INFANT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS

YEAR 1

LESSONS 21 - 40

Lesson 21 Jacob at Bethel

Scripture passage: Genesis 28:10-22

Lesson Aim: To teach the narrative and to show that God does not cast sinners away because of one great sin but seeks to bring them to Himself.

Visual Aids: You could just concentrate on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided or you could use a flannelgraph.

Point 1 Show the visual aid of Jacob and Esau from last lesson. With a few appropriate questions, find out if the children remember the story. Eg. Were these twins like one another? Ask for some of the differences. What wrong thing did Jacob do? Ask the older children - why? How did Isaac think it was Esau? What did Esau feel like when he got home?

Point 2 Pick up the story from the bitterness of Esau against his brother. Read v.41 of Chapter 27. Rebekah was terrified and decided to make an excuse to send Jacob away to a safe place which she knew. She said she wanted Jacob to marry somebody from her own family and not one of the women from the people around them, because these women did not love God. That place was far away but she knew that Jacob's uncle would be kind to him for her sake.

Point 3 Discuss the loneliness and unfamiliarity of everything and the fear of the unknown. Perhaps talk about what it is like going to school or somewhere else for the first time. Jacob must have felt a bit like that. He had to leave behind everyone he had known and travel alone to a place he had never visited, and there he would meet people Rebekah had told him about but whom he had never met.

Point 4 Tell vividly the story of Jacob - sleeping under the starry sky with a stone for a pillow - having a dream quite out of the ordinary, in which God spoke to him and brought home to him the fact that God had not left him but was in that very place although he did not realise it. (Verse 16)

Point 5 Would you like to know what his dream was? Children like the idea of opening a parcel to see what is inside and, by telling the dream vividly, their curiosity will be aroused and attention kept. Tell of the ladder, of the angels and of God's words. Read these slowly and impressively. (Verses 13-15)

Point 6 Jacob was so moved by this experience that he wanted to leave a permanent record of how God appeared to him. So he used his stone pillow as a memorial stone and gave the place the name of Bethel. Read verses 18-22.

Conclusion Sum up by thinking with the children about how important it was to Jacob that God spoke to him and encouraged him at a time when he was in trouble.

Lesson 22 Jacob, Leah and Rachel

Scripture passage: Genesis 29 v. 1 - 35

Lesson Aim: To help the children think about the problems of cheating and of favouritism. Visual Aids: You could just concentrate on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided or you could use a flannelgraph or pipe cleaner figures.

Point 1 Recall events at Bethel. Jacob travelled a long way and eventually reached the place where Laban, Rebekah’s brother, lived. Describe the scene at the well with all the shepherds gathering with their sheep. Recall Abraham’s servant at the well when Rebekah came along.

Point 2 Tell how Jacob asked the shepherds if they knew Laban and that, as they were speaking, Rachel, Laban’s younger daughter came along with her father’s sheep. Describe the meeting of Jacob and Rachel and tell how Rachel went to tell her father of the arrival of somebody from Rebekah’s family.

Point 3 As soon as Laban heard about Jacob he hurried to meet him. Jacob was welcomed into his mother’s family and he helped with the work of looking after the animals. After he had been there for some time, Laban discussed paying him wages for all he was doing.

Point 4 Laban had two daughters, Leah and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel. He said he would work for seven years for Laban, if he would allow him to marry Rachel. Laban agreed to this and Jacob worked on happily.

Point 5 Remind the children of how Jacob had cheated Isaac and then go on to tell how Laban cheated Jacob and how he gave him Leah, the older daughter, for his wife. Jacob was not at all pleased, but he agreed to work for another seven years for Rachel.

Point 6 Jacob loved Rachel more that Leah. Link this with Isaac and Rebekah each loving one son more than the other. God blessed Leah and she had children, while Rachel had none for a long time. Leah thought that because she had sons Jacob would begin to love her more, but he still loved Rachel. Once again, this was not a happy family.

Conclusion Tell a little of the story of Jacob’s twelve sons and of their place in history. Some of the children will have heard about Joseph.

LESSON 23 REVISES THE LAST TWO LESSONS

THE NOTES THAT FOLLOW FOR LESSONS 22 – 26 AND 28-29 WILL BE USED EACH YEAR, HENCE THE LENGTH AND DETAIL OF THE NOTES. THE TEACHER SHOULD CHOOSE WHICH ASPECTS OF THESE STORIES TO TELL EACH YEAR, PERHAPS BEING GUIDED BY THE WORKSHEETS.

Lesson 24 The Last Supper Scripture passage: Matthew 26:1-30 and John 13:1-17.

Lesson aim: To show how Jesus' impending death was constantly in His mind as He looked forward to the Passover and to show that Jesus was going to die willingly for sinners.

Visual Aids: You could simply concentrate on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided. A drawing of what a table set for the Passover would look like when prepared would be appropriate, or pictures of each separate item, which children could take in turns fixing to a board.

Point 1 Talk briefly about the Children of Israel suffering in Egypt, about the plagues and especially the Passover, which was kept as a special feast every year. Every year a special feast was held in Jerusalem. It was called the Passover Feast and the Jews liked to be in Jerusalem for that time. As many as could travelled to Jerusalem to the Temple for the Passover and there they would remember the special occasion from many years before, when God saved the Israelites from the cruel king in Egypt.

