Jesus Sends out the Disciples - PDF Free Download

Sunday, January 31, 2016 Jesus Sends out the Disciples Mark 6:1-29 Mark 6:12 Jesus went to his hometown of Nazareth and was rejected by the people there. Even when he was turned away, Jesus showed love to others. Jesus disciples were sent, two by two, to preach, teach and heal. Synagogue Prayer After completing this lesson, students will be able to: Recognize a synagogue as both a gathering place and a place of learning by comparing it to their own schools, homes, community centers and churches. Identify the forward and backward movements in Christ s ministry by engaging in an active re-telling of the Bible text. Describe the value and purpose of individual prayer by engaging in a structured, contemplative prayer activity. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 1

Activities a la Carte Activities Into the Story I Know You Two truths and a lie. Supplies 10 min. Paper Pencils Bible Nuts and Bolts Synagogue More than just a church. 10 min. Whiteboard or large sheet of paper Markers Learning the Story Jesus Sends out the Disciples Forward and backward motion. 15 min. Activity Sheet Sheet #2-20.A Living the Story My Crazy Life Prayer Praying through life s ups and downs. 15 min. A variety of small objects (see note in lesson) Contemplative music (optional) Quiet bell or noisemaker (optional) 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 2

Activities a la Carte Activities Additional Activities Packing my Suitcase Traveling light. God Never Gives Up! Create a thaumatrope. Student Bible Book: Jesus Sends out the Disciples Students continue their own Bible story book! Supplies 15 min. Paper Pencils or pens Bible 15 min. Unlined white index cards. Markers Plastic straws Clear tape 10 min. Each student s binder Copies of Activity Sheet #2-20.B A three-hole punch Pens Markers and/or crayons A sample page Closing Prayer 5 min. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 3

Background for Teachers Story Connections Reading the book of Mark can feel exhausting. Jesus is constantly walking to another town, climbing in a boat to cross the sea, and healing the sick. It seems that he comes to perform a task or share a message and then moves on to his next task with incredible speed to his next task. Last week, he dramatically brought a young girl back to life, yet when he arrives in his hometown of Nazareth, he is recognized not as a miracle-worker but as one of the kids from the neighborhood who is all grown up. Even as his own people reject him, Jesus continues his fast-paced ministry of showing love to others and, then, of sending his disciples into the world, two by two, to do the same. Story Summary: Jesus Sends out the Disciples When Jesus and his disciples arrived in Nazareth, he began to teach on the Sabbath as he had done many times before. But this time, people questioned what he was saying and, especially, what authority he had to say it. In the midst of their doubt and discouragement, Jesus didn t back down or walk away. Instead he commissioned and sent out the disciples with the power to proclaim and heal. Bible Nuts and Bolts: Synagogue While we often think of a synagogue as a church of the early believers, it was actually more of a community center. The word synagogue refers not only to the location where people came together, but also to the gathering or assembly itself. It was a place for teaching, preaching, and building relationships. Students will have the opportunity to compare a synagogue of Jesus time with some of the places they gather with friends and family to learn and enjoy one another s company. Story Themes Any passage of Scripture has innumerable themes and lessons for the student. However, a single lesson cannot cover everything. The following themes are the focus of this lesson. Jesus went to his hometown of Nazareth and was rejected by the people there. Jesus surprised people when he taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath. People were perplexed by his message but even more so by how someone so common could have gain his authority. This is just the son of Mary. What could he possibly have to say that is important? Even when he was turned away, Jesus showed love to others. Even as he is described as amazed at their unbelief, Jesus continued to teach. Though they didn t encourage him, Jesus even took his teaching up a notch by sending his disciples out with the message he had to share and passing his authority on to them. Jesus continued to show love and compassion even in the face of rejection. Jesus disciples were sent, two by two, to preach, teach and heal. In the midst of unbelief, Jesus only ramped up his message and shared it with more people. The disciples repeated Jesus message of repentance as well as his love shown through acts such as healing and the casting out of demons and healings. Spiritual Practice: Prayer In the midst of his activities and even his rejection, Jesus was able to continue his work and mission. Just like him, we experience ups and downs in our own daily lives. One way many people have found to endure the struggles of life and find the strength to keep moving is through prayer. Today, the students have the opportunity to reflect on the ups and downs in their own lives and engage in a quiet prayer time with God. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 4

