Working
WELCOME TO WEEK 3
God has called each of us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This might seem like an overwhelming task! How do we know what to say or who to say it to? God does not expect us to do it alone. God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us do His work. He will guide us and tell us what He wants from us. We simply need to trust and obey. This week we will see how the disciples asked God to help them make a difficult decision as they continued their ministry.
BIBLE STORY
Have you ever had to choose between two things you really liked? Is it easy or hard to make a choice? Sometimes our choices are easy and sometimes we have a hard time choosing because we like both of the options! Which of these would you choose?
Ice cream OR Cookies
Going to the beach OR going to the park
Taking a horseback ride OR Riding on a ferris Wheel
Visiting your friend OR Going to an amusement park
Eating pizza OR eating a hamburger
Buying a new toy OR having a free day to play
Getting an A on your paper OR winning the spelling bee
Picking what to eat for dinner OR helping mom make cookies
Going to the museum OR going to the zoo
Finishing all your chores early OR helping your parents paint your bedroom
Sometimes it is hard to make a choice but we still have to choose one thing. The disciples had to make a choice of who would replace Judas as a disciple. It was a difficult choice but they knew God would help them make this important decision. We can also seek God to help us make good choices. God has given us the Holy Spirit that helps us make good choices and also helps us continue to do God’s work. Just like the disciples had a special job God gave them to do, God has given us special jobs to do as well. We are a part of God’s work!
Read or listen to the Bible reading Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
What were the disciples trying to decide? (Who would take the place of Judas as a disciple)
What were they seeking wisdom for? (To know the right person to choose)
What did they want the new disciple to have done? (He needed to be with them the entire time as a witness of what Jesus had done?
What did they do to help them determine which names to consider? (The nominated 2 names of men who had been a witness of Jesus resurrection)
After they chose 2 names, how did they pick the final person? (They prayed and then cast lots to see who God had chosen)
Who was the new disciple to take Judas’ place? (Matthias)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Before this activity, print and cut out the person outlines. Have your child decorate the twelve cutouts each as a different person. After they have created 12 people, hide them around the room for them to find and bring to you. The disciples were twelve when they were with Jesus, but after Judas betrayed Jesus they needed to replace him with a new disciple. The Holy Spirit helped the disciples find someone new that would continue to spread the gospel.
Materials: Printed person outlines, crayons or colored pencils, scissors
Alternate
We all have a part to play in doing God’s work. Although there were 12 disciples, there were many other disciples that helped spread the gospel as well. We are also a part of God’s work, we each have a specials job God wants us to do. We can also work together as a team to create a picture. We will draw a picture of the beach. Each of us will take turns drawing our part of the picture and then we will see how our drawing is a small part of a larger picture. Each person takes turns drawing something different that belongs on a beach such as the sun, sand, water, a sandcastle, beach towels, etc. Continue passing the paper around until every person has a turn and your picture is complete.
Materials: Sheet of construction or drawing paper, crayons, markers or colored pencils
Independent activity:
Complete the following activity sheet
Materials: printed activity sheet, pencil
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
What are some things that might be God’s work?
How can we know we are doing God’s work?
What is special talent or skill has God given you?
How can you use that talent or skill for God?
What are some ways you can bless others around you?
What blessings has God given you that you can share with others?
Practical Application at Home
There are people in our community that serve others every day. Pastors and people who know the Bible really well are not the only people who can serve and work for God. People who work in the community caring for people who are sick, rescuing people in trouble, or helping others learn, are also doing God’s work. We can thank those who serve our community and show them God’s love as well.
Make a card or picture to send or deliver to a service worker or workers in your area.
Materials: construction paper, scissors, markers or crayons
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.