Point 2 Jesus was at Jerusalem for the Passover when something special took place. Where could Jesus and the disciples have their meal? The disciples asked Jesus. Jesus directed them to the place He had in mind and told them what to say when they got there (v.18). Jesus knew that He came into the world to die for sinners and He also knew that it was almost time for this to happen.

Point 3 On the first day there was a special meal which families or friends took together. Tell what was needed for the meal: lamb, bread (baked without yeast), herbs, cups of wine, dishes of sauce and some other things too. Talk about all the disciples would have to do to make ready this special meal.

Point 4 The disciples did exactly as Jesus said. Jesus knew that the Passover would not be just the same as usual. He knew that before very long He would die. This would be His last Passover with His disciples. He looked forward to it in a special way. Describe them reclining at table. One of Jesus' friends was to turn out not to be a friend at all. He was going to betray Him. Discuss how you feel sad when someone who is your friend lets you down. When Jesus told them of the betrayer, each said, "Surely, it's not me, Lord?" Jesus said, "One of you who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me." He meant that one of them, who had seemed to be a friend, sharing in the things He did, sharing in the meal they had just eaten, was now going to betray Him. Tell how Jesus indicated that Judas was the betrayer. Discuss what the children would do if they discovered someone was going to kill them. They would try and avoid it. Explain that Jesus didn't try to stop Judas because He was willing to die.

Point 5 Tell the story vividly, but as simply as the Bible does. Talk about the food they had to eat: bread and wine. Explain how these would have a special meaning for the disciples from now on. Jesus had given them a special meaning. They would now remind them of Jesus and His death. Some of the children may be able to connect this with the Lord's Supper. Jesus introduced the Lord's Supper - the new sacrament to replace the Passover. Show how the Passover meal would help the Jewish people to remember what happened

when they were freed from Egypt and show how this new sacrament was to remind Christians of Jesus’ death ‘till he comes’.

Point 6 It seems a very sad story and the disciples did not understand everything Jesus was telling them. Jesus was going to die soon; just as the Passover lamb had died . Jesus was going to save from sin. Get over the point that Jesus saves from sin just as, through the Passover Lamb, the Israelites were saved in Egypt. But Jesus also said: "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine, until I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom." He told them He was going to die but that that was not going to be the end of the story.

Conclusion Find out what the children know about the Lord's Supper and link this with the Bible story. Revise the main points of the passage, reminding the children that every time we celebrate the Lord's Supper it helps us to remember the love of Jesus and His willingness to die for sinners.

Go over the main points again. Jesus knew He was going to die. He knew who would betray Him but did not try to stop him, because He knew it was God's will that He should die to provide forgiveness for His people. The bread and wine that the disciples ate and drank would always remind them of Jesus and how He died to forgive sins.

Lesson 25 The Betrayal and the Garden Scripture passage: Luke 22:39-62 and Matthew 26:36-46

Lesson Aim: To show that Jesus submitted to God's will that He should die the death of the cross. To show how two of Jesus' disciples let him down.

Visual Aids: You could simply concentrate on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided. You could use a pouch containing 30 pieces of silver (5p or 10p pieces) and a picture of a cockerel.

Point 1 Discuss with the children if they have ever been asked to do something but they were not willing to do it, e.g., go and brush their teeth after a meal; help out in the middle of a TV programme; say 'sorry' when they have been wrong. Discuss with them their feelings - they know what is being asked is not wrong in itself, but they don't feel like doing it just at that moment. What happens when they don't obey? Are they thinking only about themselves? How do they feel if they ask for help/a favour and they don't receive it?

Point 2 Jesus was very concerned about something He had been asked to do. He was finding it hard to do but He knew He must do it. Look at what Jesus did and show how He was thinking about God. Jesus often went to the Mount of Olives and His disciples went also. He knew he was in danger but still he went. Jesus and His friends went together to this special/familiar place in His time of need. When we have a problem/crisis, we want to be at home or in a 'safe' place. We also like to be with our family/friends - people who care for us.

Point 3 Jesus asked His disciples to pray. He was aware of their need as well as His own. Do we shut ourselves off and not speak to caring friends? Jesus moved away from the disciples but He was near enough for the disciples to hear and see Him. He prayed. He spoke to God about His problem. Why did He speak to God? We can speak to God too.

Point 4 Explain to the children that some 'awful things' were going to happen to Jesus - betrayed, tried, put to death - and that He prayed he might be spared these things. As Jesus prayed, He knew that He must go through these 'awful things'. He wasn't thinking about Himself. He wanted to please God, His Father. "Not my will," Jesus was resolute and determined. He did not flinch from doing His Father's will - right to the end. Tell the children that Jesus did all this for sinners.

Point 5 Jesus was still speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives when a large crowd came into the garden. They carried swords, clubs, lanterns and torches. Explain that this incident happened late at night - how do we know? What would the soldiers carry? (swords and lanterns) and the ordinary people? (clubs and torches). This large crowd had a guide. His name was Judas Iscariot and he was one of Jesus' disciples. He knew that Jesus came here often and he knew where to find Him. Judas said, "Peace be with you, Teacher" and went to kiss Jesus. Discuss who we kiss - people we love - like Mum and Dad. If someone kisses us do we think they are going to be nice to us, or not? Emphasise love/care aspect. Jesus said, "Judas, are you going to betray me with a kiss?" Judas' kiss wasn't to show that he loved Jesus but rather it was a sign to Jesus' enemies. It was to show them, in the dark, which one was Jesus, so that they could capture Him and take Him away. But Jesus knew what Judas was doing all the time because Jesus is God and God knows everything.