Lesson #2-20 (3rd-6th) January 31, 2016 Lesson Plan Into the Story (10 minutes) I Know You Two truths and a lie. You will need: Paper Pencils During class: 1. I m glad to see you all today! We are going to start off the session today by playing a short game to see how well we know each other. 2. Divide students into pairs. If possible, have some pairs that know each other well and other pairs of students that are less familiar with one another. 3. Pass out a piece of paper and a pencil to each student. 4. Without letting your partner see what you are doing, I am going to ask you to write down two things about yourself that are true on your piece of paper and one thing about yourself that is not true. Make sure you don t write down which sentences are true and which one is false! Give examples such as the following: I have two sisters and one brother. I was born outside of the United States. My dog s name is Sparky. 5. When everyone has three things written on their paper, you will trade your paper with your partner. This game will be the most fun if you write down facts you think the other person doesn t know about you. In other words, try to trick your partner! 6. Allow time to finish and then have students exchange papers with their partners. 7. Read the sentences that your partner write and circle the sentence you think is not true. Then write down how sure you are that you have picked the right sentence absolutely sure, mostly sure, a little sure or not-at-all sure. 8. Once everyone has finished, go around the room and have each student read the sentences on the paper that their partner wrote and share their guess with the class. Their partner should verify whether they guessed correctly or not. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 5

9. After everyone has shared, note whether or not the students who guessed correctly were more sure of their answers. 10. This is a fun game to see how well we know each other. Some of you were very tricky and wrote down things nobody knew about you. Others were a little easier. It s also easier when you know somebody well to make a good guess. Allow students to share stories about how they knew what to guess or which guesses were lucky ones. 11. In the story we will talk about today, Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth after he had been teaching and preaching and healing people all over the place. But they had a hard time trusting him and listening to him. They thought they knew who he was: Mary s son from across the village. Because they already thought they knew everything about him, it was hard for them to believe that he was someone special: the Son of God. Bible Nuts and Bolts (10 minutes) Synagogue More than just a church. You will need: Whiteboard or large sheet of paper Markers Before class: 1. Divide the paper or whiteboard into four sections using the marker. In the upper left corner of each section write one of the following words: Home, Church, School and Community Center. (Teacher note: If you don t have something called a community center consider using a different term such as Park or Gym or wherever families may gather in your area.) During class: 1. I have divided this paper into four sections. Together, let s brainstorm about what types of things we do in each of these four places. 2. Try to get at least four activities listed in each area. Possibilities include: share meals, read, learn, worship God, teach, proclaim, have fun, go to class, play, etc. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 6

3. In today s reading, it says that Jesus goes to the synagogue. What is a synagogue? [A church. A gathering place.] We often think of synagogues as Jewish churches. The word synagogue, in Greek, means a gathering or an assembly. It can also mean the building that people gather in. 4. When I look at our list of things that we do at home, church, school and other gathering places, I see a lot of things that happened in a synagogue. It was more like a community center than just a church building. 5. In the New Testament, there are many times you will read about Jesus or Paul or the disciples going to the synagogue. When you do, you can think of it not only as a church building but also as a gathering place for learning, fun, and connecting with one another. Learning the Story (15 minutes) Jesus Sends out the Disciples Forward and backward motion. You will need: Activity Sheet #2-20.A During class: 1. Today s story about Jesus tells about times that Jesus took a step forward in his ministry as well as times that Jesus took a step backward in his ministry. I m going to read the story to you while you step forward and back as you hear about what happened. 2. Have students stand up and form a circle so they are about an arm s width away from one another. Explain that when you tell them about a healing or proclamation or something Jesus does that helps people believe in God s great love, they should take a step forward (making the circle smaller). When there is an obstacle to his work or unbelief, they can take a step backwards (away from one another). 3. Use Activity Sheet #2-20.A to complete the activity. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 7

