'0 'Il "Miracle At Cana"

Transcription

1 ((WALkltfG BY FAITN" ~'P.XPTUR'~ TO ~TUD\' John 2:1-11 II Corinthians 5:7 Romans 1:17 Hebrews 11:6 * Isaiah 1:19 The believer must walk in obedient faith to experience the blessings of God. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." II Corinthians 5:7 ~~ ~~ ICE-~REAKER With Deputy Dugan SKIT SUGGESTED MUSIC Song Service 1 Sunday School Rock Wise Old King Holy Ghost Talkin' By His Word Because Of My Love POWER-PACKED POPPET SKIT "Follow The Instructions" " In this lesson, we want to emphasize that God's blessings come into our lives only as we walk in faith and obedience. There is no better way to illustrate this than with the story of the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. The servants ran out of wine and Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew that He would be able to help. Though Jesus had never performed any miracles before this, Mary had, no doubt, found Him to be resourceful in difficult situations. Even before His baptism in the Holy Spirit, Jesus was full of wisdom (Luke 2:52). Mary's words, in giving the servants instructions, can be heeded by us all: "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it." Not one word is recorded about what the servants thought as they carried out Jesus' orders. And because of the great volume of water required to fill the waterpots, they had plenty of time to reason with themselves against what Jesus had said. But thank God, they obeyed His simple commands and did their part in bringing forth God's provision. If we expect to experience God's blessings in their fullness, we must walk by faith. Faith is obedient trust in God's Word. Jesus didn't ask these servants for anything more than their obedience. That is all He demands of us. THE ~OOK OF ~OOKS "David And Goliath" ILLUSTRATED SERMON "Walking By Faith" ROVERCOMER, THE FAITH DOG "Walking By Faith" ADVENTURES IN FAITH "The Provision" ~ THE ZION 7 REPORT '0 'Il "Miracle At Cana" REVIEW GAME "The Sweet Review" Volume 2 Lesson 1

2 (J 'WALklt{GBY FAITlf' 't;tftral TRUTH faith to experience the blessings 1. of God. by The believer must walk in obedient Tilt ~POJ(tt{ WORO 2. by "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 3. II Corinthians 5:7 by 4. by ICE-BREAK'ER SK'IT With Deputy Dugan 5. by 6. SUGGESTED MUSIC Song Service 1 by o Sunday School Rock 7. o Wise Old King o Holy Ghost Talkin' o By His Word 8. o Because of My Love by POWER-PACK'ED puppet SK'IT 9. "Follow The Instructions" by 10. THE BOOK' OF BOOK'S by "David And Goliath" 11. by ILLUSTRATED SERMON 12. "Walking By Faith" by 13. ROVERCOMER, THE FAITH DOG by "Walking By Faith" 14. by ADVENTURES IN FAITH 15. "The Provision" by 16. THE ZiON 7 REPORT "Miracle At Cana" by 17. REVIEW GAME by by by "The Sweet Review" 18. Volume 2... Lesson 1

3 ~ How many of you brought your Bibles? (Wait for the class to respond.) Open those Bibles to II Corinthians 5:7 which says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (Have the children repeat the verse with you several times. Then brag on them.) (Deputy enters the classroom while the Host is bragging on the children.) You better open your eyes when you walk or you'll run into something. Pardon me, Deputy Dugan, but you are interrupting our class. I can't help it. I heard you talking about not walking by sight and I didn't want the kids getting hurt. It hurts when you bump into things. Deputy, I was telling the boys and girls what II Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Who's Faith? Is that your girlfriend? No. "Faith" is not a person. She must be your sister. My sister's not a human-being either. She's a gorilla. Deputy, I'm not talking about walking next to anyone named Faith. We're learning that we don't just go by the things we see with our eyes. We must trust God by faith and He will provide for us-not because we see it-but because His Word declares it. Oh, I see. But it's still hard to walk around with your eyes closed. It's down-right dangerous. It's not dangerous to walk by faith. You don't have to close your eyes to walk by faith. Our God is a safe guide and His Word will lead us to blessing and having all our needs met. Oh, you mean we act on what God's Word says rather than just what we can see? Exactly. Let's say II Corinthians 5:7 together. (Host and Deputy Dugan lead kids in repeating the memory verse again.) Well, I better go. Where are you going? I'm going for my morning walk. See you later, kids. (He turns and exits.) Volume 2 1 Lesson 1