One of His special friends betrayed Him. Judas was paid 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus.

Point 6 When the crowd came to take Jesus away, one of the disciples wanted to protect Jesus and used his sword, but Jesus told him to put it away. This disciple was called Peter. Explain that Peter was one of the disciples closest to Jesus and had been with Him on special occasions. Earlier, when Jesus told them that they would all run away and leave Him, Peter said he would not do that. Jesus told him that not only would he leave Him, but he would also say three times that he did not know Jesus and then a cockerel would crow.

Jesus was taken by the crowd and the disciples ran away. What would we do? Why? Peter cared about Jesus and wanted to know what was happening to Him so he followed, but far behind, and sneaked after Him. There was a fire outside the house where Jesus was taken and Peter joined the soldiers and servants who were trying to warm themselves around it. A fire had been lit because it was night-time and cold. Do you think Peter was pretending to be one of the crowd?

Point 7 First, a servant girl said that Peter was a friend of Jesus, then two other people said the same thing and Peter said 'NO, NO, NO'. A cockerel crew. Just then Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered that Jesus had said this would happen Peter had thought he wouldn't let Jesus down. Jesus' words were always true. Peter was really sorry for what he had done. He went off and wept bitterly.How do you think Jesus felt? Would he have felt let down?

Conclusion What about our attitude when asked to do something and we don't feel like it? Jesus did not think of Himself. He put Himself last - so should we!

J-Jesus O-Others Y-You (an attitude that brings Joy)

Jesus prayed to God to help Him face His trial. We need to pray too because we can't have a right attitude on our own.

How many disciples were there? What was the sign to Jesus' enemies? Who followed Jesus when His enemies took him away? How many times did Peter say He was Jesus' friend? How many times did he say 'NO'? What happened then? What did Jesus do then? What did Peter do then?

Lesson 26 The Trial and the Crucifixion Scripture passage: Luke 23:1-46 Matthew 27:32-56

Lesson Aim: To show how Jesus willingly died in order to save.

Visual Aids: You could simply concentrate on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided. Pictures of Pilate (Roman Governor), an angry crowd, the clothes men usually wore.

Point 1 Show a picture of children in a school playground, badly treating one little boy or describe the scene. Discuss what is happening in the picture. The children go to the teacher and blame the boy for all the trouble. What happens to the boy? He is brought before the teacher and other children accuse him. He denies everything and the teacher decides how to deal with the situation. Explain that all this is like a trial. The Bible tells us that Jesus was brought to trial, even though He had done no wrong. Let's find out what happened to Him.

Point 2 When Jesus and the disciples went out after the meal, the priests arrived with soldiers and arrested Him and took Him prisoner. That night a trial was held. The Jews decided to take Him to Pilate (Roman Governor). They said to Pilate that Jesus was a bad man and was stirring up trouble. He wanted to make Himself King. The people wanted to get rid of Jesus. Why? Pilate asked, "What has He done wrong?" Nobody could think of even one wrong thing Jesus had done. But they said, "You must crucify Him all the same". Discuss what it must be like to be blamed for something you didn't do. Jesus did not defend Himself – why not? Pilate said, "I will punish Him and then release Him." He said this because one prisoner was released every year at this time. With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man." They preferred to release Barabbas, a murderer. Why? Pilate had a dilemma. He did not want to crucify Jesus but the people kept shouting "Crucify Him, Crucify Him." Pilate was afraid of the people. (He could lose his job, etc) He knew Jesus was innocent but he let the people take Him and he released Barabbas, a murderer, to them.

Point 3 Describe graphically, but fairly briefly, the background to the Crucifixion: the soldiers and others who were there, the two criminals, the title erected over the cross, etc. 9.00 am - 12 noon Younger children will have no concept of the time involved but older children may. By law, all crucifixions had to be outside the city. Describe all Jesus endured - His exhaustion, carrying the cross and tell how Simon was made to carry the cross in the end. Explain the cruelty of crucifixion - the extent to which the physical sufferings can be detailed will vary quite dramatically. While some children can 'absorb' an amazing amount of physical details of suffering, many can be quite distressed by it. Jesus' knowledge of the purpose of it can be emphasised to balance out any distressed reaction to the cruel way in which He was put to death. Crucifixion was a very cruel means of execution and prisoners were given drugged wine to help them feel less pain. Some people came with drugged wine for Jesus to drink but He would not drink any of it. He chose to suffer willingly because He knew God's plan for Him as the Saviour. They began to share His clothes - headgear, belt, sandals, outer garment and seamless tunic. They were probably throwing dice and the one with the highest number would have had first choice. Tell the children about the title on the Cross: 'This is Jesus the King of the Jews.'

Point 4 12.00 - 3.00 pm Talk about the unexpected darkness in the middle of the day and the questioning which must have gone on among the people about it. They must have thought that something terrible was happening when there was darkness in the middle of the day. When it had been dark for nearly three hours, Jesus called out: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Jesus, who was God's own Son, was taking the punishment for the sins of the world. He was being separated from the experience of God's love and care so that His people would be forgiven. God darkened the sun. He made everything dark. Something terrible was happening. He was punishing sin. Explain that it was not a case of God stopping loving Jesus but rather of Him leaving him alone and not answering Him. This was necessary as Jesus was accepting the punishment of God for sin.