4. Sit down and engage in a discussion using some of the following questions: 1. Have you ever felt like you were trying to do something and you had both forward and backward steps before you reached your goal? [Accept all answers.] 2. Do you think it is true that people aren t as well regarded or respected in their own hometown? [Accept all answers.] 3. How did it feel when you had to step backwards after being able to go forward? [Frustrating. Discouraging.] 4. Can you think of other problems Jesus had in his ministry? [Pharisees who wanted him to follow their laws. Disciples who didn t always understand what he was doing. Being beaten. Crucifixion.] 5. Jesus came to earth to share God s love with the world and it wasn t an easy job. Jesus had all kinds of obstacles in his way. The most obvious one is that people actually put him to death on the cross. One important thing to remember about Jesus is that, even in the midst of trouble, he continued to share God s love with the world. And, ultimately, through his own death and resurrection, he was able to share God s love in a life-giving and lifechanging way. Living the Story (15 minutes) My Crazy Life Prayer Praying through life s ups and downs. You will need: A variety of small objects that represent typical ups and downs in students lives Contemplative music, optional Quiet bell or noisemaker, optional Note: Small items may include: a report card, a dollar bill, a friendship bracelet, a small ball, an adhesive bandage, a world map, a family tree, etc. It is best to have at least as many items as students in your class. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 8

During class: 1. Place the variety of items you have gathered in the middle of the table. Ask each student to pick up one item and hold it. 2. I brought these items today because they can represent good or bad things in your life. For example, the report card may bring distress to some of you because your grades aren t as good as you would like or as good as your parent(s) would like. For others, a report card makes you feel proud of your hard work and good about your accomplishments. 3. Have students take turns telling what their item might mean to different people. They do not need to share their own joys and sorrows but if they do, make sure to help the class respond with sensitivity and empathy. 4. We are going to spend five to ten minutes in silent prayer. You will hold your object and speak to God silently about the joy or sorrow you associate with that item. I can imagine that you would have a lot to say to God about some of the items and very little about others. 5. When you finish with an item, you can set it in front of the person to your right. That will be their sign that they can pick it up when they are ready for it. If you finish with an item and you do not have another one yet, this is your opportunity to be creative and talk to God about anything you would like. (Teacher Note: If you prefer, you can use a small bell or noisemaker to signal a time to pass objects and keep everyone in sync.) 6. When each student has an object and is ready begin the prayer: Our heavenly father, you have told us that we can come to you in our joys and in our sorrows. We can come to you when we have a lot to say and when we only have a little. Thank you for your promise to listen and your desire to know us better. Now, in this silence, we each lift up our own prayers to you. 7. Give students time to pray silently. Turn on some contemplative music, if desired. 8. When students have passed around the items, close the prayer: Your son taught us that we can ask you anything and we can tell you anything. Thank you for listening to our prayers and loving each one of us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 9

Additional Activities Packing my Suitcase (15 minutes) Traveling light. You will need: Paper Pencils or pens Bible During class: 1. Ah imagine we could take off for a trip to see a different part of the world right now! Sounds great, doesn t it? In order to do that, though, we need to make some plans and preparations. The first thing I would like you to do is get in travel groups of two to four people. 2. Help students divide themselves into small groups. 3. Now that you know who you are traveling with, it s time to select your destination. Take a couple minutes to talk about options and then choose one as a group. 4. After each group has selected their destination, give them a paper and pencil. Ask them to write the numbers 1-20 down the left hand side of the paper. 5. Now talk about what you will do when you get there, what you expect the weather to be like, and what you will need. You may write 20 things that you will need to pack to take along with you. 6. Give students a few minutes to write what they would take along, helping them consider some important items they wouldn t want to be without. Empathize with the groups that struggle to keep it at 20 items. 7. Now, you have just gotten a notice from the travel agent that you cannot take all 20 items. You can only take ten items. Work together to determine the ten most important items on your list and cross off the others. 8. After groups have done this, take it one more step. Apparently, the trip has been overbooked. In order for there to be space for all the people, you have to cut down to five items. Give groups a few more minutes to try to get down to only five items to take along. 9. When finished (or as close as they can get), have groups share their five items with the class. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 10

10. It is really challenging to narrow down what you want to take with you, isn t it? I bet when Jesus disciples went out two by two in today s story, they could have struggled, too. 11. Have students look up Mark 6:8-9. One student can read it aloud. 12. What did Jesus tell his disciples to take? [A staff and sandals.] 13. What did Jesus specifically tell them not to take? [Bread. A bag. Money. Two tunics.] 14. How would you feel setting off for a trip far from home without money or a suitcase or any food? [Not well prepared. Worried. Scared.] 15. Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples to do this? [Accept all answers, but especially encourage students to talk more when they mention the fact that it forced them to depend on and trust other people.] 16. Jesus was sending the disciples out to do some very important work: telling people about God s incredible love and healing them. Yet, he didn t let them take along all the things that would ensure their safety and success like money or food. Jesus knew something that it s easy for us to forget: that being forced to work with other people or depend on other people can build relationships. It can help us know one another better and trust one another more. It is when we know other people, and love and trust them that we know God s love best. God Never Gives Up! (15 minutes) Creating a thaumatrope. You will need: Unlined white index cards Markers Plastic straws Clear tape During class: 1. Pass out one index card to each student and sent markers in the middle of the table. We are going to create what is called a thaumatrope (THO-ma-trope) today. The first step is to think of two things that would be connected with one another. Help students think of things they can draw that would be together: fish and a bowl, a plant and a pot, etc. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 11

