1st-2nd Grade (8:45am) March 15, 2015
Leader BIBLE STUDY Use Week of: 1 As the Passover celebration drew near, Jerusalem hummed with excitement. Everyone wondered if Jesus teacher, miracle-worker, and prophet would come for Passover. (John 11:56-57) The Passover meal was a permanent statute God intended for every Israelite family to observe each year. (See Ex. 12:1-28; Lev. 23:5-8.) But it was no secret the religious leaders were determined to kill Jesus. Jesus had warned His disciples what would happen this Passover. (Mark 10:33-34; Luke 18:31) On the first day of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked where Jesus wanted to prepare the Passover. Jesus sent Peter and John to sacrifice the lamb and told them to look for a man carrying a water jug. The man with a water jug would lead them to a large upstairs room. Carrying the water from the well was a woman s work in Jesus day. But Jesus already knew that Judas had agreed with the religious leaders to betray Him for money (Matt. 26:14-16), so He privately made the arrangements for Passover. Jesus wanted to share the Passover with His disciples before He suffered and died. (Luke 22:14-15) Peter and John took the unblemished lamb to be sacrificed at the temple as required by the law of Moses, then brought the portion that was to be eaten to the upper room. They prepared the traditional Passover of roasted lamb, bitter herbs dipped in salt water, unleavened bread, and wine. Jesus broke the bread and gave it to His disciples, This is My body, which is given for you (Luke 22:19). Then He passed the cup and said, This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you (Luke 22:20). Jesus told His disciples to eat in remembrance of Him. What was Jesus saying? What the sacrifice of the Passover lamb could not do take away sins once and for all the perfect Lamb of God was going to do. Jesus, the perfectly sinless Son of God, was going to take the punishment for sin upon Himself. (See Heb. 10:1-10.) Emphasize that as Jesus disciples prepared for Passover, Jesus prepared to die. In His death on the cross, Jesus made the sacrifice to take the punishment for sin. Jesus protects from God s wrath those who trust in Him. Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 1
Younger Kids BIBLE STUDY OVERVIEW Session Title: Preparation for Passover Bible Passage: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Key Passage: Romans 6:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. U N I T 32 1 Small Group Opening Welcome time Activity page (5 minutes) Session starter (10 minutes) Large Group Leader Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (5 minutes) Small Group Leader Key passage activity (5 minutes) Bible story review (10 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Additional suggestions for specific groups are available at gospelproject.com/kids/additional-resources. For free online training on how to lead a group, visit ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject. 2
The BIBLE STORY Preparation for Passover Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23 Jesus and His disciples were in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Long ago, God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. He sent ten plagues to Egypt. During the tenth plague, the firstborn of the Egyptians died. The Israelites smeared the blood of a lamb on their doorposts, and God kept them safe; He passed over their houses. God gave His people special instructions so they would remember the great things He had done for them. God told Moses that once a year, the Israelites should celebrate the Passover. God told His people when they should sacrifice a lamb for the Passover meal, how long they should eat bread without yeast, and when to give an offering to the Lord. The day came when the Jewish people were supposed to kill a lamb for the Passover meal. This day was the first day of a special time called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus sent two of His disciples, Peter and John, to get the meal ready. Jesus said to them, Go and get the Passover meal ready for us so we can eat it. Where do You want us to prepare the meal? Peter and John asked. Jesus told His disciples exactly what to do. Go into the city, He said, and you will meet a man carrying a jug of water. Follow him. Jesus said that the man would go to a house. He told Peter and John to talk to the man who owned the house and say, The Teacher wants you to show us the guest room where He can eat the Passover meal with His disciples. Jesus said that the homeowner would show Peter and John a large room upstairs with furniture in it. That was the place Jesus wanted them to get the Passover meal ready. So Peter and John did as Jesus said. They went into town, followed the man with the water jug, and they went to the upstairs room to get the Passover meal ready. When the Passover meal was prepared, Jesus and His disciples Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 3