Point 5 Explain briefly to the children that two others were on crosses as well as Jesus. Discuss why the criminals were dying and how Jesus was different from them; He was not dying because He was a sinner but because He was the Saviour. One of these two thieves began to insult Jesus. He really did not believe in Jesus. "If you are Christ …" And yet he wanted Jesus to help him. The other thief who was in the same trouble did nothing like that - in fact he gently scolded the other man. Instead he turned to Jesus and asked Him to help him. What do you think Jesus did? He could have said "You are a bad man and I am not going to help you." But He did not say that. He answered the man's prayer and said to him that he would be in Heaven with Him that very day. He forgave him for all his wrong.

Point 6 Explain the tearing of the Temple curtain and talk about the reactions of the people to all that was happening. Tell the children about the curtain in the Temple, separating off the special part which was God's special place. It reminded us of the great gulf between us and God. The curtain is now torn. Men can now come to God.

Conclusion Jesus was willing to go through all this for us. What are we willing to do for Him? Are we like Pilate, afraid of the crowd? Who stands with us when we stand alone for the truth? Jesus had known all along that He would die. He had told his disciples about it. But He had said something else as well. He had told them that after he had been betrayed and handed over to be crucified, He would, on the third day, rise again.

LESSON 27 REVISES THE LAST THREE LESSONS

Lesson 28 The Resurrection

Scripture passage: Matthew 28:1-10 John 21:1-17

Lesson Aim: To show the reality and the wonder of the resurrection. To show that Jesus is alive and ready to save.

Visual Aids: You could concentrate on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided.

Point 1 Recall the last lesson on the crucifixion. Let the children tell as much as possible of the story and its meaning.

Briefly explain the burial of Jesus in the tomb, or cave, sealed by a big stone and guarded by soldiers because they knew that Jesus had said that He would come alive again on the third day. They didn't want anyone to hide His body and pretend He was alive. How do you think the disciples and friends of Jesus were feeling? Note that it was not a burial as we know it, but in the rock. Not a natural cave, but one specially made. The stone keeps out intruders (both human and animal).

Jesus had been crucified. The people who loved Him were sad and upset. The priests and the elders were happy because they thought that was the end of Him. But we know that Jesus told His disciples that on the third day He would rise again. Now the chief priests and elders had heard about Jesus saying this, so, after Jesus' burial they sent guards to the tomb to watch over it, just to make sure that no one stole the body and then said that Jesus had done what he said and had really risen. So the guards were there day and night.

Point 2 Two followers of Jesus, both called Mary, and probably others too, were on their way to the tomb on the first day of the week. They were showing their love for Jesus. While He was with them He had told them that on the third day He would come alive again. They seem to have forgotten this and not really to have believed it. The women were there and saw the tomb - the empty tomb was not a case of mistaken identity. Remember that the Sabbath = Saturday, in this case. The first day of the week is, of course, Sunday. If you wish you may display a drawing or a picture of the sort of place where the Lord was buried.

God was at work in a special way. Mention here two factors: firstly, the earthquake - try to get the children to imagine what it must be like to be in an earthquake. They will then be able to see why so often earthquakes are connected with God's working. Talk about the angel. Ask if they remember what an angel does (a messenger of God). Tell how he is described here and how the guards became like dead men. Tell of the earthquake. Get the children to try to imagine what that earthquake must have been like and how the guards would feel - walking along - suddenly an earthquake - everything shakes - just as when Jesus died. The earthquake was telling them that God was at work. Describe the angel and again imagine what the women would feel like on seeing him. He moved away the stone to show that the tomb was really empty. Recount vividly the words of the angel: his reassurance, his statement of the resurrection. “He has risen, just as He said.” Describe how the guards felt. Describe how the angel's message had a strange effect on the women: afraid, yet filled with joy. Tell simply what the angel said. Make a list of the things he told the women. Talk about

how the women would be feeling. He had such a kind message. They were frightened. He said, "Don't be afraid". He knew why they had come. He told them Jesus was not there but had risen. The angel showed them where Jesus had been and then he sent them to tell the others.

Point 3 Vividly recount Jesus' appearance. They met Jesus. He told them not to be afraid but to go and tell his brothers to go to Galilee where they would see Him. Imagine the feelings that this must have produced in them, causing them to worship. Tell this incident vividly and discuss how the women would feel about it. What happy women! They had been so sad as they went to look at the tomb of the dead Jesus. Now they were running, excited, thrilled. Jesus, whom they loved, was not dead any longer. He had risen from the dead! The angel had told them. They had seen him for themselves. Now they had to go quickly and tell His disciples and friends the wonderful news.

Point 4 Night-time - disciples fishing. The disciples would have been disappointed at their lack of catch. They would also be cold and hungry. They had stuck together despite losing their leader. Tell the children that this is Jesus' third appearance before the disciples. Describe the first and second appearances. Mention Thomas and his doubts, and how Jesus dealt with him.

Point 5 Early morning - Jesus appeared on the shore. The fishermen obeyed Jesus when He told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat - enormous catch. Discuss situations where the children have been helped. The disciples were surprised and then realised it was Jesus.

