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

BIBLE STORY

We are going to work together to make shapes using just ourselves! We will work together as a team to build several shapes. We can use anything that is a part of our body to create the shape that is called out. Let’s see how many shapes we can make.

Make the following shapes using your arms, legs, fingers, feet, or other parts of your body. The smaller the group the more creative you will need to become. Be sure to use every member or divide into smaller groups of 3 or 4.

-triangle

-square

-rectangle

-pentagon

-circle

-parallelogram

We had to work together as a team to complete that challenge! We couldn’t leave anyone out because we were all important and needed in order to accomplish the task. This week we will see that we are all a part of God’s plan. God has included us in his plan and he can use each one of us. sometimes the jobs we are given to do seem small and insignificant, but God uses everyone and all tasks. God doesn’t see our efforts as small but as willing to be a part of God’s plan. In the story this week, everyone is called to complete a task. As you read, try to determine how many people were used in God’s plan.

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

Go on a donkey hunt. We are a part of God’s plan which means he has a plan for each of us. We can listen to what God would have us do and then obey. We can chose to live for God by listening to his plan and then doing it. Place the donkey cutouts around the room and have your child find a few and read them if they are able. Have them collect 2 or 3 donkeys that have tasks that they can complete this week. Read through the tasks together and discuss ways to complete the task so they are successful this week. Follow up later in the week to add further support or for them to share their story. Only collect the donkeys you can complete this week as a part of God’s plan.

Materials: printed cut-outs, scissors, tape (optional)

Alternate

Retell the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the donkey while participants act out the story. Create a pretend donkey using a pole or a rocking horse. Allow them to pick parts to act out and dress up. Use real leaves or large sheets of green construction paper cut into large leaves. Have them narrate the story or you can do it for them while they act it out.

Materials: Various items for dress up, branches or leaves (optional), large green construction paper

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 sheet of construction paper, printed add-ons (optional), stickers, markers, crayons, pencil

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 donkey template, crayons, glue, 2 clothespins, black yarn

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Where did Jesus riding the donkey?

Do you think they disciples were nervous to take someones donkey?

Do you think the family who allowed the disciples to take their donkey believed in the Savior?

What small task has God asked you to do?

Was it easy or hard to complete that task?

Did you think the task was too unimportant to care about?

How can you be part of God’s plan this week?

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? Draw or write 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.

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.