Making Tracks. Teen/Adult Bible Study. Teacher s Guide

Transcription

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2 Making Tracks Teen/Adult Bible Study Teacher s Guide

3 Contents Page About These Lessons...iv Day 1: Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5: Day 2: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha Luke 10: Day 3: The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin Luke 15: Day 4: The Good Samaritan Luke 10: Day 5: Philip and the Ethiopian Acts 8:4-8,12, Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

4 About These Lessons Before each day s session, set out the signs and materials needed for that day s lesson. When people enter the meeting room, those who would like to be part of a special interest activity should sit at the location with the sign stating that activity. Other groups will participate in more general activities. Make the following signs to use at various times during the set of five Bible studies: Drama Group Animal Lover s Group Drawing Group Legal Advisory Group Cartography (Map-Making) Group Music Group These Bible study lessons are built on two educational assumptions: (1) adults learn best when they are responsible for learning, and (2) adults learn best when they are active in the process. These studies are written to help you, the Bible study leader, know what you want to communicate and how to lead your students to discover it. Each lesson aids learning through four sections: Focus Inform Connect Vision is a time to do just that: bring everyone together around a common problem, task, or idea, and lead them into the text. is a study of the body of knowledge the Lord Jesus has entrusted to you to pass on to others. Questions help learners probe the meaning and lead them into the application. is the application. Adults hunger for it. Don t rush through these activities. Try to involve everyone. This is the time to make sure you ve accomplished the lesson objective. is about the future. It focuses on putting into practice what God s people have learned in the lesson. Feel free to add your own ideas. iv 2006 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

5 Making Tracks Day 1: Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Objective: All students should be able to identify specific physical and spiritual needs Jesus meets with his power. Prepare Post the Drama Group sign at one location. Put a large pad of paper, Bibles, markers, student lessons, and the specific items needed (listed in some activities) at each location. Focus Inform If possible, find a train video at a local video store or from your local library and show about one minute of a train on the move. Option: Ask someone with a video camera to capture about one minute of a train rumbling by. List as many single words as you can that describe trains. Assign a writer for each group (possibly the one who lives closest to railroad tracks) to make a list of the suggested words. Tell the groups they have two minutes to create their lists. After two minutes, ask each writer to tell the class one new word from the group s list. Continue around the room, each writer giving one word until there aren t any repeats. Then say, Everyone think of one word that describes the Lord. We ll pause for 30 seconds of silence while you choose your word. After 30 seconds, tell the class, Now tell the people in your group which word you chose and why. Ask the groups to share significant words with the class, explaining why they chose these words. Then ask, Did you notice any similarities between the words people used to describe trains and the words they used to describe the Lord? Read Mark 2:1-12: Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk. Ask one person to read Mark s words (narrator), another to read Jesus words, and three people each to read one comment of the teachers of the law found in verse 7. Have everyone read the words of the crowd at the end of verse 12. Then assign one of the following activities to each group. Tell the class that they will have ten minutes to complete their assignments. Have each group choose someone to record its work and to be ready to present its findings to the class. Note: Tell the class that some activities may take less time than others. So if a group finishes early, it should feel free to try one of the other activities Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

6 Warn everyone when they have one minute left. Be sure you know the biblical insights and truths each group needs to understand. If the group reports don t produce the key truths, be sure to tell them. Note that the Connect activities will apply these texts to the lives of your students. When the time is up, have each group present its work, thank them, and ask the class for comments. Note: These learning activities are designed to give learners the privilege of becoming coteachers. Your role as coteacher is to help as needed but to let the class members experience the joy of discovery, activity, and teaching. 1. Study the word amazed (verse 12). The same Greek word (translated as both amazed and astonished ) is used in the following four passages. Read all four passages, and record any insights you find about Jesus or the people around him. Luke 2:47 Luke 8:56 Mark 5:42 Mark 6:51 The Greek word that is translated as amazed and astonished means, literally, to stand outside of oneself. It s sometimes translated as lose your mind, be out of your senses, or astounded. From these passages, participants might draw conclusions such as: Jesus amazed people by demonstrating, as a youth, his knowledge of Scripture, by raising people from the dead, and by forgiving sins. 2. Jesus didn t do miracles for kicks. Each time we read about one of his miracles in the Bible, we have to ask, What is the significance of this miracle? What is God telling us? After reading about this miracle, work together to write an answer to those two questions. Highlight responses that include Jesus did miracles to demonstrate that he is God. 3. In verse 9, Jesus asked, Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up, take your mat and walk? Some thought the first, some thought the second. Write two reasons people may have given for each answer. Reasons for Your sins are forgiven may include (1) anyone can say that; (2) you can t see it happen; (3) that s easy for God to do. Reasons for Get up, take your mat and walk may include (1) because a healer can cure illness but not forgive sins; (2) because no man can forgive sins; (3) because Jesus is a man blessed by God with miraculous powers, but that s all. 4. We are witnesses when we live Christian lives but miracles are also witnesses. Read Hebrews 2:1-4. This section of Hebrews refers to the law given to Moses via angels on Mount Sinai (Galatians 3:19). But it also gives a reason why Jesus performed miracles. Compare the reason for miracles given in Hebrews 2:1-4 with the reason Jesus gives in Mark 2:10. Write a summary statement. This is challenging, but worth it. Miracles performed by Jesus proved his deity. As true God, Jesus could win our salvation. Jesus said the same thing when he referred to his authority to forgive sins; only God could do that Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