4 POWi~-PA'KiD ({FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS" PUPPiT ~KIT CHARACTERS: Oogene, Jeanie Mae, Papa Greene SCENE I: OOGENE'S ~EDROOM (Oogene is noticeably irritated and upset.) (Jeanie Mae enters.) Jeanie'Mae: That no-good, dirty rat! Who's a no-good, dirty rat? Kendall Jackson, that's who. He stole my history report that's due in two days. You mean the one that's taken you two weeks to write? Did you tell your teacher? No. Why not? Because there was nothing to show it was mine. It would just by my word against his. What are you going to do? I'm going to wait for him after school tomorrow behind the corner of the building. When he walks around the corner-kerwop! I'm going to hit him in the head with a brick! (scolding) Oogene! (Oogene and Jeanie Mae exit.) He deserves it, Jeanie Mae. And while he's out cold, I'm going to go through his backpack and get my report back. What if you really hurt him, Oogene? I hope I do. I hope he winds up in the hospital. Even the Bible says, "An eye tor an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." I plan on taking out one of each. Jesus said you're supposed to forgive people who do wrong things to you. Forgive Kendall Jackson? No way. SCENE Z: THE LIVING ROOM (Papa Greene is reading the paper. Jeanie Mae enters.) Have you seen Oogene, Dad? He went outside a few minutes ago. He mentioned something about having to find a brick for some project he's working on at school. That project is Kendall Jackson's face. (putting his paper down) What do you mean, Jeanie Mae? Volume 2 3 Lesson 1

5 Kendall stole Oogene's history report. That big one he had to work on for so long? Yes. Why didn't he report it to his teacher? He said there was no way anyone could tell it was his. It would just be Kendall's word against Oogene's. So now he's decided to wait for Kendall after school tomorrow, knock him out with a brick and take his report back. I don't think that's the way we want to handle this. I tried to tell him to follow Jesus' instructions, to forgive Kendall, but that didn't go over well. I think I'd better have a talk with Oogene. Why don't you go see if you can find him and send him back in here. Sure, Dad. (Papa Greene and Jeanie Mae exit.) SCENE 3: THE ~ACI(YARV (Oogene is looking all around. Jeanie Mae enters.) I know there's a brick out here somewhere. I saw it last week. Dad wants to see you right away, Oogene. (sarcastically) I suppose you told him what happened and what I'm doing. It's only because I want you to do the right thing, Oogene. Knocking Kendall Jackson out is the right thing to do, Jeanie. That's my history report and I'm going to get it back. But you're going about it all wrong. God can't bless what you're doing. He doesn't have to bless it. The brick will do the job. You better go talk to Dad. You big tattletale. (Oogene and Jeanie Mae exit) SCENE 4-: THE LIVING ROOM (Papa Greene is reading the paper. Oogene enters with a brick in his hand.) You wanted to see me, Dad? (putting his paper down) Yes, Oogene. Jeanie Mae tells me you had your history report stolen at school. That's right. It took me two weeks to work on it, and Kendall Jackson stole it so he wouldn't have to work on one. I understand that you plan on getting it back. I have to get it back, Dad. It's due in two days. I'll get an "F" for the report and it's a big part of our grade. Volume 2 4 Lesson 1

6 00gene: 00gene: It's how you're planning to get it back that concerns me, Son. Jesus told us to forgive those who sin against us. But how can I forgive him when I want to hit him so badly with a brick? You have to make a decision to obey Jesus' words, Oogene. When you do that, you'll find God's help to carry it out. If you'll forgive this boy and do something good for him-instead of hitting him in the flesh, you'll be hitting him in the heart-where it really counts. You might be surprised at what God does. I know you're right, Dad. It's just hard to believe this is going to do any good. Do what Jesus said, Oogene. You'll see. Even though I don't feel like doing it? Even though you don't feel like it. 00gene: Okay. I'll do it. I guess I'll go put this brick back. (Oogene and Papa Greene exit.) SCENE 5: JEANIE ~E'S ~EDROOM (Jeanie is doing homework. Oogene enters.) 00gene: 00gene: 00gene: 00gene: (excited) Guess what, Jeanie? I got my history report back! Is Kendall Jackson's face all right? There's not a scratch on it. I did what Dad said. I told him that I forgave him. Then I gave him the illustration that went with the report. You did? What did he do? He couldn't say a word, Jeanie. He just stood there and stared with his mouth hanging open. How did you get the report back? At the end of the day when I was putting my stuff away in my locker, there it was. God must have worked on Kendall's heart. Now I can turn my paper in tomorrow, right on time. Following Jesus' instructions works. Volume 2 5 Lesson 1

