Bible Passage: Matthew 28:16 20 (The Great Commission) REMEMBER VERSE

Transcription

1 Date: April 15, 2012 Bible Passage: Matthew 28:16 20 (The Great Commission) REMEMBER VERSE Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3 Jesus Is the Good News SERVICE SCHEDULE Explore:: Welcome & Engage minutes Discover & Respond:: minutes Respond & Bless:: minutes Inspire Elizabeth and I first met at my school s Battle of the Bands. We became fast friends, often hanging out together. Though we had much in common, the one thing we did not share was our faith. While I had been raised in the church, she had never set foot in one. Soon after we met, I invited Elizabeth to our weekly youth group meeting and she began to attend. The Holy Spirit worked on Elizabeth s heart for several months. One Sunday after worship, we all broke into small groups to pray for one another. As soon as our small group gathered, she began to cry. I was worried about her so I pulled her aside to talk. She told me that everything seemed different than it had the previous weeks the room, the 1

2 music, and the people. She didn t know what it was, but she knew we had something she did not, and she hungered for it. Elizabeth had been awakened to the truth of God. I began to tell her about the good news of Jesus. For the first time in her life, she learned who Jesus was, how He came to die for her, and how He was resurrected so she might know Him and live forever with Him. As I finished sharing, Elizabeth told me she wanted Jesus in her life. God had made Himself known to her! I had accepted Jesus at a young age. I admit until that moment, the power of the gospel and the good news of Jesus didn t seem that exciting to me. I had forgotten the hope, joy, and ultimate freedom that comes from accepting Christ. Sharing such a holy moment with Elizabeth was a powerful reminder to me about the good news of Jesus, and how His truth has the power to transform lives. Rae Lynn Lott TruWonder Team Equip The good news of Jesus began to spread when shortly after the resurrection, He appeared to the women outside of His tomb. He instructed them to go tell the Eleven to meet Him at Galilee (Matthew 28:10). The fact that Jesus had His disciples meet Him in Galilee suggests they had a predetermined meeting place following the resurrection (Matthew 26:32). When Jesus met with His disciples, He commissioned them to go and carry on His work. To commission is to give authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another, or a task or matter entrusted to one as the agent for another (Merriam-Webster). In His commissioning of the 11 men, Jesus gave them His authority to act on His behalf and instructed them to make disciples of all nations, declaring the universal nature of the gospel. Raising disciples was common among philosophers, pagan religious cults, and also the Jewish faith. Within the Jewish religion, sages are spoken of as having raised disciples and encouraged many to become students of the ways of the Law and faith by studying Torah. However, what differentiates Jesus commissioning from others was His directive to go make disciples of all nations not a particular people group, but all people. In addition, the disciples, unlike other ancient teachers, would not raise disciples for themselves, but only for Jesus. The Great Commission is not for the 11 disciples alone. It is for all who come to faith and call Jesus Christ Lord. Each of us are called to cross whatever boundaries are necessary to reach those who have not yet heard the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Good News. Further Resources InterVarsity Press New Testament Commentary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Remember Verse Motions Inspired by American Sign Language; demonstrated at and /aslweb/browser.htm Each of the four gospels speaks of the Great Commission. In Luke and John, the commission is brief and occurs soon after the resurrection (Luke 24:44 49; John 20:19 23). Matthew and Mark have the most detailed descriptions of the Great Commission and are the most commonly used Scriptures in reference to the subject (Matthew 28:18 20; Mark 16:15 18). Support The good news of Jesus Christ is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God reveals aspects of His character to us, and allows us to know Him personally, in many ways: in creation, the Bible, His Holy Spirit, through other people, and through His Son, Jesus Christ. 2