7 5. Page through the gospel of Mark, and note all the miracles you can find. After listing them, try to group similar miracles together and label the groups. Record the group labels. There are 18 miracles in Mark. Accept the group s categories, but the miracles are sometimes grouped as (1) healing, (2) command over nature, and (3) resurrection miracles. Connect Assign the drama activity (number 8) to the drama group and one of the other activities to each of the remaining groups. Tell the class that they will have ten minutes to complete their assignments. Have each group choose someone to record its work and present its findings to the class. 6. Actually, this is a story of two miracles. First, Jesus healed a man. Second, people praised God. Today Jesus is not here in the flesh to perform miracles, but he still draws unbelieving people to himself and leads them to praise God. Such conversion is still a miracle. Look up the following passages, and write as many reasons as you can why it is still a miracle when anyone praises God. Psalm 14:3 Ephesians 2:4,5 Colossians 1:21 Colossians 2:13 These and other passages describe our sinful nature. When we understand how lost we were in that nature, it s clearly a miracle when anyone now praises God. 7. Some biblical scholars have raised serious questions about the reality of miracles. They say miracles are myths people developed to explain their religious experience. Imagine meeting someone who thinks that way. Agree on four points you would want to make sure you communicate, and write them down. Expect the group to bring up such things as (1) I m willing to listen first; (2) I believe the Bible is true because it is God-given; (3) since Jesus is God, he can do miracles; (4) many people did believe the miracles happened; (5) I would rather talk with you about Jesus life and death and resurrection. 8. Drama Group: It s unlikely that four friends would take away roof sections to lower a friend to Jesus today. Write a present-day drama that parallels this story. Make sure you include a physical malady, devoted friends, an encounter with Jesus, and the reaction of witnesses. This might strike you as odd or even impossible, but don t discount those with a bent toward drama. In fact, if it s good and makes the point of the miracle, you might even consider using it as a teaching tool for the entire congregation Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

8 Vision Everyone: Identify someone you would like Jesus to heal, and think of two things you ve learned from this parable about praying for or witnessing to that person. Give 30 seconds of silence for everyone to think; then ask volunteers to share their thoughts with their group. Tell each group they have four minutes. Encourage them to allow time for each member of their group to speak. After four minutes are up, ask if they ve discussed anything they d like to share with the class. Make sure the point is made that Jesus is still able to heal any sickness and that, even more important, Jesus is still the one who forgives our sins Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

9 Day 1: Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Objective: All students should be able to identify specific physical and spiritual needs Jesus meets with his power. Focus List as many single words as you can that describe trains. Inform Read Mark 2:1-12: Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk. 1. Study the word amazed (verse 12). The same Greek word (translated as both amazed and astonished ) is used in the following four passages. Read all four passages, and record any insights you find about Jesus or the people around him. Luke 2:47 Luke 8:56 Mark 5:42 Mark 6:51 1 Purchase of the files for this Bible study allows the purchaser to reproduce these pages. The files or right to reproduce them may not be transferred to anyone else Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. 10N1509/10N1510