Point 6 Peter's sheer joy. How do we feel when we meet a friend after a few days' absence. The other disciples were just as pleased as Peter but they attended to the boat and the fish. Jesus ate with the disciples. This was like a celebration meal. Jesus was present and He had performed the miracle of the catch. They knew it was Jesus - everything seemed familiar as He ate with them. Jesus was alive! Jesus IS alive!

Point 7 Jesus reinstated Peter - Question asked three times. Answer given three times. Jesus' replied three times.

Why did Jesus direct the questions to Peter? Recall the earlier time of Peter's denial. A time of reconciliation. Discuss times when the children have 'fallen out' - need to say 'sorry' and 'make-up'. Peter and the disciples started out sad, empty failures. They ended the day full of joy and blessing with renewed opportunities for service. Jesus died and rose again to give us days/lives like this - to provide forgiveness.

Conclusion Go over the story again and build it up with what the children remember.

Lesson 29 The Ascension

Scripture passage: Luke 24:50-53 Acts 1:7-11

Lesson aim: To show that Jesus returned to heaven and will one day come back again.

Visual Aids: You could concentrate simply on telling the story and then use the worksheets provided.

Point 1 Get the children to recall briefly the previous lessons by a question and answer method. Discuss the joy of Jesus' disciples and friends on knowing of His resurrection.Describe Jesus and the eleven disciples walking out to Bethany on the slopes of Mount Olivet - talking together - Jesus answering questions - helping them to understand all that was happening.

Point 2 Briefly discuss with the children what the disciples witnessed. Discuss what a witness is (someone who says what he saw). Try to involve the children by letting them tell of some simple incidents of which they have been witnesses. The children cannot be expected to understand the places named (Acts 1:8) but create the impression that they had to witness to as many people as possible. Discuss what the disciples had to tell people. Tell how they were promised help for the work that they had been given to do.

Point 3 Jesus blessed them: nothing mechanical or magical - effectively giving His peace and power.

Point 4 Jesus left them to go to His throne in heaven - to go to be with God.

Point 5 Acts 1:11. Stress the message of the angels - that one day Jesus is coming back.

Describe the reactions of the disciples. Tell simply the reasons for their joy, and the difference from their feelings after the crucifixion. Eg, they had more time with Jesus, He helped them to understand more. They had the promise of the Spirit forever. They are going to tell others the good news of Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension. Jesus is going to come again. They rejoice in His joy - in His triumph - He is alive!

Conclusion: Go over the main points by question and answer.

LESSON 30 REVISES THE LAST TWO LESSONS

Lesson 31 Bartimaeus

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:35-43 or Mark 10:46-52

Lesson Aim: To teach the children, through this miracle of Jesus, His compassion and His power to heal.

Visual Aids: These are best seen in flannelgraphs although there are a number of videos available. As in many of these character situations you cannot beat the telling of the story by conviction. It would also be good, if there is time available to the teacher, to describe the scene eg. Jesus of Nazareth, Jericho and the crowd of people.

Point 1 It may be helpful to the children to know a little about what it means to be blind and why Bartimaeus was begging. (He could not work to earn a living).

Point 2 Those who are blind often make better use of their hearing, so it was good that Bartimaeus asked what all the noise was about. He could not see with his own eyes, so he made use of other people’s eyes.

Point 3 Bartimaeus’ Prayer: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me!” When he shouted to Jesus to have mercy upon him the crowd told him to stop shouting, but Jesus encouraged him. Jesus is always ready to answer those who call on Him sincerely. The sincerity of Bartimaeus is seen in the fact that he was not going to be deterred by the crowd.

Point 4 Notice how he threw off his cloak (Mark 10:50). Perhaps this would have been a hindrance to him as he came to Jesus. Explain the importance of the cloak to him and therefore the big step to leave it behind. When we come to Jesus we must leave behind anything that would hold us back, such as trusting in ourselves.

Point 5 The men who had rebuked Bartimaeus were now told by Jesus to bring him to the Lord. We must never discourage anyone from coming to Jesus but rather give them all the help we can. (It might be good to bring in the story of Jesus and the children here “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16 NIV).

Point 6 Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, even though He already knew because He knows what we need before we ask Him. Bartimaeus poured out his heart to Jesus longing to receive his sight.

Point 7 Bartimaeus’ faith and the miraculous power of Jesus. Jesus tells us that He gave Bartimaeus his sight because he trusted and believed in Him. When we trust in Jesus, and know how caring He is, would we not also praise God, as Bartimaeus, did and follow Jesus? Even those who rebuked Bartimaeus are now found praising God for what Jesus did.

Lesson 32 The Healing of the Ten Lepers

Scripture Reading: Luke 17:11-19

Lesson Aim: To teach the children, through this miracle of Jesus, the importance of thanking the Lord for what He has done for us and what He continues to do for us every day.

Visual Aids: Again these are best seen in flannelgraphs although there are a number of videos available. As in many of these character situations you cannot beat the telling of the story by conviction. It would also be good, if there is time available to the teacher, to describe what we think it was like living at the time of Jesus.

Point 1 Try to explain what leprosy is. The use of a Leprosy Mission magazine might be helpful. Also make reference to the fact that leprosy was such a disease that those who had it were not allowed to mix with other people. They had to live separate lives outside villages etc. The Jews thought that leprosy was a mark of God’s displeasure.

Point 2 When Jesus came into the world He came to take away sin, He also showed by His power and love His desire to heal the whole body. He took care to make these ten lepers better.

