs in our world today that they are familiar with, such as “arranged marriages” or “choosing your own partner”. Discuss the pros and cons of each of these customs.
Ask the class to consider their own background and marriage. Then, we will open up a discussion about how the way we are brought up affects our marriage (good, bad, or just interesting).

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: A Wife for Isaac

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Abraham’s faith was tested when the Lord asked him to sacrifice Isaac on an altar. Abraham had a strong faith in God’s earlier promise that he would have many descendants, so he set out to prepare an altar and kill his only son. Abraham displayed this willingness to obey God unconditionally. At the last moment, an angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son.

Are we willing to give up (sacrifice) anything if it will help us to serve God better?

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 22:1-19
2 Chronicles 3:1
Hebrews 11:17-19
James 2:20-24

Outline:

Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-10)
Abraham passes the test (Genesis 22:11-14)
The angel restates God’s promise (Genesis 22:15-19)

Tips for teaching children:

Ask children to draw four squares on a piece of paper (or fold the paper into squares). In one square, they should write the word “GOD.” In each of the other four squares, they can draw pictures of people or things that are very important to them. Create “1st Place” ribbons from paper or actual ribbon. Children then talk about the people and things that are important to them and then glue the first-place ribbon on the square containing the word “God.”
Zentangle the word “FAITH”. Instructions here.

Tips for teaching adults:

Encourage your group to consider various aspects of the Scripture by presenting the following questions:
- Why does God test Abraham in this way?
- What does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac reveal about his faith and trust in God?
- How does God's intervention at the last moment change the narrative?
- What are two big takeaways from this story for you?
Help the group contemplate sacrifice by asking them to:
- Use a piece of paper to write down a significant sacrifice they have made because of their faith and trust in God.
- Read these out to the class if they are comfortable to do so.
- Pray that each of us can grow into the faith of Abraham.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Abraham Prepares to Sacrifice Isaac

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Upon learning that the Lord was about to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham bargains with God to spare the city if he can find just ten righteous people. But only one man, Lot, was found righteous, and the cities were destroyed. As Lot and his family fled the city, Lot’s wife turned and looked back at the city despite being warned not to. She turned into a pillar of salt.

Sin causes pain and sorrow. A definition of “sin” for children could be: “Words, thoughts or actions against God or what He wants. These can be words, thoughts or actions we DO. It can also be words, thoughts or actions that we should do but choose NOT TO DO.”

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 18:16-19:29
2 Peter 2:6-8
1 Corinthians 15:33

Outline:

Abraham bargains with God (Genesis 16:33)
The angels find evil in the city of Sodom (Genesis 19:1-9)
Mercy for Lot and his family (Genesis 19:10-22)
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:23-29)

Tips for teaching children:

Cut out two large heart shapes. One of white paper and the other black. Leave the white heart whole, but cut the black heart into 5 or 6 pieces like a puzzle.
- Show the white heart and talk about a pure heart that wants to follow and please God.
- Next, lay the white heart down and begin covering it with the black “puzzle” pieces. As you place each piece, talk about sin that makes our hearts “dirty”. For example, for children, this might involve saying bad words, lying, or hitting someone. Talk about how God can make our hearts clean again when we tell Him we are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Remove the black pieces when you talk about forgiveness.
- The people in today’s story (in Sodom) were not sorry for their sins. They wanted to have a sinful heart.

Tips for teaching adults:The goal of discussion questions is not to receive one right answer. The teacher uses these questions to generate discussion. This opens up people's minds to see things in the text that would otherwise not be apparent at first glance.

For instance, ask the participants to read Genesis 19:25. Note that Abraham seemed very bold, and then ask:

What is Abraham asking God to do?
What does he mean by asking, “Won’t you do what is right?” Does he think God might not do what is right?
How does the text encourage us, the reader, to consider God’s mercy and justice?

You could also ask the students to consider the sin of Sodom.

How does the text suggest that Sodom’s biggest sin was violence and injustice?
How does Sodom’s inhospitality contrast with the Lot’s hospitality as well as Abraham’s hospitality?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Sodom and Gomorrah

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God changed Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah. When they hosted three visitors, they were told that God would give them a child within the year. The promise was fulfilled when Sarah gave birth to a son, Isaac, one year later. Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 when Isaac was born.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7

Outline:

Abraham and Sarah offer hospitality to three visitors (Genesis 18:1-8)
The Lord promises a son (Genesis 18:9-16)
Isaac is born one year later (Genesis 21:1-7)

Tips for teaching children:

Use sheets and blankets to construct a tent
Prepare food as if for a guest
Sing God Answers Prayer and talk about how, sometimes, we have to wait for God to answer our prayers.

Tips for teaching adults:

Here’s a fun conversation starter at the beginning of class: “What makes you laugh?” “What do you think is funny?”
Some questions to get a conversation going:
- How did Abraham and Sarah show hospitality to these three visitors?
- How do you show hospitality to visitors to your house?
- What do you do to make them feel like they are important?
Verse 14 is the key text in this story. Ask the class if anyone wants to share difficult things in their life. Pray about the hard things that were shared in the class.
When is it hardest for you to trust God?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Abram’s Three Visitors

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Abram and his nephew, Lot, both prospered while living in the land of Canaan. Their servants began to argue over whose flocks and herds should have the small amount of grass that was available. To solve the problem, Abram told Lot to choose an area for himself. Abram would take what was left. Lot chose the more fertile land and moved near a place where very bad people lived. Abram began living in a less fertile area, but God blessed him and told him that all that land would someday belong to his descendants.

Remember to make careful choices because choices have consequences.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 13:2-18
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 19:21
Matthew 6:33
James 1:5

Outline:

A crowding problem (Genesis 13:2-7)
Abram suggests Lot to choose new territory (Genesis 13:8-13)
God restates land promises to Abram (Genesis 13:14-18)

Tips for teaching children:

Place upright dominoes in a row. Push over one domino and watch all of the dominoes fall, one by one. Talk about decisions and how they set off consequences.
Draw or paint a map of the places where this story takes place. Use this simple map as a guide.

Tips for teaching adults:

Here are some conversational questions to stimulate discussion:
- Although the text doesn’t explicitly tell us, why do you think Abram let Lot choose first?
- Would there be any way for either Abram or Lot to know what the consequences would be of Lot’s choice?
- Although Lot got the lushest land, what two things does God promise Abram?
- If you were faced with a similar choice, would you have followed Abram’s example or Lot’s? Why?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Abram Gives Lot First Choice

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God chose one man, Abram, to be the beginning of a new nation called God’s People. He told Abram to leave his home and relatives and set out travelling. Abram, his wife, Sarai, and nephew, Lot, left home. He began to travel and live in tents. The Lord also told Abram that his name would be great and the whole world would be blessed through this new nation. Abram believed in God and had living faith—the kind of faith that proves it is real by doing actions.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 12:1-9

Genesis 11:27-32

Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:8

James 2:17

Outline:

God tells Abram to go (Genesis 12:1-3)
Abram goes (Genesis 12:4-9)

Tips for teaching children:

When talking about Abram’s movements from place to place, move to different locations in the room.
- Ur
- Haran
- Shechem
- Bethel
Sing the Father Abraham Song

Tips for teaching adults:

Plan on a day when the class can take a trip together; choose one person in the class to decide where the class will go. Only that person will know the destination. Everyone can take a picnic if it is a longer day. If it is a drive, car-pooling is suggested. If it is a walk, make sure all can walk to the destination. Enjoy spending time together on this journey. Ask the class what were they thinking and feeling not knowing where they were going. What was going through their minds?
Here are some good conversation starters:
- “Imagine you are journeying with Abram. What kind of questions would you ask him? How long would you stay with him?”
- Where else in Genesis do we read of “blessing” and the promise of “descendants?” (Don’t forget Genesis 1:28 & 9:1 as part of the conversation).
- What were some of these blessings the peoples of the earth would receive through Abraham and his descendants?
Link to free Bible Maps: https://open.bible/maps/ Check out the PDF map of “The World of the Patriarchs”. Be sure to note this at the top of the website about use of the maps: “The maps on this page are each included in the Biblica Open Bible Maps collection, copyright 2023 Biblica, Inc, and licensed under a CC-BY-SA license (see below for license terms and limitations).”

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: God Calls Abram

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After Noah and his family left the ark, God planned for them to spread out over the whole earth and repopulate it. Instead, in their pride, they gathered in one place and began to build a tower. To intervene, the Lord confused and stopped their plans, causing everyone to speak different languages. Once again, people began to move away and spread all over the earth.

When teaching, emphasise the nature of unhealthy pride.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 11:1-9

Proverbs 11:2

Psalm 127:1

James 4:10

Outline:

The people congregate in one place (Genesis 11:1-2)
They built a tower for themselves (Genesis 11:3-4)
God intervenes (Genesis 11:5-9a)
The people scatter (Genesis 11:9b)

Tips for teaching children:

Play Jenga or stack blocks to make a tower
Contrast different kinds of pride
- positive pride (self-respect or self-esteem)
- negative pride (feeling superior or having an overly high opinion of oneself)
Invite a guest to class and ask them to explain something to the children in another language. Talk about why mixing up languages would have caused confusion.

Tips for teaching adults:

Icebreaker before you begin teaching. Ask the participants to respond to the following, “What is the most important, magnificent or tallest thing you have built?” Or if you are not a builder: “What is the most important, magnificent or tallest building you have ever seen? Why?
Use this material as a background to this story. Photo montage of a ziggurat and other related artifacts: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Etemenanki#/media/File:Etemenanki_Berlin.jpg
When is it not good to “settle?” Are we building monuments, programmes or ministries to ourselves? Are we trying to make a name for ourselves or to draw attention to God’s name?
How can we build for God instead of ourselves as individuals or a church?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Tower of Babel

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When Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark, the rains began and continued for forty days. The whole earth was covered in water. Even after the rains stopped, the ark continued to float for a total of 150 days until it was grounded on top of Mt. Ararat.

While the water receded, Noah sent a raven and a dove out from the ark to see if they could find dry land.

Eventually, God told Noah and his family to come out of the ark when the water had receded enough. The first thing that Noah did was to build an altar and offer some of the animals and birds as a sacrifice to God in thanks for keeping all of them safe. At that time, God caused a rainbow to appear in the sky. God said that this was a symbol of His promise to never destroy the world again by water.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 7:11-9:17

Outline:

The Flood (Genesis 7:11-24)
Leaving the Ark (Genesis 8:1-19)
Worship and the Agreement (Genesis 8:20-9:17)

Tips for teaching children:

Sing the “Rise and Shine” Song
Make any rainbow craft

Tips for teaching adults:

Discuss the ways people might feel God has forgotten or abandoned them. When you see God remembering Noah, what comes to mind from your own experience of life?
Read through the story, focusing on aspects suggesting God is on a rescue mission.
- What aspects of this story suggest that this is a rescue mission?
- Where is God’s mercy seen in this story?
Ask the class to share some interesting rainbows they have seen. Or you could ask the class to bring to class pictures of rainbows, ones that have captured their attention. Follow up with these questions:
- “In Genesis 9:12-17, what is the sign of the covenant, and what purpose does it serve?
- Who does God make the covenant with (see Genesis 9:12-14)?
- What are the implications of this covenant?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Flood and God’s Promise

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As time went by, people became more and more evil. Only Noah was obedient and pleased God. God gave Noah special instructions to build a huge boat (ark). This ark would keep Noah and his family safe from the floods that were about to cover the earth. The ark was also big enough to carry enough animals to repopulate the earth when the flood was over.

Noah believed in God and obeyed him so everyone on the ark was safe.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 6:5-7:16

Hebrews 11:7

Outline:

Humans had become wicked (Genesis 6:5-7:16)
Only Noah followed God (Genesis 6:8-10)
Noah builds and loads the ark (Genesis 6:11-7:16)

Tips for teaching children:

Children who enjoy math can convert the dimensions of the ark into metric or imperial measurements. They could also research the sizes of soccer or football fields (or any big building or stadium) and compare the sizes to the ark.
Make a replica of the ark.
Sing the song: Rise and Shine
Eat animal crackers
Young children will enjoy filling a tub with water and floating a toy boat on it.

Tips for teaching adults:

In preparation for the class day, ask participants to research some of history’s worst floods. They can share their findings with the group. Research could include loss of life, the financial cost of the damages, the extent of the flood and after-effects of the flood. Discuss the power of water and the devastation it can cause.
Noah was a good and obedient man who walked with God. God rescues his entire family because of his obedience and goodness. Discussion starters:
- What does this invite us to consider about God’s nature and how He interacts with people?
- How can our faithfulness to God be the channel of blessing to others?
- What does this have to say about the importance of our faithfulness to God for the sake of others?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Noah Builds an Ark & Loads Animals

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Two of Adam and Eve’s sons were Cain (a farmer) and Abel (a shepherd). Abel was faithful and offered the best meat from the best lamb in his flock to God as a sacrifice. Cain offered some produce from his crops as his offering to God. God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice but not with Cain’s. This made Cain so angry that he killed his own brother, Abel. In punishment, God exiled (or banished) Cain from the area he knew as home.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 4:1-16, 25

Colossians 3:23

Hebrews 11:4

Ephesians 4:26-27

Outline:

Two brothers offer sacrifices to God (Genesis 4:1-4a)
Cain is jealous when God only accepts Abel’s sacrifice (Genesis 4:4b-7)
Cain kills Abel (Genesis 4:8)
Cain is banished (Genesis 4:9-16)
Eve has another son, Seth (Genesis 4:25)

Tips for teaching children:

To introduce the story, bring pairs of items and ask children to compare them and decide which is the best. Abel gave his best.
Explain that an altar was a structure, usually made of stacked rocks, where people lay items and gave them up to show devotion to God.
Talk about anger and how to diffuse it.
Half-fill one clear glass with water. Half-fill an identical clear glass with white vinegar. Tell the children that these glasses represent Cain and Abel’s hearts. (Point to the glass of water) Abel’s heart was good, and he wanted to give his best to God. (Put a drop or two of green food colouring in the vinegar glass and stir it.) The green glass represents Cain’s heart. He was jealous of his brother and didn’t give his best to God. Let’s see what happens to their hearts when they give gifts to God. Ask one child to put a teaspoon of baking soda in the glass of water (nothing will happen to the water). Abel gave his gift, and God was pleased. Abel felt good because he knew he had given his best. Now, let’s see what happened to Cain’s heart. (Have another child put a teaspoon of baking soda in the green vinegar glass). As the water bubbles and boils, talk about how jealousy made Cain’s heart upset and angry.

Tips for teaching adults:

Cain responded to God’s acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice with anger and jealousy. Discussion questions:
- Why are anger and jealousy so bad?
- What advice would you give to Cain as he seethes with anger to diffuse and re-direct it?
Although the text isn’t clear why God accepts Abel’s sacrifice and rejects Cain’s, the text in verses 3-4 does imply that Abel brought his best, Cain did not. Discussion questions:
- Why did God accept Abel’s sacrifice and reject Cain’s?
- What can we learn about how we approach God in our worship and in our service to him?
Challenge the class to supply needed items for a mission church or food pantry. The quality of the items should be what the class would want for themselves.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

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Adam and Eve were happy in the Garden of Eden, where God provided for all of their needs. God gave them only one rule: do not eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. The serpent came to Eve, tempted her with lies, and convinced her to eat from the tree. Then, Eve gave some of the fruit to Adam, and he also ate it. They both realized their sin and guilt for disobeying God at that point. For the first time, people experienced shame. Because of their sin, God banished Adam and Eve from the garden.

When teaching this lesson, emphasise that God loves us and makes rules that will help us be healthy and happy. Satan wants bad things to happen to us, so he tempts us to disobey God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-24
James 4:7

Outline:

God told Adam not to eat fruit from the dangerous tree, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Genesis 2:15-17)
Adam and Eve listen to the Snake and experience temptation, sin and shame. (Genesis 3:1-7)
God speaks with Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:8-13)
The consequences of their disobedience. (Genesis 3:14-24)

Tips for teaching children:

Explain the words “temptation” and “sin”
When you talk about the snake, wrap a chenille wire around your finger to form a “snake”. Alternatively, roll Play-Doh to form a snake.
Try this activity to help children understand the idea of choosing between right and wrong. Provide two paper plates for each child. Help them draw a sad face on one and a happy face on the other. Describe a situation the children might find themselves in and state a dilemma and choice. Children should hold up the corresponding plate.

Tips for teaching adults:

Bake two batches of your favourite cookies and bring them to class. One batch of cookies will be normal, but the other batch should be made with salt instead of sugar. When they take a bite, they will know how awful it tastes and will not eat it. This is your cue to introduce the class today to the Fall of Man. Tell the class that something may look good and desirable, but actually, it is not. This is the nature of sin. It promises life but ultimately brings death. Don’t forget to offer the class the good cookies afterwards.
Ask the class to read Genesis 2:15-24 and discuss the following questions:
- In what ways has God shown that he loves and cares for his creation and Adam and Eve?
- “Has he shown his love and care for you in a similar way? Explain.”
1 John 2:15-16 is drawing upon the story in Genesis 3. Read this and then discuss:
- What connections do you see between 1 John 2:16 and Genesis 3:6?
- In what ways can we identify with Eve’s situation?
- In what ways can we relate to 1 John 2:16?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Fall of Man

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After spending six days creating the world, God considered the seventh day a special day to rest. God did not rest because He was tired; He did not become exhausted or run out of energy. God’s work of creation was perfect, and the seventh day was a day to reflect on what He had completed.