7 ~\6IBlE ~ ILLU~T~ATiD ~i~mo" ~ trwalk'ing ~Y FAITH" SCRIPTURES TO STUDY: John 2:1-11 II Corinthians 5:7 Romans 1:17 Hebrews 11:6 Isaiah 1:19 NEEDED: A clay pot, a bottle of red food coloring, heavy-duty insulation tape (silver color) and a pitcher of water O~JECTS HOW TO PREPARE: Tape the small bottle of red food coloring onto the bottom of the clay pot in an upright position. MESSAGE: A. The Jewish weddings in those times lasted seven days. 1. The friends and family would drink lots of wine (grape juice), since it was their most popular beverage. 2. If there was no wine, the wedding feast would be ruined. B. Apparently, Jesus and His disciples were friends of the groom or they would not have been invited to his wedding. 1. Jesus cares about things in our lives. 2. By going to the wedding, Jesus demonstrated that He could be a good friend. C. In this life there will always be times when we run out of the things we need. (Have your clay pot upside down-not allowing the children to see the bottle inside.) 1. If we always had everything we needed immediately, we'd never have to trust in God. 2. Just because we run out doesn't mean that nothing can be done A. Before this time, Jesus had never performed any miracles (John 2:11). 1. Mary did not know that Jesus could do miracles because she had never seen Him do one. 2. Mary knew that Jesus would know what to do because He was filled with wisdom. B. Mary told the servants to obey Jesus' commands. 1. Faith in God is simply obeying and believing what God says. a. God says that we should forgive those who sin against us, but many Christians don't believe it works. b. God says we should not fear, but many times we fear anyway. c. God says that if we give, He will cause others to give back to us, yet many don't do this because they don't believe it. 2. God will not ask you to do something that you cannot do. (During the time you are talking, casually tum the clay pot to an upright position and unscrew the food-coloring lid with one hand. Be sure to hide the lid in your pocket. To avoid drawing attention to Y9ur hand in the clay pot, make wild gestures with your other hand.) Volume 2 7 Lesson 1

8 a. Jesus asked the men to fill their waterpots with water. b. He did not ask them to turn it into wine. ~ (Pour the pitcher of clear water into the clay pot.) A. The servants did not hesitate to obey Jesus' orders. 1. There is no record that they arguecj against doing such an unusual thing. 2. They had plenty of time to question Jesus. B. Jesus told the servants to take the water to the governor of the feast. 1. It would be embarrassing to give him water, because he expected wine. 2. They did not hesitate to obey. C. When the servants did what Jesus told them to do, the water was turned into wine. (Pour the red water from the clay pot back into the pitcher.) 1. Their obedient actions show faith. 2. Faith believes God's Word and acts upon it. 3. If we believe God has heard us pray, we ought to act like it by thanking Him. Can you think of any examples of acting in faith on God's Word? D. The wine that Jesus made was better than what they had before. 1. Jesus' blessings are always best. 2. Jesus supplies our needs when we walk in faith. Volume 2 8 Lesson 1

9 ~ RG'''~'GM ~, TH FAITH DGG ~ rrwalk'ing ~y FAITH" PROPS THE NEEDED: A bandanna or scarf big enough to go around the costume character's eyes, as if he is blindfolded LESSON: (Ravereamer enters the classroom blindfolded. His arms are stuck out in front af him as he is feeling his way along. He runs into walls, the teacher, other objects, even the children. This could cause some commotion, so don't allow it to get out of hand.) Rovercomer, you are disrupting my class. Why do you have that blindfold on? (barks) You're trying to obey the Bible? Now, just where in the Bible does it say we are to walk around blindfolded? (barks) II Corinthians 5:7 says, "We walk by faith, not by sight," so you're obeying the Bible? You can't see anything? Rovercomer, thafs not what the scripture means. (barks, as if to say, "It's not?") No. Listen, take that blindfold off. (teacher removes blindfold) (barks, rubbing his eyes, as if to say, "Thank you. ") You're welcome. Listen, Rovercomer, walking by faith does not mean you're in the dark-far from it. Walking by faith means you are trusting God and His Word for your provision in life and not trusting everything you see around you, (barks, as if to say, "Explain that. ") Okay, I'll explain, Let's say you were to wake up sick some morning. (barks while lifting hands, as iflo say, "I'm not sick.'') I know you're not sick now, but let's pretend you are some morning. (barks, as if to say, "Okay. '') Well, you could just moan and groan and whine and say, "I'm sick, This is awful. I feel bad," But, as a Bible-believing Christian dog, you have the right to use your faith against that sickness. God's Word promises you healing, So find a scripture, pray, and believe God's Word instead of how you feel. (barks, as if to say, "What ifi don't feel better right away?'') What if you don't feel better right away? I'm glad you asked that question, Sometimes you might not feel better immediately, But does that mean God didn't answer your prayer? No. God's Word can't lie, So you just say, "I thank God I'm healed, I may not feel better right now, but, by faith, I'm healed, because God's Word can't lie."...---, (barks, as if thinking about that) You see, Rovercomer, when you do that, you are walking by faith and not by sight. And if you keep on using your faith and believing the words of Jesus, you will always receive what you ask for. Your body has to receive God's healing when you walk by faith, Volume 2 9 Lesson 1

