godtime writers 1. i need to make the wise choice. 2. i can trust … · 2017-01-10 · deciding...

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©2011 The reThink GroupAll rights reserved. www.reThinkGroup.org

Group and Family Experiences for K-5th Grades

ABOUT GODGod is the one and only true God, yet He ex-ists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator, so everything belongs to Him and is under His control. God is holy, so He is righteous, majestic, and loving. God is all knowing and purposeful, so He’s at work to bring about His will. No person, thing, or idea compares to God.

ABOUT THE SCRIPTURESGod reveals Himself to us through the Bible, and it is 100% accurate, reliable, and authoritative.

ABOUT PEOPLEPeople are made in God’s image and for His plea-sure. But everybody falls short of God’s intention,

or ideal, for people. In other words, everyone has sinned. As a result, we are all separated from Him, even though He wants an intimate relationship with each of us.

ABOUT SALVATIONThat’s why Jesus—God’s Son—came and lived on this earth, died, and rose again. God offers His free gift of salvation to all who believe in Je-sus and accept Him as Savior—the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God. Anyone who accepts this gift is adopted as a son or daughter into God’s family and will live with Him forever in heaven.

Scripture marked “NIrV” is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version™, Copyright ©1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Pub-lishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked “NIV” is taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTER-NATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of Biblica.

Statement of Faith

Chief Executive OfficerReggie Joiner

Editor in ChiefMelanie Williams

EditorDana Wilkerson

Copy EditorsElloa DavisKelly NishiWendi Zebell

Group Experience WritersTerri AdamsJodi BlackwellLauren Noblitt BowmanSharon CareyKristi LemoineAbbey McCormackEmily MeredithDana Wilkerson

GodTime WritersSharon Carey Abbey McCormack

Family Experience WritersGreg PaynePhil PierceJon WilliamsJacob York

Graphic DesignerMike Davis

Illustration Jodi BlackwellJoe GoodeSusan Harrison

Technical & Web SupportHadley Brandt

Executive DirectorSue Miller

1. I need to make the wise choice.2. I can trust God no matter what.3. I should treat others the way

I want to be treated.

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Virtue: FORGIVENESSDeciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.

PLUG IN Small groups - 10-15 minutes - Focus the Energy

POWER UP Large group - 20-25 minutes - Engage the Heart

CATCH ON Small groups - 25-30 minutes - Make the Connection

Memory Verse: “Forgive the things you are holding against one another. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13, NIrV

Bible Story: Making Change (Jesus and Zacchaeus) • Luke 19:1-9

Bottom Line: When people are forgiven, it can change them.

Making ChangeMAY08, 2011

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Deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.

Luke 19:1-9

Small Groups, 10-15 minutes

FORGIVENESS

PLUG IN: Focus the Energy

PREVIEWNote! This version of the curriculum is designed especially for churches with fewer

leaders and kids. You may want to use it if you have just one or two leaders and if you

combine all your kids in both large and small group time.

Plug In is designed to introduce children to the day’s topic in a setting that gives them

individualized attention from a leader and plenty of interaction with their peers. If you

have enough leaders, divide kids into small groups of up to 10 children. Ideally, assign

the same Small Group Leader to the same group of kids for the entire year.

FOR LEADERS ONLYToday’s Bible story has to be one of the top 10 Bible lessons of all time. It has it all—action; emotion; a hero; a wee, little villain; a showdown between the hero and villain; a happy ending; and, not least, good overcoming evil. A good story is about many things. One of the things Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus is about is what forgiveness does—it produces change. It changes both the forgiver and the “forgivee.” Isn’t it ironic that one of our reasons for not forgiving is that we want the other person to change first? However, we can’t produce that kind of change in someone; only God can. But He wants us to do our part, which is going ahead and offering forgiveness— (1) deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay—(2) just like Jesus did with Zacchaeus. (3) Because when we forgive, (4) it opens up all kinds of possibilities for the person being forgiven, as well as ourselves.