reclined to eat. I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, Jesus said. For I tell you, I will not eat it again it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Then Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God for it, broke it, and then gave it to His disciples. This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me, Jesus said. Then He took the cup after supper and said, This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you. Jesus showed His disciples with the bread and the drink that He is the true Passover Lamb. Jesus was going to be betrayed by one of His disciples. He would be arrested, and He would suffer. Then He would die on the cross to take the punishment for the sins of the world. On the third day, He would rise from the dead. The new covenant says that anyone who turns away from sin and trusts in Jesus death and resurrection will be forgiven of his sins and will have eternal life with Jesus. Christ Connection: Passover is a special meal to celebrate how God delivered His people from Egypt. Only God s covenant people could observe Passover. (Ex. 12:43-49) But God s people did not keep the covenant. God sent Jesus to earth to make a new covenant. As Jesus disciples prepared for Passover, Jesus prepared to die. On the cross, Jesus brought forgiveness and made the way for people to know and love God again. Want to discover God s Word? Get Adventure! Invite kids to check out today s devotional to discover how Jesus used the Old Testament writings to show His disciples why He had to die on the cross and rise from the dead on the third day. At the Passover meal, Jesus said He would die and be raised to bring salvation. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/devotionals. 4
Small Group OPENING Session Title: Preparation for Passover Bible Passage: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Key Passage: Romans 6:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Welcome time Arriving Activity: Way back when As kids arrive, prompt them to take turns sharing things they remember. Ask questions such as Do you remember the yuckiest food you ve ever eaten? or Do you remember the best birthday present you ve ever received? If kids are able to recall specific details of their experiences (smells, sounds, and so on), invite them to share. Say You have some good memories! Get ready to put your memories to use today as we learn about something Jesus did long ago. LOW PREP Session starter (10 minutes) Action cues Invite kids to spread out. Explain that when you say the following words, they should complete the action: apple clap your hands; airplane jump up and down; puppy march in place. Lead kids to practice the actions as you say the words. Then randomly say the words, giving kids the chance to respond with the correct action. Consider allowing a volunteer to take a turn calling out words. Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 5
Say Did you remember what you were supposed to do when you heard each word? Today we will hear a Bible story about something Jesus told His friends to remember whenever they had a special meal. Transition to large group 6
Large Group LEADER Session Title: Preparation for Passover Bible Passage: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Key Passage: Romans 6:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. room decorations Tip: Select decorations that fit your ministry and budget. countdown video leader attire Bible cloth Tip: To make a Bible times tunic, fold a twin-size sheet in half. Cut a V-shaped hole wide enough to fit your head through. Slip into the tunic ponchostyle and tie a rope around your waist. Suggested Theme Decorating Ideas: Simulate a Bible times marketplace in your classroom. Consider positioning a canopy tent at the front of the room. Arrange various props such as woven baskets, terra-cotta pots or planters, wood chairs, low tables, rugs or blankets, and pillows or cushions in the teaching area. Countdown Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins. Introduce the session (1 minute) [Large Group Leader enters wearing a robe or tunic fashioned from a sheet and carrying a Bible wrapped in cloth.] Leader Hello, everyone! I am so glad to see you. Wait until I show you what I ve uncovered! [Unwrap and show Bible.] The Bible! I hope you brought your Bible today. I bet you know that the Bible is full of stories. All of the stories in the Bible are very good stories! Do you know why? Because they are all true! They really happened! Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 7
Timeline Map Timeline map (1 minute) Leader [Flip through the pages of the Bible.] In any good story, there is always a climax. A climax is the most important part of a story. Everything that happens at the beginning of the story leads up to it, and everything at the end of the story is because of it. We have almost reached the biggest event of the Bible, Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. All the stories in the Bible tell God s one big story God s plan to rescue His people thorough the death and resurrection of Jesus, His Son. Let s take a look at where we are on our timeline map. In today s Bible story, Jesus told His disciples to prepare for the Passover meal. He told them to look for a man carrying a water jug. Do you see a picture with a man carrying a water jug? There it is! Big picture question (1 minute) Leader The Passover meal was a very special meal to the Jewish people. They celebrated it every year to remember how God rescued them from the Egyptians. Jesus was about to forever change the way those who believe in Him celebrate the Passover meal. Our big picture question is What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Pay close attention to find out the answer! Look and See song Sing (5 minutes) Leader Passover was a very important celebration. People still celebrate the Passover today. Those who trust in Jesus celebrate Him, remembering His death and resurrection. Let s sing this song to celebrate Jesus together. Sing together Look and See. 8