God also wants us to rest and consider His work and how He takes care of us.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 1:1 and 2:1-3
Isaiah 40:28-29 God does not become weary or run out of energy.
Psalm 19:1-4 God rested, knowing the creation itself would point people to Him.
Exodus 20:8-11 God later commanded His people to remember this seventh day as a day of rest.
Psalm 23:1-2 As our shepherd, God provides safety, peace and rest.
Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest.
Psalm 148:7-13 A Psalm of reflection on God’s creation

Outline:

God created our world (Genesis 1:1)
God rested (Genesis 2:1-3)

Tips for teaching children:

Spend time relaxing and reflecting on God and what He has done (play calming music, breathe deeply)
Serve food (like ice cream) and savour each bite. Talk about the flavours and textures and how each bite makes you feel. Use this as a lead-in to taking time to think about things instead of just rushing through.

Tips for teaching adults:

I would ask these questions in an adult class:
- What do we learn about God in this text?
- What do we learn about ourselves?
- How has your life and work over the past 6 days blessed others?”
- If resting on day 7 suggests that God is now present and ruling over his creation, then how can your life and work show that you believe God is in control and present in his world?
Organise a day out on Saturday as a class to have a picnic and enjoy the day together. Spend some time thinking of ways you can re-organise your life so that you can enjoy more moments like these. Conclude your day together by thanking God for his care over his creation and that he has given you the opportunity to bless others through your work and life.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Day 7-God Rested

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On the last day of creation, God created animals. After this, it was finally time for God to create man and woman. There was something special about this last creature of creation. God created man and woman in His “own image.” As seen in Adam and Eve, people are distinct from animals and have a have a special relationship and partnership with God.

Bible verses used in this episode:Genesis 1:24-31; 2:7, 18-25

Other helpful verses about animals:

They belong to God: Job 12:7-10; Psalm 50:10-11
Praise God for His care of creation. Psalm 145
Used to describe peace. Isaiah 11:6-9
Kindness towards animals. Exodus 23:5; Proverbs 12:10; Proverbs 27:23
Examples of truths. Job 12:7-10; Job 35:11; Proverbs 30:24-31; Matthew 10:29-31; James 3:7-10
God knows us. Psalm 139:13-16

Outline:

God created animals (Genesis 1:24-25)
God created people (Genesis 1:26-27)
God blessed what he created (Genesis 1:28-31)

Tips for teaching children:

Play a game where one child makes an animal sound, and the other children guess the animal.
Show illustrations of the human body. This might include the skeleton, muscles, etc.
Talk about how amazing God’s creation of the human body is. Take a pulse or listen to a heartbeat.

Tips for teaching adults:

Psalm 8 is a beautiful reflection on Genesis 1. I suggest asking one person to read verses 1-2, another to read verses 3-8, and then the first reader to read the last verse. Ask the class to discuss the relationship between God, humans, and animals. How does this make you feel? How can you exercise your care over the creation in a way that honours God and reflects his wisdom?
Project: Organise a project to clean up and beautify a park. This project can include children. Beautifying a park may involve picking up rubbish, clearing out dead plants, removing dead limbs, and planting new things appropriate to the park. Afterwards, meet somewhere and reflect on this project in light of Genesis 1:26-31. Ask the group, “ How were we partnering with God in taking care of his creation?”
Research the prayer of St. Basil the Great, (influential 4th-century Christian leader, teacher and preacher) and his prayer about animals.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Day 6- God Created Animals and People

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God filled the oceans with all sorts of creatures on the fifth day. He also created birds on this day. Not only did He create these creatures, He made them with the ability to reproduce.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 1:20-23
Jesus said diversity in the Kingdom of God is like fish in a net (Matthew 13:47)
Jesus compared following Him to fishing for men (Matthew 4:19)
Jesus miraculously used two fish and five loaves to feed a crowd of over 5,000 people (John 6:1-15)
God knows every bird (Psalm 50:11a)
God protects us like a mother bird protects her chicks (Psalm 91:4)
People who trust God will rise up like eagles (Isaiah 40:31a)

Outline:

The creation story is found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2
God created creatures if the sea and birds. (Genesis 1:20-23)

Tips for teaching children:

Make a craft with feathers or shells.
Young children can learn to draw a simple fish shape
Decorate boiled eggs

Tips for teaching adults:

For a fun exercise, ask the class to google the question, “What are names of the birds mentioned in the Bible?” I think everyone will be surprised at the various bird species named in the Bible.
Guide the class into reading the following texts: Luke 12:6-7; Matthew 6:26-28; Deuteronomy 22:6-7. Each of these texts teaches us something about the life of the follower of God. Lead the class in a discussion by asking the class, “What can we learn from the birds about our life as God’s people from these texts?” and “How are birds used to teach us about our life with God?”

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Day 5-God Created Birds & Fish

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Before the fourth day, there was a type of light, but on this day, God created the sun to give a bright light that was called day. He also created the stars and moon we see in the night sky. Because of this, there could be seasons and time as we know it today.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 1:14-19
Psalm 19:1-2
Deuteronomy 4:19
Psalm 84:11
Job 9:9-10
Psalm 147:4-5
Philippians 2:14-16

Outline:

The creation story is found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2
God created the sun, moon and stars. (Genesis 1:14-19)

Tips for teaching children:

Take the children outside to stargaze at night or notice sunlight and shadows during the day.
Young children can practice drawing circles for the sun and moon and then master the skill of drawing stars.
Make crafts using black paper and star stickers or glitter.

Tips for teaching adults:

Begin the class by mentioning these fun facts about the sun:
- The sun is about 100 times wider than the earth.
- It takes light 8 ½ minutes to travel from the sun to the earth. When you look at the sun you are seeing what it looked liked 8 ½ minutes ago.
- The hottest part of the sun is its core – 15 million0 C (27 million F.). It’s surface (photosphere) is a balmy 5,5000 C (10,000 F). The big mystery is that its atmosphere (corona) gets hotter the further away from the sun and can reach temps around 2 million0 C (3.5 million F).
Choose four people to read the following texts, Psalm 50:1-2; Psalm 84:11; Isa.60:19-20 and Malachi 4:2. Lead a discussion around the question, “What are some analogies between God and the sun?”
Organise a trip outside either during the day or during the night. Have the group look up at the sky and ask them to think about God. While they are looking at the sky, read Psalm 8 and Psalm 136:1-9. Ask the class the following questions: What word best describes what you are experiencing: awe, humility, wonder, love, being special? Why? How does the sun, moon or stars remind us of God’s love? Lead the class in prayer praising and thanking God for his wisdom, power, love, and goodness.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Day 4-God Created Sun, Moon, & Stars

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On the third day of creation, God separated land and sea and caused dry land to appear. God also created vegetation on the third day. The creation must have begun to take on beauty and majesty. The creation of our world was done in an orderly fashion, leading up to its completion. God was building a beautiful, healthy place that would eventually be ready for humanity.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 1:9-13

Romans 1:20

Soil: Luke 8:4–15

Rock: Psalm 18:2 and Matthew 16:16-18

Rock and Sand: Matthew 7:24-27

Grass and Flowers: Isaiah 40:8

Trees and Fruit: Psalms 1:1-3 and Galatians 5:22-23

Vine and Branches: John 15:5

Outline:

The creation story is found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2
God formed land and created plants (Genesis 1:9-13)

Tips for teaching children:

Both adults and children can try to list as many words as possible concerning first land and then plants. If you wish you could divide the children into teams and make it a contest.
Eat fruit or vegetable snacks.
Make a collage or mosaic picture using seeds and plant parts.
Make a sand candle.
Plant a seed and check back to see if it grew.

Tips for teaching adults:

Organise a class project to clean up and beautify a local park. If possible, include children in this project. This project may involve picking up rubbish, clearing out dead plants, removing dead limbs, and/or planting new things appropriate to the park. Lead a discussion on our role as stewards of the land God has given us. Include in the discussion reflecting on how important it is to take care of the land and how important the land is to us. NOTE: You may have to get permission from the city council to do this project or parts of it.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: On Day 3 God Created Land & Plants

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As this day began, we find that water covered the entire earth. On this second day of creation, God separated the water so that sky appeared above the seas. For the first time ever, the Earth would have experienced things associated with sky and water: clouds, wind, waves, etc.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 1:6-8
Job chapter 37 (God has complete power over all aspects of weather.)
Mark 4:37-41 (Jesus can command the weather.)
John 4:14 (Following Jesus is like drinking from never-ending springs of water.)
Acts 1:9-11 (The resurrected Jesus ascended into clouds, and one day, He will return in the same way.)

Outline:

The creation story is found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2
On the second day, God separated water so there was water and sky (Genesis 1:6-8)

Tips for teaching children:

Challenge the children to list as many words as possible about water and air.
Write (or have children write) “God made the clouds” on blue paper. Young children can glue cotton wool to the paper.
Collect weather reports and share them with the children.
Make a mobile with paper clouds.
Have children tape streamers or ribbon to a stick and wave them in the breeze.
Fly a kite.

Tips for teaching adults:

Have the class members go outside and look up at the sky. Ask the group to describe what they see (prompt them by asking about the sky's colour, apparent shape, expanse, etc.). Read Job 22:14 and reflect on the following:
- What does this text mean?
- How does this make them feel?
- What does it say about God?
Read and reflect upon Psalm 8. How does the psalmist feel about God and about himself when he observes the creation? What can we learn from the creation about God’s relationship to us?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Day 2-God Created Sky & Water

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God created our world. Until this time, the earth was “formless and empty.” Darkness was everywhere. There is so much we cannot comprehend about how our world came into existence, but in Genesis, God reveals what He wants us to know: He created.

On the first day of creation, God spoke, and light appeared. This was not the sun’s light because the sun was not created until the fourth day. This was a special light from a source only God knew.

When teaching, emphasise that nothing—not even light—existed until God created it on the first day of creation.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 1: 1-5
1 John 1:5-9
John 8:12
Psalm 119:105
Matthew 5:14-16
Psalm 27:1

Outline:

The creation story is found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2
God created light on the first day of creation (Genesis 1:1-5)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about this first day of creation within the context of the entire creation week.
Help the children find Genesis 1:1 in their bibles.
Look up other verses in the bible that mention light.
Explore light using various experiments and methods like a prism, magnifying glass, blacklights, fairy lights, lamps, etc.
Sing This Little Light of Mine

Tips for teaching adults:

Make a plan for your class to go on a field trip to watch the early morning change from darkness to light. As you are experiencing the change from a time of darkness to a time of light, lead the class in reflecting upon the experience. You might ask the following to help get them thinking:
- What do you see?
- How does moving from darkness to light make you feel?
- What does this tell you about God?
Ask the group to think of texts in the Bible that talk about light and darkness and read the texts that come to mind. Conclude this experience by reading Romans 13:11-13.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Day 1- God Created Light

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One of the subjects Paul discussed in his letter to the churches of Galatia was a comparison of living with our “sinful self” and living “by the Spirit.” If a person lives out selfish desires, the ultimate result is a sinful life. Sin is the fruit. In contrast, when Christians allow the Holy Spirit to control their lives, they will do the good things that please the Holy Spirit and God. This kind of life is the fruit of the Spirit.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Galatians 5:16-26
Galatians 5:22-23
Luke 6:43-45
Matthew 7:15-20
Matthew 12:30-37

Outline:

Two choices. Who will lead? (Galatians 5:16-18)
Choice One: Self in Control (Galatians 5:19-21)
Choice Two: The Spirit in Control (Galatians 5:22-26)

Tips for teaching children:

Consider what words need defining in this Scripture. Be more general with younger children. Be ready to answer older children's questions, particularly about the sins listed. In all cases, be appropriate to the age of the child.
Eat fruit as you talk about the Fruit of the Spirit
Sing the Fruit of the Spirit Song

Tips for teaching adults:

Invite class discussion to help participants better understand the implications of a Spirit-led life. Discussion starters might be as follows:
- Firstly, imagine a world where everyone lives according to the sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Then compare that with a life guided by the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23.
- How might each world play out to its logical conclusion? Where would living out the desires of the flesh lead? What kind of family, neighbourhood, community and nation would result from this?
Create a chart listing the fruit of the Spirit and provide each participant with a copy. Encourage them to keep a tally over the next 2-3 weeks. They can place a tick or check mark on the chart each time they witness other Christians displaying the fruit. For example, if they see someone hold the door open for someone else to pass through first – they could tick off “love” and “patience.” Compare results. Spend time in prayer to thank God for these displays of the Spirit.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Fruit of the Spirit

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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The church in Corinth had many problems, and Paul addressed those in the two letters he wrote to them. He instructs that their internal bickering and selfishness could be solved if they practised one thing: LOVE. In this chapter, Paul gives practical advice on what love is and how to practice it.

When teaching, emphasise that love is how you treat people and not just an emotional feeling.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Corinthians 13

Outline:

Good actions mean nothing if not based on love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Love is expressed in action (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love lasts forever (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)

Tips for teaching children:

Make a craft involving hearts. A good phrase to write on the crafts is “Love never ends” from 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Discuss each attribute of love in the context of a child’s world.
Encourage children to memorise 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. They can finish this off with the first phrase of verse 13 (love never ends)
Sing songs about love:
- Ha-la-la-la Song
- Hello Hello Song
- Love is Something If You Give It Away
- L-O-V-E Song

Tips for teaching adults:

Questions and conversation starters:
- Share about the most loving thing someone has done for you. Why did you consider it the most loving? What makes it stand out?
- Discuss what aspects of love are the most challenging.
Imagine a church that is fully loving. What would the Sunday worship assembly be like? How would members interact with one another?
As a class, choose one of the qualities of love Paul mentions in this chapter, and then, for one month, practice this quality toward one another in the class. You might brainstorm ways this can be done. For instance, to practice “love is kind", you might write a note of encouragement, take someone out to eat and pay for their meal or speak affirming words to them.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Chapter of Love

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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During the Passover meal, Jesus gave new meaning to the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine. He told the disciples that from now on, they were to eat and drink it to remember the significance of his death on their behalf.

We take the Lord’s Supper each week as a memorial celebration of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Matthew 26:26-30
Mark 14:22-26
Luke 22:14-20
I Corinthians 12:27
Exodus 12:12-13
1 Peter 1:18-19
Ephesians 1:7

Outline:

Description of the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Teachings about the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27-34)

Tips for teaching children:

Guide the children in making homemade communion bread and grape juice. For fun, you could press grapes to make the juice.
Artwork: Have children draw or paint a cross in the centre of a paper. Draw pictures of the bread and wine on either side of the cross representing Jesus’ body and blood. Underneath the picture, children can write, “Do this to remember me.” I Corinthians 11:24

Tips for teaching adults:

Questions:
- What are some memorable times in taking the Lord’s Supper? Do any of them stand out? Why?
- Why is the Lord’s Supper meaningful to you? How is it special?
Have the class brainstorm different ways to practice celebrating the Lord’s Supper that highlight its importance. For instance, the Lord’s Supper is an act of unity of God’s people. What practice in taking the Lord’s Supper will convey the thought of unity of the church? (My suggestion: hand out the bread and fruit of the vine, and after the prayer for the bread, have everyone eat it together. Do the same for the cup).

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Meaning of the Lord’s Supper

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus to help them understand God’s power and how He wants Christians to behave. To help them be “strong in the Lord”, Paul uses an example of a soldier’s battle armour to explain that God gives Christians spiritual weapons of strength to fight Satan.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Ephesians 6:10-18
Ephesians 1:21-22
James 4:7
1 Peter 5:8-9
Colossians 2:15
Romans 8:37-39

Old Testament References to Armour:

Isaiah 59:16-17
Isaiah 11:5
Isaiah 49:2
Isaiah 52:7

Outline:

The Spiritual Battle (Ephesians 6:10-13)
How to stand (Ephesians 6:14-17)
Pray (Ephesians 6:18)

Tips for teaching children:

The subject of evil powers and the Devil is very serious and should be handled carefully with children. Children should be aware of the enemy and understand that he wants to turn us against God. On the other hand, they need to know that God has more power than the Devil. If we pray and follow God, then we do not need to be afraid or worry that the Devil might overpower us. Teachers should stress the power and love of God over any mention of the Devil.
Show illustrations of soldiers of Paul’s time and talk about the various pieces of armour Paul mentioned.
Video games often depict an enemy attacking the “good guy”. In the games, the player usually tries to load the “good guy” with weapons and powers so that he can fight the enemy. Ask older children to share about a game. Compare this to being prepared with God’s power to fight our enemy, the Devil.

Tips for teaching adults:

Questions for Discussion:
- How do these evil spiritual forces manifest themselves in our world (including our social, political and religious structures)?
- How does prayer fit into this battle?
- What is the purpose of each of these pieces of armour?
- How do they work together to protect the wearer?
- Paul was on the front line of the battle. What evidence of the battle is there in your congregation?
Spend time in prayer for one another, committing as a group to put on God's full armour and help one another do the same.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Christian Armour

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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From infancy and throughout his life, Timothy studied the Scriptures and learned about God. His father was an unbelieving Greek, but his mother and grandmother were followers of God and taught him well. As a young man, Timothy joined the Apostle Paul on missionary journeys and continued serving God in many ways over his lifetime. He was like a son to Paul and one of his most trusted co-workers.