Heads up: Today is a natural opportunity to tell children about God’s forgiveness and why He sent Jesus. Note the highlighted paragraphs in particular. Pray ahead of time, asking God to prepare the kids’ hearts and minds for this important message and to give you just the right words.

Kindergarten–5th Grade

MAY 08, 2011

Virtue:

Bible Story:



MAKING CHANGE

Recycle • Make It StickWhat do you want to make sure they never forget?

Impress • Make It BigWhat is the one thing you want them to understand?

Personalize • Make It RealWhat can you model for them from your own life?

Apply • Make It FitWhat do you want them to walk away and do?

Transition • Make It FlowWhat will you say or do to keep them engaged?

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GET READYFor each small group, do the following: • Early Arriver Idea: Provide an interesting offering container. • Making Change: Provide Monopoly® money, printed “play” money,

or real money (paper or coins). • Gather the leaders together to pray before the kids arrive. Pray that

each child would listen and learn the Bible truths presented during today’s session. If any kids arrive before or during the prayer, invite them to participate with the leaders.

Early Arriver IdeaAsk the kids about their plans for Mother’s Day. Ask if anyone celebrates with grandmothers, aunts, friends, etc. Invite the kids to put their offerings in the offering container.

Making ChangeAsk the kids if they know what it means to make change. Hold up a $5 bill and ask kids if there is another way they can have $5—for example, five $1 bills. Ask the same question with another bill or two. This may be a new concept for younger kids, so help them understand that a $5 bill is the same as five $1 bills.

WRAP UPLEADER: “Have you ever made change before? Did you know that Jesus made change through forgiveness? Let’s go hear all about it.”

Lead your group to the large group environment.

Small Groups, 10-15 minutes • for kindergarten–5th gradePLUG IN: Focus the Energy

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SUPPLIES:an interesting offering container

SUPPLIES:money

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Luke 19:1-9

Large Group, 20-25 minutes

FORGIVENESS

POWER UP: Engage the Heart




Power Up is designed to engage children in worship in a large group setting. Music,

prayer, and an innovative approach to the Bible story are always a part of this interactive

time.

FOR LEADERS ONLYToday’s Bible story has to be one of the top 10 Bible lessons of all time. It has it all—action; emotion; a hero; a wee, little villain; a showdown between the hero and villain; a happy ending; and, not least, good overcoming evil. A good story is about many things. One of the things Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus is about is what forgiveness does—it produces change. It changes both the forgiver and the “forgivee.” Isn’t it ironic that one of our reasons for not forgiving is that we want the other person to change first? However, we can’t produce that kind of change in someone; only God can. But He wants us to do our part, which is going ahead and offering forgiveness— (1) deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay—(2) just like Jesus did with Zacchaeus. (3) Because when we forgive, (4) it opens up all kinds of possibilities for the person being forgiven, as well as ourselves.

Heads up: Today is a natural opportunity to tell children about God’s forgiveness and why He sent Jesus. Note the highlighted paragraphs in particular. Pray ahead of time, asking God to prepare the kids’ hearts and minds for this important message and to give you just the right words.


MAY 08, 2011

Virtue:

Bible Story:



MAKING CHANGE






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GET READYGather all the supplies needed for large group: • People: You will need the regular line up—Leader and Assistant.

You will also need one kid volunteer from the audience for the Bible story presentation.

• Bibles: You will need a Bible for the story presentation and worship (preferably the NIV).

• Large Group Visuals (from the Web site): You will need today’s “Bottom Line Slide,” prepared at the beginning of the month.

• Props and Costumes: You will need a stepladder, a man’s shirt with pockets (preferably one that buttons up the front), fake money to stuff in the pockets of the shirt, and two or three fake tree branches. You will also need three small buckets filled with small rocks or pebbles and one large empty bucket. The tree branches, shirt, and buckets should be preset onstage.

• Music and Sound Effects (SFX): You will need high-energy music as the kids enter and exit the room (like the downloadable MP3 virtue song from the Web site). For worship, you will need the I Believe and Jump! CDs. (Note: See permissions info in week 1.)

