WELCOME TO WEEK 1

Welcome to week 1! This week we will learn to trust God just as Jesus did.

BIBLE STORY

Take a large cup or glass and begin to fill it with water. Ask your child How full do you think we can make this cup? Allow them to help you continue to fill the cup to the brim and even to the point of overflowing. Use a dropper or a small spoon to slowly add the last few drops of water until the water overflows over the top some. Say What happened? (the cup overflowed). Why did the cup overflow? (It was full of water) In our story today Jesus has come to a difficult part of his life. He was sad because he knew what was about to happen and his heart was full of sadness, or overflowed with sorrow. 

Let’s read or listen to the Bible story for this week Matthew 26:36-46 

Where did Jesus take the disciples to pray? (The Garden of Gethsemane)

What did he ask the disciples to do while he prayed? (Pray for him)

What did the disciples do? (They fell asleep)

What did Jesus pray to God for? (For this cup of death to pass over him)

How do you know Jesus trusted God? (He said He would do God’s will not his own) 

Although Jesus knew this difficult death was going to happen He also knew that God was in control. He knew God had a plan and Jesus trusted God’s plan to be what was best.

Materials: Large cup or glass, Water, Water basin or pan to catch water, Spoon or dropper



BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

I’m going to pass you this ball. Do you trust that I will throw the ball to you? Now, throw the ball to me! Do you trust me that I will catch it? When you trust someone you are having faith that they will do what they say. You believe that what they say is true. You also believe that they want what is good for you even if you can’t see it right away. In our story this week we see that Jesus trusted God’s plan even when it was hard. We can also trust God’s plan for us, even though we can’t see the end.

Activity

What did Jesus mean when he said Your will be done not mine? God’s will is what He knows is best for your life even if it doesn’t feel good right away. Our will is whatever we think is best for us. Look at the scenario cards and match the following cards of your will and God’s will. Decide who’s will is being done and sort them under the category.

Materials: Scenario cards God’s Will

Alternative:

Listen to this story about trust. ‘It will be OK’ by Lisa TerKeurst  

Materials: Listen to attached story book

Create:

Complete this activity sheet

Materials: printed activity sheet

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Draw or paint a picture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with his heart overflowing with sorrow.

Materials: Paint, crayons, other coloring utensils, paper,

CRAFT 2

Coloring page

Materials: Printed coloring page

FOLLOW-UP

Jesus trusted God even when it was hard and He can help us trust God too! God asks us to trust him but He also asks us to trust our parents who take care of us.

What are some things we can trust our parents for? (food, shelter, love)

How can we show others we are trustworthy? (telling the truth, being fair)

Is there a time to not trust someone? (yes, someone who could cause us harm)

Do you trust that God wants what is best for you?

How do you know you can trust God? (He is our creator and sent Jesus to die for us because He loves us so much and wants to be with us in heaven)

Practical Application at Home

Sometimes God asks us to do hard things and trust that He is in control and wants what is best for us. What are some hard things God might be asking of you? Designate 2 areas in your room one for being hard and one for being easy. Listen to each of these statements. If you think it is something easy God is asking of you, move to the designated area for “easy”. If you think it is something hard God is asking of you, move to the designated “hard” area. 

Sharing your toys with your siblings

Enjoy time with your family

Love your mom and dad

Tell the truth, always

Keep your room clean

Be nice to a kid others are mean to

Eat all your vegetables

Obey your mom and dad

Work hard in school

Obey your teachers

Read your bible

Pray 

Give your offering

Share your last _____ with someone

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.