3 As time goes by, we can have the tendency to tuck our first encounter with Jesus into the recesses of our mind. The initial awe of meeting Christ is stored safely away inside us. It s time to recall those early days. This week, take a moment to remember your story of first hearing the good news. When was your heart awakened to the truth of God? Where were you? What impact has the good news made on your life? Consider writing a letter to God, with the familiar voice you would use writing a letter to a friend or family member. Thank Him for revealing Himself through the good news of His only Son, Jesus! Tell Him what He has brought to your life, and how knowing Him personally has transformed you. The Lord has made known to you the path of life. May you be filled with joy in His presence, knowing you know and are known by the one and only Almighty God (reference Psalm 16:11). Lesson Overview Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare (Master Supply List under Resource Tab) Explore:: Welcome & Engage min. Exploration stations create space intended to transition children to lead them from the external world into an environment where they can commune with God, just as they are with all that they are. Focus Station: Say What? (per table) children s telephone or old cell phone play microphone plastic megaphone Bible newspaper books magazine (family or children s) radio Explore bin (Optional) Station 2: Special Message! (per table) 1 lemon or lime or bottled concentrate resealable container or bowl white construction paper (1 sheet per child) cotton swabs (1 per child) hair dryer paper towels Explore bin optional: white or yellow crayons, white construction paper, sponge, watercolor wash Discover:: min. Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God s Word. Remember Verse image and cards (see Resource Folder) Wardrobe of Wonder Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect (see Resource Tab) optional: silly hats for prop/hat box 2 small stools or chairs Discover:: What sit: Microphone Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users: Storytelling Video (optional; see Extras Tab) Respond:: min. Create space for children to respond to the Holy Spirit in title image (see Resource Tab) or worshipful video loop 3

4 We do not use this section worship and community. worship song: Ready, Set, Go! TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse or Good News, TruWorship Radio the World Respond:: min. Further process the story through discussion and interaction with others, and respond to God in worship through creative expression. Connect: Ring, Ring! (per small group) children s telephone or old cell phone (reuse from Explore) Create: Go Tell It (per table/small group) butcher paper masking tape crayons or markers glitter glue Bible Wonder Questions Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users: TruWonder Timeline and images (see Extras Tab) Bless:: 5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully and be a blessing to others. Blessing/Remember Verse HomeFront Weekly HomeFront Monthly S E C T I O N Explore:: min. Group Leaders Invite children to participate at the Focus Station (or optional stations, if available). Explore the materials with the children and engage them in open-ended questions about their observations. This will encourage them to explore and form questions on their own throughout the lesson. Exploration stations create space intended for wonder to pique children s curiosity and allow them to engage in hands-on experiences as they begin their time in worship. Focus Station Station 1: Say What? After Jesus resurrection, He sent His 11 disciples out to make disciples of all nations, teaching them what Jesus had taught in His time with them. They had an important message to share with the world. In our time, we have many ways of conveying messages to people. Children will be able to explore modern means of communication and discuss how we spread news to others. SUPPLIES (per table) children s telephone or old cell phone can group leaders bring phones? play microphone we will have one per classroom plastic megaphone we will paper that can be made into megaphones Bible 4

5 newspaper group leaders to bring from home books there will be some in each room magazine (family or children s) we have many at church radio CD player Explore bin PREPARE AHEAD Gather materials and place them in an Explore bin. SET UP Set all materials on the table. You may choose to plug the radio in for an added feature. ENGAGE As the children arrive at the Explore Station, encourage them to explore and play with the items on the table. Engage children in conversation. What are all of these things on the table? Have you seen any of these items before? Where? What do they do? Can you see or hear things when you use them? Does your mom or dad use them? Which of these things have you used? Which way do you think is the best way to get news to the most people? If you have important news to share, how do you tell it? (Optional) Station 2: Special Message! The good news of Jesus is so important, we need to be sure it s made known to the world. We need to show Jesus love every opportunity we have, not hide it for ourselves. SUPPLIES (per table) 1 lemon or lime or bottled concentrate - I can supply, please let me know if you would like resealable container or bowl will be supplied white construction paper (1 sheet per child) we have cotton swabs (1 per child) we have hair dryer group leaders to bring from home paper towels- in classrooms Explore bin optional: white or yellow crayons, white construction paper, sponge, watercolor wash this can be provided Note: Please check with parents for any potential allergies. PREPARE AHEAD Squeeze the juice of the lemon or lime into a resealable container or bowl. Gather remaining materials and place them in an Explore bin. SET UP Place a sheet of paper at each child s chair. Put the citrus juice in the center of the table. Place cotton swabs on the table next to the juice. Optional: Give each child a white or yellow crayon. Have them draw a special message or picture on their paper. Wipe a sponge dipped in a watercolor wash across the paper to reveal the crayon drawings. ENGAGE 5