10 (barks, as if to say, What else will walking by faith provide?") What else will faith provide for you? God's promises cover everything-jike victory over the devil, wisdom to make good grades, providing all your needs in life, and a home in Heaven when we leave this world. Jesus loves us so much He wants to bless us in every area of life, but, He requires us to do one thing-walk by faith and not by sight, or the way things seem to appear. God's Word will change the appearance of things. (barks, pointing at blindfold teacher is holding) No, Rovercomer. You don't have to wear a blindfold through life to please God. You just need to walk by faith. That pleases God. (barks) (to children) He said, "Good. He's tired of running into things." (to Roverc6mer) Good-bye, Rovercomer. (exits) '-_ Volume 2 10 Lesson 1

11 ' " In the late 1700's, a daring sea captain known as Captain Faith, sailed the seven seas on a majestic ship named Salvation. The seas were trafficked by ships from several European countries and plagued by pirates and privateers. The perils awaiting those who sailed were many, making faith in God a necessity. The crew of the Salvation was made up of hardworking sailors, all of whom were loyal to Captain Faith. The men respected his leadership and his ability to follow God. The quartermaster, Mr. Smith, had been with the captain for over ten years. Having been through many life-and-death situations together, a strong friendship existed between the two men. A large, one-eyed parrot named Sir Charles could be found roaming anywhere onboard the ship, always acting as though he was the one in charge. Sir Charles bunked in the captain's quarters. "Captain' Captain!" Me Smith's call brought Captain Faith from his cabin to the deck. The early-morning mist was dissipating, revealing a ship resting on the water just a short distance away. "What flag is she flying, Mr. Smith?" asked the Captain. "Appears to be British, Sir," replied Mr. Smith. "Do you think some pirates are playing a trick?" questioned Captain Faith. "I don't believe so, Sir. They don't appear to be anned. " "Very well," said the Captain. "Pull up alongside her, and let's find OUi what the trouble is." The unknown captain and his crew stood waiting as the Salvation drew near the side of the British ship.,,, "Ahoy, Captain'" yelled Captain Faith. seems to be the trouble?" "What "Something's gone amiss with our ship,. rudder, " came the reply. "We've lost two men to the sea trying to repair it. We dropped anchor since we couldn't steer the ship. We've been here for seven days, hoping someone, such as yourselves, would come along and offer us some help. " "Let's have you board the Salvation and we'll see how we can help you," said Captain Faith. Within a few minutes, the two captains were formally introduced. The captain of the British ship, Captain Addison, was escorted to Captain Faith's quarters. "When we first laid eyes on your ship, we weren't sure,vhat to expect," said Captain Addison. "What do you mean?" questioned Captain Faith. "Pirates raise a red flag when they intend to show no mercy. Your flag is red, but you have a white cross in the middle ofit. " "The red stands for the Blood that Jesus shed on the cross-to redeem us from sin, " explained Captain Faith. "The fact that the white cross is empty stands for the glory ofgod-raising Jesus from the dead. " "I didn't know the church ofany country had a ship," said Captain Addison a bit perplexed. "They don't," said Captain Faith. "The Salvation doesn't sailfor any particular country. We sail for Heaven. We're under God's command. Whatever assignment He gives us, we carry out." "Are you priests?" asked Captain Addison. Captain Faith chuckled. "No, we're simply a group ofsailors who love the Lord." Just then a third party interrupted the conversation. "Awk, time to eat. Time to eat, awk'" Captain Addison turned to see Sir Charles perched just behind him. "Where did you come up with him?" he asked, staring at the unusual size ofsir Charles and wondering about the black patch covering one eye. Volume 2 11 Lesson 1