SFX: Play high-energy music as kids enter.

The Assistant is onstage greeting the kids as they enter the room. Once all the kids have found their seats, lower the music to cue the Assistant to begin.

1. Get StartedASSISTANT: “Good morning, everybody! Welcome, welcome. So glad you’re all here. I have a question to ask you. As you know, we’re talking about forgiveness this month and, well, you know, I’m just not all that good at it sometimes. (You may want to insert your own example for the following, but make sure it’s age-appropriate.) I have this neighbor who lives in the house right behind me. We’ll call him Buzz. Buzz is a nice guy but he did something I really didn’t like. A couple of weeks ago, he asked if he could borrow my ladder. I was happy to let him borrow it. About a week passed and then I decided to go out and do a little yard work. When I went looking for my stepladder, I realized that Buzz hadn’t returned it. So I called him and asked if I could come get it. He told me he has no idea what I’m talking

Large Group, 20-25 minutes • for kindergarten–5th gradePOWER UP: Engage the Heart

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about, that I didn’t let him borrow my stepladder at all. I mean, the guy basically stole my ladder. I’m so mad I don’t know what to do.

Leader enters carrying a stepladder and Bible.

ASSISTANT: “Oh hey, [insert Leader’s name]. Wait a second. I was just telling these guys about my stepladder.”

LEADER: “A stepladder, huh? I heard you from backstage. Sounds like you need to offer up some forgiveness.”

ASSISTANT: “Forgiveness? Are you crazy? Didn’t you hear anything I said? He stole my stepladder and then acted like I was crazy when I asked for it back. I’m not forgiving anything until I get my ladder back.”

LEADER: “Hold on a second. Are you treating someone the way you would want to be treated in this situation? What do we say, kids, about how to treat others?”

KIDS: “I should treat others the way I want to be treated.”

ASSISTANT: “I know, I know. But I would never steal from someone else. So why should I just let this guy off the hook?”

LEADER: “Well, I tell you what. If you’ll help me out with the Bible story, I think you might figure out what to do in this situation.”

2. Present the Bible Lesson Leader: Note that the following Bible lesson script has been

organized into three main points (noted in brown) to help you present it in a memorable way. The lesson concludes with a “closer” to help make real-life application for kids.

LEADER: “Do you guys have a favorite story or movie with a good guy and a bad guy? You know, like Batman and the Joker? Or like Superman and Lex Luthor? (Open Bible to Luke 19.) This is a true story about a guy named Zacchaeus [za KEE uhs]. You’ve probably heard of him before. But what you may not know is why he was a bad guy. You see, Zacchaeus was a chief tax


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collector, and most everyone hated tax collectors. The government allowed tax collectors to collect the tax money that people owed, plus some extra. That was how they made their living. Only some tax collectors charged way too much.”

ASSISTANT: “So you’re saying Zacchaeus stole from people? Like my neighbor stole from me? I think I see where this is going.”

LEADER: “Don’t get too far ahead. (To the audience) Now, I’ve already recruited [insert Assistant’s name] here to help me out, but I need one more volunteer.

Select one child from the audience to play Zacchaeus. The Assistant will play the tree.

“Thanks for helping us out. You will be Zacchaeus. Here you go.

Give the kid volunteer the shirt with money stuffed in the pockets.

“And you will be a tree.”

Give the Assistant the tree branches.

ASSISTANT: (Puzzled) “You want me to play a tree?”

LEADER: “You’re perfect for this role. Trust me.

OLD ZACCHAEUSLEADER: “Jesus traveled to the town of Jericho [JER ih koh], apparently just passing through. Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, and as I mentioned before, he was very wealthy because of his position as a tax collector. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but so did everyone else in town. Only Zacchaeus wasn’t very tall and with everyone crowding around trying to get a look at Jesus, Zacchaeus didn’t have much of a chance.

Pull the stepladder to the center of the stage.