6 Welcome children to the Explore Station. Encourage kids to investigate the items on the table. Invite the children to dip a cotton swab in the citrus juice and then draw a special message or picture on their paper. Be careful not to saturate the paper. Plug in the hair dryer. When children have finished their picture, help them use the hair dryer (on hottest setting) to dry their paper. As the paper dries, their special message or picture will appear on the page for all to see. Ask: When you heat your special lemon/lime juice ink, what happens? If you wanted to remember something, would you write it in juice? Why or why not? Is this the best way to be sure your message is seen? Discover:: min. Group Leader & Storyteller S E C T I O N Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences. The following instructions have been condensed, but if you d like more information about any of the components of the large group program, please see Putting It Together under the Resource Tab. Ponder Point Jesus Is the Good News REMEMBER VERSE Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3 Remember Verse Definitions holy: super special like nothing or no one else; perfect; only God is holy almighty: more powerful than anything or anyone; only God is almighty glory: brilliant, radiant beauty that brings praise to God Remember Verse Motions Holy, holy, holy: Hold left hand palm up. With right hand, hold up index and middle fingers in closed position. Brush right two fingers across the top of left palm from wrist to finger tips. Repeat each time for the word holy. is the Lord: Point up to the sky with both index fingers. Almighty: Bring arms down to shoulder height into the strong man position. 6

7 The whole earth: Use both hands to make a big circle representing the earth. is full: Move both hands from waist up to chest (in front of body). of his glory: Hands together as if just finished clapping. Lift right hand off of the left. At same time, wiggle fingers to look as if something is shining. Wardrobe of Wonder Storyteller/Host/Worship Leader Hide the What sit connected to The Big God Story in the wardrobe. Together as a community, the children will discover the identity of this object as they begin to ask questions from their observations and experiences. You ll need to have ready a Wardrobe of Wonder, Wardrobe of Wonder intro clip, image, and sound effect (see Resource Tab), silly hats for the prop/hat box (optional), and two small stools or chairs. For this What sit you ll need a microphone. You may choose to use a real microphone or a toy microphone that will magnify your voice (see optional image to show or print in the Resource Folder). ASK (Insert child s name), what did you find in the Wardrobe of Wonder? (Ask the children.) What do we use a microphone for? What do they do? Why do you think there s a microphone in the wardrobe? (Allow children to share ideas; interact with their answers.) Those are good ideas! Well, I think it s time we find out how a microphone fits into today s portion of The Big God Story. Do you know what time it is? What sit: Microphone There are many methods people use to spread news. In this part of The Big God Story, Jesus gives His 11 disciples the Great Commission. He charged them with the mission of spreading the good news and making disciples throughout the entire world just as He had done. A microphone can help us to remember how God used the disciples to spread the good news. The Big God Story Matthew 28:16 20 Storyteller SUPPLIES The Big God Story intro clip and image (see Resource Tab) Premium, Unlimited, and Combo users: Storytelling Video (optional; see Extras Tab) Bible (adult or children s to use during teaching) What sit: Microphone (see image in Resource Folder) Hello, friends! It s good to see you today. Before we jump into The Big God Story, will you pray with me? Let s ask God to speak to our hearts and teach us. (Lead children in a Prayer of Release.) Prayer of Release The Prayer of Release is a time for children and leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to quiet their hearts and minds. If you would like, encourage kids to hold their open hands in front of them in a spirit of releasing their worries and distractions, to better receive what the Holy Spirit might have for them. After the children quiet their voices and still their bodies, ask them to pray with you. 7

