Lesson 43 Judges through Esther Ages 8-11 Unit 9: The King Who Builds His Kingdom King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba KINGS AND KINGDOMS PART 2 THE WORSHIP, THE WORD, & THE WAY THE WORSHIP Who God is: The King Who Builds His Kingdom THE WORD Bible Story: 1 Kings 10:1-10 What He has done: God brought the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. Key Verse: 1 Kings 10:9 THE WAY Aim: To know God uses our actions to glorify Himself. Christ Connection: Matthew 5:16 BIBLE MEMORY VERSE With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6a, 8 (Grades 3-5) To The Teachers For your own encouragement this week, read Romans 11:33-36. Please join us in praying this week s Teacher s Prayer: Lord, just like King Solomon asked for wisdom, we ask You to grant wisdom to us and to the children we teach, that we might all bring You glory and point others to You. Amen. PREPARE PRESET (Before arrival) [] Chairs in a semi-circle or rows, preset pencils, note cards, [] Highlight 1 Kings 10:1-10 Bibles, Daily Way Lesson 43, highlighters and Matthew 5:16 in your Bible. [] Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 5:13 [] Read this Teacher s Guide. [] Bible Memory Verse Song: Do Justly [] Each week, be sure to reserve [] Scripture references 1 & 2 hidden behind curtain, secret door, etc. adequate time to cover THE [] Map showing Jerusalem, Israel and Ethiopia WORD, THE WAY, and The [] THE WAY: Treasure bag or box with five proverbs on five slips of paper. Golden Bowl. Then, as time See THE WAY for list of proverbs. allows, choose a Got Time? [] Bible Timeline: Solomon (Circa 970 B.C.) activity or create your own [] Treasure Treat: Wisdom Bookmark (Bookmark in the shape of a king s activity to illustrate the Bible crown or scepter printed with Proverbs 19:20.) Story, the Aim, or the Bible [] Got Time?: Balloons, paper, markers or printer, scissors, treasure bag or Memory Verse Song. box, chairs, fruit, crackers, drink, napkins, plates, cups, sturdy paper, fasteners (yarn, metal brads, or three ring notebook), hole punch, crayons, glue, assorted craft items, magazines to cut, book or model of King Solomon s temple, Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse poster, 47 toy blocks, labels (or strips of paper and tape) [] Worship Leader Elements: King City Chronicles Sketch or Storybook Lesson 43, Music Resources: The additional resources referred to in this lesson and supplemental materials are available at www.childrensministrywarehouse.net. Contents include the drama Sketches and Storybook chapters, Bible Memory Verse Songs, seasonal materials and so much more. To be a resource yourself, click on the Teacher s Blog tab to share your ideas with teachers worldwide. 1
1. THE WORSHIP (15 minutes) Worship Theme: The King Who Builds His Kingdom Use arrival time to connect with the children, creating an environment where they feel welcome. Use the Meet & Greet question to spark anticipation for today s focus. Meet & Greet Question: Who is the wisest person you know? We worship the King who builds His Kingdom. Today you ll hear about King Solomon, the wisest king in history. God chose King Solomon to build the beautiful temple where all the people could come together to worship and be with God. God gave exact directions on how to build it and what to put inside it. Close your eyes and picture what it was like as I read what God did during the people s celebration after the temple was completed. (Read 2 Chronicles 5:13. Sing I See The Lord, To Him Who Sits on the Throne, or Awesome God. ) Just as the people gave their offering at the temple, we give our offering here today. (Collect offering.) Our new Bible Memory Verse tells us that God wants us to live our lives as an offering by doing these three things: 1. To do justly which is to be fair. 2. To love mercy which is to be kind. 3. To walk humbly with God which is to give God credit for everything and to not be proud. Worship Elements: Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 5:13 Collect and lead prayer for an offering. Read Storybook or perform Sketch: King City Chronicles, Lesson 43. Song Suggestions: Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse Song: Do Justly Select songs that focus on our awe of God s presence: To Him Who Sits on the Throne www.childrensministrywarehouse.net I See The Lord Kids' Praise Worship Songs, Kids' Praise! Company In the Sanctuary Shout to the Lord Kids Awesome God Shout to the Lord Kids Bible Memory Verse Song Do Justly Micah 6:6a, 8 (NIV) (Verse) With what shall I come before the Lord And bow myself before the High God? With what shall I come before the Lord? Man is asking, always asking. But He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? (Chorus) But to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God. To do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God. To do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God. To do justly to love mercy to walk humbly with your God. (Repeat Verse) (Repeat Chorus) With your God. Sheet music and recordings available at www.childrensministrywarehouse.ne t. This is the children s opportunity to worship God with you. Designate a special corner or area for worship. As their role model for worship, lead by example, fully participating with the children as they worship. 2
