WELCOME TO WEEK 1

When you find a secret passage in your game, or discover a new trick, do you ever reveal your secret? Although you may not reveal your secret so that you can continue to win, Jesus revealed something very important to us. It’s great news that Jesus didn’t keep secrets from us, but helped reveal God the Father to us. This week we will see that we can know God better through Jesus.

John 1:1-18

BIBLE STORY

In small bags that are not see through, place several different types of toy animals in each bag. Line up the bags in front of the child so they can see the bag but not what is inside.

I have some items in each of these bags. I want you to tell me what is in each bag but you can not look inside the bag, nor can you touch it. From where you are, describe to me what is in the bag. Give them time to try and guess what is in each bag. It’s hard to guess what is inside each bag when you can not see or touch it. Although you can not see it, I have seen them so I will help reveal what is in each bag. Give clues that describe each animal such as what it looks like or likes to eat. Give clues that will reveal the item. Was that easier to guess the items? I was able to reveal to you these items because I have seen them and could describe them to you. This week we will read about why Jesus came to earth. One of the reasons Jesus came was to help us know God. Jesus’ character and actions reveal how much God loves us.

Materials: paper bag, variety of small toy animals

Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week John 1:1-18

How did verse 1 describe the Word? (He was in the beginning, He was with God, and He was God)

What was his life for all mankind? (Light that shines in the darkness)

Who did God send to testify about the Light? (John)

What did the Light come into the world to do? (He gave those who believed the right to become children of God)

The law was given through Moses, what came through Jesus Christ? (Grace and truth)

Although no one has ever seen God, what was done for us through Jesus Christ? (Jesus himself is God and is in close relationship with the father, has made God known to us)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus was with God because He is God, and He was able to reveal to us who God is. Jesus became flesh and demonstrated God’s love to us. Through Jesus we can know God because they are one.

Activity

When we want to know more about something we gather information from lots of different sources. When I give a topic, I want you to go around the house and find something you would use in order to learn more about that topic. For example, if I said I want to know where sharks live, you can bring a book about sharks, a magazine or a computer. If the item is too hard to bring, you can point to it or tell me what you would use.

Find something that…

-tells me the temperature outside. -helps me see better. -tells me about animals in the wild. -tells me more about good house pets. -tells of Jesus’ birth. -shows what time it is. -tells me how to care for a plant. -tells me how old a tree is.

We can know more about God by reading about Jesus in the Bible. Jesus reveals who God is and how much he loves us.

Materials: items around your house

Alternate

We can know God by reading His words in the Bible. God speaks to us through the written words of Jesus in the Bible. Sort the following speaking bubbles into 2 categories: words of Jesus, words of man. Determine which quotes were said by God and which were spoken by people. When we listen to Jesus’ words, we can know God.

Materials: Printed sorting activity, scissors

Independent activity:

Complete the following activity sheet.

Materials: Printed activity sheet

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a bible poster art. Use the attached images to color and cut, then glue them onto a large sheet of construction paper. Draw additional images and use stickers to add to your bible poster. 

Materials: Printed sheet, scissors, glue, crayons, large sheet of construction paper.

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

What did John the Baptist do before Jesus’ ministry began?

Why did John the Baptist say, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before him”?

How can know that Jesus reveals who God is?

What are some words you would use to describe Jesus?

What are some words you would use to describe God the Father?

What are some things you can do to get to know Jesus better?

What are some things you can do to get to know God better?

Practical Application at Home

Sometimes we tend to follow the people around us by dressing like them, talking the same way they do or doing the things we see them do. Unfortunately when we follow other people, we can often be led the wrong way. There is One we can follow and He will never lead us the wrong way because He wants what is best for us. When we follow Jesus, we can talk the way he talked and do the things he did. 

Create a secret message for a family member or friend to solve. Mix the following solution, then paint your message with a paintbrush. Let the message completely dry before giving your message to be solved. Have your family member or friend use diluted grape juice or other acidic juice, to paint the entire page to then reveal your message. Write the following secret message on your paper: “Find God’s love here, John 3:16”

Secret message solution: 1 Tablespoon water, 1 Tablespoon baking soda. Mix together, then use a Q-tip to write the message with your baking soda solution.

The more we know Jesus the more we will know God. Jesus reveals God to us, and shows us how much He loves us. We can then demonstrate that same love to those around us so they will want to know God and follow the example Jesus gave through his life on earth.

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.