8 Each week we ve been hearing some pretty amazing things from The Big God Story! We ve heard how Jesus was merciful and healed people and how Jesus helps us to live better lives. Let me ask you: Who is The Promise? (Allow children to answer; interact with their answers.) Yes! Jesus, that s right! What else do we know about Jesus? (Allow children to respond; interact with their answers.) Yes! Jesus died on the cross and then He rose from the dead three days later! God has a big story and we can be a part of it! While Jesus was living on earth, He spent a lot of time with the 12 disciples. These men were Jesus closest friends. They went almost everywhere with Him! Jesus showed them what was true about God the Father and how to live their lives in a way that pleases God. I wonder, how do you think the disciples felt when they heard that Jesus was going to leave them? (Allow children to answer.) You re right, they must have been very sad. I would be sad too, wouldn t you? It would be hard to say good-bye. Jesus was their friend. He knew everything about them, and they had learned so much from Him. Jesus loved the disciples. So, to help them get ready for the part they would play in The Big God Story, Jesus sat down with the disciples and told them a plan. Jesus told the disciples He was going to come back to life after three days. And when He did, Jesus wanted to meet them on a mountain in Galilee. So guess what? Jesus died, rose from the dead, and things were just as He said they would be. What do you think the disciples did? (Allow children to answer.) That s right! They met Jesus on the mountain in Galilee. When they saw Jesus, they worshipped Him! Then Jesus encouraged them and said, Just as I have taught you and made you disciples, I want you to go and do that for other people. Go and teach them about loving God, just like I have taught you about loving God. Go and serve people just as I have served you and others. As you leave this mountain, go into the world, all over the place, and tell them my good news! This was Jesus giving His disciples a big job to do. It was to be their place in The Big God Story! Jesus gave the disciples a really big job to do, didn t he? Some of them were a little unsure about it. How would the disciples be able to tell everyone the good news about Jesus dying for their sins and coming back? Do you think they shouted really loud? (Children answer.) No that wouldn t work. (Tech: Cue the Wardrobe of Wonder sound effect.) Do you remember what we found in the Wardrobe of Wonder? (Children will answer.) A microphone, that s right. What if they used a microphone? It might help more people hear their wonderful news. Then would the whole world hear about Jesus? (Children will answer.) No, the microphone would make their voices loud, but Jesus had a better plan. He wanted to give them something better than a microphone someone better. He wanted to give them power inside. Jesus was going to send His Spirit the Holy Spirit to live on earth with His people. Jesus made a way for God to be with us even when He isn t here on earth! Wow! After the Holy Spirit came, the disciples would have the power God s power to go out and start telling everyone about the good news. Jesus told His disciples that He would be with them forever and ever! Whether they were living on earth or in heaven, He would be with them. And guess what? That same promise is true for us, too! When we choose to believe in Jesus and follow Him, He will be with us forever and ever! Isn t that the best news ever? A Child s Perspective Here s a good analogy for our need for the Holy Spirit: The first time we taught this lesson, as I talked about Jesus making a way so He would be with His people forever with the giving of the Holy Spirit a little boy raised his hand. It s like when you cross the street. You can t go by yourself; you have to hold your mommy s hand so you re safe. I was floored. I said, That s exactly right. Jesus sent the disciples His Holy Spirit. He would give them everything they needed to go into the world and share the good news. God sees things we don t see and knows things we don t know. He wasn t going to send His disciples into the world all alone. Just like the Holy Spirit was with the disciples, He is with everyone who believes in Jesus and follows Him. RockHarbor Church S E C T I O N 8

9 Respond:: min. Worship Leader Children have the opportunity to respond to God and to what they have heard and experienced through His Word. Special attention should be given to create space for the Holy Spirit to minister to each child. The worship response time in large group varies from week to week. Some weeks the children will respond in worship through music, while other weeks are designed for more specific interactive expressions of response. This time is intended for children to freely express their worship as God s Spirit leads them. SUPPLIES title image (see Resource Tab) or worshipful video loop worship song: Ready, Set, Go! TruWorship Songs from the Playhouse or Good News, TruWorship Radio the World Worship-through-Response Wow! That s such an exciting part of The Big God Story! When we know Jesus, we have the good news! We have the love and truth of God and we can share with others. When I think about Jesus and His love for me I want to worship God by telling others the things that are true about God and His great love for them. How do you want to respond to God? Allow kids to answer and interact with their responses. Encourage kids to worship God the way they want to respond in that moment. If they want to pray, take a moment and allow for prayer, etc. Then close with a celebratory song. Friends, there are still some people in our world who don t know about Jesus! We can tell people that Jesus is alive and He is the Good News! Just like the disciples went into the world together to tell people about Jesus, we can grab a buddy and tell the world that Jesus is the Good News! Respond:: min. Group Leaders S E C T I O N Children have an opportunity to reflect (within the faith community) on what they have heard, and to respond to God individually or corporately. Your small group time is designed to encourage conversations between you and your children about what God is doing in them. Some children will be more responsive when they re engaged in something artistic. Others will be more open once their bodies get moving. Choose from the options given here or use your own ideas. The Wonder Questions may be used to start conversations during any of these activities or in a quieter, more contemplative time. Connect: Ring, Ring! (Optional Game: 5 10 min.) After a time of responding to God as a group, allow time and space for children and leaders to connect with each other in a lively large-motor-skills activity. Fun challenges foster unique opportunities for conversation and help to develop your faith community. 9

