NT-04

"The Shepherds Visit Jesus”

Luke 2:8-20

Big Idea

Jesus came to save us from sin.

 

Schedule

1. Small Groups: Saving activity (5 min)

2. Big Group: Lesson (25 min)

3. Verse Activity: Shell game activity (10 min)

4. Activity: Tennis Savior game (10 min)

5. Small Groups: Fly swatter activity (15-20 min)


Materials Needed

Resource: Super Mind Map,    Four toothpicks and five mini marshmallows per child


Before Big Group

1. Explain the following, writing the big idea below on the chalk/wipe board:

    The big idea for today is "Jesus came to save us from sin." We'll find out more about what this means in big group time.

2. Explain and ask, "Superheroes often have to save people who are in big trouble. What are some situations somebody could end up in where they need saving by a hero?" As the children respond, create a mind map, using Resource: Super Mind Map. Use the super hero symbol as the hub of the mind map, recording each child's response as a branch off of it. See below for a sample mind map.

After Big Group

1. Explain the following:

    Our big idea for today is "Jesus came to save us from sin."  That was what the angel meant when he said a savior was born.  And that was why the shepherds were so excited to hear the good news.  Jesus came to save us from sin by paying the punishment for sin for us.  The punishment for sin is death and Jesus died for us.


2. Hand out four toothpicks and five mini marshmallows to each child.  Inform them that you're going to read sentences about the lesson, some true and some false.  To answer whether they think each sentence is true or false, they will use the toothpicks and marshmallows to make a letter "T" or "F." Show them how to do this before you begin.  (See the diagram below for help on how to make these letters.)

A. Our story happened in the middle of the day, right after lunch. (F)

B. The shepherds were in a barn. (F)

C.  At first, only one angel appeared to the shepherds. (T)

D.  The shepherds weren't afraid of the angel, but the sheep certainly were. (F)

E. The Angels told the shepherds that a savior had been born. (T)

F. The angel said the savior was born in the North Pole. (F)

G. The angel said the shepherds would know he was telling the truth when they found a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. (T)

H.  A bunch more angels appeared with the first angel and praised God. (T)

I. The shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to find the savior. (T)

J. When they got to Bethlehem, they discovered the angel had lied. (F)

K. The name of the Savior they found was Jesus. (T)

L. Jesus came to save us by beating up our enemies and chasing them away. (F)


3. Hand each child a journal page. Have them fill it out, writing down the big idea " Jesus came to save us from sin'” and how they can use it in their life (Examples: I can thank God for saving me.) Place the page in their journal binder.