2. On one side of the index card, draw one of the items right in the middle of the card. On the other side, draw the other item again, right in the middle of the card. 3. Tape the card to the top of the straw. The straw should be upright (as if it were in a glass of water) and the card on top if it so the pictures are also upright. 4. Show students how to spin the straw between their hands so the pictures rotate quickly. Keep looking at the card. They will be amazed that they can see both images as one. 5. This happens because of what is called visual persistence. When the pictures move so quickly, your eyes and brain can t quite keep up. Your brain holds on to the image for a part of a second just long enough to see the other picture. They blend together and you see both things at once. 6. Do you know what that word persistence means? [Sticking with something. To continue. To last or endure.] When your vision is persistent, it continues to see something even when it isn t there anymore. 7. In today s Bible story, Jesus was persistent. How was he persistent? [He endured in his work of sharing God s love. Even when people didn t believe him, he kept preaching and teaching.] We have eyes that are a little persistent. Many of us are persistent when there is something we really really want. Jesus was amazingly persistent in spreading God s love even when people rejected, persecuted, and even killed him. And God continues to be very persistent continuing to show us love and mercy even when we don t deserve it. God is so persistent that God will never ever stop loving you no matter what. That s very good news! Student Bible Book: Jesus Sends out the Disciples (10 min) Students continue their own Bible story book! You will need: Each student s binder Copies of Activity Sheet #2-20.B on 8.5 x 11 cardstock paper or plain paper A three-hole punch Pens Markers and/or crayons A sample page (See below) 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 12

Before class: 1. Create a sample page using the instructions below to demonstrate to students approximately what their page should look like. 2. You may copy the activity sheet onto the cardstock, or just have students write it all themselves. During class: 1. Hand out one piece of cardstock paper and a pen to each student. 2. Show students the sample page you made before class. 3. Today we are going to continue making our own Bible book! 4. If you did not copy the activity sheet onto the cardstock, instruct students to write the name of the story on the top of their page (in portrait orientation) and write the passage underneath the title. 5. What are some of the important things we have learned from this story? [Answers will vary, see story themes for suggested answers] 6. On the bottom of your page, please write one or two important things that you have learned from this story. In the middle of the page, draw a picture from the story or illustrate one of your important things you ve learned. 7. When students are finished, have them put their names on the back and collect the pages. Three-hole punch the papers and put them in individual binders for each student to be kept at church until the end of the year. Closing Prayer Before ending class, make a point to come together to pray. Use the following or say your own prayer. Allow any students who would like to include a personal prayer to do so at the appropriate time. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 13

Lesson #2-20 (3rd-6th) January 31, 2016 Jesus Sends out the Disciples Have students stand up and form a circle so they are approximately an arm s width away from the person next to them. Read the following script and encourage them to take a step forward when Jesus ministry is progressing and God s love is shared and to take a step backward when there is an obstacle in Jesus ministry. Jesus came into his hometown, Nazareth, and his disciples followed him. Step forward. On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue and many who heard him were amazed. Step forward Some said, Where did this man get his wisdom? Isn t this the son of Mary? Aren t his brothers and sisters around? They got upset at what he was saying. Step backward. Jesus said, Prophets are honored and listened to except in their own hometown and in their own homes. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. Step backward. Then Jesus went to other villages and started teaching. Step forward. He called his twelve disciples and sent them out two-by-two so they could teach and heal others. Step forward. Jesus had them take nothing with them except a walking stick no food or money or extra clothing. He said, Go and stay about people s houses as long as you are welcome. If they do not welcome you, move on to the next place. So the disciples went and proclaimed God s love. Step forward 14 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

