Big Help
WELCOME TO WEEK 5
Job’s friends wanted to help him even though they could not fix his problems. They came and sat with him, which seems like a small thing to do, but sometimes small things can be a big help to others. This week we will see how God can use our small actions to help others in big ways.
BIBLE STORY
Play “Name that Tune” using the word friend. Take turn among players singing or humming parts of a song that includes the word friend. Keep scores of home many songs you can come up with that have the word friend in the song.
Look how many songs we were able to remember that talk about friends. Clearly friendship is important to people. Friends are there for us when we are feeling down or when we want to rejoice. Eleven thee bible talks about friendship. In the story of Job, when he is feeling down his friends came to be with him to comfort him. They sympathized with his pain and how much suffering he was going through. Let’s read and see how his friends tried to help.
Read or listen to the scripture Job 2:11-13
How many friends cam to visit Job? (3 friends)
What were the names of his friends? (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar)
Why did they go see Job? (To sympathize and comfort Job)
Did they recognize Job? (No)
What did they do when they saw Job? (They began to weep)
How long did Job’s friends sit with him in silence? (7 days and nights)
Why didn’t they say a word to Job? (Because they knew how much he was suffering)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
We sometimes dismiss things that are small or come in small packages as unimportant, but something small can have a big effect. Think about 1 raindrop becomes
1 snowflake becomes.
$1 added to others
1 friendship becomes a lifetime friendship
God can use us even though we are small, to do big things. Play this match game, match what is small with its matching big item.
Materials: printed match game
Alternate
Job’s friends did not do everything right when they visited him. They came to sit with him and bring him comfort but when they spoke they said things they should not have said. Sometimes the small things we do for others are really important to them and mean the most. Think of ways you can do things for others that may seem small but will help in a big way. Start at home helping your family and then look for ways to help others outside of your house. Use this chart to write in a deed you can do that day for someone either in your home or somewhere else such as school, church, or with your team.
Materials: printed helping hands sheet
Independent activity:
Think of how important your friendships are and how your friends are there for you when you need it. Write down a friend and an example of when you’ve had a friend to help you in these situations.
Materials: activity sheet
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Psalm 146
The Psalmist describes God as the only one worthy of praise. Humans can not save like God can. The Psalmist then describes how God can help us and all that He does for us. God helps us in big ways, ways we are not able to help others, but He uses us to be a big help to others.
How did the Psalmist say God helps us when we are hungry?
What does God give to the blind?
Who does God set free?
What does God do for the widows and orphans?
How do you help those around you?
What are small things others do for you that means a lot to you?
What are big things God helps you with?
Practical Application at Home
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Think of the things Jesus helped people with when He lived on earth? Did he feed the hungry? Give sight to the blind? Heal the sick? We can care for others in a similar way but helping to feed the hungry, helping those who are sick, and giving to those who may need help getting medicine and care.
Make a list of ways you can help others around you in a similar way Jesus helped those while on earth. Put your list into 2 categories; small ways to help and big ways tot help. We may not always be able to help in big ways and sometimes wee need to help in more than just small ways. Look at your list and decide if there is anything you can do on your list of ways to help.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?