10 2. Jesus didn t do miracles for kicks. Each time we read about one of his miracles in the Bible, we have to ask, What is the significance of this miracle? What is God telling us? After reading about this miracle, work together to write an answer to those two questions. 3. In verse 9, Jesus asked, Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up, take your mat and walk? Some thought the first, some thought the second. Write two reasons people may have given for each answer. 4. We are witnesses when we live Christian lives but miracles are also witnesses. Read Hebrews 2:1-4. This section of Hebrews refers to the law given to Moses via angels on Mount Sinai (Galatians 3:19). But it also gives a reason why Jesus performed miracles. Compare the reason for miracles given in Hebrews 2:1-4 with the reason Jesus gives in Mark 2:10. Write a summary statement. 5. Page through the gospel of Mark, and note all the miracles you can find. After listing them, try to group similar miracles together and label the groups. Record the group labels. Connect 6. Actually, this is a story of two miracles. First, Jesus healed a man. Second, people praised God. Today Jesus is not here in the flesh to perform miracles, but he still draws unbelieving people to himself and leads them to praise God. Such conversion is still a miracle. Look up the following passages, and write as many reasons as you can why it is still a miracle when anyone praises God. Psalm 14:3 Ephesians 2:4,5 Colossians 1:21 Colossians 2: Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

11 7. Some biblical scholars have raised serious questions about the reality of miracles. They say miracles are myths people developed to explain their religious experience. Imagine meeting someone who thinks that way. Agree on four points you would want to make sure you communicate, and write them down. 8. Drama Group: It s unlikely that four friends would take away roof sections to lower a friend to Jesus today. Write a present-day drama that parallels this story. Make sure you include a physical malady, devoted friends, an encounter with Jesus, and the reaction of witnesses. Vision Everyone: Identify someone you would like Jesus to heal, and think of two things you ve learned from this parable about praying for or witnessing to that person Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

12 Level 3 Day 1 Great is our Lord and mighty in power. (Psalm 147:5) 2006 Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

13 Power the Train The train engine below needs power! Find each lump of coal that names a way Jesus showed his power in today s lesson, and draw a line from it to the train engine. Then in the six bottom lumps of coal, write things that Jesus uses his power to give us today. (The picture in each will give you a hint.) The man s friends couldn t get into the house. 1. Jesus forgave the man s sins. 3. Jesus could see the faith in the man and his friends. 2. Jesus knew his enemies thoughts. 5. Jesus enemies didn t believe in him. 4. Jesus healed the man who could not walk Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

14 Jesus Power Provides Just as the engine powers a supply train, Jesus power provides for all our needs. Read each of the following passages, and circle in the passage the word or words that tell what Jesus provides. Then write each thing Jesus provides us on a different train car. When you are finished, color yellow the train cars that name spiritual needs, and color green the train cars that name physical needs. Deuteronomy 11:14 I will send rain on your land in its season. Psalm 111:5 He provides food for those who fear him. Proverbs 1:33 Whoever listens to me will live in safety. Proverbs 2:5,6 You will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom. Isaiah 65:21 They will build houses and dwell in them. Jeremiah 30:17 I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD. John 5:24 Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have... the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is living and active. 1 John 4:16 We know and rely on the love God has for us Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

15 2006 Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. 10N1501 ISBN Level 3 Day1 The engine powers a train, pulling the cars to their destinations. The one who powers your life is the source of all power. He needs no fuel to work. He has all power in himself! That power is Jesus. In this Bible story, you ll see that Jesus has power to help you physically and spiritually. Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 Jesus often went to the city of Capernaum, which he had made his home. Whenever he was there, he would preach to the people and heal the sick. One day many people came to the house where he was staying. They wanted to hear him preach. So many people crowded into the house that soon there was no room for anyone else to get in. People even stood outside the door, hoping to hear what Jesus was saying. Some men came to the house. Four of them carried a mat with their friend lying on it. Their friend couldn t walk. When they couldn t get inside because of the large crowd, they thought of another plan. The four men carried their friend up the stairs leading to the flat roof of the house. They made an opening in the roof. Then they carefully lowered their friend through the opening, right to where Jesus was! Jesus knew that the man on the mat and his friends had faith in him. He said to the man who couldn t walk, Cheer up, friend. Your sins are forgiven. Some men in the house did not like what Jesus said. They did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, their Savior. These enemies of Jesus thought to themselves, How can Jesus say that? Only God can forgive sins! Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, Why are you thinking such evil things? Is it easier to forgive this man s sins or to make him well? I will prove to you that I have the power to forgive sins. Then Jesus said to the man, Get up. Pick up your mat and walk home. At once the man stood up in front of everyone! He picked up his mat and went home, praising God along the way. The people who saw this miracle praised God and said, We have never before seen anything as wonderful as this!