Key Passage Slide or Poster Alive Forever song Preparation for Passover video Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Key passage (4 minutes) Leader Our key verse for this unit comes from the Book of Romans. Romans is a letter that Paul wrote to the church in Rome. Paul became a follower of Jesus several years after Jesus rose from the dead. Paul helped the Roman believers understand that the gospel is all about Jesus. Let s see what He said in this verse. Show the slide or poster of the key passage, Romans 6:9. Lead the kids to read the verse. Sing Alive Forever. Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Leader Today s Bible story is found in Matthew 26; Mark 14; and Luke 22. Turn to Luke 22. Be sure to listen for the answer to the big picture question, What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Show the Preparation for Passover video, or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text. Leader When God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians, He gave them very specific instructions on what to eat: a roasted lamb that does not have any spots or blemishes and unleavened bread. The Israelites were to put the blood of that lamb on their doorposts so they would be safe. God told His people to eat that meal every year to remember how He freed them. God has a reason for everything He tells His people to do. He never does anything just because. The Passover meal was about much more than just God s rescue of the Israelites. He knew His Son would eat that meal before He performed the biggest rescue of all time one that would rescue the entire world from the power of sin once and for all. Jesus said the unleavened bread was like His body and Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 9
that the drink was like His blood. Why do you think God had the Israelites eat a lamb that was perfect? Because Jesus is perfect and sinless. Why do you think God had the Israelites put the blood of that perfect lamb on their doorposts to save them? Because Jesus would shed His perfect blood to save all people. The Passover meal would remind the people of how God rescued them from the Egyptians. The Lord s Supper would remind people of how God sent His very own Son to save people for eternity. What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Ask the following questions: 1. What was the man carrying whom the disciples were supposed to follow? (water jug, Luke 22:11) 2. Where did Jesus and the disciples eat the Passover meal? (a furnished upstairs room, Luke 22:12) 3. What did Jesus say about the bread? ( This is My body, Luke 22:19) 4. What did Jesus say about the cup? ( This is the cup of the new covenant in My blood, Luke 22:20) 5. What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Unit 32 Session 1 discussion starter video Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Leader You are all so good at remembering what happened in the Bible story. Let s check out this video. Show the Unit 32 Session 1 video. Leader Does anyone remember what you ate for breakfast 15 days ago? Well, that s OK because it is not very important. But remembering Jesus is very important! 10
Jesus wants us to remember His death and resurrection. When Jesus died on the cross, He took the punishment we deserve for our sin. By trusting in Him, we become a part of God s family and will live with Him forever. The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian. Big Picture Question Slide or Poster Prayer (5 minutes) Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader Let s say the big picture question and answer together. What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that God will help kids remember the gospel every day. Dismiss to small groups Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 11
The Gospel: God s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means good news. It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. 12
