WELCOME TO WEEK 4

This month we have seen how God has a plan for everything. God had a plan for salvation and his plan is built on love. This week we will see that we are a part of God’s plan. We can do more than watch God’s plan but be a part of it by obeying what God has called us to do. It doesn’t matter if we think the job is big or small, God will use everything to work together for His plan.

Mark 11:1-11; Psalm 118:19-29

BIBLE STORY

Let’s try to complete this challenge together. We are all standing on this blanket but have left a corner of the blanket free. The challenge is to try and turn this blanket to the other side without anyone stepping off the blanket onto the floor around it. We must keep 2 feet on this blanket at all times. Let’s see if we can do it! Choose a blanket, tarp, or bedsheet depending on the number of people participating. Only one quarter of the blanket or tarp should be left with no one standing on it. Be sure to have everyone present participate. 

Was that easy or a bit challenging to get the blanket flipped to the other side? We all had to participate, right? We needed everyones help not only to figure out how to turn the blanket around, but also in order to be successful. Every person participated in the plan. This week we will see that we are a part of God’s plan. God has something for each of us to do, not to just stand on the sidelines and watch but to be an active part of the plan. 

Materials: blanket or large sheet

Read or listen to Mark 11:1-11

Where did Jesus and the disciples arrive? (Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives)

What did Jesus tell the disciples to do? (Go to the village and find a colt as they enter)

What were the disciples supposed to say if someone questioned them about taking the colt? (The Lord needs it and will ill bring it back shortly)

What did the disciples do with the donkey after they brought it to Jesus? (Threw their cloaks over it)

What did people spread on the ground before the colt for Jesus walk on? (Their cloaks were spread on the ground as well as branches from the field)

What did the people shout as Jesus walked by? (Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest heaven)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

We are all a part of God’s plan. It is sometimes easy to look at what someone else may be doing or the talents they are using and want to do the same, but God has tasked each of us with something to do. When we work together we have all contributed to God’s plan. We can pray and listen for what God would have us to do. Even the family that allowed the disciples to borrow their donkey was a part of God’s plan! There is no task too small when we are working together.

Activity

Play this game of memory. Match the cards of ways you show God you are a part of his plan.

Materials: printed memory game

Alternate

God uses each one of us in His plan. There is no job too small when used for the glory of God. Every person in the Bible story today did something different to glorify Jesus and be a part of God’s plan. Complete the following activity sheet. Complete each statement by answering how you show your faith in God.

Materials: Printed activity sheet

Independent activity:

We can also praise God for the things He has done for us. We are thankful for the gift of Jesus as our savior and for many other things He has given us. Create this poster to show God has included you in His plan and add your praise of thanksgiving by writing the things you are thankful for. Write on the poster “I am a part of God’s plan”. Have your child decorate the poster including large leaves or branches. Print and use the following pictures to add to the poster if desired.

Materials: large construction paper, crayons or markers, writing utensil, printed stickers (optional)

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Print out the following donkey template found at the bottom of this website. Color the donkey and then cut it out. Glue the two parts of the donkey together. Use 2 clothespins and color them gray with the bottoms colored black for hooves. Use black yarn cut into little pieces and glue them to the head of the donkey for a mane, and then some at the back for a tale.Attach the hooves to the donkey so it can stand up on its own.

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

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Read or listen to Psalm 118:19-29

David is writing this Psalm thanking God for delivering him and being his salvation. David blesses God’s name for his goodness and provision. Although Jesus has not come yet in David’s time, He knows that his help and salvation comes from God. David was a part of God’s plan and He is even a part of the Jesus lineage. We can trust that even though we do not know the future and we don’t know what will happen to us, we can trust we are a part of God’s plan. We know that God has a plan that He will fulfill in His perfect timing. 

What do you have to praise God for today?

Why was David praising God?

How do you show God your praise?

How does David describe God in these verses?

In your own words, how would you describe God?

What has God saved you from?

Practical Application at Home

Jesus came to earth to die for our sins so that we can live forgiven and in relationship with God. God had a plan from the beginning of man, for our salvation. Jesus carried out that plan even though it was hard. Just as a plant appears to be dead when its’ leaves are withered from not getting enough water, food, or sun, so we are dead from our sins. Sometimes a plant can come back to life with proper care and water, we can come back to life by the blood of Jesus. We have something to be very thankful for, salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

What do you have to praise God for? Make a list of things you are thankful for. On the top of the paper, write Hosanna. Jesus came to save each one of us, and that is something to be thankful for. Add other things to the list that you are specifically thankful for in your life. Hang your list some where you can see it daily to remind yourself that Jesus saves and has blessed you in many other ways as well.

Materials: sheet of paper, pencil, tape (optional)

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.