16 The Lessons at a Glance In Making Tracks the students will learn: that Jesus has all power and helps them physically and spiritually. that God s Word is the spiritual food they need daily to grow in faith. that all people are precious to God. that they can show their love for God by showing love and kindness to others. that God wants them to tell others about the Savior so that they believe in him and arrive safely home in heaven. The following is an overview of the Making Tracks lessons. Note: The students in Levels 1 and 2 are exposed only to the underlined portions of the memory treasures. On Day 3, Levels 1 and 2 study only The Lost Sheep. Day 1 Story: Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk References: Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 Train Connection: The engine powers the train. What does Jesus have the power to do? God s Message: Jesus has the power to provide for all our spiritual and physical needs. Our Response: We trust Jesus to provide for all our needs. Memory Treasure: Great is our Lord and mighty in power. (Psalm 147:5) Train Car: Engine Day 2 Story: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha Reference: Luke 10:38-42 Train Connection: Trains often carry food. People need food to keep their bodies healthy. What do people need to keep their faith in Jesus healthy? God s Message: People need God s Word to keep their faith in Jesus healthy. Our Response: We read and learn God s Word to stay strong in our faith. Memory Treasure: Let the word of Christ dwell [live] in you richly. (Colossians 3:16) Train Car: Hopper (grain) car Day 3 Story: The Lost Sheep (and Coin) Reference: Luke 15:1-7 (8-10) Train Connection: Cargo is precious to the railroad company. How are people precious to Jesus? God s Message: People are so precious to Jesus that he wants them to trust in him and be saved. Our Response: We thank God that we sinners are precious to him. Memory Treasure: God our Savior... wants all men [people] to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3,4) Train Car: Car carrier Day 4 Story: The Good Samaritan Reference: Luke 10:25-37 Train Connection: Trains can carry goods that help people. What does God want us to do for other people? God s Message: God wants us to love and help others. Our Response: We gladly look for opportunities to help others. Memory Treasure: Serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13) Train Car: Boxcar Day 5 Story: Philip and the Ethiopian Reference: Acts 8:4-8,12,26-40 Train Connection: In the past, train workers were taken safely home in the caboose. God has the best home of all planned for those who believe in him. What does God want us to do so that others can live in his heavenly home? God s Message: God wants us to tell others about the Savior. Our Response: We look for ways to share Jesus with others. Memory Treasure: Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (Mark 16:15) Train Car: Caboose 2 The Lessons at a Glance

17 Getting Ready to Teach The Students Level 3 is written for students entering grades 2 and 3. Most students this age are active and full of energy. (Vary the ways you teach and review. Either follow the stations suggested in this guide or use one area of the classroom for the lesson and songs and another for activities and crafts.) are becoming more independent. (Allow them to work alone or in small groups rather than always as a class. Provide opportunities for them to help younger students.) are eager to learn and to show what they have learned. (Encourage them to stretch their knowledge of God s Word. Give a false statement and have them correct it using Scripture.) want to do well. (Praise them for their enthusiasm, thank God for it, and ask God to help it continue.) enjoy songs, rhythms, stories, and role playing. (Allow them to act out both the Bible stories and scenarios that illustrate life applications of biblical truths.) enjoy hands-on activities. (Activities are suggested that use the various senses. Try to keep the students involved in learning.) like to repeat what they enjoy. (Variety is great, but it s okay to repeat songs, games, or other activities the students like.) are sensitive about what other students think of them. (Be careful not to place the students in embarrassing situations.) look for adult approval. (Show and tell them that you care and are concerned about their spiritual welfare.) are becoming more adept at reading and understanding the printed word. (Partner the strong readers with the weak ones when reading out loud. Be understanding of those who have not yet mastered reading and writing.) Teaching Children with Special Needs Suggestions: Prior to VBS have a conference with the parents of children with special needs. Discuss teaching methods that have worked in the past. With permission from the parents, contact teachers from the previous school year for suggestions. Encourage all the students to show love for Jesus by showing love to one another. All students can learn valuable lessons by working together with the talents they have. Before or during the first session, show the students where bathrooms, drinking fountains, and activity stations are so that they are comfortable with their surroundings. Enlist teen or adult aides to accompany and help students who have difficulty paying attention, remaining seated, maneuvering from place to place, or doing crafts. Provide structure and routine during each session so that the students know what to expect, but also include activities that allow for variety. Warn the students of upcoming changes in routine. Plan a variety of shorter activities rather than one or two lengthy ones. Remove excess stimuli from your classroom. Use teaching techniques and learning activities that allow for active student involvement. Do activities that use the five senses. Remember that children learn in many different ways. Some learn best by seeing maps, pictures, charts, and puppets, while others learn best by hearing and speaking. Still others learn best through movement Getting Ready to Teach 3