2. THE WORD (5 minutes) The Queen of Sheba Praised God for King Solomon s Wisdom Transition: As you move from worship to instruction, change rooms or locations within a room to help children mentally and physically prepare for the lesson. For additional transition ideas and games see Got Time? at the end of this lesson or go to www.childrensministrywarehouse.net and click on Lesson 43, 2008. >Write your name on your card and place it in the Golden Bowl. Before we read God s Word, let s go over our Class Covenant. A covenant is an agreement. Just as God made a covenant with His people, I ask each of you to make this covenant promise with me today. Listen as I read our Class Covenant. (Read Class Covenant.) Class Covenant I will keep my on my teacher, my in control, my s on God s Word; knowing God is my goal. (If a Bible Timeline is available, point out Saul (Circa 1050 B.C.), David (Circa 1020 B.C.) and Solomon (Circa 970 B.C.). For Bible Timeline Review information, see Got Time?) Last time, we learned that David spared King Saul s life in the cave. What did David do when King Saul was in the cave? (He cut off a piece of King Saul s robe.) Why did David decide not hurt King Saul when he had the chance? (King Saul was chosen by God.) Who became king after Saul? (David.) David was a great king and warrior who ruled over God s people for 40 years. King David s son, Solomon, was the next king. When he first became king, King Solomon asked God for wisdom and for an understanding heart so he would be a wise king. People everywhere heard about the wisdom and riches of King Solomon. Today we ll learn about the Queen of Sheba who traveled all the way from Africa to test King Solomon s wisdom. (If map is available, point out Jerusalem, Israel and modern day Ethiopia which was once part of the ancient land of Sheba.) Let s play Find It First! Bring out your Bible; keep it right in front of you. (Hand out spare Bibles.) Today s Scripture verse is behind the curtain. (Or secret door, secret window, etc. Child unveils Scripture #1: 1 Kings 10:1-10.) Let s see who can Find It First! Ready? Set? Go! (Children race through the pages to find it first. The winner helps others find it.) Let s highlight our Key Verse: 1 Kings 10:9. Before we read, let s stand and ask God to open our eyes, ears, hearts and minds to His Word today. Who d like to pray that for us? (Child prays aloud.) Be seated. (Read 1 Kings 10:1-10.) Lift up God s Word: To create anticipation, conceal Scripture references for Bible Story and Christ Connection in a place of honor. Then unveil references for Find It First and Scripture reading. For more information, click on the Resources tab at www.childrensministrywarehouse.net. 3
3. THE WAY (13 minutes) We Are Known By Our Actions What had the Queen of Sheba heard about King Solomon? (King Solomon gave wise advice and had built an amazing, beautiful temple for the Lord.) King Solomon was known everywhere by those actions. We too, are known by our actions. Reputation is the word for the actions that we are mainly known by. Our actions can point others to our God. King Solomon s wise actions caused others to praise God. King Solomon gave us proverbs as wise advice about our actions. If we follow his wise advice, we ll be known by actions that point others to praise God. (Hold up a treasure bag or box with the five proverbs listed below printed on five individual slips of paper.) Five of King Solomon s proverbs are inside this treasure bag. These proverbs warn us against foolish actions and show us wise actions that point others to God. Let s pick a proverb from the bag, discover its meaning, and brainstorm ways to use this advice in our actions this week. (For the discussion below, children randomly choose from the five proverbs placed in the treasure bag or box.) Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Meaning: Obey right away instead of arguing, complaining, or trying to talk your way out of it. (Children give examples.) Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Meaning: You ll learn wisdom as you spend time with those who want to follow God s wisdom. You ll have trouble if you spend your time with the friends who just do whatever they please. Others will see you choose God s wisdom. (Children give examples.) Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to His glory to overlook an offense. Meaning: Forgive others. It shows others the forgiveness of God. (Children give examples.) Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Meaning: Instead of insisting on doing things your way, follow the directions of those who are wise. (Children give examples.) Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Meaning: Control your anger. It can make you look foolish, it hurts others, and you end up being very sorry for what you said and did. (Children give example.) *Teacher Tip: For a fun balloon game introducing these five proverbs, see Got Time? Popping Proverbs. CHRIST CONNECTION Connecting the Old Testament, the New Testament and Us What did the Queen of Sheba do when she saw King Solomon s wisdom, his treasures, and the temple and palace he had built? (She praised God.) King Solomon s wisdom and works showed her how amazing King Solomon s God was, so she praised God. Jesus explains this story one thousand years later. FIND IT FIRST> Everyone place your Bibles closed on your laps. (Choose a child to unveil Scripture #2: Matthew 5:16.) Let s see who can Find It First! Ready? Set? Go! Find it and highlight it. (Read Matthew 5:16.) 4