“This will work as our tree. (To Assistant) You can stand here to make it look more authentic.


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Direct Assistant to stand in front of stepladder and hold branches out from either side of his body as if he’s a tree.

LEADER: “In order to get a better view, Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed up in a tree.

Direct volunteer kid to ‘climb’ the ‘tree’: to climb up a couple rungs of the ladder (behind Assistant). Make sure he doesn’t go any higher, and stay near him to ensure his safety.

Mimic Jesus’ actions in the next sections.

ENCOUNTER WITH JESUSLEADER: “Now I would suspect that what happened next was a BIG surprise to Zacchaeus. While he was up there in that tree trying to get a better look at Jesus, Jesus was noticing him! In fact, when Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was, He stopped and said, ‘Come on down, Zacchaeus. I’m going to your house today.’

“Zacchaeus came down at once. (To the child volunteer) Come on; climb down. And he took Jesus home with him.

Wait for ‘Zacchaeus’ to come down from the tree.

“Now you guys remember how I told you back at the beginning that Zacchaeus was the bad guy in this story? Well, when Jesus invited Himself over to Zacchaeus’ home, people started to talk. In fact, they said, ‘Huh, Jesus is going to be a guest in that sinner’s house.’ You guys know what a sinner is, right? A sinner is someone who does things that are wrong or that they’re not supposed to do. And in Zacchaeus’ case, everyone was ready to point a finger and talk about his mistakes. They just couldn’t believe that Jesus would choose to spend time with someone like that. But of course, Jesus came to be a friend to people just like Zacchaeus.

NEW ZACCHAEUSLEADER: “Zacchaeus invited Jesus in, and I guess he did all the things a good host should do: he offered Jesus a place to sit and something to drink and something to eat. Then they started talking. And as they talked, Zacchaeus began to realize that the way he’d been living wasn’t right. We


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don’t know exactly what Jesus said to Zacchaeus or what they talked about, but we DO know that it completely changed Zacchaeus. In fact, he said, ‘If I’ve cheated anyone out of anything, I’ll pay them back four times the amount.’ Did you catch that? FOUR times the amount! Go ahead, Zacchaeus, hand over some money.

Direct the volunteer to hand you some of the money in his pockets.

“And that’s not all. Zacchaeus also said he would give half of his possessions to the poor. Wow! Half of what he owned, just like that. Okay, Zacchaeus, give away half of your money and your shirt, please. You have another shirt at home.

Direct the volunteer to hand you the money and shirt.

“Although Zacchaeus may have cheated and hurt many people, Jesus forgave him. Jesus didn’t tell Zacchaeus to fix everything first. Jesus forgave him. And because Jesus forgave him, Zacchaeus’ life was changed big time. That’s because when people are forgiven, it can change them.

(To the kid volunteer) “You played an awesome Zacchaeus. Thanks for your help. You can head back to your seat.

Send volunteer back to the audience.

CLOSE THE STORYLEADER: “I love the way Jesus treated Zacchaeus, before AND after Zacchaeus’ big change of heart. Jesus wasn’t rude or mean to Zacchaeus. He didn’t ignore him or say hateful things to him. He didn’t try to get back at him or punish him. Jesus treated Zacchaeus like a true friend: He went to his house and spent time with him and talked with him. As a result, Zacchaeus was changed on the inside, which changed the way Zacchaeus lived and how he treated others.

“God wants us to be like Jesus and forgive others. He doesn’t want us to wait for the other person to change first; He wants us to go ahead and forgive. When you forgive, God can use that to do something really great in the other person’s life. He can change that person, just like He changed Zacchaeus.


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“Who are the people in your life that you need to forgive? Maybe it’s your older brother who ditched you to play with his friends.

Pick up a bucket filled with pebbles and place it at the edge of the stage.

“Maybe it’s the friend at school who told everyone something about you that wasn’t true.

Pick up another bucket and place it at the edge of the stage, next to the first bucket.

“Maybe it’s the kid down the block who broke something of yours when he came to your house.