10 SUPPLIES (per small group) children s telephone or old cell phone (reuse from Explore) SET UP Have the children sit in a large circle. The leader should be holding the telephone. ENGAGE Raise your hand if you like to talk on the telephone. Wait for children to respond. Me too! I can call my family and friends and tell them whatever I want, whenever I want. We use telephones to tell people important messages in a fast way! Today, we re going to play a game called Telephone. We re all sitting in a circle. First I m going to choose one person to answer the telephone at the end. I ll whisper a message to the person next to me like this (demonstrate whispering), and the next person will whisper to the person next to her. Point in the right direction. We ll keep telling the same message all around the circle until it gets to the person who ll answer the telephone. Make sure you re whispering! Once I see the message has traveled to the last person, I ll say, Ring, ring! and the person will answer the phone. I ll ask, What s the good news? and they ll tell me the message they heard out loud. We ll see if the final message matches what we first started with. If you want to play more than one round, change the person who answers the phone each time. (Suggested messages: Jesus is the Good News, God is good and He never leaves us alone, Jesus gives life, Jesus wants to spend time with you, Jesus is King and will always be King.) Create: Go Tell It Create is more than just a time to make a craft. It s a hands-on opportunity for children to give artistic expression to what God is doing within them. What is created can then become a physical reminder of time spent responding to God. Songs and poems are a great way to share messages of truth with others. Today in Create, each small group will work together to write a song of praise to God. It can be about anything the children want to say to or about Jesus. These songs are a way for the children to respond to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to their hearts. And, if the children choose, they can share it with others. SUPPLIES (per table/small group) butcher paper in classrooms masking tape crayons or markers glitter we have if needed glue Bible (Suggested tunes to use for the songs: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star ; Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore ; Bingo ; or any simple and well-known children s song.) SET UP Use masking tape to secure the butcher paper to the table. Place the crayons and markers on the table. Keep the glue and glitter for the end of Create. ENGAGE Sit with your small group at the table. Share with the children what you ll be doing. Today in The Big God Story, we heard about Jesus the Good News. He came to earth and told us so many things that are true about God, the 10

11 Father. Now, we can know God and be with Him forever because of Jesus! Is that good news? Allow kids to answer. I wonder do you think this news is something we should keep to ourselves? Allow children to answer. You re right. This is news we just have to share with others! Today we re going to keep responding to God with our worship by writing a song about Him. Together we can write a song or poem about God s Good News Jesus. Begin to ask children questions about Jesus the things they know are true about Him. Write them down on the butcher paper. Consider starting with a phrase such as, Jesus is Follow with phrases such as, and I Consider using the Ponder Point, Jesus is the Good News, as the chorus for your song or as a repeated phrase throughout your poem. Keep in mind that your song or poem doesn t need to rhyme. The beauty will be in the group s response from their hearts to God. Wonder Questions Discuss the following questions with the children. Wonder Questions are meant to prompt further conversation about what children have been experiencing. They also invite children to ponder this truth and dwell with the wonder of God. Be sure to pause long enough after each question to allow the children time to wonder. Encourage them to share their unique perspectives with the group. In this part of The Big God Story, Jesus was preparing His disciples for their place in The Big God Story. Jesus wanted them to go and tell people how He died for their sins and came back from the dead so they could know God. Jesus is the Good News we need to share with others. I wonder What was it like to see Jesus after He came back to life? I wonder Do I remember who first told me the good news of Jesus? I wonder Who do I know who may need to know Jesus is the Good News? Bless:: 5 min. Group Leaders S E C T I O N The time of blessing is an opportunity for children to practice another physical posture of worship. Have children place their hands out in front of themselves, palms up as if cupping them together to hold water. This is a posture that demonstrates our expectancy in receiving what God has for each of us. Read the Remember Verse over the children and then close your time with a prayer of blessing. (You may choose to read through the Scripture more than once as God s Spirit leads you.) Children, God has given us the good news in it so we can share it with others! Jesus brings us the Good News as he shows us the way to live in love and peace. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3 HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God s Word together before children arrive at church. 11