THE WAY continued GOLDEN BOWL Revelation 5:8 The Golden Bowl cont ains names of classmates, a local church leader and a child in another nation. The Bible says that our prayers are like sweet smelling incense in the golden bowls at God s throne. So I m going to lift each one of you up to God s throne out loud as you pray for each person silently. Then we ll pray out loud the Lord s Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13.) Let s pray. Lord God, we lift up to Your throne the name of each child here. We trust You to watch over us and our needs: the ones we say out loud and the ones hidden in our hearts. First, we lift up to You,, (read names in Golden Bowl). Now, we pray the prayer Your Son taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. FINAL FIVE When only 5 minutes remain, begin this segment. TREASURE TREAT Today, your Treasure Treat is a Wisdom Bookmark. Place it in your Bible in the book of Proverbs. To gain the wisdom of King Solomon, read one sentence from the book of Proverbs each day. DAILY WAY CHALLENGE Did anyone bring in their completed Daily Way from last time? (Praise or reward those who returned Daily Way; collect in basket.) Take home this week s Daily Way. (Distribute Lesson 43 Daily Way 5-day Bible study.) Complete this at home and let God speak to you through His own words in the Bible. Return it and place it in our class basket. When we fill the basket, we ll celebrate with a class surprise! OFFERING OF ART That s it for today. Thank you all for coming. Until your parent arrives, make an Offering of Art. For your offering, draw a picture of King Solomon talking with the Queen of Sheba. (The Offering of Art can be finished at home or given as an offering to the teacher for display.) BIBLE MEMORY VERSE SONG Play the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse Song in the background as children wait for their parents. Encourage them to sing along. PRAYER REQUESTS How can I pray for you this week? (As students work on their Offering of Art, write individual requests in your teacher s prayer notebook.) 5
4. GOT TIME? If time remains, choose from the connected activities below. LESSON ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES POPPING PROVERBS GETTING STARTED GAME PURPOSE: To introduce the story of King Solomon and his wise words from God called proverbs. SUPPLIES: One balloon and one small strip of paper per child, one chair for every five children, markers or printer, scissors, treasure bag or box PREPARE: For each group of five children, create a set of five proverbs by printing or writing each proverb below on a separate strip of paper. Place one strip of paper in each balloon, fully inflate balloons and tie to secure. Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. SAY> Every week we discover God s Word behind the curtain (or secret curtain or door). Today you will also discover some of God s Word hidden inside these balloons. These are words of wisdom called proverbs. First, we ll pop the balloons. Then, we ll take each proverb from the popped balloon, and place it in a treasure box or bag. Later today we will learn more about King Solomon and his proverbs. They are words of wisdom from God. 1. Divide children in teams of five players each. 2. Place team chairs in a large circle. Leave adequate space between team chairs so each team s balloons don t get mixed up. 3. Place one set of five balloons next to each team chair. 4. Have each team line up behind their team chair. 5. Place the treasure bag or box in the middle of the circle of chairs. 6. On your signal, all teams begin the race. 7. First child in line sits on one balloon from the set of five until it pops. 8. Next child in line finds the proverb from the popped balloon and runs to put it in the treasure box/bag. 9. That child returns to the team chair to pop a second balloon. 10. Next child in line finds the proverb from the popped balloon and runs to put it in the treasure box/bag. 11. Continue until all five children have popped a balloon and put a proverb in the treasure box/bag. 12. The goal is to be the first team to put all of five proverbs in the treasure box/bag. 6