Point 3 When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem between Samaria and Galilee He met ten lepers as He entered a small village. They did not come too near to Jesus, but shouted loudly, so that He would hear them, asking Him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Jesus would have had need of rest but He did not ignore the lepers’ plea for help.

Point 4 They did not ask to be cured of their leprosy but knew that Jesus was able to help them. After all, no one else would go near them except to throw them some food. Notice that Jesus did not tell them that they would be cured, but asked them to show themselves to the Priest. This tested their willingness to obey Jesus’ word. As they were going to the priest they found that the leprosy had left them. They were cured!

Point 5 If we obey the Word of God, He will do for us what we are not able to do for ourselves.

Point 6 Notice they were all healed from their leprosy but only one came back to thank Jesus (praising God with a loud voice) for what He had done. He was a Samaritan the other nine were Jews. The Jews had a much greater knowledge of God than did the Samaritan and yet it was he who thanked Jesus.

Point 7 Never, ever forget to thank Jesus for everything He has done for us and is still doing. Jesus commended the Samaritan for his faith and his appreciation for what He had done for him. Do you forget to thank people when they help you? Do you remember to thank Jesus every night for all He has done for you?

Lesson 33 The Raising of Jairus’s Daughter

Scripture Reading: Matt. 9:18-19 & 23-26; Mark 5:21-24 & 35-43; Luke 8:41-42 & 49-56.

You will notice that the gospels differ in relation to some of the content of the story: Jairus is not named in Matthew’s account. Also in Matthew’s account he tells us that his daughter was dead while in Mark and Luke’s accounts she was dying when he approached Jesus.

Lesson Aim: To teach the children, through this miracle of Jesus, His compassion and His power to bring to life those who have died. Also the importance of having faith in Christ’s love and power - the best help in time of trouble.

Visual Aids: Again these are best seen in flannelgraphs although there are a number of videos available. As in many of these character situations you cannot beat the telling of the story by conviction. It would also be good, if there is time available to the teacher, to explain to the children how He has compassion on all people; rich, poor, Jew or Gentile, young or old.

Point 1 Jairus was a ruler in the synagogue. Explain what a synagogue is and what a ruler did there. In spite of the fact that many of the Jews did not like Jesus and what He taught, this man came to Jesus and worshipped Him (kneeling). He had a big problem. His twelve-year-old daughter, whom he loved, was dying. Who could help him? Jesus could!

Point 2 Notice how humble and full of faith in Jesus Jairus was. He knew that no doctor could do anything for her, but Jesus was on the earth doing miracles. This was, he believed, his only hope.

Point 3 The response of Jesus was immediate. He not only did what Jairus desired, but was willing to go to his house. Jesus will always respond to our cries for help if we show that we really believe in Him.

Point 4 However, the crowds were great and many people were wanting help, including a woman who had been sick for a long time. But you notice Jesus did not turn her away and say, “I’m too busy.” No, He helped her too. But at that moment friends of Jairus came running and told him that he should not trouble the Master any more as his daughter had died.

Point 5 Jesus turned to Jairus, who must have been sad at the news, and told him not to be afraid but to believe. Jesus carried on to his house and went in with Peter, James and John and the little girl’s parents. Some people just laughed.

Point 6 Jesus just spoke a word, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” When Jesus commands, it happens. The little girl got up and started walking around. What joy must have been on the faces of the parents. Jesus then told them to give her something to eat. Is not Jesus a very kind person? He gave the little girl her life back and made sure she had something to eat. Jesus cares for body and soul.

LESSON 34 REVISES THE PREVIOUS THREE LESSONS

Lesson 35 Jesus Walking on the Water

Scripture Readings: Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56 and John 6:16-24

Matthew 14:22-36 Only Matthew records Peter walking on the sea towards Jesus.

Lesson Aim: To teach the children about the power of Jesus over the natural world, how He can give power to those who have faith in Him and the importance of having faith in Christ’s love, mercy and power, which is the best help in time of trouble.

Visual Aids: Again these are best seen in flannelgraphs. As in many of these situations you cannot beat the telling of the story by conviction. It would also be good, if there is time available to the teacher, to explain the reason why Jesus came into this world.

Point 1 The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 had just happened and the crowd, having been fed, was in no hurry to go. Jesus sent His disciples to go by boat to Bethsaida, and He went up a mountain to pray. He often prayed and often He was alone in prayer. Suggest to the children the importance of prayer and praying to God when we are alone.

Point 2 During the night, which suggests He may have been a long time in prayer, Jesus saw that the disciples were in trouble in a very stormy sea. He went to them, walking on the water. (Ask the children what they think about Jesus walking on the sea).

Point 3 Jesus came to them when their need was greatest. God’s people are told that they must expect storms in their daily lives, but nothing stops the Lord Jesus Christ from helping them. Maybe share with the children some of your own experiences when Jesus helped you at a difficult time, even when you did not ask Him.

Point 4 The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus walking towards them on the sea. (Well it is not every day that you see someone walking on water!) They thought they had seen a ghost. (Sometimes when we are frightened we imagine things). Again, as always Jesus took away their fear by telling them who He was. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Point 5 When Peter, who was in the boat with the disciples, realised that it was Jesus, he wanted Jesus to ask him to come to Him walking on the water. Jesus said, “Come”. For that moment Peter was showing great faith in Jesus. But suddenly Peter was more aware of the stormy sea and took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink and was afraid he was going to drown.