The Story @ Home Narrative Lectionary, Year 2 Story Connections Reading the book of Mark can feel exhausting. Jesus is constantly walking to another town, climbing in a boat to cross the sea, and healing the sick. It seems that he comes to perform a task or share a message and then moves on to his next task with incredible speed. Last week, he dramatically brought a young girl back to life. Yet when he arrives in his hometown of Nazareth, he is recognized not as a miracle-worker but as one of the kids from the neighborhood who is all grown up. Even as his own people reject him, Jesus continues his fast-paced ministry of showing love to others and, then, of sending his disciples into the world, two by two, to do the same. Story Summary: Jesus Sends out the Disciples When Jesus and his disciples arrived in Nazareth, he began to teach on the Sabbath as he had done many times before. But this time, people questioned what he was saying and, especially, what authority he had to say it. In the midst of their doubt and discouragement, Jesus didn t back down or walk away. Instead he commissioned and sent out the disciples with the power to proclaim and heal. Bible Nuts and Bolts: Synagogue While we often think of a synagogue as a church of the early believers, it was actually more of a community center. The word synagogue refers not only to the location where people came together, but also to the gathering or assembly itself. It was a place for teaching, preaching, and building relationships. Your child had the opportunity to compare a synagogue of Jesus time with some of the places friends gather and families learn and enjoy one another s company. Story Themes Any passage of Scripture has innumerable themes and lessons for the student. However, a single lesson cannot cover everything. The following themes are the focus of this lesson. Jesus went to his hometown of Nazareth and was rejected by the people there. Jesus surprised people when he taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath. People were perplexed by his message and even more so by how someone so common could have his authority. This is just the son of Mary. What could he possibly have to say that is important? Even when he was turned away, Jesus showed love to others. Even as he is described as amazed at their unbelief, Jesus continued to teach. Though they didn t encourage him, Jesus even took his teaching up a notch by sending his disciples out with the message he had to share and passing his authority on to them. Jesus continued to show love and compassion even in the face of rejection. Jesus disciples were sent, two by two, to preach, teach and heal. In the midst of unbelief, Jesus only ramped up his message and shared it with more people. The disciples repeated Jesus message of repentance as well as his love shown through acts such as healing and the casting out of demons. Spiritual Practice: Prayer In the midst of his activities and even his rejection, Jesus was able to continue his work and mission. Just like him, we experience ups and downs in our own daily lives. One way many people have found to endure the struggles of life and find the strength to keep moving is through prayer. Today, your child reflected on the ups and downs in life and engaged in a quiet prayer time with God. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

LIVING THE WORD Try it @ HOME Jesus has traveled and taught and healed with immediacy in the first chapters of Mark. Last week, we heard about Jesus dramatically bringing a young girl back to life. Certainly people were talking about this man who seems so full of power and wisdom. Yet, when he returns home to Nazareth in today s lesson, his authority is questioned and the lack of belief is made clear. Jesus persists and sends out the twelve to share the good news of God s love even in the midst of doubt. Next week we hear Peter s confession of Jesus as the Messiah and the first foretelling of his own death and resurrection. This man who casts out demons with might and heals with love is the same who willingly gives up his life for the world. As you hear and study these stories each week, consider what God has to say to you and your family. Help your children to imagine what it would have been like to be the people contained in the stories. What is God s message to them and to us? Pick a time each day to gather together and read the following excerpts that share stories of disciples sharing God s love with the world. Engage in a few activities that help you better understand God s message of love and hope for you. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Matthew 12:1-8 Matthew 14:22-33 Matthew 26:6-13 Matthew 26:26-30 Matthew 28:16-20 Luke 9:1-6 Luke 11:1-4 Jesus disciples broke the rules of the Sabbath. Tell about a time you broke the rules. Do you feel you were justified? Do you feel guilty? Peter became frightened walking on the water. Draw a picture of something that frightens you. Put your family s pictures together and pray about your fears. The disciples were angry that the woman wasted her expensive oil. Do you have something expensive or very special? Get your items and do show-andtell with your family. Ask God for generosity even with your special possessions. The disciples shared in the first Lord s Supper with Jesus. Volunteer to help serve or clean up after communion at your church. 2014-2015 Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved Jesus gave his disciples a promise to be with them always. Repeat those words of promise to each family member as you trace a cross on each person s hand. Here is another version of the story of Jesus sending out his disciples. Share one way you can be like the disciples and tell people who do not live in your house about God s great love. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Write a dinner prayer together and say it each night before you eat.