WELCOME TO WEEK 1

Have you ever been in pain? Perhaps your pain was from a cut or an injury. Perhaps your pain was from sadness or hurt. Jesus has a message for us that is powerful. His power is more than strength but His power can also change us, heal us, and defeat our sins. This week we will see how Jesus’ message is powerful.

Mark 1:21-28; Psalm 111

BIBLE STORY

What are some things you are afraid of?Listen to the list of things and tell me if you would be afraid or not.

-listening to a scary story

-listening to a scary story in the dark

-walking through your neighborhood at night

-walking through your neighborhood

-sitting beside the fireplace

-putting more logs onto a burning fire

-eating very spicy food

-eating a spider

There are things that seem scary to us that make us feel powerless. Jesus has authority over all things, even the scary things in our lives. Our sins can even become scary. When we tell a lie even when we really want to tell the truth. When we are mean to a friend even though we really don’t want to hurt them. When we eat a lot of junk food that it makes us sick, even though we know it is not good for us. When we feel like we are not in control it can be scary. Jesus’ message is powerful and it can change our hearts, minds and then our actions. Our story this week is about a man who was possessed by an impure spirit. He may have felt out of control, but Jesus had power over the impure spirit. His words brought healing to this man. We can trust Jesus’ words, the Bible, has power over our lives today.

Read or listen to the scripture Mark 1:21-28

What was Jesus doing in the synagogue? (He was teaching)

What did the people think of his teachings? (They were amazed because he taught with authority)

What was the man in the synagogue possessed with? (An impure spirit) 

Who did the possessed man claim Jesus to be? (The Holy One of God)

What did the possess man ask if Jesus was going to do? (If he had come to destroy them)

When Jesus commanded the impure spirit to come out, what happened? (It shook the man violently and came out with a shriek)

What did the people think when they say this? (They were amazed that he taught with authority and could give orders to spirits who obeyed. 

What did the people do after they witnessed Jesus send out the impure spirit? (They spread the word through the whole region of Galilee)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth. His power is not just how strong his is but his ability to change hearts and attitudes. We can trust that Jesus has the power over our sins and mistakes. He can forgive us and He can help us change our actions.

Activity

play this game of charades. Use the following cards to act out the source of power on each card. Each of these items are a source of power. We use power in all sorts of ways in our daily life such as the power for the sun which can be used for energy, to grow plants, and to warm the earth. God is the ultimate source of power. His power is not from anyone but of Himself. Jesus used his power to heal the man of the impure spirit. He has the power to change us as well.

Materials: printed activity charade cards

Alternate

The impure spirit that was in this man declared that Jesus was the son of God. It knew the power of Jesus and recognized him for who he was. Who do you say Jesus is? Complete the following activity sheet circling the names and adjectives that describe Jesus. When we know who Jesus is, we can recognize His power and love in the lives of others and ourselves.

Materials: printed activity sheet, pen/pencil

Create activity:

Create this science activity to see if graphite is an electrical conductor. Follow the instructions listed on the following website. Then practice creating different pictures and lines to determine the following questions. Does the length of the drawing make a difference in the LED light? Does the thickness of the line make a difference? Is there a difference in the LED light if you use straight lines compared to curved lines?

Materials: graphite pencil/lead, white paper, small LED light, electrical tape

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a “Jesus Wins” trophy cup. Take 2 Styrofoam cups and wrap in gold foil or paint with gold paint. Place the bottoms of each cup together and glue them together. Use gold pipe cleaners to attach to each side as the handles. You can attach the handles by inserting them through a small puncture in the side of the trophy and then taping it from the inside. Using a small label or white piece of paper, write on the bottom, “Jesus Wins” and attach it using glue or tape.

Materials: 2 styrofoam cups, gold aluminum foil, gold pipe cleaners, tape, glue, small label or small white paper

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Read Psalm 111

How is God’s power described?

What words describe God’s love?

What words describe God’s character?

What statement in this chapter stands out to you as a powerful message?

God’s power is not always describing His strength or force, but it can also demonstrate His ability to change us. He has the power to change our attitude and our heart. When we understand how much we are loved by him, our hearts can be changed to have more compassion on other people. We we understand how much God sacrificed for us, show love to others who need it. When we understand how much we have been blessed by God, we can be more willing to share what we have with others. 

Practical Application at Home

The message of Jesus is good news. In our text for today the story of Jesus healing the possessed man traveled fast. It didn’t travel by text, phone calls or emails, but from word of mouth. People were so excited by what they saw they shared this good news with lots of other people. God wants us to spread the good news of Jesus to lots of other people as well. Think of a powerful message you’ve read or heard from the Bible. Pick your favorite message or choose one from the messages below. Then think of a way you can spread that message to people you know or do not know. 

Powerful message examples:

-Jesus saves

-Jesus loves you

-Jesus is coming back

-I am the way, the truth and the life-Jesus

-You are forgiven

-the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus

-God keeps his promises

-God remembers his covenant forever

-our sins are cast into the depths of the sea

Ways to spread your message:

-write your message on several rocks and leave them in random places throughout your neighborhood

-Make a greeting card to send to friends and family with your message

-Record yourself saying the message and send it to family and friends

-write you message on your sidewalk or driveway using sidewalk chalk

-Send out postcards with your message to people you know.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Donate to a local food shelter or toy drive this Christmas season. As a family, volunteer together or pick out toys you think another child your age might enjoy.