GOT TIME? continued ROYAL SNACK SNACK PURPOSE: Children will eat a snack while personally connecting to the story. SUPPLIES: Fruit, crackers, drink, napkins, plates, cups SAY> If she stayed for dinner as his royal guest, King Solomon probably served delicious fruit, bread and beef or lamb to the Queen of Sheba. Have you wondered what people like King Solomon ate for dinner? What kind of things do you like to eat at a special dinner? Let s pretend we are having dinner with King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba! What would you serve the Queen of Sheba? SAY> King Solomon was known for his wisdom. That s why the Queen of Sheba came to see him. 1. Pass out snack and juice. 2. Child prays to thank God for the snack. 3. Ask the Meet & Greet Question: Who is the wisest person you know? SOLOMON S TEMPLE PURPOSE: Children visualize the scale and contents of King Solomon s temple. SUPPLIES: Bible, book or internet resource with a model of King Solomon s temple. Recommended resources: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Timelines (pages 156-159) or the Temple Pamphlet both available for purchase at www.rose-publishing.com. 1. Display illustration or model of King Solomon s temple. 2. Point out the altar and holy items inside the temple. 3. Refer to 1 Kings 6 for specific instructions from the Lord concerning temple décor and placement of holy items. 7
GOT TIME? continued FAVORITE PROVERBS BOOK: WISDOM APPLICATION CRAFT PURPOSE: For each child to make a book throughout Unit 9 containing a collection of proverbs related to the lesson topic for that week. SUPPLIES: Sturdy paper, fasteners (yarn, metal brads, or three ring notebook), hole punch, markers or crayons, glue, assorted craft items, magazines to cut PREPARE: Post the following proverbs where children can see to copy. Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. ASK> Why did the Queen of Sheba visit King Solomon? (She had heard about his wisdom.) God gave King Solomon wisdom. His wisdom was very famous. How did King Solomon s wisdom honor God? (Other people saw King Solomon s wisdom and wanted to praise God.) SAY> One way we know about King Solomon s wisdom is through his writings in the Bible books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Let s make a book of special proverbs to help us remember how to use our reputation to honor God, just like King Solomon. 1. Create a title page: write Favorite Proverbs in large letters. 2. SAY> King Solomon s wisdom helped him become rich with many treasures. Decorate your cover page and proverb pages with what you think are treasures. (Provide assorted craft supplies such as jewels, glitter and buttons as well as magazines for children to cut pictures of their favorite treasures.) 3. Copy the five proverbs onto five separate pieces of paper using one piece per proverb. 4. Place the proverb pages together in a neat stack with the title page on top. Make sure the page edges are even and punch three holes down the left side of the stack. 5. Fasten the book together. (For example: tie, or weave, yarn through the holes, use a metal brad in each hole and spread the prongs to secure, or provide each child with a three-ring binder notebook.) *Teacher Tip: This craft is designed as a continuous craft throughout Unit 9 with children bringing their books and adding new proverbs each week; however, each lesson s book can be created individually. 8
GOT TIME? continued PROVERBS CHALLENGE DISCUSSION PURPOSE: Children will further discover the proverbs King Solomon wrote. SUPPLIES: Bibles, highlighters 1. Children form teams of three or four. 2. Make sure each team has a Bible and a highlighter. 3. Have the children turn to the book of Proverbs. 4. Read some, or all, of the following challenges giving children a few minutes between each challenge to find and highlight a verse: Highlight a proverb that seems strange to you. Highlight a proverb that would be very hard to do. Highlight a proverb that you would love to do. Highlight your favorite proverb. 5. Teams share their answers and a quick explanation to the class for each answer. THE DIVIDED KINGDOM DISCUSSION PURPOSE: Children learn about King Solomon s sin and the dividing of his kingdom. SUPPLIES: None SAY> Even though King Solomon was wise, he made unwise choices in his life. He married wives who worshiped other gods, so he worshiped their gods. Because of this, in 930 B.C., God divided the kingdom into the kingdom of Judah and Israel. Following that, there were many kings of Judah and Israel. Some obeyed God, but many did not. The people disobeyed and so God let the Babylonians capture them and take them away. ASK> Why did King Solomon worship other gods? (His wives worshiped other gods.) What is the danger in spending most of your time with those who do not believe in the one true God? (It may encourage bad habits and doubt.) SAY> King Solomon wrote Proverbs 13:20, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. God views those who refuse to believe in Him as foolish. How does King Solomon s proverb prove to be true in his own life? (He and his people suffered harm by his foolish choice to be the companion to his wives who worshiped other gods.) 9
