Understood
WELCOME TO WEEK 3
Welcome to week 3! Have you ever had someone finish your sentence for you? It was as if they knew exactly what you were going to say. Perhaps they can finish your sentences because they know you so well. Not many people can do that, but a close friend or family member knows you very well because they’ve spent time with you. Jesus knows us very well, because He is our creator! We can trust Him with our deepest thoughts because He loves us just the way we are.
BIBLE STORY
On a sheet of paper draw 5 things that you really enjoy doing or that show what you like. Let’s look at what we drew. Discuss the things on their paper and how those things tell more about them.
We each have things that we love to do or that we are good at doing, which makes us special. We have things that interest us and we enjoy learning about it or practicing it. When we meet new friends it takes time for them to learn what things we like and dislike or the things that make us special. We do have a friend that already knows us and we don’t have to explain who we are to him. His name is Jesus. Jesus already knows us and knew us before we were born. He knows the things we like, dislike and our talents. This week we will read our story of when Jesus met Nathanael. Jesus already knew Nathanael but Nathanael was surprised to realize Jesus already knew who he was. He became a believer that Jesus was the Son of God. We can also trust that Jesus is the son of God and He already knows us!
Materials: paper and pencil
Read or listen to the scripture John 1:43-51
Where did Jesus meet Phillip? (In Galilee)
What did Jesus tell Phillip to do? (Follow me)
Did Nathanael believe Phillip had found the Savior from the prophesy? (No, he asked if anything good could come from Nazareth)
What was Nathanael surprised about when He met Jesus? (Jesus already knew him and told things about Nathanael)
What greater things did Jesus say Nathanael would see if he followed Him? (He would see heaven open and angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
God knows each one of us by name and He knows what makes us unique. Sometimes we might wonder why we don’t look, act, or excel at things like people around us. But God knows exactly who we are and how we were made. He knew us before we were born. We can trust that God, our Creator, loves you exactly the way you are.
Activity
Phillip was so excited to meet Jesus and he want his friend Nathanael to meet Jesus as well. Phillip was a good friend to Nathanael because he didn’t want him to miss out on the opportunity to meet and know Jesus, their Messiah. Being a good friend is more than just being friends online or looking at pictures of someone from a distance. Listen to the following examples and determine if you think this shows real friendship or if this is just an acquaintance.
Materials: Attached scenario cards printed or viewed on device
Alternate
You are special and God made you just the way you are. Jesus knows you because He is your creator. Let’s do the following finger play together. You may also view these finger plays and songs online.
Materials: Printed finger play or device for viewing, device to view fingerplay
Create activity:
Draw a self portrait of yourself. Create a picture of what you look like including your eye color, hair and other special features. Around the border of your portrait, write words that describe you as well as pictures of things you enjoy doing.
Materials: construction paper, mirror, pencil, drawing utensils
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Create a picture frame, decorate the outside with the words: Jesus knows me!
Materials: white drawing paper, pencil, drawing utensils, crayons or coloring pencils
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Who does God say you are?
What does it mean to be redeemed?
Do you believe God chose you?
How does it make you feel to know you are forgiven?
How does God show you that He loves you?
Have you ever gone somewhere new and felt accepted by the people there?
What does it mean to be accepted by God?
What does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?
In Ephesians 1 it says that we are chosen, accepted, loved, redeemed, forgiven, and adopted. When we know who we are in Jesus we can share that good news with others. We can also be sure of who Jesus says we are rather than who others try to tell us we are. Jesus is the one who truly knows you, and He thinks you are worthy of His love.
Practical Application at Home
God has created us to be exactly who we are and He knows us better than we know ourselves. When Jesus saw Nathanael and already knew who he was, Jesus showed Nathanael that He was not an ordinary man, but God. Nathanael believed that Jesus was the son of God, the long awaited Savior. He believed because Jesus showed him that He already knew who he was.
Phillip brought Nathanael to meet Jesus. Who are some people you can bring to Jesus. We can show Jesus to others in the way we treat them and in how we serve the people around us. Look at the following activities. Choose one or two of them to try this week on people you would like to share Jesus with.
-tell someone Jesus loves them
-Send a note to someone who is discouraged
-invite someone to attend church with you
-invite a friend to attend your church’s online service
-bring a meal to a person in need
-call a church member who is shut-in and tell them you are thinking of them.
-take coats or blankets to a local shelter
Sharing Jesus’ love with others is one way to be a good friend. It is also a way for them to build a relationship with Jesus as well. Jesus knows you and he knows your friend and he wants them to know how much he loves them.
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.