Pick up another bucket and place it at the edge of the stage, next to the other two buckets. Take the tree branches from the Assistant.

“Maybe it’s your neighbor, who borrowed something and won’t bring it back. In each of these situations where it’s hard to forgive, we may need to ask God for help. Then instead of waiting for the other person to change, we need to forgive them.

Pull up the large bucket to the front of the stage. Begin to slowly pour out the pebbles from the smaller buckets into the large one as you talk.

“And when you forgive, that means you let it go. You don’t bring it up every time you’re around them, or refuse to play with them or spend time with them because they’ve hurt you. When you forgive, you feel better. You feel lighter and more joyful.

“When you forgive, it makes a difference for the other person, too. You can be friends again and put the old hurts behind you. Even more important, it shows others that God is forgiving. People need to know that about God.

“When people are forgiven, it can change them. Can you say that with me?”


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CG: Bottom Line Slide

LEADER and KIDS: “When people are forgiven, it can change them.”

LEADER: “Forgiveness isn’t a natural thing; the natural thing is to hold onto something and not forgive. We definitely need God’s help. So why don’t we pray and ask Him for help together this morning?”

3. PrayLEADER: “Heavenly Father, thank You for creating forgiveness. Thank You for sending Jesus so that we could be forgiven for all the wrong things we’ve done or ever will do. Thank You for not expecting us to be perfect, but for sticking by us when we mess up and helping us become more like You. Help us to forgive others the way You do because we know that when people are forgiven, it can change them. So help us this week to offer forgiveness. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Assistant exits, carrying the stepladder, tree branches, play money, and shirt.

4. WorshipLEADER: “John 3:16 says, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (NIV) That means that God loved us so much—(pointing to individuals in the crowd) you, you, you, and me—He sent Jesus to be our Savior. When we ask Jesus to forgive us and to be our Savior, He will. If God loves you and me that much, I know I can trust God no matter what. Can you say that with me?”

LEADER and KIDS: “I can trust God no matter what.”

LEADER: “And though Jesus died for us, He didn’t stay dead. He’s alive! Let’s all stand up and sing this together to praise God!”

“Rise and Sing” / track 2 / from Jump!


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LEADER: “When Jesus died on the cross, He did it so that we could be forgiven. Being forgiven is like being set free from a cage. And that makes us want to worship Him!”

“You Set Me Free” / track 1 / from I Believe!

Assistant enters; Leaders exits.

5. Wrap UpASSISTANT: “Wow. So I think I learned a pretty valuable lesson while I was up here playing our tree today. You see, I’m only responsible for me. I don’t want all this anger and frustration to weigh me down. So no matter what my neighbor Buzz says or does, no matter whether he changes or not, I’m going to choose to forgive. I learned today that God doesn’t wait for me to change. He sent Jesus to be my Savior before I changed. Change happens after forgiveness. I know I need to make the wise choice and choose to forgive. That’s what I learned from the life of Zacchaeus today. And it’s one of the things I love the most about the Bible. The Bible is like a mirror. It shows you things about yourself that need to change.

“So I’m going to drop the bad attitude and the hard feelings I have toward my neighbor. I’m choosing forgiveness. Maybe I’ll even have a chance to talk to him about it this week. I hope you’ll choose forgiveness, too. You’ll talk more about what that looks like in small group. Have fun!”

Dismiss children to their small groups.

SFX: Play high-energy music as the kids exit.


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Luke 19:1-9

Small Groups, 25-30 minutes

FORGIVENESS

CATCH ON: Make the Connection




Catch On is designed to help kids understand how the day’s topic applies to them.

They’ll discuss real-life experiences, interact with a group of peers, and participate

in a variety of activities that appeal to different learning styles. Life-application and

memory-verse activities, as well as prayer, are always a part of this hands-on time.

Gather children into the same small groups as for Plug In.

GET READYFor each small group, do the following: • Heavy Load: Prepare “Don’t Forgive and Do Forgive” (from the

Activity Pages on the Web site) as noted on the AP, then fold them in half. You will also need a bucket and a blanket.