Emphasise that we can be like Timothy and begin to learn about God from an early age.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 16:1-5
2 Timothy 1:3-7
2 Timothy 3:14-15
1 Thessalonians 3:2
1 Timothy 5:23
Hebrews 13:23
1 Corinthians 4:17

Tips for teaching children:

Show the class some of the material used to teach children younger than them. They will notice that the material seems babyish. Let them enjoy that they have “matured in the Lord” since that time.
Arrange to have the children visit a class of younger children and observe their class.

Tips for teaching adults:

Use this free online concordance to find the 25 references to Timothy in the New Testament. Provide these verses to the class and ask them to describe Timothy.
Consider the following discussion questions:
- What is something new that you have learned about Timothy?
- Is there anyone you know that reminds you of Timothy? How?
- How did Timothy demonstrate his faithfulness to God and his friendship to Paul?
- What one or two things about Timothy do you want to be more like?
- How can Timothy encourage you in your faith?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Timothy

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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For the two years Paul was in Rome, he was allowed to live in his own rented house with Roman guards keeping an eye on him. While there, he often invited the Jews to come to his house and hear about Jesus. Some of them became Christians. From later writing we know Paul also spent time writing epistles (letters) to the churches he had visited. Many of these letters are the books we find in our New Testaments today.

We can tell others about Jesus using various media, including books, letters, websites, podcasts, videos and more.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 28:16-31

Verses where Paul mentions prison:

Ephesians 3:1
Ephesians 4:1
Philippians 1:17
Philippians 1:13
Colossians 4:3
Colossians 4:18
2 Timothy 2:9
Philemon 9-10

Outline:

Paul speaks to people about Jesus while under arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16-31)
Paul writes letters (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, Philemon)

Tips for teaching children:

Help the children find the table of contents in their Bibles and point out all of Paul's epistles.
Write notes or send pictures to someone to explain something from God’s word.
Older children could brainstorm various media that could be used to teach about Jesus. After brainstorming, guide the children in designing their own versions. This could include cards and letters, bookmarks, website articles, podcast episodes, videos and more.

Tips for teaching adults:

Questions to ask the class:
- What is Paul hoping to accomplish by meeting with the Jewish leaders right after he gets to Rome?
- What does the ending of the Book of Acts mean to you?
- How would you write Acts 29 if you were carrying on with the thought of 28:31?
- How is the message about Jesus ‘unhindered’ in your community?
Imagine that you are Paul. Write a brief letter from Paul to your congregation and say what you believe Paul would want to say. Be prepared to read your brief letter to the class and discuss it.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul's Last Days and Letters from Prison

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul had been falsely accused of causing trouble in Jerusalem. Although innocent of these accusations, he was kept prisoner in Caesarea and made to appear before a succession of governors and leaders, including Felix, Festus and even King Agrippa. At each court appearance, Paul spoke freely about his Christian faith. His accusers could never prove him guilty, and Paul eventually used his right as a Roman citizen to ask to be sent to Rome to appear before Caesar's court.

Emphasise using every opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 24-26

Outline:

Paul before Governor Felix (includes the Jerusalem Jews and lawyer) Acts 24:1-27
Paul Before Governor Festus (includes appearance before King Agrippa) Acts 24:27-26:32

Tips for teaching children:

Practice words and phrases to use when talking about Jesus
Have children draw themselves in the centre of a piece of paper. They can add other children around themselves. As you discuss ways to talk about Jesus, have the children draw speech bubbles.

Tips for teaching adults:

Divide into three groups and read the scriptures below. Aterwards, come back together and report what the main ideas or points were. What did you learn about Paul and his faithfulness to Jesus in these three situations?
- One group reads and summarises Paul’s trial before Felix in chapter 24.
- Another group can read Chapter 25 and summarise Paul’s trial before Festus.
- A 3rd group can read chapter 26 and summarise Paul’s speech before Agrippa.
Questions:
- Read Acts 9:15-16 and ask how Paul fulfilled Jesus’ commission.
- How has Paul demonstrated his faithfulness to Jesus and Jesus’ commission?
- How are Paul’s words and actions helpful or encouraging to you?
- Who is Jesus sending you to tell them about him?
- Who needs to hear the message about Jesus?
Pray for those people and pray for an opportunity to tell them the message about Jesus

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul on Trial

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul was under arrest in Jerusalem because of false accusations by the Jews. Paul’s Roman citizenship demanded a fair hearing, so the Roman commander in charge set up a meeting with Jewish priests and the Sanhedrin. This meeting ended in chaos, with Paul back in protective custody.

Paul’s young nephew overheard some of the Jews plotting to kill Paul, so Paul asked him to tell the commander. The commander had no choice but to arrange a large military escort to take Paul to Caesarea, the nearest headquarters of Roman rule.

One night, amidst all these events, Jesus appeared to Paul and told him to have courage because he would be going to Rome to testify about his faith.

Emphasise that young people can do great things for God. Don’t wait until you get “older” to serve God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 22:30-23:35
1 Timothy 4:12

Outline:

Paul appeared before the angry Jewish council (Acts 22:30-23:10)
Jesus visits Paul (Acts 23:11)
Paul’s nephew reports a plot (Acts 23:12-22)
The Roman commander sends Paul on to Governor Felix (Acts 23:23-35)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about the effect Paul’s young nephew had on the situation
Memorise 1 Timothy 4:12 and have the children list ways they can be an example of faith to others.
Research online to learn about influential children in history and of our time.

Tips for teaching adults:

Have a few people in the class google “Ananias, the High Priest” and “Felix, the governor” to learn a few more things about them, including something of their possible character. Share some highlights with the class to know more about these characters in the story.
Ask the class: “Who was your favourite uncle? Why?”
The hero of this story is Paul’s unnamed nephew. How have children been brave in your congregation? Find ways to honour the children of your congregation to make them feel special because they are.
One more question: “Was Paul showing a lack of faith in Jesus’ promise when he sent his nephew to the Roman commander?” Why or why not?”

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul’s Nephew Uncovers a Plot

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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At the conclusion of his third missionary journey, Paul followed the direction of the Holy Spirit in making his way to Jerusalem. As he stopped along the way, many Christians warned him of the dangers awaiting him. In Caesarea, a man named Agabus prophesied that the Jews in Jerusalem would harm Paul if he went there. Despite all of these warnings, Paul was determined to obey the Holy Spirit. In Jerusalem, Paul met with an angry crowd and was arrested. None of this stopped Paul from preaching about Jesus.

Emphasise having the determination to do what is right even when challenges arise.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 20:13 through 22:29
Galatians 6:9

Outline:

On the way to Jerusalem (Acts 20:13-21:14)
1. Farewell to Ephesian Elders in Miletus (20:17-28)
2. Other stops and farewells along the way (21:1-6)
3. In Caesarea with Philip and Agabus (21:7-14)
In Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-22:29)
1. Taking advice from James and others (21:15-25)
2. An angry mob and an arrest-includes Paul’s sermon (21:26-22:22)
3. Paul’s treatment as a prisoner (22:23-29)

Tips for teaching children:

Define “determination”: The feeling we have that makes us keep going even if things get difficult
Help the children understand that mistakes can help us learn lessons. Sometimes, the bad things that happen to us help us learn to be stronger.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask one of the more artistic members of the class to draw a blank map of Paul’s world and write in the places mentioned in the text where Paul and his companions travelled. The names of the places can be written on the map as the story of his journeys from Troas to Jerusalem is read.
Paul meets with the elders from Ephesus and tells them things that are important. This is is farewell address to them. If you were to give a farewell talk to your church, what would you say to them? What would you want them to know and or do?
Paul is given the opportunity to speak to a hostile group about how he became a follower of Jesus. What is your story? How did you become a follower of Jesus? How has your understanding of what was expected of you as a follower of Jesus changed since you began this journey?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul Goes to Jerusalem

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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In the last stages of his third missionary journey, Paul stopped in Troas and met with the church in an upstairs room. During Paul’s very long preaching, a young man named Eutychus went to sleep and fell out of a window and onto the ground below. Paul miraculously brought the boy back to life.

For a practical lesson, help students understand how to pay attention and participate with the church in listening when God’s Word is being preached.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 20:7-12

Outline:

Paul preaches until midnight (Acts 20:7-8)
The young man, Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10)
Paul continues to preach until morning (Acts 20:11-12)

Tips for teaching children:

Discuss how to pay attention when God’s Word is being preached.
- Use paper or a notebook to write or draw what is being said.
- Participate in the worship service (Sing and pray).
- Look up verses in your own Bible.
- Before worship begins, ask the preacher what words he plans to discuss most. Keep a tally of those words during his sermon. If the word is Jesus, mark every time he says “Jesus.” At the conclusion of worship, the preacher might be interested in seeing your list and might like to know how often you heard him say the word or words.

Tips for teaching adults:

One of the insights from our story today is that part of what Paul was doing in speaking at the gathering was using dialogue instead of monologue. An effective teacher will include the class in the discussion, will ask questions that drive the class back to the text, will ask other questions that challenge the class to reflect on the text and reflect on their lives, and will ask questions that challenge them to do something with what they have learned.
As a teacher, ask the class: “What can help you be a better listener when the word is being preached? I think the class will come up with some good responses. You may want to keep these good listening skills in mind:
1. look at the teacher/preacher
2. work to concentrate and minimise distractions
3. open your Bible and follow along
4. take notes
5. have a water bottle to keep hydrated.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Eutychus Falls from a Window

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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During his third missionary journey, Paul returned to Ephesus and spent three years there. He taught about Jesus in the synagogue and a city school. Some of the most unusual miracles in the Book of Acts occurred during Paul’s stay in Ephesus. They were so convincing that magicians and sorcerers burned their expensive sorcery books and turned to God. So many people stopped worshipping idols (and buying idol statues) that a silversmith named Demetrius led a riot against Paul.

Jesus is more powerful than any power in heaven or earth. Tusting in practices such as sorcery, magic, witchcraft, or horoscopes is trusting in another power above Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 19:1-41
Ephesians 6:10-18
Romans 8:37-39
Ephesians 1:18-23

Outline:

Paul teaches in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-10)
The power of Jesus over the spiritual realm (Acts 19:11-20)
Anger in the city of Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41)

Tips for teaching children:

Be respectful of the varying “rules” among families concerning exposure to negative spiritual influences. Some children are not allowed to watch certain movies or read particular books, while the parents of others consider the same books safe “fantasy” reading.
Collect horoscopes and predictions from magazines and coffee shop papers. You could also print these out from online articles. Guide children in cutting these out. Write the scripture Ecclesiastes 8:7 in the centre of a poster and glue the clippings around the border.
Sing songs about the power of God over satan.
- My God is So Big Song
- Shake the Devil Off
- Roll the Gospel Chariot
- This Little Light of Mine

Tips for teaching adults:

Online maps, photos, illustrations and articles (check copyright conditions in each)
- Map of Paul's 3rd journey.
- Temple of Artemis (Wikipedia)
- The Day Dream Tourist blog.
Questions:
- In what ways did the spiritual forces of darkness manifest themselves in this story?
- How was Jesus’ power manifested in the several stories in this chapter?
- How can we, as followers of Jesus, guard ourselves against the spiritual forces of darkness? I want to suggest 1) reading the Scripture, 2) prayer, and 3)

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul and the Dark Powers of Ephesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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In Corinth, Paul met a couple named Priscilla and Aquila. The three of them built tents together to earn a living. Whenever he was not making tents, Paul taught people about Jesus. After a year and a half, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila travelled to the city of Ephesus together. Priscilla and Aquila stayed in Ephesus to make tents and tell people about Jesus, while Paul went on to Antioch. A while later, when a great teacher named Apollos came to Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila invited him to their house and explained baptism’s real meaning. Apollos was grateful and went on to Corinth, where he continued to share the good news of Jesus.

In whatever career or job we choose, we can play our part in helping others know about God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 18:1-28

Outline:

Priscilla and Aquila meet Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-4)
Paul teaches and troubles in Corinth (Acts 18:5-17)
Priscilla and Aquila travel with Paul and stay in Ephesus (Acts 18:18-23)
Priscilla and Aquila teach Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)

Tips for teaching children:

Have the children make a tent using sheets and blankets
Talk to the children about what they would like to do for a job when they grow up. In that job, how can they be a Christian, and how can they help others know about Jesus?
Collect items relating to various jobs or careers (stethoscope, fireman’s hat, hammer, chef’s hat, etc.) Children can guess the job or career as you show each item. Next, ask the children to think about ways a person in that career might help others know about Jesus. A carpenter might fix something at the church that is broken. A doctor might pray with his patients. A chef might cook food for a teacher so he or she can have the energy to teach more people about Jesus. The children will help you think of more ideas.

Tips for teaching adults:

As the teacher, it will be helpful to Google “Epicureanism” and “Stoicism” or find material in a Bible encyclopaedia/dictionary and write down summaries of their philosophies, especially as Paul touches on aspects of them in the speech on the Areopagus. Bring this info to class and share it with the class as a background to the story. Wikipedia links:
- Epicureanism
- Stoicism
Ask the class these kinds of questions: What does Paul affirm about this ‘unknown God’ that he is now making known to them? What are the attributes of God? What does he want them to know about the true and living God?
Ask the follow-up questions: In what ways does this speech challenge us about who the true and living God is?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Priscilla and Aquila

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul continued his second Missionary Journey by stopping in the wealthy and cultured city of Athens. Idols and altars of false gods filled the city. Paul addressed a group of philosophers meeting on a rock hill called the Areopagus (Mars Hill). Idols were humanity's attempt to make gods, but Paul preached that humans cannot make the true God. God has created humans, and all that is in the world. There is only one God, and it is wrong to put anything above him.

God is the only one worthy of our worship. We should not think or act as any person or thing is more important than him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 17:16-34
Psalm 145:2-3

Outline:

Paul teaches in Athens (Acts 17:16-21)
Paul’s Sermon at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-31)
Responses to the Message (Acts 17:32-34)

Tips for teaching children:

Research online or in the library to find information about Athens. Look for photos of the Areopogus, where Paul spoke.
Talk about idols. These could be statues and temples like in Athens. In a general sense, anything we worship or think is more important than God can be called an idol.

Tips for teaching adults:

As the teacher, it will be helpful to Google “Epicureanism” and “Stoicism” or find material in a Bible encyclopaedia/dictionary and write down summaries of their philosophies, especially as Paul touches on aspects of them in the speech on the Areopagus. Bring this info to class and share it with the class as a background to the story. Links to Wikipedia:
- Epicureanism
- Stoicism
Questions and Discussion topics:
- What does Paul affirm about this ‘unknown God’ that he is now making known to them?
- What are the attributes of God?
- What does he want them to know about the true and living God?
- In what ways does this speech challenge us about who the true and living God is?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul Preaches in Athens-Mars Hill

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul continues his 2nd Missionary Journey by visiting the cities of Thessalonica and Berea. Several people began to follow Jesus in Thessalonica, but others were jealous and caused trouble. Paul went on to Berea where the people received the message of Jesus with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. Troublemakers from Thessalonica soon followed and caused so much trouble that the Christians escorted Paul to Athens for his own safety.d

We should follow the example of the Bereans and study Scripture to understand what is true.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 17:1-15

2 Timothy 2:15

Outline:

Paul and Silas preach in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-4)
Jealous Jews retaliate (Acts 17:5-9)
Paul teaches in Berea (Acts 17:10-15)

Tips for teaching children:

Help the children learn how to use their Bibles. Talk about it being a collection of 66 books gathered into one book. Look at the table of contents together.
Teach them how to look up a Scripture reference (book, chapter, verse). Practice looking up verses using that same format. Simple verses for the beginning Bible reader might be Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16.

Tips for teaching adults:

Questions to ask the class: 1) Why would Paul go to the synagogue first to preach about Jesus? Who would be his audience? 2) What could they have been preaching about Jesus for the Thessalonians to understand them as claiming Jesus is a rival king to Caesar? 3) How serious is this charge about Jesus?
As a teacher, it is good to develop your skills in studying the Scripture. Here are some tips to keep in mind when reading, studying and preparing for your class: 1) Read the text in its context. Don’t just pick out one or two verses out of their context. Things make sense when put into their context. Read the passage and then re-read it, thinking about how the text flows and how the parts of the text connect. Try to get into the habit of reading paragraphs instead of single verses. Context is everything.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Noble Bereans

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul cast an evil spirit out of a young slave girl, but her owners were angry and brought Paul and Silas before the city magistrates. Even though they were both beaten and thrown into prison, they were heard singing hymns and praying to God during the night. After an earthquake, Paul and Silas taught the jailer and his household about Jesus. Before the night was over, they were all baptised. The next day, Paul and Silas were released from prison.