Small Group LEADER Session Title: Preparation for Passover Bible Passage: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23 Big Picture Question: What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Key Passage: Romans 6:9 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Key Passage Slide or Poster dry erase board and markers (optional) Bibles, 1 per kid Small Group Visual Pack Big Picture Question Slide or Poster play dough Key passage activity (5 minutes) Make sure the key passage, Romans 6:9, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. Form two groups of kids. Lead the first group to say the first two or three words of the key passage, and then prompt the second group to echo the words. Continue saying and echoing a few words at a time until kids say the entire verse. Say What a special verse! Jesus died on the cross, and He was raised from the dead. Jesus is still alive today! The Bible says that when we trust in Jesus, death will not rule over us either. Our physical bodies will not last forever as they are right now, but we will live forever with God. Bible story review (10 minutes) Encourage the kids to find Mark 14 in their Bibles. If kids need help, show them how to use the table of contents. Guide boys and girls to find verse 14 and put their fingers on the first word of the verse. Use the small group visual pack to show kids where Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 13
today s Bible story is on the timeline. Review the Bible story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own words. Then give each kid a lump of play dough to review. Challenge kids to form from the dough the answer to each review question. 1. What animal was supposed to be killed for the Passover meal? (a lamb, Mark 14:12) 2. What did Jesus say the man in the city would be carrying? (a water jug, Mark 14:13) 3. What food did Jesus break apart at the meal? (bread, Mark 14:22) 4. What did Jesus give the disciples to drink from? (a cup, Mark 14:23) Say The bread and cup remind us of Jesus body and blood. Jesus wants us to remember that He died on the cross to rescue us from sin. Through His death on the cross, Jesus brought forgiveness and made the way for people to know and love God again. Show the big picture question slide or poster. Say What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Activity choice (10 minutes) Passover Thaumatropes scissors markers unsharpened pencils tape Passover thaumatropes Cut apart the Passover thaumatropes discs and give each kid one bread disc and one cup disc. Invite kids to color the pictures. Then help each kid tape the discs (drawing sides out) to the opposite sides of a pencil. Tape around the edges of the discs to secure them to the pencil. 14
Demonstrate how to spin the pencil back and forth between your hands. A thaumatrope makes the two pictures appear to merge. Kids should see a cup and loaf of bread next to each other. Say Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal. At the meal, Jesus gave the bread and the cup to His disciples. What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. The bread reminds us of Jesus body, and the cup reminds us of His blood. journals Journal Page, 1 per kid markers or crayons Bible Story Coloring Page Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute each child s journal and the journal page provided with this session. Instruct the kids to draw a picture of friends eating a meal together. Writers can write something they want to remember about today s Bible story. Make sure each child puts this week s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. Say Jesus told His disciples that He was going to die before He was even arrested. Jesus was getting ready to do the most important thing God had sent Him to earth to do: to die on the cross for our sins. Let s never forget this great gift! If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for Jesus giving up His life so that sinners could be forgiven. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help them remember the truth of the gospel. Younger Kids Bible Study Leader Guide Unit 32 Session 1 15
Journal Page Key Passage: Romans 6:9 Session 1: Preparation for Passover Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23 Session 2: The Last Supper John 13 17 Session 3: The Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Session 4: Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection Matthew 26:36 28:10; John 18:1 20:18 OK TO PRINT
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Romans 6:9 Unit 32 Key Passage Poster (ESV) OK TO PRINT
What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Unit 32 Session 1 Big Picture Question OK TO PRINT
What did Jesus tell His disciples about the bread and cup at supper? Jesus said to eat the Lord s Supper to remember Him. Unit 32 Session 1 Big Picture Question OK TO PRINT
Unit 32 Session 1 Preparation for Passover OK TO PRINT
Instructions: In today s Bible story, Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples. Circle the 8 items that would NOT have been at this Passover meal. UNIT 32 Session 1 Younger Kids Activity Pages
Preparation for Passover Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23
Today we will be tasting/ touching/sniffing: Please notify the leader if your child should not participate. Instructions: Print this poster. You may laminate it and reuse it throughout the quarter. Use a dry erase marker to fill in the necessary information. Display the poster where parents and kids can see it before class. Unit 32 Allergy Alert OK TO PRINT
Passover Thaumatropes Instructions: Cut apart the discs and give each kid one bread disc and one cup disc. Unit 32 Session 1 Younger Kids Bible Study OK TO PRINT