Children's Church Lessons
2008
January 06
John 1: 19-28
John the Baptist Tells about Jesus
This lesson is from the book of John:
The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent helpers to ask John who he was. He told them plainly, "I am not the Messiah." Then they said, "Tell us who you are!" John answered, "I am someone shouting in the desert, `Get ready for the Lord!' " John told them, "I use water to baptize people. But here with you is someone you don't know. Even though I came first, I am not good enough to untie his sandals."
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! John the Baptist did not think more of himself that he ought to. When he was asked if he was the Messiah, he knew he wasn't. He knew that Jesus was. Help us to know that Jesus is our Messiah too. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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January 13
Luke 5: 17-26
Jesus Heals a Crippled Man
This lesson is from the book of Luke:
God gave Jesus the power to heal the sick, and some people came carrying a crippled man on a mat. They tried to take him inside the house and put him in front of Jesus. But they could not get him to Jesus. So they went up on the roof, made a hole and let him down in the middle of the room. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the crippled man, "My friend, your sins are forgiven." Jesus then said, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk home." At once he picked up his mat and went home, giving thanks to God.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! This sick man had some very good friends who wanted Jesus to heal him. They did a lot of work to make it happen. When Jesus saw their faith he healed their friend. Help us to be good friends to those who need our help. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.(return to top)
January 20
Luke 9: 28-36
The True Glory of Jesus
This lesson is from the book of Luke:
Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him and went up on a mountain to pray. While he was praying, his face changed, and his clothes became shining white. Suddenly Moses and Elijah were there speaking with him. Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three tents, for you and Moses and Elijah." When a cloud covered them, a voice spoke, "This is my chosen Son. Listen to what he says!"
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! When Jesus went up on the mountain, he went up to pray. He invited some of his disciples to come with him. We are glad that he invites us to pray with him too. Help us in our prayers to listen to what he says. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.(return to top)
January 27
Mark 6: 35-44
Feeding the Five Thousand
This lesson is from the book of Mark:
The disciples said to Jesus, "Let the crowds leave, so they can go and buy something to eat." Jesus said, "You give them something." They asked him, "How can we?" Jesus said, "How much bread do you have?" "We have five small loaves of bread and two fish." Jesus took the loaves and the fish and blessed them. Then he handed it to his disciples. They gave it to give it to the 5000 people who ate all they wanted with food left over.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Jesus was concerned about people's spiritual life, and he was also concerned about their physical life. When the crowd was hungry, Jesus fed them. Help us to see that he feeds our hungry souls as well. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.(return to top)
February 03
Luke 10:25-37
The Good Samaritan
This lesson is from the book of Luke:
Jesus told a story, "When a man was going down the road, robbers attacked him leaving him half dead. A priest walked by on the other side. Later a temple helper went by on the other side. A foreigner saw the man, and felt sorry for him. He treated his wounds and wrapped them." Then Jesus asked, "Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to this man?" The teacher answered, "The one who showed pity." Jesus said, "Go and do the same!"
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! We all need help sometimes. When we hear about this man who needed help and most people walked right on by, we hope that when we need help someone will help. But more important still, we hope we came help those who need us when the time comes. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
February 10
Mark 6: 45-51
Jesus Walks on the Water
This lesson is from the book of Mark:
Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. Later that evening the boat was in the middle of the lake. Jesus could see that the disciples were fighting the wind, so he came toward them walking on the water. They thought he was a ghost and started screaming. He said, "Don't worry. I am Jesus. Don't be afraid." He got into the boat and the wind died down. The disciples were completely confused.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! When the disciples were frightened, you came to save them. When our lives seem tossed about and we are struggling hard, calm the winds that blow against us. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
February 17
Mark 2: 1-12
Love One Another
This lesson is from the book of Mark:
Love each other, as I have loved you. The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. You are my friends, if you obey me. Workers don't know what their bosses are doing. I don't speak to you as my workers, I speak to you as my friends. So I command you to love each other.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! We thank you that you were willing to send Jesus to die for us. It must have been hard to do that. He was your only Son. You did it because you loved us. Help us to love others like you love us. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
February 24
Luke 19: 1-10
Zacchaeus
This lesson is from the book of Mark:
There was a very rich man named Zacchaeus. He wanted to see what Jesus was like. Because he was a short man, he climbed up into a tree. Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today. Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus. He said to the Lord, "I will give half of my money to the poor and pay back everyone I have cheated." Jesus said to him, "Today you and your family have been saved. I came to look for and to save people who are lost."
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! People didn't like tax collectors in Jesus' time. But you love all people. You helped Zacchaeus change from his cheating ways to being willing to use his money to help the poor. Help us to use the gifts you give to us wisely, too. Help us to help the poor. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
March 2
Mark 14:32-36
Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, "Sit here while I pray." Jesus took along Peter, James, and John. He was sad and troubled and told them, "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me."Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, "Father, if it is possible, don't let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. Don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want."
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Sometimes you were sad, like we can be sad. When you were sad you prayed about it. You asked your Father to help you do the right thing. Help us to always ask you in our prayers for your strength to follow you always when we are happy or sad. Thank you Jesus. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
March 9
John 19:1-6
Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. They came up to him and said, "Hey, you king of the Jews!" They also hit him with their fists.Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, "I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty."
Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the temple police saw him, they yelled, "Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!"
Pilate told them, "You take him and nail him to a cross! I don't find him guilty of anything."
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! People were very mean to Jesus. They hit him, they called him names, and they wanted to crucified him. Jesus did not say a world. Help us to be like Jesus and treat each person as a friend. Let us help people and not hurt them. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
March 16
Matthew 27:47-54
Some of the people standing there heard Jesus and said, "He's calling for Elijah." One of them at once ran and grabbed a sponge. He soaked it in wine, then put it on a stick and held it up to Jesus. Others said, "Wait! Let's see if Elijah will come and save him."Once again Jesus shouted, and then he died.
At once the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, and rocks split apart. Graves opened, and many of God's people were raised to life. The officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything else that happened. They were frightened and said, "This man really was God's Son!"
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! When Jesus died, graves were open and people came back to life. Because Jesus died for us, our graves are a door and not an end. We we die we will be alive again with Jesus in Heaven. Thank you God for saving us. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
March 23
EASTER SUNDAY -- Festival Easter Services.
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March 30
Acts 6:1-4
A lot of people were now becoming followers of the Lord. But some of the ones who spoke Greek started complaining about the ones who spoke Aramaic. They complained that the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day.The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, "We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables. My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things. We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching."
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Thank you that we have people like our teachers and our pastor who teach us about Jesus. Thank you that we have people who care for those who need help. As we grow up, make some of us pastors and teacher, and all of us helpers for those in need. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
April 6
John 13:3-11
Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied.
"If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me."
Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head."
1Jesus
answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash
just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of
you." Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you."
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Jesus washed the feet of his friends to show them he loved them. He also washed their feet to show them how to wash the feet of others. Thank you for Jesus who used this humble act to show us we are to care for all people who need help. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
April 13
Matthew 21:13-17He told them, "The Scriptures say, `My house should be called a place of worship.' But you have turned it into a place where robbers hide."
Blind and lame people came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them. But the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses were angry when they saw his miracles and heard the children shouting praises to the Son of David. The men said to Jesus, "Don't you hear what those children are saying?"
"Yes, I do!" Jesus answered. "Don't you know that the Scriptures say, `Children and infants will sing praises'?" Then Jesus left the city and went out to the village of Bethany, where he spent the night.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Jesus loved children and children loved Jesus. Thank you that he made all of us his children. We are glad to come to church to talk about him and sing songs of praise to him. He is an awesome God. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
April 20
Acts 2:38-41
Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live."Peter
told them many other things as well. Then he said, "I beg you to save
yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people." On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! We don't always to everything right. We sin through things we do and things we don't do. Thank you for forgiving our sins and sending us the Holy Spirit. Thank you for our families to bring us to church and tell us about Jesus. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
April 27
Acts 4:32-35The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! We've heard all our life about sharing. Our parents remind us. When we share what we have with those who need help, we are living just like the church in Jesus' time. Thank you for blessing us so that we can have things to bless others with. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
May 4
Galatians 1:11-18
My friends, I want you to know that no one made up the message I preach. It wasn't given or taught to me by some mere human. My message came directly from Jesus Christ when he appeared to me.You know how I used to live as a Jew. I was cruel to God's church and even tried to destroy it. I was a much better Jew than anyone else my own age, and I obeyed every law that our ancestors had given us. But even before I was born, God had chosen me. He was kind and had decided to show me his Son, so that I would announce his message to the Gentiles. I didn't talk this over with anyone. I didn't say a word, not even to the men in Jerusalem who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
Three years later I went to visit Peter in Jerusalem and stayed with him for fifteen days.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! You have a plan for our lives. You know our name and you know what things we can do to help people in your name. Help us to choose the right words to say that don't hurt people. Help us to choose the right words to help people know that you love them. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
May 11
Acts 16:29-34
The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home."
Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord. While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized. They were very glad that they had put their faith in God. After this, the jailer took Paul and Silas to his home and gave them something to eat.
Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Sometimes we are afraid we will get lost. That no one will every find us. But you are always with us. You have saved us and you are right in our hearts forever. Thank you for giving us peace and eternal life. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
May 18
Acts 18:24-26
A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism. Apollos started speaking bravely in the Jewish meeting place. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him understand God's Way even better.Prayer:
Good morning Lord! Thank you for our Sunday School teachers. Thank you for those who teach us to sing about Jesus. Thank you for those who tell us about Jesus. Thank you for those who give us communion blessings. You were the great teacher. We have some great teachers here at Zion, too. We love you Lord. Amen.(return to top)
May 25
Acts 27:9-11By now we had already lost a lot of time, and sailing was no longer safe. In fact, even the Great Day of Forgiveness was past. Then Paul spoke to the crew of the ship, "Men, listen to me! If we sail now, our ship and its cargo will be badly damaged, and many lives will be lost." But Julius listened to the captain of the ship and its owner, rather than to Paul.