In Christ, we can experience true joy despite our circumstances.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 16:16-40

Philippians 4:4

Outline:

Paul helps a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)
Paul and Silas are arrested and imprisoned (Acts 16:19-24)
Miraculous release from prison. Salvation for the jailer (Acts 16:25-34)
Freedom and respect (Acts 16:35-40)

Tips for teaching children:

As you tell the story draw two stick figures (Paul and Silas) and draw chains on them. Guide the children in drawing vertical lines down the paper to represent the prison bars.
Make and decorate a poster from the verse Philippians 4:4
Make paper chains

Tips for teaching adults:

Read the story in the class. Choose various people to read the different parts. Choose a narrator, Paul, jailor, and city officials.
Say this to the class: “Using your imagination, what were the songs they might have been singing?” Why do you think they were singing and praying? What would you have been doing at midnight if that was you?
Why didn’t Paul mention that he was a Roman citizen before he was beaten? Why only the next day?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: A Jailer Becomes a Christian

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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After sailing to Macedonia, Paul arrived in the city of Philippi. When he found a group of women gathered beside a river praying, he told them about Jesus. One of the women was Lydia, a businesswoman who sold expensive purple fabric. When Lydia heard about Jesus, she was baptised. Then, everyone in her household was baptised, too. Lydia was so happy that she invited Paul and his friends to stay at her house.

Baptism was a natural response to the message about Jesus. Use this opportunity to discuss the meaning of baptism.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 16:10-15
Romans 6:3-4,
Acts 2:38, 41
Acts 22:16
1 Peter 3:18-22

Outline:

Travel to Philippi (Acts 16:10-12)
Lydia and her household were baptised (Acts 16:13-15)

Tips for teaching children:

Paul travelled on Roman roads. Older children can research the Via Egnatia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Egnatia
Experiment with making purple dye from natural products (flowers, purple cabbage, beets, berries). Children will enjoy dipping white cotton cloth in these.
Tie-die a T-shirt shirt purple.
Baptism Craft: Cut a small figure of a person from thick paper and tape or glue it on a stick like a puppet. Cut a hole in the bottom of a plastic cup, then push the stick down into the cup and through the hole. The stick will stick out the bottom of the cup, and the “person” will be inside. Lift the stick up and down, and the “person” appears to go in and out of the waters of baptism.

Tips for teaching adults:

If practical and possible, organise the class to study this lesson by a stream, a river, a lake, or even a swimming pool, whatever works best. Be sure to spend time in prayer. Make it more special by sharing a meal.
Although baptism was not a major focus of this lesson, it is important to note that the text explicitly mentions Lydia and her household being baptised. You can ask the following discussion questions: 1) What body of water were you baptised in? A baptistery, a swimming pool, lake, or river? 2) What are some memories you have of the place you were baptised? 3) Who has experienced being baptised at the same time with family/friends? What was it like then and now?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Lydia Becomes a Christian

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Paul suggested to Barnabas that they re-visit the churches they had established on their 1st missionary journey. Before leaving Antioch, he and Barnabas disagreed over who they should take with them, so they took different people and went to different places. Paul re-visited churches and attempted to enter new areas to teach people about Jesus. The Holy Spirit actively guided Paul and his companions, and one night, Paul had a vision of a man from the region of Macedonia standing and begging him to come and help. By entering Macedonia on this, his 2nd missionary journey, Paul will now taking the Gospel to Europe for the first time.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 15:36 through 16:1-10

Outline:

A Rough Start to the Journey (Acts 15:36-41)
Timothy joins Paul in Strengthening the Churches (Acts 16:1-5)
Missionaries Led by the Spirit (Acts 16:6-10)

Tips for teaching children:

Learn about missionaries. You might interview one, send letters, or print pictures of places where missionaries work.
Trace Paul’s missionary journey on a map.
Sing I Can Be a Missionary

Tips for teaching adults:

Look at a map of Paul’s 2nd mission journey to put his travels in context. The show notes will have a link to the Viz Bible maps
A good question that calls for some imagination is: What might Timothy’s growing up be like in a mixed race and faith home? What challenges might he have faced? What about those today growing up in a home with different ethnicities and faiths? How can the church best serve them?
Guide the class into exploring the possible dynamics of Barnabas and Paul not budging on their view of John Mark. Who was right? Why? Who was wrong? Why? Why do you think Paul was so adamant against John Mark joining them on this journey? What is helpful to us as we read and reflect on this incident and its results?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Macedonian Vision

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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The Holy Spirit directed the Antioch church to send Barnabas and Saul on a mission trip to teach people about Christ. This trip is often called “Paul’s First Missionary Journey”. One of the stops on this journey was the city of Lystra, where Paul healed a man who had never been able to walk. A frenzied crowd first worshipped Paul and Barnabas as gods, then turned on them and stoned Paul. Despite this, Paul miraculously stood up after the crowd left as if not injured. After revisiting some of the previous stops, Paul and Barnabas returned to the Antioch church to tell them all of the things God had done.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 14:8-23

Outline:

Response to a Miracle (Acts 14:8-13)
Paul’s Sermon (Acts 14:14-18)
Paul’s stoning and exit (Acts 14:19-20)
Strengthening the churches (Acts 14:21-23)

Tips for teaching children:

Find Antioch, Lystra, Derbe and Iconium on a map
Make a relief map out of salt dough
Talk about how the crowd became angry and stirred up. Relate this to Proverbs 22:24-25
Illustrate how one bad person can make a crowd turn bad. Build a tower of cards or blocks. Pull out one piece from the bottom and watch the tower fall apart.

Tips for teaching adults:

Even though we only covered part of the 1st journey in this episode, I suggest you read the whole of ch.13-14. In a class, the best way to do this is to divide the text up and assign different readers. Reading the whole story makes it more compelling and helps to understand the context.
Consult a map that outlines this 1st mission journey. There is an excellent series of maps here: https://viz.bible/journeys/ © Copyright 2018 Robert Rouse
Ask a few people to calculate how many kilometres/miles they travelled on this journey. Ask a few others to Google the average travel time on foot between the cities mentioned in chapters 13-14, considering the average travel time with a small group with supplies.
Here are a few questions you can ask: 1) What can we learn about God from this story? 2) What can we learn about how to tell others the good news from this story? 3) Why is strengthening churches and forming leadership important to Paul’s purpose in planting churches? What can we learn from this for our churches today?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: An Angry Crowd in Lystra

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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King Herod (King of the Jewish people) persecuted Christians and ordered the arrest of the apostle Peter. The whole church was very afraid, so they gathered together in a house to pray. While they were praying, an angel visited Peter’s prison cell and miraculously released him. Peter found his way to the house where the church was praying. Peter then went into hiding. Herod continued to seek public approval desperately and even allowed people to praise him as if he were God. An angel struck Herod with an illness, and he died a terrible death.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 12:1-24

Outline:

Persecution and Arrest (Acts 12:1-5)
An angel frees Peter from prison (Acts 12:6-11)
Peter reunites with the praying church (Acts 12:12-19)
Herod dies (Acts 12:2024)

Tips for teaching children:

Talk about prayer and pray together.
Learn a new method of prayer and try it in class.
Make an angel craft.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask these discussion questions: 1) Why does God allow James to be killed but orchestrate Peter’s escape from death? 2) What can we learn about prayer?
Visit a prison; write a letter of encouragement to prisoners; interview someone who has worked in prison ministry.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Barnabas was already known as a great encourager, so when the church in Jerusalem heard about all of the new Gentile believers in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to help. He encouraged the Antioch believers, and even more people followed King Jesus. Then he travelled to Tarsus and found Paul so that Paul could come and help, too. This was a great mission-minded church. Followers of Jesus were first called Christians at this church.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 11:19-30
Acts 12:25-13:3

Outline:

Barnabas and Saul and the Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26)
Sending Help to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30)
Ready for Mission (Acts 12:25 through 13:3)

Tips for teaching children:

Sing the song “I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N”
Discuss the meaning of courage and how encouraging someone is to give them courage.
Look up Jerusalem, Antioch and Tarsus on a map.

Tips for teaching adults:

Discuss some of the issues that may come up in a multi-cultural / multi-ethnic congregation.
Discuss the name “Christian” and how it is used today. In what contexts is it used negatively or positively? Is it the best name to designate followers of Jesus? Why or why not?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Antioch Church

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Until the conversion of Cornelius, the gospel message had been preached almost exclusively to Jewish people. Any Gentile (anyone not born into a Jewish family) who wanted to follow Jesus would have first converted to Judaism. But the good news of Jesus was for everyone and not just the Jews. God used a vision of animals on a sheet and a miraculous pouring out of the Holy Spirit to reveal this important truth to the Apostle Peter and those he was teaching. Following this, Peter baptised Cornelius, a Roman centurion, making Cornelius the first Gentile to become a Christian.

God wants everyone to hear about Him and become Christians.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 10:1-11:18
1 Timothy 2:4

Outline:

(Acts 10:1-8) In Caesarea:
An angel comes to Cornelius in a vision and tells him to send for Peter.
(Acts 10:9-23a) In Joppa:
Peter has a vision and then decides to accompany messengers
(Acts 10:23b-48) In Caesarea again:
Cornelius is converted
1. Cornelius welcomes Peter into his home
2. Peter makes a speech
3. The Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and the other Gentiles he had gathered.
(Acts 11:1-18) In Jerusalem:
Peter explains everything to the Jewish Christians

Tips for teaching children:

Define the words “Jew” and “Gentile”
Make a collage of pictures. To do this, you can first have children copy the words of 1 Timothy 2:4 on the centre of a paper or poster. Surround these words with pictures of people. These pictures could be ones you have gathered from magazines or downloaded from the internet and printed. Children will enjoy cutting these out and glueing them to the poster. If you prefer, the children can draw pictures of people instead of cutting and gluing.

Tips for teaching adults:

This is a long story, but it needs to be read in class. Divide the story into sections. The best way is to do it according to the different scenes in the story. Look for scene changes. For instance, scene 1 would be 10:1-8, scene 2 would be v.9-16 and so on. Choose a reader for each scene, and have the reader stand in a certain place in the room to read. This would represent the different scenes in the story. Then, read the story.
Ask the class to reflect on the two primary characters: Cornelius and Peter. What boundaries did Cornelius cross to become a devout follower of the God of the Jews? How had his life already changed? What boundaries did Peter have to cross to interact with Cornelius?
Ask the class these questions: What are some good things about boundaries? What are some bad things about boundaries?
Follow up with: What boundaries do you still need to cross for the sake of the gospel? What boundaries must our congregation cross to take the gospel to people?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Cornelius Becomes a Christian

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Dorcas (or Tabitha) was a woman who “was always doing good and helping the poor” in her city of Joppa. When she died, everyone was very sad, and they called Peter to come to her house. When Peter arrived, all the widows were crying and showing the clothing that Dorcas had made for them. Peter sent all of them out of the room and then, by the power of God, made Dorcas come back to life.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 9:36-43
Galatians 6:10

Outline:

Dorcas dies (Acts 9:36-37)
Peter raises Dorcas (Acts 9:38-41)
Many in Joppa believe in Jesus (Acts 9:42-43)

Tips for teaching children:

Find the cities of Joppa and Lydda on Google Maps. These are in the area of modern-day Tel-Aviv, Israel. Joppa is now Jaffa and Lydda is now Lod.
For a craft, sew something. Make it simple, like sewing a button onto fabric.
Visit a facility that provides clothing to people in need.
Collect used clothing to donate.

Tips for teaching adults:

Message everyone before class (give them plenty of time) and ask them to bring a clothing item someone had made – something knitted, sewn or crocheted. It could be a dress someone, a cardigan or sweater, someone knitted or a pair of booties someone crocheted for them as a baby. Any piece of clothing will do. During the class, ask the members to show their clothing items and explain why each is special to them. Share the story if there is a story connected to it. After this, talk about the story in Acts 9 and the importance of leaving a good legacy to be remembered.
Challenge the class with these questions: “How do you want to be remembered?” and “What are you doing to be remembered this way?”

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Dorcas is Raised from the Dead

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Saul (later known by his Roman name, Paul) threatened and hurt followers of Jesus. On the way to persecute disciples in Damascus, Saul experienced an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. Following his baptism, Saul immediately began preaching the truth about Jesus, making the astonished Jews in Damascus plot to kill him. One night, the disciples snuck Saul over the city walls in a basket. He went on to Jerusalem but was not safe there either. Saul's life was immediately and completely changed by Jesus. He continued to preach about Jesus for the rest of his life and often suffered because of it.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 9:1-31

Outline:

Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-19)
Preaching in Damascus (Acts 9:20-25)
Saul and the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:26-31)

Tips for teaching children:

Define “persecution”. Persecution means being hurt for believing something.
Display a map so children can find the places mentioned in this story (Jerusalem, Damascus, Caesarea and Tarsus). This can also include the regions of Judea, Galilee and Samaria.
Make a craft with a figure of Saul inside a basket.
Draw an outline of the shape of a man (Saul). As children learn about Saul, they can add words or pictures to the inside of the outline.

Tips for teaching adults:

Tell the story of how you became a follower of Jesus. Ask students to share their story. Are there any similarities between the stories? Are there any significant differences?
Ask the class: “In what ways has your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus changed since you became a follower?” Be sure to give the class time to think about this.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Saul (Paul) Becomes a Christian

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Merry Christmas from David and Mary.

We will be back to producing episodes in January.

If you would like to review past episodes relating to the Christmas stories follow the links below:

Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus
The Birth of Jesus
Wise Men and a Star

"Joy to the World" music by Bohdan Kuzmin from Pixabay

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Title:

Philip followed instructions from an angel of the Lord and went to a very important man riding in a chariot. The man was a chief official of the Queen of Ethiopia. He was reading from a scroll of Isaiah but could not understand it. Philip joined him in the chariot and explained that the Scripture was talking about Jesus. The man began to believe in Jesus, and when the chariot passed by some water, the official asked Philip to baptise him (and he did!)

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 8:26-40

Outline:

An angel directs Philip where to go (Acts 8:26-29)
Philip taught and baptised an important man from Ethiopia (Acts 8:30-38)
The two men each go a separate way (Acts 8:39-40)

Tips for teaching children:

Show the locations of this story on a map.
Make a chariot or scroll craft.
Invite a Bible teacher, elder, preacher or other church leader to attend your Bible class as a guest. Ask them to talk about helping people understand the Bible.
Sing the song: Roll, Roll, Chariot Roll.

Tips for teaching adults:

To get a feel for what the eunuch was reading and the challenge of Phillip, have the class read out loud a larger section from the place he was reading from. Have the class read Isaiah 52:7–56:8. You can divide the text into sections and have different members read a section. Ask the class, “How would you preach Jesus using only this section from Isaiah? Or using only the book of Isaiah?”
Show the locations of this story on a map.
Here is a more detailed map showing Philip's travels.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Philip Teaches the Man from Ethiopia

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Philip was one of the original seven helpers in the church. When he preached in Samaria, a well-known sorcerer (or magician) named Simon believed and became a Christian. Simon had only ever done clever magic tricks, so he was amazed when he saw real miracles performed. When the apostles came to Samaria, Simon noticed that they laid hands on people to give them the power to do miracles. Simon wanted to have that power. He offered to pay lots of money if the apostles would sell him the same power they had. One of the apostles, Peter, told Simon that no one can buy the power of God. God gives the power.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 8:5-25
Psalm 77:14

Outline:

Philip preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:5-13)
The Apostles preach in Samaria (Acts 8:14-25)

Tips for teaching children:

Draw a line down the centre of a sheet of paper from top to bottom to form two columns. At the top of one column, write “Philip”, and at the top of the other, write “Simon”. Ask the class to read over the Scripture again and jot down what we learned about each of these men. Once this has been completed, then go on to compare and contrast their teachings, actions and motivations. How are they similar? How are they different? Who do we want to be like?
Research to find a simple magic trick. Perform the trick for the children and then explain how you did it. Discuss the difference between a trick and a miracle.

Tips for teaching adults:

As the teacher, here are some questions to ask that will help the class think about and reflect on the text:
- From this text, what do we learn about Philip?
- What is significant about Philip going to Samaria to preach the good news of King Jesus? Ask the class to think about what they know about Jesus and the Samaritans from the Gospels and how this relates to this story in Acts 8.
- Think about ethnically diverse people trying to worship together. What are some challenges these new Samaritan believers may face being embraced by the well-established Jewish believers?
- What have you done to embrace others who are ethnically different from you?
In the days before the class, contact a couple of class members and ask them to research the ‘Samaritans’. They should consider the Samaritans' origin, history, beliefs, symbols, and relationship with Jews. Ask these members to be prepared to share their findings in the next class time. To help with the research, provide the following links:
- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online
- Bible Study Tools

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Simon the Sorcerer

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Stephen preached to people about Jesus and God. Some of the Jews got so angry about this that they told lies about Stephen and had him taken before the Jewish court (Sanhedrin). Stephen bravely preached a sermon about how people like them had rejected God before. And now they had rejected Jesus, the one God wanted Israel to follow as their leader and king. Some of the Jews became so angry at Stephen that they threw stones at him until he died. Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian faith.

From this time forward, followers of Jesus were treated very badly, and many left Jerusalem to live in other places. Everywhere they went, Christians told about Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 6:8- 8:4
1 Corinthians 1:8

Outline:

Stephen is arrested (Acts 6:8-15)
The Sermon (Acts 7:1-53)
Stephen is killed (Acts 7:54-8:1)
The Christians suffer (Acts 8:2-4)

Tips for teaching children:

Explain the word "martyr" (A person killed because of religious or other beliefs).
Use the thoughtful illustrations found at Free Bible Images to help children better understand the story.
Guide the children in painting rocks. You could write “remember Stephen” or “Acts 7” or “be brave” on them.