• The Change: Provide a Bible, a blank piece of paper, and a marker for each kid.

• Change and Re-arrange: Prepare “Bible Verse Cards” (from week 1 of the Activity Pages on the Web site) as indicated on the AP. Provide Bibles. Tip: Keep the cards for use in week 4.

• Forgiveness Changes: No supplies needed. • Make copies on cardstock of this week’s GodTime and Fridge Door

cards.

* If you don’t have time to do all these activities, be sure to do activity #2. Activity #1 is particularly good for children who need to move in order to stay engaged (not just for boys).


MAY 08, 2011

Virtue:

Bible Story:



MAKING CHANGE






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1. Heavy Load (application activity / great for boys)Place all the folded cards in the bucket. Tell kids that they will be using a blanket to drag their group across the room. Choose one person to be the “Puller” and another to sit on the blanket as the “Rider.” The remaining kids can sit down nearby. The Puller listens to one of the situations described below in which forgiveness is needed, and then draws a card from the bucket. If the card says “Don’t Forgive,” an additional Rider is chosen from the group and added to the blanket. If the card says “Do Forgive,” the Puller may choose a friend to help pull the blanket to the opposite side of the room and back. Repeat the same process with each situation that’s stated. Make sure everyone has a turn to be a Puller and a Rider.

• Your favorite aunt forgot about your birthday. • You and a classmate spent all afternoon working on a science

project together on your computer. Instead of saving it, your friend accidentally deleted it.

• Your little sister cuts pictures out of your favorite comic book. • It’s the final game of the season, and your coach doesn’t put you in

the game. • Some kid at school thought it would be hilarious to squirt ketchup

on you. • Your friend refuses to sit with you at lunch. • You’re trying to do homework in the living room when your brother

comes in and turns the TV on really loud. You have to leave the room because you can’t concentrate.

• Your dad spilled coffee on your homework and now you have to do it all over again.

• The kid who sits next to you in math makes fun of the way you look every single day.

After the game, spend a few minutes discussing why God wants us to forgive. Remind kids that refusing to forgive hurts us as much or more as it does the other person. It hinders what God wants to do in us. Ask how forgiveness (as well as not forgiving) changes a situation or a relationship. How does forgiveness change someone? What does forgiving do in us?

Small Groups, 25-30 minutes • for kindergarten–5th gradeCATCH ON: Make the Connection

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SUPPLIES:“Don’t Forgive and Do Forgive” (Activity Page), blanket, bucket

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Optional 5th Grade Discussion QuestionsIf you lead fifth graders, consider asking these discussion questions: • Why does God not want us to live weighed down with hurts and bad

feelings toward others? • Are there ever any situations in which it’s okay not to forgive

someone? Explain. • What are some reasons people give for not forgiving someone?

What do you think God says about that?

LEADER: “Sometimes we refuse to forgive because we think it will force someone to look at what they’ve done and then maybe they will change. It doesn’t work that way. Instead, you’re the one who suffers. Being stubborn about forgiving someone can lead to bitterness. You end up carrying a bunch of bad feelings that weigh you down inside. It’s like you’re carrying a bucket of boulders in your heart or trying to single-handedly drag a bunch of kids on a blanket. But if you’ll let God help you forgive, He’ll lighten the load. When you cooperate with Him by forgiving the way He does, He can do His work in people. That’s because when people are forgiven, it can change them.”

* 2. The Change (application activity / review the Bible lesson)Turn to Luke 19:1-9 and read the Bible story out loud to your group. Once you’ve read the story, hand out a piece of paper and a marker to each kid. Ask them to label the top of their paper “The Change” and then divide it into two columns. Instruct them to label the left column “Before” and the right column “After.” Next, ask them to write what happened before Zacchaeus’ heart change on the “Before” side, and then what happened after the heart change on the “After” side. Below is a list of seven things that need to be included. They are NOT in order. Read them aloud, as the kids place them on the correct side of their paper.