12 "A convert," smiled Captain Faith, 'from a run-in with some pirates. Be patient, Sir Charles. We'll be eating soon enough. There's business to attend to first. " As the two captains discussed the difficulties faced by the British ship, God began to ~ive some instructions to Captain Faith. The British ship s provisions were running low and would indeed run out long before they reached their destination, assuming the rudder could be fixed. "We're going to help you," Captain Faith assured Captain Addison as they returned to the deck. "Let me talk to my crew and then I'll make additional arrangements before we part company. ",., Captain Addison returned to his ship and Captain Faith called his entire crew together. "Men, the Captain ofthe British ship has shared their dilemma with me. They haven't enoughfood to continue their journey. God has put it into my heart to repair their rudder and give them our provisions. " A look of surprise crossed the faces of most of the crew members. One sailor raised his hand. "Begging the captain's pardon, but if we give them our provisions, what are we going to do for food?" "AliI can tell you, men, is anytime in the scriptures when God asked someone to give up theirfood, He always made miraculous provision. It's our part to obey God. It's His part to take care ofus. " "May I say a word, Captain?" said Mr. Smith. Captain Faith nodded. "I've been with the Captain longer than anyone on this ship. He's never sreered us wrong. Ifhe says God told him to do this, I believe him. and I can't wait to see what God is going to do. " "Are you sure you have enough food for you and your crew to make it to port?" asked Captain Addison. Captain Faith smiled, "I did what the Lord told me to do, Captain. He said ifi was willing and obedient, I would eat the good ofthe land. We'll have more than enough to make it." "We are forever in your debt, Captain Faith. Thank you for all ofyour help. " The two captains shook hands and set sail in different directions. Three days and nights passed a'nd the crew of the Salvation was getting pretty hungry. "Captain," said Mr. Smith, "some ofrhe crew are getting a little edgy. If we don't ger some food soon.,_" "We walk by faith and not by sight. Mr. Smith!" said Captain Faith firmly. "We did what rhe Lord said. He won't ler us down." "Yes. Sir," replied Mr. Smith. "Ship offthe starboard bow'" came the cry from the crow,' nesr. "Can you make out herflag, Mr. Smith?" asked Caprain Faith. "There is no flag, Sir," replied Mr. Smith, "and I can't see anyone on board either. " "Proceed wirh caution," instructed the Captain, "and ready the guns, just iii case." "Aye, aye, Sir," said Mr. Smith. As the Salvation drew closer to the unmarked ship, there was still no sign of anyone onboard. Drawing alongside, Mr. Smith and several crew members boarded her warily. A spirit of faith began to rise in the crew. "Let's do it, Captain. We're with you," they shouted in agreement. Men from both ships spent the next couple of hours working together, repairing the damaged rudder and transferring the provisions from the Salvation to the British ship. Captain Faith never let on to Captain Addison that he was giving them all of their provisions. After a thorough search, Mr. Smith called out, "She's completely abandoned, Captain' There's no one to be found anywhere. but there are plenty of provisions everywhere. I'm just guessing, but there appears to be enoughfor two months!" Ahuge cheer went up from the crew of the Salvation. "Bring aboard all we can use. Mr. Smith." said Captain Faith. "God has honored His Word because ofour obedience!" Volume 2 12 Lesson 1

13 MATERIALS NEEDED: Four packs of M & M's ~OW TO PLAY T~E GAME: 1. Choose two children, one from each side of the room, to come to the front of the classroom to answer questions. 2. Award 1,000 points for each correct answer. 3. After each correct answer, give that contestant four M & M's. Have them toss the M & M's up in the air, one at a time, and try to catch them in their mouths. Award 500 extra points for each successful catch. 4. After each correct answer, replace that child with one of their teammates and ask the next question from this week's review questions. 5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 until all the questions have been answered. 6. The team with the most points wins. REVIEW QUESTIONS: 1. Why was it important that there be enough wine at the wedding feast? 2. What did Jesus demonstrate He could be by attending the wedding? 3. When we don't have every1hing we need, what do we have an opportunity to do? 4. What did Mary tell the servants to do that's good advice for all of us? 5. What is faith in God? 6. Does God ever ask us to do something we cannot do? 7. What did the servants do that resulted in a miracle? 8. Why were the servants obedient with their actions? 9. If we believe God hears us when we pray, what should we do to act like it? 10. When does Jesus bless us and supply our needs? Volume 2 13 Lesson 1