Tips for teaching adults:

Try out this excellent resource for leading small group Bible classes: Serendipity Bible (available on Amazon)
Ask the class to consider the sermon (Acts 7) and respond to the following questions:
- What are some of the themes of the sermon?
- Where did God appear to Abram, Joseph and Moses in relation to the land of Canaan? What might be significant about this?
- In the past, when God sent leaders to his people, how did they respond? (refer to verse 35)
Note to the teacher: To ask better questions, you should...
- Ask questions encouraging students to probe the text of Scripture you are studying.
- Avoid questions that require a “yes” or “no” response. Instead, ask open-ended questions, questions that require explanation and elaboration.
- Ask questions that challenge the class members to reflect on the text and reflect on their lives.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Stoning of Stephen

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Serendipity Bible: For Personal and Small Group Study

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Many Jews were becoming followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. Needy widows were given food every day, but some were being left out. Instead of neglecting their teaching and preaching time to address this food problem, the apostles asked the Christians to choose seven faithful men to care for the widows and serve the church in this way.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 6:1-7
Acts 6:3

Outline:

The church grew, and widows were missing out on food (Acts 6:1)
The problem is solved by choosing seven helpers (Acts 6:2-6)
The church grows even more (Acts 6:7)

Tips for teaching children:

Guide the children in listing all of the “jobs” and helpers at church. This could be preaching and teaching but also behind-the-scenes activities such as lawnmowing, washing dishes or placing songbooks in the pews. What would happen if no one did these jobs? Write thank you notes to some of these people.
Arrange for a widow or widower to visit your class and share some of their challenges.
Collect food items to give to someone you know or donate to a local food bank.

Tips for teaching adults:

Ask the class: If your congregation needed to choose some people to take care of the widows in the church, what qualities would you want the caregivers to possess? Why?
Make a list of all the widows in your congregation and consider how the class might "adopt" them. Pray for and visit them regularly, buy their groceries for them, and take them out to their favourite restaurant. Pick them up for church if they need it. As a class leader, you could delegate different ones in the class to organise different things related to meeting the widows' needs.
If anyone in your class is a widow or widower, ask if she or he would like to tell the class about the challenges they have faced.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Helpers in the Church

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Because so many Jewish Christians stayed in Jerusalem after Pentecost, some Christians sold property and gave the money to the church so those in need could have enough. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold some of their property and then decided to give part of the money to the church. They proceeded to lie and say that they had given it all. Peter confronted Ananias in front of the church and told him that by doing this, he had lied to God. Ananias fell over dead. Unaware of what had happened to her husband, Sapphira came before the church and lied again about the money. She also fell over dead. The whole church was afraid.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 4:32 through 5:11
Colossians 3:9

Outline:

The believers’ attitudes towards material possessions (Acts 4:32-37)
Ananias and Sapphira caught in a lie (Acts 5:1-11)

Tips for teaching children:

Help the class look up the word “lie” in a dictionary and a thesaurus. Write down and discuss your findings.
Discuss situations where lying is a temptation.
Older children might enjoy Dan Sterver’s telling of "The Grim Tale of Ananias and Sapphira"

Tips for teaching adults:

Spend some time contrasting the character of Barnabas with that of Ananias and Sapphira.
One of the things we learn from the story is that one of the characteristics of God’s people is generosity. Who are some people you know who are generous? What makes them generous?
What would motivate you to be more generous? Do something generous this week.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Ananias and Sapphira

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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As Peter and John were passing through the temple gate, a man who was unable to walk begged money from them. Instead of giving him money, Peter miraculously healed him by the power of Jesus. Peter followed this by preaching a convicting sermon to the amazed people who had witnessed the healed man.

Concerned that so many people were turning to Jesus, the Jewish leaders imprisoned Peter and John and instructed them to keep silent about Jesus. These two apostles refused to be quiet and said that they must speak about the things they had seen and heard.

Jesus is powerful, and we should tell people about him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 3:1-4:22

Outline:

Peter heals a man (Acts 3:1-10)
Peter talks to the people (Acts 3:11-26)
Peter and John before the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:1-22)

Tips for Teaching Children:

To help children understand the large amount of information in this text, try “mind mapping”. Instructions are in the activities section here.
For a fun craft, apply washable paint on the soles of the children's feet. Make footprints on paper.

Tips for Teaching Adults:

Ice breaker for the beginning of class: ask volunteers to share stories of courage or bravery they have witnessed in others. Talk about how this affected them.
Ask the class what impresses them about Peter and John and why.
Ask each class member to write on a piece of paper an area of their life that they need to have more courage for Christ and explain it briefly. You may give them this as an example: write, “I need more courage at my work because I need to speak up to say the right thing or to do the right thing”, etc. As the class teacher, you can prompt them by giving them some ideas such as home, at the gym or school, etc. Collect these notes, put them in a pile, let each class member randomly draw one and then pray for one another.
The teacher and some students might enjoy further study. Ritmeyer’s short article on the possible location of the Beautiful Gate. It makes for interesting reading and discusses some of the challenges of identifying biblical places. Link to the article here.
Photos and drawings of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Peter and John Heal a Man Who Could Not Walk

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Title:

The early church was full of excitement as they saw more and more people becoming Christians every day. Many people who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost stayed longer to be with the rest of the new Christians. The church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (Lord’s Supper), and prayer.

The church is not a building but is made up of Christians. The church today does the same things as the early church.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 2:42-47
Matthew 16:18
Ephesians 2:19-22
Hebrews 10:24-25

Tips for teaching:

For Children:

To help children understand that the church is people instead of a building, first, draw an outline of a church building on a large piece of paper. Then, ask the children to write names or draw pictures inside the outline depicting all of the people at church. Once they have done this, then use scissors to cut away the outline. All that is left is the people. The saved people of God do not need a building to be the church.
Plan a way for the children to participate together in an aspect of church life that is unfamiliar to them. They might prepare the Lord’s Supper for the church or interview the preacher and learn what preparations he is making for the upcoming sermon. A visit to a member’s home is another idea.
Older children might take photographs or make a scrapbook to show what your church does together.
Sing “Building Up the Temple” and talk about Ephesians 2:19-22

For Adults:

Challenge the class to memorise these verses (or, as an alternative, just verse 42). And then challenge several people to recite these verses in the class.
Print out the text for each member of the class. Ask them to circle all the words and phrases that denote groups, such as “they spent time”, “everyone felt great respect”, and “all believers stayed together”. How many of these describe your class?
Ask the class to brainstorm ways your class group can be more devoted to these four things (apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer). Be creative. What can you do to make your gatherings (your fellowship time) more meaningful and rich? What can you do as a class to make each one feel special, loved and valued? For example, one thing you can do to make prayer more meaningful is to pray at the beginning of class, in the middle and at the end. One prayer is focused on praising God, another on the spiritual growth of your class, and the other on the needs the class has. When you come together, make it a habit to eat together with a little twist. Always include bread that the host will break at the start of the meal to signify fellowship, unity and friendship.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The First Church

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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While the eleven apostles waited in Jerusalem, Matthias was chosen to replace the now-dead Judas. During the Jewish feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles just as Jesus had promised. The Spirit gave these uneducated men the miraculous power to speak in languages they had never learned or spoken before (speak in tongues). Because of this, all of the crowds of Jewish pilgrims from many countries were able to hear about Jesus in their own languages. After Peter preached the first “gospel sermon,” 3,000 people were baptized. Emphasise that this was the beginning, or “birthday”, of the church.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 1:12-2:41

Outline:

Matthias replaces Judas (Acts 1:12-26)
The Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles (Acts 2:1-13)
Peter’s Sermon and the crowd’s response (Acts 2:14-41)

Tips for teaching:

Tell the story to children using an interactive parallel to a Birthday Party. Link to full instructions here.
Children's Craft: Children can write the words of Acts 2:38 on a card and then wrap the card as a gift. (the gift of the Spirit)
Children's Craft: To represent the Holy Spirit children can make a windsock or windchime or simply tape streamers on a stick.
Adults might enjoy the YouTube clip: “Why is Pentecost Significant Today?”
Have adults read Peter’s sermon again (verses 14-36) and then discuss the following:
- What OT texts does Peter quote from?
- Why would Peter use so many quotes to this audience?
- From Peter’s sermon what facts about Jesus would be key for non-believers to understand?
- What is significant about Peter’s climatic conclusion in v.36? What implications do you see?
Using v.37-38, describe what one must do to become a follower of Jesus
Reflecting on your baptism, tell the class why you were baptised and what you were feeling at the time. Include the events that led to your decision to be baptised.
How would you encourage others to be baptised based on your own baptism?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Sermon at Pentecost

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus spent forty days with his disciples. Before ascending to heaven, he gave the apostles important instructions on announcing the gospel to all people and making them followers of Jesus. This is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). An angel comforted the apostles by reminding them that just as Jesus rose up into the clouds, he would someday come back to earth again.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 28:16-20
Acts 1:3-11

Outline:

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
The promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3-5)
The Ascension (Acts 1:6-11)

Tips for teaching:

You will need a helium balloon and a still clear day to use the following method. Take children outside and tell the story of the ascension. After telling the story, release the balloon and watch it rise in the sky.
Another outside idea is to spend time watching the clouds in the sky. As you look at the clouds, talk about what the apostles might have felt like watching Jesus ascend.
When learning about the “going into all the world” make crafts involving maps or globes.
Adults: Go outside and look up into the sky. How far can you see into the sky? Try this at night, too. How far can you see into the night sky? Know that Jesus is enthroned over everything you can see day or night. Ask the class to discuss what it means that Jesus is enthroned over the whole cosmos. What does it mean for the creation? What does it mean for the nations of the world? What does it mean for our communities? And what does it mean for me?
Adults: The apostles had a special commission of being his witnesses. Today, we can’t be the same kind of witness they were, but we can still be a witness to Jesus. What can you do to tell others the good news of Jesus? How can you be a witness in your neighbourhood? In your city? In your country? In the world? Think of ways to announce to the people in your world that Jesus is the world’s rightful and true Lord and that he loves them and wants them to give him their allegiance and loyalty.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Great Commission and Ascension of Jesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the crowd how to live Godly lives. He illustrated the significance of followers displaying Godly lives by saying, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world”.

Our actions and lives can be a positive influence on our world and point people to God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 5:13-16
Psalm 18:28; 27:1; 119:130.
Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6.
John 1:1-9; 8:12; and 12:44-46.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
1 John 1:5-7

Outline:

You are salt (Matthew 5:13)
You are light (Matthew 5:14-16

Tips for teaching:

For children, tell the story in a dark room with only a tiny light ( lamp or torch/flashlight). Serve unsalted popcorn and add salt as you share the teaching.
Mix salt in paint to do salt painting. It dries with a little sparkle.
Crafts can be created using small battery-operated tea lights. Alternatively, you can use a Sharpie pen and write the verse on the underside of the tea light.
Discuss ways children can make a difference in the world around them. How can they shine their lights?
Childen and/or adults can sing songs that mention ‘light’: “Here I Am to Worship”, “Shine, Jesus, Shine”, and “This Little Light of Mine”
When teaching adults, gather in a class member’s home to have this Bible study and a meal together. Have the meal first and then follow with a Bible study of this text. Make it a simple meal but with a twist. Have volunteers prepare the dishes for the class without salt. Begin eating the saltless meal. And then ask your guests to salt their food as they like. Discuss the difference salt made to the meal. The group can also eat this meal by candlelight with all other lights in the house turned off. Afterwards, have the bible study.

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Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jesus Teaches about Salt and Light

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus told the parable of two men who went to pray at the temple.

The Pharisee (who most people thought was good)
This man had too much pride and told God all of the good things he had done and how he was better than other people.
A tax collector (who most people thought was bad)
This man was humble and asked God to have mercy on him because he was a sinner.

Jesus said that the humble tax collector was right with God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 18:9-14
James 4:10

Outline:

Jesus noticed the arrogant people (Luke 18:9)
Jesus told a parable (Luke 18:9-14)
The application of humility (Luke 18:14)

Tips for teaching:

Invite two adults to your class to act out this parable for the children
Play this video clip depicting the two men in the parable. Link to the clip.
Talk about bragging. To emphasise this point, you can blow up a balloon (but do not tie it off). The teacher can make some bragging statements. After each statement, blow more hot air into the balloon. Children can join in with their own examples. The teacher continues to blow up the balloon more. Eventually, the balloon will pop. Examples of bragging might include statements like “my dress is nicer than your dress” or “You don’t know how to play the video game as good as me” or “I read my bible more than you do”. Check first to make sure children will not be frightened by the popping balloon,
Adults: This teaching tip requires a concordance. An adequate online concordance can be found here: https://biblehub.com/concordance/. Use the concordance to look up the word “pride, proud, haughty” from the book of Proverbs and write down what these verses say about pride on a white board or whatever is available. Next, look up “humility, humble, lowly” and do the same. Discuss the fruit of pride and the fruit or blessing of humility. What kind of world would you rather live in – one full of selfish, proud people or humble people? Why? Ask the follow-up question and lead the discussion, “Why is having pride of heart bad?” How does it affect our relationship with God, others and the world we live in? Encourage the class members to consider what pride and humility lead to and produce in these three areas.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of a Pharisee & Tax Collector

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus told a parable about a man with two sons. The younger son convinced his father to give him his portion of his inheritance early. Upon receiving it, the son left his father and squandered all of the money by living a wild life. When the son came to his senses, he humbly returned to his father and told him he was sorry. His father was thrilled to forgive him and accept him back home.

The older son was jealous of the father’s acceptance because, unlike his younger brother, he had faithfully remained with his father all along. The father loved both sons but celebrated the lost son’s return.

God is happy when we say we are sorry and come back to him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 15:11-32
2 Timothy 2:13

Outline:

Parable: At his youngest son’s request, a father divided his property and gave part to him (Luke 15:11-12)
The son left, squandered the money and lived a degraded life (Luke 15:13-16)
The son comes to his senses and returns home humbled (Luke 15:17-20a)
Reunion, acceptance and celebration (Luke 15:20b-24)
Older brother’s perspective (Luke 15:25-32)

Tips for teaching:

Talk to children about what it means to come home to loving parents (forgiveness, acceptance, comfort, love). Compare this to coming home to our heavenly father.
You and the children can build an obstacle course and race to “get home”.
The son in the story looked at the pig's food and thought it looked good to eat. Collect food scraps during the week and allow children to smell them. After the children have fun smelling this disgusting “pig food”, discuss how this compares to food at home. Use this to discuss further the idea of coming back to God.
For adults:
- Ask the class to get in groups of four or five to read the parable among themselves. When have you felt like the younger brother, the older brother?
- As a class, brainstorm how your congregation could be more welcoming to visitors or other outsiders. Think outside the box, too, on this. For example, one idea is to rearrange the furniture of the auditorium (or place of meeting) to make it more welcoming.
- When someone comes to the Lord or comes back to the Lord, throw them a party! Tell them we have to celebrate! Your class can organise this celebration party for the church.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of the Lost Son

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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The servant in this parable was happy when his master did not require him to repay a debt of millions of dollars. Incredibly, the servant went straight to another servant and demanded that he pay him a few dollars that he owed him. When the second servant could not pay, the first servant threw him in prison. When the master heard, he was furious. Now, the first servant was sent to prison. Jesus said that our Heavenly Father would feel the same towards us if we did not forgive others from the heart.

God has forgiven us of very much. We should forgive people from our hearts.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 18:21-35
Ephesians 4:32

Outline:

Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive a brother (Matthew 18:21-22)
The Parable (Matthew 18:23-34)
1. Merciful master
2. Unmerciful servant
3. Judgement
The Heavenly Father’s view (Matthew 18:35)

Tips for teaching:

Children can memorise Ephesians 4:32
For a craft, decorate a poster with the verse.
The teacher can use role-play to act out imaginary scenarios in which you ask a child for forgiveness (Please forgive me for…breaking your toy, saying mean things to you, telling a lie, etc)
To understand the huge disparity between the two debts, bring store ads and real estate ads and look through them.
This is a difficult one to practice in a class setting. But you can spend time in prayer. Ask the class to pray for the courage to genuinely say, “I’m sorry.”. Pray for strength to forgive the who who has offended or sinned against you. If at the moment you don’t feel like forgiving, pray that you will come to feel like it. If you don’t want to forgive, pray that you would “want to want” to forgive.
Write out on a piece of paper your hurt that someone has caused you; write down how that made you feel; write down the name of the person who hurt you and what you want to say to them, what they did to you. Write down how they made you feel. Be honest. Try to write down words that you would want one day to forgive them. This may not be easy. You don’t have to send this to them. You can keep it. Sometimes writing can help us process our heart. And then write down a prayer to God about this.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of an Unforgiving Servant

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus told a parable about a shepherd who had one hundred sheep. When one of the sheep got lost, the shepherd searched and searched until he found it.