18 activities. Most enjoy a combination of these methods. Give one direction at a time. Allow special learners to finish one task before receiving further directions. Ask questions that special learners will be able to answer, and assign tasks that they will be able to accomplish. If necessary, have the special learners meet for a Bible lesson taught at their level and then join the group for music, crafts, and recess. Choose and/or adapt games so that all can play. Consider using foam balls that are soft and easy to grasp. Allow students to suggest games that all can play. Find ways to encourage each student. Point out the positive, and thank God for it! For more help on teaching students with special needs, contact Northwestern Publishing House for the following materials produced by JCM Publications, the publishing arm of Jesus Cares Ministries: Planting the Seeds in Students with Special Needs (video and booklet) God s Children Are Differently Abled (booklet) Understanding Your New Student (booklet) Getting Acquainted When the students arrive on the first day, they may not all know one another or you. The Welcoming Activity, suggested in the first lesson, is an option you may use to help everyone get acquainted. The Lesson The parts of the lesson are similar at each level. Introduction: We strongly encourage you to use the devotional skits to introduce the lessons. They use a train car to lead into the lesson. If you do not use the skits, a second option is provided. The introduction interests the students in what is to come and leads to the aim question the question you want them to think about and answer based on the Bible lesson. Telling the Story: The first option for telling the story is the Bible story skit offered in Planning Your VBS. This skit follows the opening devotional skit and is presented to the entire vacation Bible school. If you prefer to teach the Bible story to individual levels, other telling options are given in the teacher s guide. Choose the option(s) that best fits the needs of your students. Developing and Applying the Truth: Lead the students to arrive at the truth of the lesson the answer to the aim question. Also help them apply the truth of the lesson to their lives. Note: If you use the Bible story skits, either develop and apply the truth of the lesson with the entire group after the skit or have teachers do this with their classes when they come to Making Tracks, a station described in the following section. Stations: After learning the Bible lesson, the students travel to three stations for activities: ~ Making Tracks: The students sing songs and do activities in their student lessons. For those who use the Bible story skit for the story presentation, this station can also be used for developing and applying the truth of the Bible lesson. ~ Caboose Café: The students have recess and enjoy snacks. Look for reproducible suggestions for games and snacks in Planning Your VBS and on the Leader s CD-ROM. The suggestions are also included on pages 8 to 10 of this teacher s guide. ~ Boxcar Builders: The students make crafts. Student Lessons The student lessons carry out a train theme. They include the Bible story, memory treasure, and student activities. Note: Each set of purchased student lessons is held together by one staple. Remove the staple to separate the lessons. Stickers/Poster A sheet of stickers is included with each set of purchased student lessons for Levels 1 and 2. Students will use the stickers with some of the activities in the student lessons. (Note: Those using the reproducible version of Making Tracks will need to purchase stickers. See the Making Tracks order form.) A poster is included with the purchased student lessons for Levels 3 to 5. (Those using the reproducible version can print posters.) 4 Getting Ready to Teach

19 Music Options Teach music at the Making Tracks station as suggested in the station schedule. Have each teacher conduct his or her own music session. Have the two lower levels meet separately from the three upper levels. Have the entire school meet together after the opening devotion and/or at the end of the day. Teach and practice the VBS theme song and other fun songs found in the Making Tracks Music Guide, on the music CD, and on the Leader s CD-ROM. Also feel free to teach other songs that would interest the students. Crafts In the Making Tracks Craft Book, you will find craft ideas that go with the lessons. These crafts require easy-to-find materials. If you prefer using kits that have all the materials provided, you may order them from Northwestern Publishing House. The kits are produced by S&S Worldwide, Inc. See your VBS superintendent for a Making Tracks order form, or contact Northwestern Publishing House. Switching Tracks Optional activities are listed in this section. Sidetracked This section suggests ways to add interesting interruptions to each VBS session. Engineer Ed and his dog, Loco, visit each class and lead the students in doing a fun, train- or lesson-related activity. Getting Ready to Teach 5