GOT TIME? continued BIBLE MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITIES Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse: With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you r God. Micah 6:6a, 8 BUILD THE WALL VERSE PURPOSE: Children learn the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse. SUPPLIES: Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse poster, 47 toy blocks, labels (paper strips and tape), marker or printer PREPARE: Print or write one word from the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse on individual labels or strips of paper. Stick one word on each block. Mix up the blocks. Display the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse poster. 1. Say the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse together several times. 2. Stack the blocks in a pile. 3. The children work together to stack the blocks in the correct order. 4. Read the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse together from the blocks. KINGDOM BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS PURPOSE: Children learn the meaning of the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse. SUPPLIES: Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse poster PREPARE: Display the Unit 9 Bible Memory Verse poster. ASK> What do you think a king s kingdom should look like? (Children respond.) God wants us to help Him build His Kingdom. God s Kingdom is different. It isn t made up of huge castles and walls that we need to build. God s Kingdom is filled with people who love and worship Him. SAY> You can help God build His Kingdom by helping Him fill it full of people. Each time we meet together, we learn more about how we can help build God s Kingdom by living our lives the way God wants us to live. When other people see how we are living for God, they might want to praise God and be a part of His Kingdom, too. ASK> Our Bible Memory Verse tells us three things we should do to help God build His Kingdom. What are those three things? (Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God.) What does it mean to act justly? (Be fair to everyone, don t have favorites or leave other people out.) What does it mean to love mercy? (Love to help other people in need.) How can you love mercy? (Children brainstorm examples.) What does it mean to walk humbly? (Don t brag or make yourself look better than other people.) 10
GOT TIME? continued BIBLE TIMELINE REVIEW PURPOSE: To review the recent Bible Stories studied to see the continuing story of God and His people. SUPPLIES: Bible Timeline (Many children s Bible Timelines are available for purchase. To create your own, see the Teacher Tip below.) PREPARE: Hang the Bible Timeline on a wall or other visible location. Point the Bible Timeline. Ask the corresponding questions below. Saul (Circa 1050 B.C.) God chose Saul to be the first king of Israel. Samuel anointed Saul. What does anoint mean? (To anoint someone means to put oil on a person to show that God has chosen him or her to do a special job for Him.) What happened to Saul s heart when the Holy Spirit came upon Saul in power? (God changed his heart.) David (Circa 1020 B.C.) David had been anointed by Samuel. David trusted God to save him from his enemies. What was the name of the giant Philistine that David defeated? (Goliath.) Who was David s true friend? (Jonathan.) What promise did they make to each other? (To show kindness to each other s families including their children and grandchildren.) What did the mighty men want David to do when King Saul entered the cave alone? (Kill him.) What did David do? (He cut of a piece of King Saul s robe.) Who did David trust to judge King Saul for his evil acts? (God.) Solomon (Circa 970 B.C.) King Solomon was the son of King David. He asked God for wisdom. What did King Solomon become famous for? (His wisdom and riches and for the temple and palace he built.) What did the Queen of Sheba do after King Solomon answered all her questions? (She praised God.) *Teacher Tip: How to create Bible Timeline 1. Print Lesson title or person s name with historical date (whenever available) on an index card. Before each lesson, add that new card to the timeline. 2. For a more colorful timeline, substitute index cards with pictures portraying key events, themes, or elements of each story, such as the pictures used in unveiling the weekly scripture in THE WORD segment of the lesson. 3. Dates can be included or omitted. Dates listed are approximations of the year of a major event in that person s life, or year of birth. 4. Attach card to wall or clothesline in the following order: Creation > Adam and Eve > Cain and Abel > Noah (Circa 2350.B.C.) > Babel > Abram and Lot (Circa 2100 B.C.)> Hagar and Ishmael > Abraham and Isaac (Circa 2050 B.C.) > Isaac and Rebekah > Jacob and Esau (Circa 1900 B.C.) > Joseph (Circa 1850 B.C.) > Moses (Circa 1500 B.C.) > Joshua (Circa 1450 B.C.) > Deborah (Circa 1350 B.C.) Deborah (Circa 1350 B.C.) > Gideon (Circa 1250 B.C.) > Samson (Circa 1150 B.C) > Ruth > Samuel (Circa 1100 B.C.) > Saul (Circa 1050 B.C.) > David (Circa 1020 B.C.) > Solomon (Circa 970 B.C.) 11