God has made everyone on the earth, and each person is important to Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 18:10-14
Psalm 23
Psalm 100:3
1 Peter 5:1-4

Outline:

Jesus warns not to de-value children (Matthew 18:10)
Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-13)
God’s view of children (Matthew 18:14)

Tips for teaching:

Hide a toy lamb or a picture of a lamb so that children can find it.
Make a craft involving a sheep.
For a game, blindfold one child as the “shepherd”. The other children take turns baa-ing like sheep. The blindfolded shepherd tries to identify the sheep by their sound.
Adopt a children’s class in the church (or all the children – depending on the church size) and write them notes of blessing and encouragement. In addition, plan a get-together with this class of children to eat together and play games together. Spend time at this event to let the children know you love them and that they matter to you and God.
Draw up a list of people who have left the congregation over the last 1-2 years (not those that moved away or have gone to another congregation but those who are not part of a Christian fellowship now). Pray for these people by name. Discuss ways you could encourage and connect with and reach out to them. And then do this in a sensitive manner realising everyone’s situation is different.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of a Lost Sheep

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus told a parable about ten girls who participated in a wedding feast. The day's custom was for the feast to begin when the bridegroom arrived. Five bridesmaids were wise and had their lamps ready for his arrival. They were escorted into the feast. The five foolish bridesmaids were off buying oil and missed being invited in. Jesus said the parable meant always being ready because we do not know the day of his return.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 25:1-13
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6

Outline:

Ten girls prepare for a wedding (Matthew 25:1-9)
The consequences of preparations (Matthew 25:10-12)
Meaning of the Parable-Be ready (Matthew 25:13)

Tips for teaching:

Explain weddings (bride, bridegroom, bridesmaids, etc) to children so that they can better understand the parable.
Make simple oil lamps from clay.
Help children understand preparation by describing fire drills to prepare for fires or first aid kits to prepare for potential injuries.
As a teacher, pose this scenario to the adults in the class to discuss:
- If you knew Jesus was coming to your house, but you didn’t know when, how would you prepare for his visit? What would you say to him? What would the conversation be like? What would you say about yourself? What would he say about you? What would you want to change / should change about your life to prepare for his visit?
- Follow up with this: Ask the class to write down one thing they would do differently to prepare for Jesus’ visit to their house on a piece of paper. Ask them to fold up their paper and hand them to you. Pray for each one asking God to give the person strength and wisdom to do what they wanted to do differently.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of Ten Bridesmaids

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus told two parables to explain the value of the kingdom of God. The first parable was about a man who found a treasure in a field. He put the treasure back into the ground and then sold everything he had to buy the field. The second pearl was about another man that found a precious and valuable pearl. This man also sold everything he had to buy this one pearl.

The Kingdom of God is more precious than anything considered valuable in this world.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 13:44-46

Outline:

Parable of the Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
Parable of the Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46)

Tips for teaching:

Show valuable items to children. This could be items like jewellery or even toys that are important to children. First, discuss their monetary value or importance and then compare this to the kingdom of God.
Hide “treasure” or coins around the room and let children find them.
Show real or artificial pearls and compare sizes.
Draw a line down the centre of a page to form two columns. Title one column “Everything of value” and the other “Kingdom of God”. Guide children or adults in listing valuable items in one column and then what is valuable about God’s kingdom in the other. Compare and contrast.
Adult discussion questions:
- What is the most valuable item you have ever found or lost?
- Consider and share how you first heard about the Gospel. Is it something you were looking for or stumbled upon?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parables of a Treasure & a Pearl

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like a little mustard seed. When this little seed is planted, it grows into a huge plant, many times the size of the little seed.

God grows the smallest beginnings into big things. Continue to serve him in even the smallest ways humbly.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Mark 4:30-32

Outline:

Jesus wants to explain the kingdom of God
The parable of the mustard seed

Tips for teaching:

Bring mustard seeds to class so the children can see how small they really are.
Eat something with mustard.
Very young children can better understand the process of growing small to big by using matryoshka dolls (stacking dolls).
Adults:
- Memorise Ephesians 3:20-21
- Encourage the adults in your class to talk about the small things they see others do. Ask the class to pray then that God will take the small things and grow them into bigger purposes.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of a Mustard Seed

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Each Jew knew the command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” When a man asked Jesus what exactly was meant by “neighbour” he was trying to get out of his responsibility. By telling the parable of a Samaritan who helped a complete stranger, Jesus made it plain that anyone in need is our neighbour.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 10:25-37

Outline:

A teacher tests Jesus (Luke 10:25-29)
A parable about a good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35)
Jesus tests the teacher (Luke 10:36-37)

Tips for teaching:

Children can act the parable out.
Write “Luke 10:25-37” on a bandaid/plaster and use them as stickers.
Find Jerusalem and Jericho on Google Maps.
Adults can examine the Good Samaritan painting by Vincent Van Gogh and discuss why Van Gogh painted it the way he did.
How can this parable help you change the way you see people and how you should treat them? How does this parable enlarge your circle of neighbours?
Ask the class to write down two or three things you will do as a class to heal broken relationships or bring down barriers between people or create an environment where diverse people can come together and relate to one another.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of a Good Samaritan

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus told a parable about a farmer who planted seeds in four different types of soil. Only one of the soils produced a good crop. Jesus explained that the soils represented people’s hearts. When the word of God is planted in a good heart, good things will be produced in that person's life.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

Outline:

Jesus tells the parable of the farmer and seeds (Matthew 13:1-9)
Jesus explains why he uses parables (Matthew 13:10-17)
Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the farmer and seeds (Matthew 13:18-23)

Tips for teaching:

Children can make any craft involving seeds.
Serve a slice of multi-grain bread to children and encourage them to find the grains or seeds in the bread.
Draw an outline of a heart and glue seeds inside. Write the scripture reference Matthew 13:23 on the paper.
Adults or children can plant seeds. Try recreating the types of soil in the parable to fill four different pots. Plant a seed in each and follow the progress over the next weeks.
Adults should reflect on how their lives reflect God’s word growing in their lives. How is God producing a harvest in me?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of a Sower and Seeds

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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In this parable, Jesus says that everyone who hears the word of God is building a house. The one who hears God’s word but does not do what it says is like a foolish builder who builds his house on sand. That house will be crushed in a storm. The one who hears the word of God and obeys it is like a wise man that builds his house on solid rock. That house will stand up to any storm. Wise people build their faith on the foundation of God’s word. This faith stands strong against the storms of life.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 7:24-29

Outline:

A wise man builds on a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-25)
A foolish man builds on a weak foundation (Matthew 7:26-27)
The people were amazed (Matthew 7:28-29)

Tips for teaching:

Bring sand and rock to class so children can examine it and note their unique qualities.
Show a candy bar to the children. Read every word on the packet and then set it aside. Ask the children if they enjoyed the candy bar. Compare this to reading the bible but never obeying the words. Of course, then let the children enjoy eating the candy bar.
Adults can talk about what it means to hear Jesus’ words AND obey them. Choose a teaching of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and ask students to describe what it would be like to hear the words and then obey them. How would this apply when a “storm of life” strikes? For example,
- Storm: Being made redundant or suddenly becoming unemployed
- Teaching: Do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
- Built on a Rock: If you had heard and obeyed this teaching, then what would happen when the storm struck?
- Built on Sand: If you had heard this teaching but did not obey it, then what would happen when the storm struck?
Choose other teachings from the sermon and discuss the applications. This can be done together or in smaller groups.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people. One of these times was to Peter and some other disciples who had spent an unproductive night fishing. Jesus directed them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous fish catch.

Jesus cooked breakfast for these followers on the beach and then provided Peter with a new opportunity to follow him and care for others in the future. Peter had previously denied Jesus, but now Jesus says to "feed my sheep".

Jesus can forgive us and help us do better when we sin.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 21:1-17

Outline:

Fishing (John 21:1-3)
Great catch and breakfast (John 21:4-14)
Jesus talks to Peter (John 21:15-17)

Tips for teaching:

Help children find the Sea of Galilee on Google Maps
Serve children fish and bread.
Children can make a craft involving one or more of the following: fish, campfire, sheep
Discussion questions::
- How much did you love Jesus when you first became a Christian? How much do you love Jesus now? Talk about some ways you show your love for Jesus now.
- If Jesus came to you and asked, “Do you love me more than these” (‘more than your life or livelihood’), what would I say? What would I do to show Jesus that I love him more than these?
Write a letter to Jesus with two parts:
- thank him for loving you to the very end and how his love makes you feel, and
- how you can “feed Jesus sheep” to demonstrate your love for Jesus.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Breakfast on the Shore

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus was buried in a tomb, and on the third day, some women arrived and were shocked to find the tomb empty. Two angels appeared to explain that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus went on to appear to a number of people, including the disciples. Jesus had risen from death just like he said he would.

Even though everything was bad, God made it good. He can do the same for us when things are bad.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 23:50-24:49
Romans 6:9
1 Corinthians 15
Matthew 27:57-28:15
Mark 15:42-16:14
John 19:38-20:29

Outline:

Burial (Luke 23:50-56)
Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
Appearances (Luke 24:13-49)
- Road to Emmaus (13-35)
- The Disciples (36-49)

Tips for teaching:

Children can make a tomb craft. Instructions here.
Adults can share some recent “aha” moments (new insights), in your reading of the Scripture. How did this enrich your faith?
Adult discussion questions: What does the resurrection mean to you? How does it inspire faith and hope in you?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Burial and the Resurrection

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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Jesus was crucified on a cross like a common criminal, even though he had never done anything wrong. While he was on the cross, the earth became dark. The huge curtain in the temple in Jerusalem suddenly ripped in half at the exact moment Jesus died outside the city. There was also an earthquake. The day of the crucifixion was a terrible day.

Jesus was innocent, but he was killed.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 27:32-56
Luke 23:26-49

Outline:

Going to the cross (Matthew 27:32-56)
Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:35-50)
Reactions to his death (Matthew 27:51-56)

Tips for teaching:

Introduce the story by showing pictures or examples of crosses (on churches, jewellery, cemeteries, hospitals, logos, etc.) Ask children what crosses they have seen.
Explain that crucifixion was punishment for people who had done very bad things. It was different for Jesus. He had never done anything bad. Instead, Jesus was being punished for all the bad things that OTHERS do.
Draw an outline of a cross. Guide children in filling in the blank space inside the cross in one of the following ways:
- Write words and impressions about what happened at the crucifixion.
- Jesus took the punishment for every person in the world. Fill the cross with as many names as you can think of.
- Older children can write their own personal sins inside the cross.
For adults: Make a cross out of rough wood and ask adults to take turns holding the cross and thinking about its significance. For a better experience, the cross should be large enough to hold and pass around from person to person while remaining seated.
If using PowerPoint, include a slide of a significant archaeological discovery in Jerusalem a half-century ago. Here is a link to the Wikipedia photo and description.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus is Crucified

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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After being arrested, Jesus was taken before a number of different religious and civil courts. He suffered false accusations and mistreatments at every stage. The result was that Jesus was sentenced to death on the cross. Even as these trials were taking place, Peter denied him, and Judas took his own life. Everything about the trial of Jesus and the surrounding events was unfair and sad, yet Jesus never strayed from his purpose.

Emphasise that we can do the right thing even if we are treated unfairly.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 26:57-27:31
Mark 14:53-15:20
Luke 22:54-23:25
John 18:12-19:16

Outline:

Unfair religious leaders (Matthew 26:57-68)
Unfair friends (Matthew 26:69-75)
Unfair government leaders (Matthew 27:1-26)
Unfair soldiers (Matthew 27:27-31)

Tips for teaching:

Ask children to draw a picture of Jesus.
Explain the meaning of “fair” in a way children can understand. To be fair is to be impartial and just without favouritism or discrimination. Help children relate to the unfair treatment of Jesus by using examples of someone cheating at a game or being punished when they have not done anything wrong.
Adults or older children can participate in a dramatic reading. Select students to read the speaking parts of individual characters in a selection from the Bible. For help in preparing the readings, follow this link.
- Jesus before the Sanhedrin: Matthew 26:57-68
- Peter’s denial: Matthew 26:69-75
- Judas’ end: Matthew 27:1-10
- Jesus Before Pilate: Matthew 27:11-26
- Soldiers mock Jesus: Matthew.27:27-31
Discussion questions for adults:
- Think of a time when you were treated unfairly and share your story about that.
- How did you respond to this mistreatment?
- How would you respond now if this happened to you again? Why?
- Read 1 Peter 2:21-25 and ask the class how Jesus responded to this unfair treatment. How should we respond?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: The Trial of Jesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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As the time of his death drew near, Jesus told his followers that they would soon lose faith and leave him. Even as Jesus then prayed through the night, his closest followers fell asleep instead of keeping watch. Afterwards, Judas leads an angry group to Jesus. Knowing his time has come, Jesus allows himself to be arrested. Although his followers had been dismayed at Jesus’ earlier statement, they now did exactly as he had said. They all left him and ran away.

Even when friends disappoint us, we can talk to God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 26:30-56

Outline:

Jesus says his followers will leave him (Matthew 26:30-35)
Jesus prays while his disciples fall asleep (Matthew 26:36-46)
Jesus is arrested (Matthew 26:47-55)
The followers run away (Matthew 26:56)

Tips for teaching:

Explain the word "betrayal" to children in a way they can understand. Betrayal can be described as providing information to an enemy that causes your friend or loved one to be hurt. An example would be if your friend were in a hiding place to keep safe from "bad people" and you told the bad people about the hiding place. You would be "betraying" your friend, and they would get hurt.
Judas betrayed Jesus because he gave information to the Jewish leaders and Jesus was arrested.
Play the Gethsemane video so children (or adults) can hear Claire Crosby sing about this event. To avoid unhelpful ads appearing before this and any live online video, teachers find it helpful to download the video first.
Talk about Jesus praying in a garden where olives are grown. Children can eat olives as well as touch and smell olive oil.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Night of Betrayal and Prayer

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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On the night before he was crucified, Jesus celebrated one last Passover meal with his disciples. Jews ate this meal annually to celebrate God’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. On this night, Jesus used elements of the meal to institute a new remembrance, bread to remember his body and wine to remember his blood. From this time forward, the followers of Jesus would celebrate God’s deliverance from sin through Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 22:7-23
Romans 15:4

Outline:

Preparing the Meal (Luke 22:7-13)
The Meal (Luke 22:14-20)
The Betrayal to Come (Luke 22:21-23)

Tips for teaching:

Help children list special foods that help us remember special occasions: birthday cake, chocolate eggs, Christmas pudding, hot cross buns, etc. Compare this to the Passover Meal.
Gather the ingredients and let the children taste foods from the Passover meal. You can use horseradish for bitter herbs, grape juice for the wine, and pita bread for the unleavened bread. You can purchase very thinly sliced lamb at a butcher or grocery deli. Recline and eat your meal at a low table.
Children or adults can use a communion bread recipe to prepare the church communion.
Adults and children can enjoy celebrating a Passover meal together. This link leads to full instructions for a messianic Haggadah (telling). It includes a complete set of instructions, recipes, room set-up and order of service. The source is https://www.chosenpeople.com/

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Last Supper

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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When Jesus and his closest disciples gather for the Passover meal, Jesus performs a task usually done by servants. He is their teacher, but he demonstrates true service and love by washing his disciples' feet. He then goes on to teach them that they should show this kind of love to others.

Bible verses used in this episode:

John 13:1-19, 31-35

Outline:

The heart and mind of Jesus (John 13:1-3)
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:4-11)
Jesus explains what it means (John 13:12-19)
The common to love (John 13:31-34)

Tips for teaching:

In a children's class, make a craft with footprints.
Memorise John 13:34-35
When teaching children or adults, teachers can wash the feet of students. Use a bowl of warm water, a towel or cloth for washing and another for drying. Adding fragrance to the water or using lotion is also good. While you are washing their feet, speak words of encouragement to them and tell them what an honour it is to serve them. Verbally affirm your love for them. If appropriate, then offer students the opportunity to wash the feet of other class members.
As the teacher, think about how Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, and his death on the cross are illustrations of “loving them to the end” (v.1) and loving as Jesus loved (v.34). Ask the class to discuss how these are parallel. And give examples from their life when “they laid down their life for someone else” and “washed another’s feet.” How were the others’ lives impacted?

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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The Jerusalem temple represented God's presence and holiness to his people. Jesus came to the temple during the yearly Passover celebration only to find that the area had been turned into a busy marketplace where people were concentrating on money instead of God. His deep love and respect for God led Jesus to take dramatic public action. He turned over tables and threw out those who were cheating the people.

Emphasise that we should have respect for God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Mark 11:15-19
Jeremiah 7:1-15
Deuteronomy 6:5
Exodus 20:7
Proverbs 9:10
1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Peter 3:15

Outline:

Clearing the Temple (Mark 11:15-16)
Teaching (Mark 11:17)
The reaction of the people and leaders (Mark 11:18-19)

Tips for teaching:

Talk about the meaning of holiness. Show a Bible to young children and let them read "Holy Bible" on the cover.
Review the 10 Commandments and notice how the first half relates to holiness.
Memorise Proverbs 9:10
Both adults and children will enjoy viewing 3D reconstructions of what the temple would have looked like. Try these: Jerusalem Temple at the Time of Jesus or
Virtual Tour of the Temple

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus and the Moneychangers

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time in a most unusual way. He entered in the way that the Old Testament said a peaceful king enters a city – riding on a donkey. A great crowd waved palm branches at Jesus and cried out, “Hosanna!” in praise of him.

We should also praise God and Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 21:1-11
Psalm 118:25-26
Psalm 18:49

Outline:

Preparation (Matthew 21:1-11)
Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:7-11)

Tips for teaching:

Make a craft using palm branches
Teach older children how to make a cross from a palm leaf.
Lead children in a time of praise. Prompt with the following sentence:
God, you are ________ because you ______.
- For example: God, you are strong because you closed the lions’ mouths for Daniel.
- God, you are imaginative because you created colours.
- Jesus, you are loving because you helped sick people.
Read the story and ask the class to name all the characters in the story and to say what they did or said. Be sure to name the donkey. Have a discussion about the characters and imagine which character you may be.
Challenge adults with the question, “Who is Jesus?” What is different about confessing Jesus as “Saviour” and confessing him as “King?” What difference would it make in your life? In your choices in life?
Ask adults to reflect on the following: “How far are you willing to go with Jesus? Part of a procession into the city (rah! rah!) or all the way to the cross? What stage are you at with Jesus?”