20 Proceed Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 Train Connection: The engine powers the train. What does Jesus have the power to do? God s Message: Jesus has the power to provide for all our spiritual and physical needs. Our Response: We trust Jesus to provide for all our needs. Memory Treasure: Great is our Lord and mighty in power. (Psalm 147:5) Train Car: Engine Pray Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the opportunity to share your Word with my students and their families. Help those of us who believe in you to grow stronger in our faith. Send your Holy Spirit to lead those who have no faith to believe in you and your promises. Bless my preparations and my teaching so that I speak your truths with certainty and with joy. Amen. Prepare Read: the introduction to this teacher s guide the lesson in Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; and Luke 5:17-26 the following commentary pages: in Franzmann, Bible History Commentary, New Testament, Volume in Albrecht, Matthew, The People s Bible series in Wicke, Mark, The People s Bible series in Prange, Luke, The People s Bible series Welcoming Activity: Since you may have a mixture of member and nonmember students, the following idea is offered as an option to help you and the students get to know one another. pencils, clipboards or magazines, Copy Master 7; Optional: Copy Master 6 contains name-tag patterns if you wish to make a name tag for each child. Before class, duplicate the questionnaire from Copy Master 7. Place a copy on a clipboard or magazine for each student. Read the directions on the copy master, arm the kids with pencils, and have them get to know one another by completing the questionnaire. When finished, you could go through some of the questionnaires and ask the students how many of them have been on a train, like spaghetti, play an instrument, and so on. Opening Devotion Use the devotional skit for Day 1, from Planning Your VBS, for all students. The Bible Lesson Either teach the Bible lesson to all the students, using the Bible story skit included in Planning Your VBS, or go to individual classrooms after the devotional skit and use one of the storytelling options in the teacher s guide. After the lesson has been taught, groups of students may take turns at each of the three stations. Introduction Option 1 We strongly encourage you to use the devotional skit to introduce the lesson. It uses a train car to lead into the lesson. Option 2 model train engine or an engine made from Copy Master 4 If you do not use the devotional skit, show a train engine and use the introduction to the story (from the student lesson) to begin your Bible lesson. 12 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk

21 Have the students look around the room and point out and name types of power that are represented. Possible responses: solar, electrical, mechanical, radiant, muscular. Remind them that the VBS theme is about trains. Ask what powers a train. Engine, fuel, electricity. Say that such powers can be amazing but that all power comes from our Lord. Then say, Today s Bible lesson will help us learn the answer to the question, What does Jesus have the power to do? Telling the Story Option 1 Use the Bible story skit for Day 1 (in Planning Your VBS) for presenting the Bible lesson to the entire vacation Bible school. Note: If you choose this option, you will need to develop and apply the truth of the lesson in the large group setting after the skit, at the Making Tracks station, or in individual classrooms. If you do not use the Bible story skit, choose from the following options for telling the story. Option 2 Bible Show the students a Bible, and tell them that God tells us many important things in the Bible. Explain that the story you are about to tell them is from the Bible and that it really happened. Use the bold words to guide your telling of the story. Jesus often went to the city of Capernaum, which he had made his home. Whenever he was there, he would preach to the people and heal the sick. One day many people came to the house where he was staying. They wanted to hear him preach. So many people crowded into the house that soon there was no room for anyone else to get in. People even stood outside the door, hoping to hear what Jesus was saying. Some men came to the house. Four of them carried a mat with their friend lying on it. Their friend couldn t walk. When they couldn t get inside because of the large crowd, they thought of another plan. The four men carried their friend up the stairs leading to the flat roof of the house. They made an opening in the roof. Then they carefully lowered their friend through the opening, right to where Jesus was! Jesus knew that the man on the mat and his friends had faith in him. He said to the man who couldn t walk, Cheer up, friend. Your sins are forgiven. Some men in the house did not like what Jesus said. They did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, their Savior. These enemies of Jesus thought to themselves, How can Jesus say that? Only God can forgive sins! Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, Why are you thinking such evil things? Is it easier to forgive this man s sins or to make him well? I will prove to you that I have the power to forgive sins. Then Jesus said to the man, Get up. Pick up your mat and walk home. At once the man stood up in front of everyone! He picked up his mat and went home, praising God along the way. The people who saw this miracle praised God and said, We have never before seen anything as wonderful as this! Option 3 teddy bear and baby blanket or bath towel Tell the story. As you describe the crowded house where Jesus was preaching, ask three children to form a circle, holding hands. These children will represent the walls of the house. Ask another child to stand in the middle to represent Jesus, and have other children stand inside the circle, surrounding Jesus. Tell the children that you want to bring something large to Jesus, and ask what would be the best way to do so since there are many people crowding around him (by handing it to him from above). First have Jesus and the others crouch down. Then enlist the help of four children including, if necessary, some of those who had been surrounding Jesus to use the blanket (towel) and the teddy bear to demonstrate how the man was lowered to Jesus. Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk 13