Point 6 It is always important never to stop trusting Jesus. What could Peter do? He was drowning! He cried to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Jesus put out His hand and saved him and then went into the boat where the disciples were in fear of their lives because of the storm. Jesus calmed the storm.

Point 7 The lesson we all learn from this is that we need to trust Jesus and to have Him in our lives. Even when we face danger we can be sure that He will be always near us.

Lesson 36 Zacchaeus – The Miracle of the Change in his Heart

Scripture Readings: Luke 19:1-10 (The story of Zacchaeus is only found in Luke)

Lesson Aim: To teach the children, through this miracle of Jesus that He has the power to change hearts. We will also see that when Jesus changes our hearts he also changes the way we live and the way we treat people.

Visual Aids: Again these are best seen in flannelgraphs. As suggested before, you cannot beat the telling of the story by conviction. Many of the children will pick up on what we believe.

Point 1 As Jesus was passing through Jericho a man called Zacchaeus was desperate to see Him. But Zacchaeus was not a good man. He was ‘a chief tax collector’. He became very rich because he cheated people out of their money. He was not liked by anyone.

Point 2 He wanted to see Jesus. He had a big problem, (or was it a small problem?), he was so small he could not see Jesus because of the crowds of people. So he thought, ‘What can I do?’ ‘Ah! There’s a big tree over there. I’ll go and climb up it and then I’ll be able to see Jesus and listen to him and no one will know I am there.’ So he climbed the tree (it was a sycamore tree). Ask the children if they think we can hide from Jesus.

Point 3 As Jesus came to the tree, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Imagine the surprise of Zacchaeus when Jesus called him. He thought no one could see him. Maybe no one else saw him but because Jesus knows everything He knew that Zacchaeus was there.

Point 4 Jesus knew why Zacchaeus was there. Zacchaeus was ready to have Jesus come into his life and make him a better person. Now the people who were there were most surprised that Jesus would even speak to such a person, let alone go to his house. Why would Jesus want to go to the house of a sinner? Well that is why Jesus came into the world to save sinners. To change the lives and hearts of people, even all of us here.

Point 5 Would you like Jesus to change your heart? David, the Psalmist, said, “Give me a clean heart….” Jesus changed Zacchaeus’ heart so much that he said to Jesus, “Look Lord, here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay him back four times the amount.”

Point 6 Zacchaeus repented. He asked Jesus to make him a different person and Jesus did. Jesus tells us of Zacchaeus that, “Today, salvation has come to this house…. For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

LESSON 37 REVISES THE PREVIOUS TWO LESSONS

Lesson 38 Missionary Doctors - David Livingstone

Lesson Aim: to show that God prepares people for a life of service to Him in different ways.

Visual Aids: An atlas or globe.

Introduction: Start with a photograph of your own church and progress to photos or a map of the local area. Then expand the children's horizons further by showing where they are in an atlas or a globe.

David Livingstone was born in Blantyre, near Glasgow, in 1813 and he travelled all the way to Africa and spent 30 years there telling people about Jesus.

Point 1 David was brought up in a Christian home where the Bible was read each day and where Sunday was kept as a special day. When he was only nine, David's Sunday School teacher gave him a copy of the New Testament for repeating the 119th psalm with only five mistakes. (Look it up with the children and see what they think!) David's family were very poor and when he was only ten, David had to go to work in a cotton mill. He worked from 6am until 8pm.

Point 2 As David grew up he wanted to learn more so straight after work he went to night school and then he came home and studied until his mother took away his candle! What do the children think God was preparing David for?

Point 3 David had heard about Jesus all his life but he was 20 when he became a Christian. It wasn't long afterwards that he decided to become a medical missionary. Try and find out from the children what they think that might involve.

Point 4 When David was 27 he set off for Africa (find it again on the map).How would he get there? Again follow his journey from London to South America and then on to Africa. It took three months to get there and David found what we now call Botswana VERY different from Scotland.

Point 5 Here get ideas from the children about the DIFFERENT SIGHTS that he would have seen e.g. the people, their houses, the birds and animals, the scenery and the captured slaves.

Point 6 And the DIFFERENT SMELLS? e.g. animals, cooking

Point 7 And the DIFFERENT SOUNDS? e.g. different languages, animal noises etc. Point out that David at first lived with the other missionaries, but then went to live alongside native people so that he could learn their languages. You could point out too that he could only tell the lion and ostrich's roars apart because the ostrich only roared during the day!

Point 8 And the DIFFERENT TASTES? Plenty of ideas here! But he did eat rhino flesh which he found very tough and tried baked elephant's foot which looked like jelly.

Point 9 And the DIFFERENT things to TOUCH. Talk about his skill as a doctor treating different diseases, treating wounds caused by inter tribe skirmishes, etc. and tell how he never lost an opportunity to tell the people about God's love.

Point 10 At last the day came when David Livingstone was given permission by the missionary society to move away from the other missionaries and travel 700 miles inland to start up a new project where no white person had ever lived before at a place called Mabotsa.

Conclusion: David spent 30 years in Africa working as a doctor, explorer and mapmaker. But he knew that his most important work was to take the Light of God's Word to the Dark Continent. Has God have a plan for our lives too?

Lesson 39 Missionary Doctors - Helen Roseveare

Lesson Aim: To help the children to learn about God’s care and provision. To encourage all to pray.