1. Jesus forgave Zacchaeus. 2. Zacchaeus climbed a tree because he wanted to see Jesus. 3. The others in the crowd didn’t like that Jesus was going to

Zacchaeus’ house. 4. Jesus was friendly and loving to Zacchaeus even though Zacchaeus

didn’t deserve it.


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5. Zacchaeus was a dishonest tax collector. 6. Jesus picked Zacchaeus, out of everyone in the crowd, to go

home with. 7. Zacchaeus gave to the poor and paid back people he had cheated.

Once kids have written all seven sentences on one side or the other, tell them to number the sentences in story order. Correct order: 5, 2, 6, 4, 3, 1, 7

Adapting for K-1st grade: Guide kids to draw two pictures of Zacchaeus. One picture should be of Zacchaeus before he met Jesus (with an unhappy, frowny face; collecting tax money from people; climbing the tree when Jesus came to town; etc.). The other picture should be of Zacchaeus after meeting Jesus (taking Jesus to his house; talking with Jesus; giving away half his possessions; paying people back with money; etc.). Let kids decide what they want to draw.

LEADER: “If we want to be like Jesus, then we need to forgive others and treat them like they’re forgiven, too. Who can tell me how Jesus treated Zacchaeus? (Like a true friend, spent time with him, talked to him) Did you see how God changed Zacchaeus by forgiving him? Zacchaeus’ whole heart changed. If we treat people like Jesus does, and forgive others like Jesus does, what does that help others learn about Jesus? (That Jesus is forgiving, that He loves them, etc.) When people are forgiven, it can change them.

Are you treating others like Jesus does? Are you forgiving others like Jesus does? Did you know that when you forgive someone, God could use that to change their lives?”

Tell the kids about someone who forgave you. Did it change your life or relationship with that person? For example, maybe you wrecked your dad’s car when you were a teenager, but he forgave you. You then realized how much he loved you.

3. Change and Re-arrange (memory verse activity)Divide your group in half and give a set of cards to each group. Explain that they are going to race to put the memory verse in the correct order. Once they order the verse correctly, they must shout it out together to win.


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Keep an eye on both teams and after about two minutes, if they look stuck, give each team a Bible and allow them to “peek” for 45 seconds.

LEADER: “How are we supposed to forgive? (Like God forgives us.) What can happen when you forgive someone? (You feel better and happier; they may feel better and happier; you can be friends again; it can show someone else that God is forgiving.) God wants us to forgive others. When people are forgiven, it can change them. There is one really cool way God can use our forgiveness to change others: it will make others want to know more about God, because they like what God is doing in our hearts.”

Tip: Keep the cards for use in week 4.

4. Forgiveness Changes (pray)Comment that when Jesus forgave Zacchaeus and treated him like a true friend, it changed him. It changed his heart and it changed the way he lived from then on. That’s what happens when we ask Jesus to forgive us and be our Savior: He changes us on the inside, which leads to changes in what we think, what we say, and what we do.

Explain that you are going to pray aloud and when you pause, kids should repeat what you say.

LEADER: “Dear God, thank You loving us … Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Savior … We know You want us to be forgiving … Please help me to forgive others instead of holding on to a grudge … I know that when people are forgiven, it can change them … Please use me, and the way I treat others, to teach them about You … Amen.”

WRAP UPBring together all the groups in your classroom so you can conclude the session with a review. Be prepared to distribute this week’s GodTime and Fridge Door cards.

LEADER: “I just loved learning about Zacchaeus and how Jesus treated him. Who can tell me their favorite part of the Bible story? (Pause for responses.)


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Can anyone say the memory verse out loud? (Pause for responses.) Remember, forgiveness is important because God can use it to change others. When we forgive, it also makes us more like Jesus. Have a great week. Make sure you practice forgiving!”

Distribute the GodTime and Fridge Door cards.


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godtime writers 1. i need to make the wise choice. 2. i can trust … · 2017-01-10 · deciding...

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