22 Option 4 sturdy paper or cardboard Before class, cut four gingerbread-cookie-type people figures from paper or cardboard. Select two of the figures, and draw a heart with a cross inside it to represent faith on each. Draw an angry face to represent unbelief on each of the remaining two figures. Mix up the figures and turn them facedown so that your drawings cannot be seen. As you tell the story, point out that Jesus not only saw the faith of the man and his friends he also knew the evil thoughts of his enemies. Show the backs of the figures, and ask the children to pretend that the figures are real people. Ask the children if they can tell which two figures represent believers and which two represent unbelievers. Then show the fronts of the figures. Point out that we can t see people s thoughts or know whether or not they have faith. But Jesus has the power to know and do anything! Have Engineer Ed enter the classroom unannounced and say, The four men were concerned about their paralyzed friend and took him to Jesus for help. Concern is an important part of real friendship. Friends carry one anothers burdens. Then have Engineer Ed give slips of paper to the students on which to write a burden that they would like their friends to pray about. Have Ed collect the prayer requests and return once in a while during VBS to pray for a few students at a time. Developing and Applying the Truth student lessons, Bible, model engine or one made from Copy Master 4 Use the following questions and statements to arrive at the truth of the lesson and to apply the truth to the lives of your students. 1. Why did many people come to the house where Jesus was staying? They wanted to hear him preach. 2. What did four men do for their friend who couldn t walk? They carried him to the roof of the house and lowered him in front of Jesus so that Jesus would heal him. 3. The man on the mat needed Jesus help to walk. A need that a person s body has is called a physical need. What are some physical needs you might have? Possible responses: food, warmth, healing. 4. What was the first thing Jesus did to help the man? He forgave his sins. 5. The man on the mat needed Jesus forgiveness. A need that a person s soul has is called a spiritual need. (The soul is the part of someone that either does or does not believe in Jesus.) What are some of your spiritual needs? Possible responses: the need for forgiveness, faith, eternal life. 6. Why did Jesus enemies think that Jesus couldn t forgive sins? Only God can forgive sins, and they didn t believe that Jesus is God. 7. How did Jesus then clearly show that he is God? He made the man on the mat able to walk again. 8. Show the engine and say that it has the power to pull a train. Such power is great, but the Bible (show a Bible) tells us where every kind of power really comes from. It says, Great is our Lord and mighty in power (Psalm 147:5). What does the psalm mean when it says our Lord is mighty in power? He has the power to do anything. (Point out the passage on the student lesson, and have the students say it with you.) 9. Jesus provided for the man s spiritual needs by forgiving his sins, and he provided for the man s physical needs by healing him. What does Jesus also have the power to do? Help the students arrive at the truth: Jesus has the power to provide for all our spiritual and physical needs. 14 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk

23 Prayer Close the lesson with the following prayer: Jesus, you are powerful, And I can trust in you. I thank you that you took away The wrong things that I do. Amen. Stations 1. Making Tracks (Lesson Activities and Music) Lesson Activities Distribute the student lessons. Discuss the Bible lesson and picture, and do any or all of the activities. Answers: Power the Train: The following lumps of coal should connect to the train: 2, 3, 5, 6. The pictures represent: forgiveness through Jesus, a home in heaven, food, rain, God s Word (the Bible), clothing. Jesus Power Provides: The following should be circled and colored as noted: rain (green), food (green), safety (green), knowledge/wisdom (yellow), houses (green), health (green), word/eternal life (yellow), forgiveness of sins (yellow), word (yellow), love (yellow). Music Choose from the lesson-related songs found in the Music Guide and on the music CD. If you plan to use the VBS closing service, please check Planning Your VBS for suggested songs and recitations to teach your students during the week. 2. Caboose Café (Recess and Snack) See the reproducible suggestions for snacks and games in Planning Your VBS or on the Leader s CD-ROM. These suggestions are also given on pages 8 to 10 of this teacher s guide. Always check for food allergies. Before the snack, join in a simple table prayer such as: Thank you, Jesus, for this food. You are loving, kind, and good. You took all my sins away. Help me love you and obey. Amen. 3. Boxcar Builders (Crafts) Plans for crafts are offered in the Craft Book. These crafts are made from readily available materials. You may also purchase craft kits produced by S&S Worldwide, Inc. See the order form for suggested kits. The Wrap-Up Everyone may join at the end of the day for a closing, or each level may close individually. Sing the theme song and any other songs you are teaching the students. Close with the following prayer: God in heaven, thank you For sending us your Son. He lived and died to save us, Each and every one. Help us show our love to you As we live each day. Teach us to be loving, and Help us to obey. Amen. Switching Tracks Here are some more ideas you may want to use. 1. Which Is Easier? Prepare five index cards or train car shapes (such as those on Copy Masters 4 to 6) by writing the following pairs of activities on them, one on the left side and one on the right. lifting a large book; lifting a small book doing ten jumping jacks; doing one jumping jack jumping two feet forward; jumping two inches forward standing on one foot for 15 seconds; standing on one foot for 5 seconds drawing a snowman; drawing a circle For each card/train shape, ask a volunteer to come forward to do the harder activity. When the volunteer has done it, ask the class whether they think the volunteer would also be able to do the easier activity. Point out that when Jesus asked whether it was easier to forgive the man s sins or make him well, different people may have had different answers in mind. But the truth was, only God has the power to do either thing. Jesus is God, and he has the power to do anything, easy or hard. Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk 15

24 2. Needs Trains: Duplicate Copy Masters 4, 5, and 6, and cut the pages in half to make two engine sheets and about 12 train car sheets. Ask the children to help you make a spiritual needs train by naming different spiritual needs people have. (Possible spiritual needs include faith, God s Word, forgiveness of sins, trust in God, strength not to sin, and eternal life.) Write one response near a different train car until there is one for each of the six cars. Tape one of the engine sheets to a wall, or pin it to a bulletin board. Point to the Jesus picture to remind the children that Jesus is the power in their lives, and attach the row of train cars behind the engine. Label it the Spiritual Needs Train. Then follow the same procedure to make a Physical Needs Train. (Possible physical needs include health, safety, food, shelter, clothing, and healing from injuries.) As the class works together to make the two trains, emphasize that just as a train engine has the power to pull a train, Jesus has the power to provide for all our spiritual and physical needs. 3. Trust Train: Have the children sit in a line, and designate the child at one end to be the engine and the child at the other end to be the caboose. Ask the child who is the engine to say and complete this sentence: I trust Jesus to give me. When that child has done so, have the next child repeat the first child s sentence and add another item. Continue in the same way with the next child, always repeating the previous answers. Example: First child: I trust Jesus to give me food. Second child: I trust Jesus to give me food and forgiveness. Third child: I trust Jesus to give me food, forgiveness, and clothes. Encourage the children to name both spiritual and physical blessings. Challenge them to get all the way to the caboose without forgetting anything. Suggestion: If you have many students in your class, form two trains to make the game easier to play. 16 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk

25 Copy and enlarge for displays, advertisements, and decorations. Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 1 17

26 Copy and enlarge for displays, advertisements, and decorations. 18 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 2

27 Copy and enlarge for displays, advertisements, and decorations. Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 3 19

28 20 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 4

29 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 5 21

30 Patterns for name tags 22 Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 6

31 What Track Are You On? Talk to your classmates, and find at least one item below that describes each of them. Have the person sign his or her name on the blank. After you have one item signed by each person, you can have people sign for other items. 1. I ve ridden on a train. 2. I live near a train track. 3. I know what a caboose was used for. 4. I ve been on a subway train. 5. I ve been to Disney World. 6. My favorite color is blue. 7. I have blue eyes. 8. I like spaghetti. 9. I don t care for squash. 10. I play soccer. 11. I ve performed in a play. 12. I play an instrument. 13. I have a pet dog. 14. I have a pet cat. 15. I know how to whistle. 16. I know how to skateboard. 17. I have traveled to a foreign country. 18. I have been in an airplane more than once. 19. I know how many continents there are. 20. I know how many Great Lakes there are. Level 3 Day 1 Jesus Helps a Man Who Cannot Walk Copy Master 7 23