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Triumphal Entry

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Mary and Martha sent for Jesus when their brother, Lazarus, got sick. When Jesus arrived at the home of these good friends, Lazarus had already been dead for four days and was buried in a tomb. Jesus raised Lazarus back to life.

Before raising Lazarus, Jesus grieved with his friends. Jesus cares when we are sad.

Bible verses used in this episode:

John 11:1-46
1 Peter 5:6-7
Romans 8:35-39
Hebrews 4:15-16

Outline:

Lazarus is sick, so Jesus is asked to come (John 11:1-3)
Jesus responds to the news (John 11:4-16)
Jesus talks to Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37)
Jesus raises Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
People react (John 11:45-46)

Tips for teaching:

Children can sing the song "Cast Your Burdens."
For a game, children can have a race to wrap toilet paper around someone and then unwind it again without breaking it,
Children can list their worries and concerns, and then the class can pray for them.
Adults can explore the meaning of the glory of God. Read John 11 verses 4 and 40. Talk about how the raising of Lazarus reveals the glory of God.
What does the "glory of God" mean in your life?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Raises Lazarus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Before raising Lazarus, Jesus grieved with his friends. Jesus cares when we are sad.

Bible verses used in this episode:

John 11:1-46
1 Peter 5:6-7
Romans 8:35-39
Hebrews 4:15-16

Outline:

Lazarus is sick, so Jesus is asked to come (John 11:1-3)
Jesus responds to the news (John 11:4-16)
Jesus talks to Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37)
Jesus raises Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
People react (John 11:45-46)

Tips for teaching:

Children can sing the song "Cast Your Burdens."
For a game, children can have a race to wrap toilet paper around someone and then unwind it again without breaking it,
Children can list their worries and concerns, and then the class can pray for them.
Adults can explore the meaning of the glory of God. Read John 11 verses 4 and 40. Talk about how the raising of Lazarus reveals the glory of God.
What does the "glory of God" mean in your life?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Raises Lazarus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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When Jesus passed through the city of Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a better look. Jesus amazed the crowd by calling Zacchaeus down to say that he would be coming to his house. In a true act of repentance for what had probably been a dishonest tax-collecting career, Zacchaeus declared that he would pay back the people he had cheated and give half of his wealth to the poor.

Jesus was willing to help Zacchaeus change his life and he can also help us when we try to be better.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 19:1-10

Outline:

Zacchaeus climbs a tree (Luke 19:1-4)
Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:5-6)
The people judge (Luke 19:7)
Zacchaeus repents (Luke 19:8)
Jesus states his purpose (Luke 19:9-10)

Tips for teaching:

Make a tree craft
Tell the story while sitting on the branch of a tree
Talk about what it means to repent. To change one’s direction in heart, mind/attitude, and behaviour.
Talk about true repentance is more than just saying you are sorry. Adults can explore the idea of restitution and making things right.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Zacchaeus Meets Jesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus was willing to help Zacchaeus change his life and he can also help us when we try to be better.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 19:1-10

Outline:

Zacchaeus climbs a tree (Luke 19:1-4)
Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:5-6)
The people judge (Luke 19:7)
Zacchaeus repents (Luke 19:8)
Jesus states his purpose (Luke 19:9-10)

Tips for teaching:

Make a tree craft
Tell the story while sitting on the branch of a tree
Talk about what it means to repent. To change one’s direction in heart, mind/attitude, and behaviour.
Talk about true repentance is more than just saying you are sorry. Adults can explore the idea of restitution and making things right.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Zacchaeus Meets Jesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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When parents brought their small children to Jesus to be blessed by him, the disciples tried to hold them back. Jesus told the disciples to let the children come to him.

Jesus loved little children. We should follow his example by taking special care of the children around us.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Mark 10:13-16

Outline:

Parents bring children to Jesus (Mark 10:13a)
Followers say stop (Mark 10:13b)
The King Speaks (Mark 10:14-15)
Jesus blesses the children (Mark 10:16)

Tips for teaching:

Invite a parent to bring their small child to class to talk about what needs they have and how to care for them.
Small children can play with dolls and talk about caring for babies
Sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World”
Adults can spend time considering how well your church accepts and blesses children. As a way of talking about it rate your church from 1-10 in how it accepts children.
List ways to encourage those who work with children

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Blesses the Children

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Then men with leprosy met Jesus as he was passing through Samaria on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus told the men to go to a priest and be declared clean. As the men were making their way to find a priest, they realised that they had been healed of their leprosy. Nine of the men continued on to find a priest. Only one of the men, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus and give praises to God.

We should express thanks to God and to others.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 17:11-19
Leviticus 13:1-46
Psalm 95:1-5
Psalm 106:1
Ephesians 5:20
Colossians 2:7
Colossians 3:15-17
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Outline:

Jesus met by 10 lepers in Samaria (Luke 17:11-13)
Lepers healed (Luke 17:14)
One returned to praise and thank (Luke 17:15-16)
Jesus comments on the Samaritan’s belief (Luke 17:17-19)

Tips for teaching:

Help students understand leprosy and what that meant in these times.
Younger children can write the verse or "Thank You" on a bandaid/plaster and use it as a sticker.
Practice gratitude by listing blessings from God.
Write thank-you notes to people who have blessed you.
As a teacher of an adult class, be sure to prepare your own heart by praying and thanking God for blessings in your life.
Provide post-it notes so adults can write blessings on each and then attach them to a wall. After talking about these blessings, divide them up and pray about them.
Adults and older children can begin a "gratitude journal" by jotting blessings down each day.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Heals Ten Lepers

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus visited the home of his friends, Mary and Martha. While Martha was busy with meal preparations, her sister sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teaching. When Martha got upset at her sister for not helping, Jesus told her that Mary was choosing to do what was better.

Although there are many activities we can do, listening to Jesus should be our first priority.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 10:38-42

Outline:

Martha invites Jesus and his disciples to her home (Luke 10:38)
Mary sat and listened to Jesus (Luke 10:39)
Martha instructs Jesus to reprimand Mary for listening to him instead of helping her (Luke 10:40)
Jesus tells Martha that Mary has made the better choice (Luke 10:42)

Tips for teaching:

For children, re-create a home setting like it would have been in Martha’s home. Children can lounge on pillows (not tables) and taste-test 1st-century foods like nuts, raisins, grapes, flatbread, curds (cottage cheese), honey, etc.
Discuss priorities and choices. If a tornado or bushfire was approaching your home and you had to leave then what would you choose to take with you? Which are the more important or better things? You would choose people over furniture, for instance.
Adults and children can listen to the words of Jesus being read.
For an adult class activity try some or all of these methods. When you have completed all of the readings, then ask students to talk about what they learned from listening in these different ways.
- Everyone else closes their eyes and listens to Luke 10:38-42 being read by 3 different readers, one after the other. The 3 readers should use the same translation of the bible. It would be better to have a diversity of readers. These can be different ages, sex, ethnicity, etc.
- Repeat the exercise but, this time each reader should read from a different translation of the Bible.
- Finally, listen to a pre-recorded dramatic reading of the Scripture.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Mary and Martha

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to pray. As these disciples watched in awe, Jesus transfigured (changed appearance). His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Even more incredible, Jesus was joined by the long-dead Moses and Elijah. From a cloud that enveloped them all, the voice of the Lord affirms that this is his Son and they should listen to Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 17:1-13
Exodus 34:29-35
Malachi 3:1 and 4:5
Mark 9:11-13
2 Peter 1:16-21

Outline:

Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3)
The Significance of this event (Matthew 17:4-5)
How this relates to the teachings of the time (Matthew 17:6-13)

Tips for teaching:

Show children a “red letter” version of the bible. Read aloud and have them listen to words Jesus said. Decrease the volume of your voice as you read so that children will have to listen very carefully.
Tell the story in an interactive way by scooping 3 scoops of icecream into a glass (1 scoop each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah). As you talk about the cloud descending on the mountain pour cola over the icecream and watch it fizz and buble up. Children can repeat the story by then making their own. Eat and enjoy together.
For a craft paint a picture of Jesus using glow-in-the-dark paint.
Adults can explore the text together. They can use their own bibles or the teacher can pre-print Exodus 24:9-18 and 34:29-35 in one column and Matthew 17:1-13 in another. Students can circle similarities between the stories in Exodus and Matthew. Discuss why Matthew might be using the background of the giving of the law to tell the story of the transfiguration. How does this relate to our understanding of Jesus today?
Play an audible version of Matthew 17:1-13 in class so students can listen. Those who use audible apps on their phones can share with the class how to use these.
Discussion questions for adults: How do we listen to Jesus today? What prevents us or hinders us listening to Jesus clearly? What other voices in our world today can mask or down out the voice of Jesus?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: The Transfiguration

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus guided his disciples into a boat and sent them to sail across the Sea of Galilee without him. He then spent time alone in prayer.

Later in the night, Jesus observed the disciples rowing hard against the wind and so walked across the water to join them. At first, when they observed the figure walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost.

Jesus asked Peter to walk out to him so Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water too. When Peter began looking at the waves instead of Jesus, he began to sink.

This event shows the importance of trusting and having faith in Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 14:22-33
Hebrews 11:1-3
Hebrews 11:6

Outline:

Jesus sends disciples on a boat and then goes to pray alone
(Matthew 14:22-24)
Walking on water (Matthew 14:24-31)
Calm water and worship (Matthew 14:32-33)

Tips for Teaching:

To better understand the miracle of Jesus walking on water, very young children can experiment by trying to float a variety of objects on water.
Older children will enjoy learning how magicians and filmmakers use tricks to make it appear people are walking on water.
Memorise Hebrews 11:1
Provide adults with paints or crayons and invite adults to use them to depict "fear" and then, in contrast, "calm".
Complete the following sentences:
- Peter is a good disciple because _____________.
- Peter challenges my faith because _____________.
Adults can commit to one another to be of support if they see each other "sinking".

Full teaching instructions available free from Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Walks on Water

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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So many people wanted to hear Jesus preach that a crowd followed him to a remote location. As mealtime approached, the only food that was found was a boy’s lunch containing five small loaves of bread and two small fish. Jesus instructed the apostles to divide the food among the crowd of 5000 men (in addition to women and children). Everyone ate as much as they and then there was still food left over at the end of the meal.

Jesus has the power to provide what people need.

Bible verses used in this episode:

John 6:1-14
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17
1 Kings 17:8-16
2 Kings 4:42-44
Deuteronomy 18:15

Outline:

Jesus preaching and healing (John 6:1-4)
The problem of the hungry crowd (John 6:5-9)
The meal (John 6:10-11)
Leftovers (John 6:12-14)

Tips for teaching:

If older children enjoy maths have them calculate how much one meal of fish and bread would cost and then multiply that by 5000 men (plus women and children). Find out the average daily wage and work out how long a person would have to work to provide food for that many.
Eat fish and bread for a snack today.
Adults could consider the question, "Why do I follow Jesus?"
Ask adults which character they relate to the most and then explain why. Characters include Jesus, Philip, Andrew, the crowd or the boy.
Share a meal together. Have each person bring a dish to share for the meal and then an extra dish to share with someone afterwards.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Feeding of the 5,000

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jairus was a synagogue ruler who asked Jesus to come to his house and heal his 12-year-old daughter. On the way to the house, Jesus healed a woman who had been sick for 12 years.

By the time they arrived, the little girl had died, and the funeral had already begun. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

Some people thought the woman and the father were “bothering” Jesus, but Jesus was concerned with both. We can approach God with problems, whether they are “big” or “small”.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Mark 5:21-43

Outline:

Jairus begs Jesus to heal his dying 12-year-old daughter (Mark 5:21-24)
Jesus heals a woman who had been sick for 12 years (Mark 5:25-34)
Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from death (Mark 5:21-24)

Tips for teaching:

Help children learn the significance of bringing a dead person to life by checking pulse and heartbeat.
No problem is too big or too small for God. He wants to hear us talk to him about our lives. Teach children how to pray. Very young children can repeat after the teacher. Older children can take turns praying.
Ask adults to think about what was happening in their lives 12 years ago. Consider what it would be like to suffer an illness for 12 year.
Invite someone with a long-term illness to share how this affects their life.
Choose someone who might be overlooked and bless them in some way.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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For many, Easter has just become a time for bunnies and egg hunts. For Christians, however, the resurrection is the REAL story for this and any day.

This activity allows an opportunity for everyone to participate and is an easy way to shift the conversation from eggs to the important story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Preparation:
We suggest purchasing a dozen plastic eggs and then using a Sharpie marker to write the numerals 1-12 on them. Fill each egg with the items listed below. We placed ours in an empty egg carton.

*Don't have plastic eggs? Use bags or baskets or simply bring these items out to display one at a time. End with empty hands.

How to Tell the Story:
Gather children or your family around and explain that you will be telling the most important story ever told. You can open the eggs yourself or let the participants open them.

Eggs will be opened one by one beginning with egg number 1. Before going on to the next egg you will be talking about the significance of what the contents represent.

The Eggs:

Egg #1: A leaf or twig (palm leaf if you have one)
Triumphal Entry- Matthew 21:1-11

Egg #2: Bread or cracker and a communion cup
The Last Supper– Luke 22:7-23

Egg #3: Coins
Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver– Matthew 26:14-16

Egg #4: Thorns (thorny twig from a bush)
Crown of thorns- Matthew 27:27-31

Egg #5: A cross
Jesus carrying the cross- John 19:17

Egg #6: Nails
Jesus being nailed to the cross John 19:18; John 20:25-29

Egg #7: Dice and purple cloth
Soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothes– John 19:23-24

Egg# 8: Black paper or cloth
Darkness covering the earth– Matthew 27:45

Egg #9: Small piece of a sponge
Soldier offered a drink of vinegar on a sponge to Jesus– Matthew 27:46-48

Egg #10: Thin gauzy cloth
Joseph of Arimathea wrapping Jesus in cloth– Matthew 27:57-60

Egg #11: A stone
The stone that was rolled away– Matthew 28:1-4

Egg #12: EMPTY!!
He is not here. Jesus is alive! Matthew 28:5-7

Links to More Instructions:

Full instructions
Printable instructions on one page

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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A deranged man approached Jesus. Satan had caused the man hurt by sending evil spirits to live inside of him. Jesus confronted the demons and sent them out of the man and into a herd of pigs. The pigs then ran off a cliff and plunged to their death.

Satan hurts people and wants them to suffer. Jesus is stronger than Satan. He loves people and helps them and saves them from Satan.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Mark 5:1-20
Ephesians 6:10-12

Outline:

A man living among tombs (Mark 5:1-5)
Jesus addresses the demons (Mark 5:6-13)
The town reacts (Mark 5:14-17)
The commission (Mark 5:18-20)

Extra Links:
Downloadable illustrations from Free Bible Images

Tips for teaching:

To recreate the scene, tell this story by candlelight or in a dark room.
Talk about the mercy of Jesus and apply that to ways we can be merciful to those around us. For children, use examples such as a boy who has lost his dog, a girl that fell off the slide or a new child at school.
Adults can discuss situations or habits that "possess" us and then ask God to use his power to remove them from our lives.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Healing of a Demon-Possessed Man

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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After an exhausting day of preaching to the multitudes, Jesus got in a boat and told the disciples to sail to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus went to sleep. A squall arose, and high winds and raging waters put the boat in peril. Jesus slept through it all! When the frightened disciples woke Jesus, he simply “rebuked the wind and raging waters” and everything became calm.

Jesus is so powerful that he can control nature.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 8:22-25
Colossians 1:15-16
Psalm 89:8-9
Psalm 107:23-32
Job 38:8-11

Outline:

Nap on the boat (Luke 8:22-23)
Dangerous storm (Luke 8:23)
Jesus calms the storm (Luke 8:24)
The disciples react (Luke 8:25)

Additional Links:

The Galilee Boat from Drive Through History with Dave Stotts
The Land of the Bible: Ancient Galilee Boat
Photos of the Galilee / Jesus boat and reconstruction of the boat

Tips for teaching:

Bring a box to class so small children can pretend it is a boat. Re-enact the storm, and then one child calls out "Peace be still!" to make the storm stop.
Child's craft: Fill a clear water bottle with water and then add sand, sea shells and various beads and glitter. Glue the lid shut. Children can tilt the bottle to create a "storm in the bottle".
Sing: My God is So Big
Adults can discuss the "storms" they face in life and consider how God has control over these.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Calms a Storm

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Simon, the Pharisee, invited Jesus to come to his house for dinner. Simon did not show Jesus the simple gestures of hospitality common for that time, like greeting him with a kiss and washing his feet. During the meal, a sinful woman came into Simon’s house and washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. She was sorry for her sins, and Jesus forgave her.