Visual Aids: An atlas or globe

Point 1 Helen Roseveare was born in England in 1925. When she left school, she went to university and there she studied to become a doctor. She was a Christian and she went out to Africa – to the Congo – to help the people there. Talk of some of the challenges she would have to face – poor country, few medicines and no hospitals.

Point 2 Describe Helen as a very busy doctor and explain that sometimes she actually had to help to build the hospitals. Help the children to imagine what her hands would be like after handling the bricks and how much it would hurt when she had to clean up well before treating patients. Tell the children briefly about problems arising in the country and about rebel soldiers attacking the hospital where she worked. The following three incidents will give the children an idea of what Helen’s life was like.

Point 3 Work was going well, when all of a sudden rebel soldiers rushed in with guns and took over the hospital. They told Helen they had a wounded man whom they wanted her to heal. She was afraid, because she did not know how seriously wounded the man was. She prayed to God for help. The bullet which had injured the man had actually passed straight through his chest without doing any damage. She bandaged the two small wounds and the man was delighted. Sometime later, they were attacked again and all the doctors and nurses were captured and kept under guard in a house. Their lives were in danger. More soldiers arrived and among them was the man who had the bullet wounds. He recognized Helen and told all the soldiers that she was good. The outcome was that all the doctors and nurses were set free.

Point 4 Helen tells of an occasion when she was driving a long distance on very quiet roads. She travelled for quite a long time. As she was tired, she decided to stop for a rest and some coffee. Helen saw some bushes and stopped there. Tell vividly of her surprise when a man appeared from behind the bushes. He asked her if she was a sent one from the great God to tell him about Jesus. She knew that was the meaning of the word missionary, so she said she was. His brother had told him about a missionary who came to where he was and so he prayed for someone to come to him. She had a picture book in the car and so she was able to tell him about Jesus.

Point 5 In the hospitals they did not have the equipment we see today. Helen tells of a mother dying, leaving a tiny baby who would not survive without being kept warm. Tell of the warm climate but the cold nights. They usually put small babies in a box, padded with cotton wool and kept warm with a hot water bottle. On this occasion, the only hot water bottle they had had burst. A nurse was left to protect the baby as well as she could. Helen visited the orphan children every day at noon to pray with them. That day, she told them about the baby and a 10 year old girl, her name was Ruth, asked God to send a hot water bottle – and she asked God to send a doll for the sister of the baby who was sad, because her mother had died. Describe Helen’s feelings – no parcels had ever come to her – it was a hot country and nobody would think of sending a hot water bottle. That afternoon she was called. A vehicle had come and left a large parcel sent some months before from the UK. The children helped to open it. A hot water bottle was there and Ruth said that if God had sent the bottle, there would be a doll too. She dived into the box, found the doll and went with Helen to give it to the little girl. Amazingly, God had made someone pack that hot water bottle and doll many months before they were needed, and then had them arrive on exactly the right day!

Conclusion: With question and answer, go over the points again, emphasising God’s plans and His care of His people.

Lesson 40 Missionary Doctors - Paul Brand

Lesson Aim: To show the greatness of God and the wonder of how our bodies are made and how they work.

Visual Aids: An atlas or globe

Point 1 Begin by discussing pain. Nobody likes pain and we usually do all we can to get rid of it or avoid it. Discuss ways in which pain protects us. We know when we stand on something sharp and cut our foot. We know when a splinter from a piece of wood has gone into our hands. We can do something about it. Talk a little about leprosy (Lesson on the healing of the ten lepers). Tell simply what it means to suffer from leprosy, to lose feeling in hands and feet and so to be injured without realizing it.

Point 2 Paul Brand was born in India in 1914. He first heard of leprosy when, as a little boy, he lived in a very remote area with his parents and his little sister. He saw men arriving to speak to his father and he thought they were strange – they did not have fingers or toes. He watched from behind the bushes as his father carefully washed their sores and bandaged them. His mother gave them a basket of food to take away with them. His father cleaned everything very carefully after the men left and explained that they had leprosy. Paul had heard Bible stories of lepers.

Point 3 Paul became a doctor and he worked very hard to help people who suffered from leprosy. He studied hands very carefully and learned more and more about how they work. Talk about how wonderfully our hands are made and about artificial hands and their limitations. He also learned that leprosy damages hands and feet in such a way that it leaves people unable to feel pain. Explain that this in turn leads to more problems, because pain forces us to pay attention to what is happening to us. He worked hard to find ways to help people who could not feel pain to protect their hands and feet. He once said that he could not think of a better present that he could give his patients than to help them to feel pain.

Point 4 Tell of how sometimes leprosy left people unable to straighten their fingers and discuss some possible repercussions of permanently clenched fists. Paul began to operate on the hands of his patients and many needed lots of operations before they could straighten their fingers and begin to use their hands again. It was very painstaking work. Point 5 Paul’s wife Margaret was also a doctor and they worked together to help leprosy patients. Sometimes leprosy caused blindness and Margaret worked on ways to prevent this. Think about our eyes with the children, about the pain caused by a speck in our eyes and about how often we blink. Margaret learned that leprosy sometimes causes people to stop blinking and that this in turn can cause blindness. She learned how to link the upper eyelid to a muscle used for chewing. By chewing gum all day, the patients were blinking and so they did not become blind!

Conclusion: With question and answer, go over the points again, thinking about the marvels of the body and, very simply, about the value of pain.