When teaching, emphasise that Jesus forgives sin.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 7:36-50

Outline:

The invitation (Luke 7:36)
A woman washes Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:37-38)
A parable and application of love and forgiveness (Luke 7:39-50)

Tips for teaching:

Set up the classroom with low tables and cushions. Provide a drink and snack. Before children sit down, wash their feet.
A child’s craft could include making footprints.
Children or adults could write their sins on a picture of a cross and offer a prayer of thankfulness for forgiven sins.
Children or adults could act out this passage of scripture.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: A Sinful Woman Washes the Feet of Jesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus preached many wonderful lessons in the Sermon on the Mount. The lessons were practical and applied to everyday life. One important thing that Jesus said in his sermon was to "do for other people the same things you want them to do for you." This is so valuable that it is often referred to as the "Golden Rule".

Bible verses used in this episode:

Sermon on the Mount: Matthew chapters 5-7
The Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12
“Do for other people the same things you want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. (ICB)

Outline:

Be the light (Matthew 5:1-16)
How to be the light (Matthew 5:17-7:12)
Make a wise choice (Matthew 7:13-29)

Tips for teaching:

Help children understand the concept by pointing out behaviours and real life situations that display the golden rule (compassion, empathy).
Bring a variety of shoes to class (work boots, ballet slippers, baby shoes, sports shoes, etc). Children take turns standing in those shoes and talking about what that person might be feeling and how we should treat them.
Use glitter or gold paint in crafts to emphasise the golden rule.
For an adult class write descriptions of individuals on cards. Participants each take a card and imagine that that person was sitting beside them in class. Talk about their needs and how you would treat them. Examples might be professionals, a person new to town, a person who has had bad experiences with church in the past, someone struggling with the language, someone in grief, etc.
If studying the entire Sermon on the Mount, adults and children could mime various parts of the sermon.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Sermon on the Mount and the Golden Rule

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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People who were sick or disabled would gather around the Pool of Bethesda because they believed the waters would heal them. One of these people had been unable to walk for 38 years, and he had given up hope that he could be healed. Jesus healed the man, and he was able to walk again.

Jesus cares about people even when problems make them feel hopeless or sad.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 5:1-15
Psalm 62:5-6
Isaiah 40:31
Romans 15:13
1 Timothy 4:10

Outline:

About the Pool (John 5:1-4)
The Encounter and Healing (John 5:5-9a)
Pious versus Personal (John 5:9b-15)

Additional Links:
Illustrations and images of the Pool of Bethesda and its location in relation to the temple.

Tips for teaching:

Look up the word "hope" in the dictionary.
Write the word "HOPE" in the middle of a large piece paper and then use artwork to decorate around it.
To recreate the pool scene, drop an effervescent table (like Alka-seltzer) in water to make the water bubble up. Alternatively, pour cola over ice-cream to make it fizz and bubble (and then eat it!)
If there is one nearby, visit mineral pools and tell the story there.
Adults can think back to a time when they felt hopeless. Write a letter to your old self. Tell your old self why they should have hope.
Consider current difficulties you face. Do you WANT to be made well?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Healing of the Man By a Pool

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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The popularity of Jesus grew as people began to know more about Jesus and see the miracles he performed. For the first time in his ministry, Jesus preached at his home synagogue. The angry reaction of the listeners led to a failed attempt to kill Jesus.

Preaching God’s Word is important but can be difficult. We should encourage those who preach.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 4:14-30
Romans 10:14

Outline:

Popular Jesus (Luke 4:14-15)
The Sermon (Luke 4:16-27)
Angry Reaction and Escape (Luke 4:28-30)

Tips for teaching:

Make a scroll
“Tour” the area of the church from which preaching is done so children can experience the same perspective of the audience as the preacher does.
Set up a lectern and guide children in having a turn to read from the Bible.
Adults or children write encouragement notes to preachers and their families.
Adults can try writing a sermon on a subject of their choice.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Preaches in Nazareth

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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A royal official in the town of Capernaum had a son who was dying. The official travelled to where Jesus was, in Galilee, and begged him to come back with him to heal his son. Instead of going with him, Jesus told the man to return to Capernaum because his son was healed.

The official “took Jesus at his word” and returned home to find his son well. The fever had gone at the same hour Jesus had said he would live.

We can believe the words of Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 4:46-54

Outline:

The official finds Jesus and asks for help (John 4:46-49)
Jesus heals the son from afar (John 4:50-51)
The official's conversation with his servants (John 4:52-54)

Tips for Teaching:

Display a map of your region and/or the world. Mark the places where loved ones live (grandparents, cousins, friends, etc.). Pray for each loved one in confidence that God can take care of them even though they are far away.
Help children memorise John 20:30-31
Invite adults to explore the geography of Capernaum, Cana and Jerusalem. Talk about the distances and travel times between these places.
Use PowerPoint to display a map while you teach.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Healing of the Nobleman's Son

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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A man who could not walk wanted to be healed by Jesus. When the man’s friends carried him to the house where Jesus was staying, they found the house packed with people wanting to hear Jesus and be healed by him. The friends made their way to the roof and dug a hole to lower their friend down to Jesus. Jesus was impressed by the faith of these men.

First, Jesus did what only God can do – he forgave the man’s sins. Then, Jesus healed the man so he could get up and walk.

Good friends help us follow God.

Bible verses used in this episode:Mark 2:1-12 Outline:

Bringing a friend to Jesus (Mark 2:1-4)
The Healing and Controversy (Mark 2:5-12a)
People Praised God (Mark 2:12b)

Other verses about friendship and encouragement:

Proverbs 17:17
Hebrews 10:25
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Tips for Teaching:

Learn about houses in the times of Jesus.
https://www.jesus-story.net/nazareth-houses/
Children can use a shoe box or similar to recreate a house.
Adults could talk about true friendship and how they bring their friends to Jesus. Choose a friend and begin to pray for them regularly.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Man Through the Roof

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Nicodemus was a Pharisee and an important Jewish leader and teacher who visited Jesus at night to ask questions. Among other things, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be “born again” to enter the kingdom of God. Being “born again” means having a new beginning with the Holy Spirit, God and Jesus.

Jesus explained that the physical world is what we see, but the spiritual world is unseen. We do not see the Spirit but we see what he does in the lives of people.

Jesus explains that he is the one God has sent from heaven to earth.

The conclusion is a commentary on the salvation made possible through Jesus. Nicodemus came in darkness, but he learned that Jesus is the light of the world.

Bible verses used in this episode:John 3:1-21 Outline:

Nicodemus visits Jesus (John 3:1-2))
Being born again (John 3:3-8)
How Jesus makes this possible (John 3:9-15)
Commentary on salvation from God (John 3:16-21)

Tips for Teaching:

Jesus explained the Spirit as powerful yet invisible like the wind. Guide children in making wind chimes or mobiles.
Attach transparent plastic over photos of people. After looking at the pictures, lift the clear plastic. Talk about the physical and spiritual part of a person. We cannot see it but it is there.
Small children can glue star stickers on black paper when talking about Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night.
Adults can read John 3:5 with Titus 3:5 and talk about how they relate.
Adults can share how they see the effects of the Spirit in the lives of others in the class.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in the city of Cana. When the hosts ran out of wine to serve the guests, Mary had total confidence that her son, Jesus, would take care of the situation. He miraculously turned plain water into excellent wine.

The miracles of Jesus were more than just tricks. They were ways to show the power of God and build faith in people.

Bible verses used in this episode:John 2:1-11 Outline:

The wine runs out (John 2:1-2)
Water turned to wine (John 2:3-10)
The response is belief (John 2:11)

Tips for Teaching:

Young children can play dress-up for a wedding
Decorate a goblet as a craft
Begin a collection of pictures depicting the miracles of Jesus
Memorise John 20:30-31
Adults could share a feast together. Make a point of saving the best food or drink for the last.
Adults could search for other verses about Mary found in the book of John.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Wedding at Cana

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Followers of Jesus are called disciples. There were many disciples, but early in his ministry, Jesus selected twelve men from the group to be apostles. These men were constantly with Jesus throughout his ministry and were given many special gifts and responsibilities.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 4:18-22 (calling the fishermen)
Matthew 9:9 (calling Matthew)
John 1:35-50 (Philip and Nathanael/Bartholomew)
Matthew 10:1-4 (List of the 12 apostles)

Tips for Teaching:

Sing the apostle song "Jesus Called Them One by One."
Descriptions of the apostles vary throughout the gospels. Some are known by more than one name, and there are duplicate names among the twelve. Good illustrations can help present this sometimes confusing information to children. Twelve different pictures with a name and description underneath each one is a great way to do this. A set of pictures can be downloaded from Bible Fun for Kids.
Play "follow the leader" or have someone teach the class to do something through demonstration and participation.
Adults can count how often "follow" is used in the book of Matthew and then talk about what "follow me" means.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Satan tempted Jesus to turn from God's plan and submit to him. Jesus stood firm in the Word of God and did not give in to temptation.

How can we help children prepare to stand up against the attacks of the Devil?

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 4:1-11

Outline:

Fasting in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2)
Temptations (Matthew 4:3-10)
Satan leaves, and angels bring comfort (Matthew 4:11)

Tips for Teaching:

Verses to remember when we face temptation:
- Joshua 1:9
- Psalm 27:1
- Ephesians 6:10-18
To help children understand the concept of temptation, place a bowl of sweets or candy in the middle of the table. Talk about how yummy they are but say that no one is allowed to eat them. As you continue teaching, refer back to the yummy treats. Perhaps even eat one in front of the children. Once time has passed then, allow the children to eat the treats. As you eat, talk about how Satan tries to trick us by making bad things look very good to us.
Temptation is either:
- A desire to do something we should not, or
- A desire to NOT do something we should do.
Adults can compare the Old Testament stories of the Israelites in the wilderness with the temptations of Jesus. Small groups could share how the devil tries to pull us away from God's purposes.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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At the age of 30, Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River by his cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus was not baptised because He needed to repent of wrong but because He wanted to do everything right. He “fulfilled all righteousness”. His heavenly Father was “well pleased.”

God also loves us and is pleased when we obey from the heart.

Bible verses used in this podcast:Matthew 3:13-17

Outline:

Jesus came to be baptised (Matthew 3:13-15)
Jesus is baptised (Matthew 3:16a)
God's approval (Matthew 3:16b-17)

Tips for Teaching Children:

Before class, contact each parent and ask them to share a specific way they are proud of their son or daughter. Use the following format:
- "_________(child's name), you are my son/daughter, and I love you.
- I am so proud of you because ____________
  (list one positive action the child does)."
Then, in class, after you have talked about Matthew 3:17, tell the children that their parents are proud of them like God was proud of his son. One by one, share what each parent has written.

Tips for Teaching Adults

Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Using the same format as with the parents above, adults can share words of genuine affirmation:
- "_________(adult's name), you are my brother/sister in Christ.
- I love you.
- I am so proud of you because ____________
  (list one positive action the adult does)."
Distribute cards or writing paper and encourage adults to use this same format to write a note to someone.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:The Baptism of Jesus

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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John fulfilled prophecy by preparing the way for the Messiah. He preached a convicting message of repentance to the ordinary person as well as to the hypocritical Pharisees of his day. Crowds followed John and showed their true repentance through baptism and a change in how they lived their daily lives. Hearts were being prepared for the messages Jesus would soon be preaching.

We should have soft hearts that lead us to repent and change our actions.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 3:2-20

Outline:

Introducing John, the Prophet (Luke 3:1-6)
John's sermons and the people's response (Luke 3:7-14)
John points to Jesus (Luke 3:15-17)
John's preaching leads to his arrest (Luke 3:18-20)

Tips for Teaching:

Children: Help children understand "repentence" using a simple gesture of intertwining fingers of both hands. Video by Lynne Jackson here.
- Intertwined (relationship and harmony)
- Hands apart (out of relationship and separated)
- Intertwined again ( repented and restored)
Children: Make a heart craft.
Adults: Discuss John's answers to the various groups of people who asked "What should we do?" Challenge students to share what John's answer would be to them if they asked the same question.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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While visiting the temple in Jerusalem at age twelve, Jesus became separated from his parents and was inadvertently left behind. Upon returning to Jerusalem three days later, his worried parents found him at the temple listening to the teachers and amazing those around him with his understanding.

As Jesus grew, he continued to develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. This is the model for children to grow in today.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 2:40-52

Outline:

Jesus the child (Luke 2:40)
Passover feast (Luke 2:41-42)
Missing child (Luke 2:43-45)
In his father's house (Luke 2:46-50)
Jesus the young man (Luke 2:51-52)

Tips for Teaching:

Research life for children in New Testament times (food, chores, games, learning)
Look online for 3D experiences of the temple so children can experience what it may have been like for Jesus
Adults could compare and contrast conversations Joseph and Mary would have had on the way to Jerusalem with the conversations they might have had on the way home back to Nazareth at the end of this story.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Boy Jesus Visits the Temple

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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King Herod was the king of the Jews at the time of Jesus' birth. Herod felt his kingship threatened when Magi came from the East searching for the new king. Despite Herod's attempts to interfere, the magi found the child king, Jesus, in Bethlehem and paid honour to him with expensive gifts fit for a king.

To ensure no child would take his place, King Herod decreed the death of all boys in the area under the age of two. But little Jesus was kept safe when his family was directed (through dreams) to go to Egypt until the time of danger had passed. After this time, Joseph, Mary and Joseph settled in Nazareth. It was in Nazareth that Jesus spent his childhood.

Jesus is king, and we, too, should give him honour.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 2:1-23

Outline:

Wise men seek a king (Matthew 2:1-12)
-In Jerusalem
-In Bethlehem
Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
Herod's decree to kill baby boys (Matthew 2:16-18)
Joseph, Mary and Jesus move to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

Tips for Teaching:

Guide young children in learning to draw a star.
Children can use glitter and glue (or any medium) to make a star craft.
Adults can consider what "valuable gifts" they have offered to their king, Jesus. What gifts have been held back for self?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Wise Men and a Star

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census. While they were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. The angel of the Lord announced the news to shepherds, and they came to worship.

God sent Jesus from heaven to earth in the form of a baby. Thank God for His gift to the world.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 2:1-38

Outline:
1. Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:18-25)
2. Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-5)
3. Angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8-20
4. Jesus presented at the temple (Luke 2:21-35)

Tips for Teaching:Ask students for Christmas carol selections. Sing together and talk about which carols teach the biblical version of the events surrounding Jesus' birth and which do not. For example:

Songs more accurately depicting biblical events might include: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and O Holy Night.
The following are fun to sing but they do not depict the biblical story: Little Drummer Boy, Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer and any song about Santa Claus.

Teacher Wisdom Concerning Children and Christmas:Of course the birth of Jesus is the main event of Christmas. Other traditions and make-believe parts of the holidays are treated differently by different families and cultures. Teach the truth of Jesus and refer to the Bible as the true record. At the same time we suggest you respect others and try not to spoil the "imaginary fun" of the season.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: The Birth of Jesus

*Next week's episode: Wise Men and a Star

Find additional free teaching resources at Mission Bible Class.

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A priest and his wife were well beyond the years when it was possible to give birth to a child. The angel, Gabriel, gave Zechariah the incredible news that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son who would become a great preacher. They were to name the baby John. Elizabeth received a visit from her young cousin, Mary, and these two praised God in their shared joy. Soon after Mary left, Elizabeth gave birth to John.

Nothing is impossible for God!

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 1:5-80

Outline:
1. News of an "impossible" pregnancy (verses 5-25)
2. Mary visits Elizabeth (verses 26-56)
3. John is born (verses 57-80)

Tips for Teaching:

Children: Talk of pregnancies and babies within a young family and their relatives are often familiar to very young children. Guide small children in playing with baby dolls and expressing love and care.
Adults: Compare and contrast the responses of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary upon hearing the news of these seemingly impossible pregnancies. Discuss how we respond when God surprises us.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible lesson: The Birth of John the Baptist

Find additional free teaching resources at Mission Bible Class.

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The birth and birthplace of Jesus were prophesied about hundreds of years before they eventuated. God promised that these things would happen, and they did. God always keeps His word, and we can always depend on God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Genesis 3:15
Eve's descendant will crush Satan
Genesis 22:15-18 and Galatians 3:15-16
Abraham's descendants will bless nations
Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18
Virgin birth
Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1
Born in Bethlehem
Isaiah 9:6-7
The Messiah will come!
Luke 1:31-33 and Matthew 1:18-25
Angel, Gabriel prophesies a son to Mary and Joseph

The links above lead to the International Children's Bible version on https://www.biblegateway.com/

Tips for Teaching:

Use timelines to help children visualise a promise made long ago and then fulfilled after time has passed.
Conversation starter for adults: Talk about an event in your life that happened many years after it was promised.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus_Bible Lesson

Find additional free teaching resources at Mission Bible Class.

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Is the Bible, Glitter and Glue Podcast for me?

Want to learn more about the Bible?
Want to be a creative teacher?
Enjoy interactive conversation?

In this introduction episode, David and Mary Nelson invite you to join them for good conversation and new perspectives. Each week they will explore another Bible event and discuss simple and creative ways to share its meaning with children and adults.

David: (Teacher-Preacher-Scholar)
"I love studying the Bible because it not only helps me understand God, but it helps me understand myself. It helps me understand the world around me and my place in it. It helps me know my place in the story of God."

Mary: (Teacher-Website Author-Seminar Presenter)
"We want to turn to the 'Greatest Teacher' first. God is Creator, so he is the master of creativity. When I read the Word of God, I'm inspired to be a better teacher."

More episodes are available at Bible, Glitter and Glue Podcast on Buzzsprout.

Find additional free teaching resources at Mission Bible Class.

Bible, Glitter and Glue: Recent Episodes

David and Mary Nelson