Big Idea: God wants to be the leader of your life, so you should follow Him instead of the crowd.
Bible Basis: Daniel 6
Key Verse: “Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong.” Exodus 23:2a (NIrV)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Why do you think Daniel prayed to God even though He knew it would get him thrown into the lions’ den?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about God?
How can you apply the story of Daniel to your life? What can you do differently?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God. Ask God to help you follow Him instead of the crowd.
Journal Station prompt: Tell God about a time you followed the crowd when they did what was wrong. Ask Him to forgive you.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Daniel 6. Draw a picture of the story or write to God your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you like it.
Art Station prompt: God wants to be the leader of your life. What does it look like for you to follow God? Draw a picture of it.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ A Different Beat (Application Activity)
- Say: Today’s Bible verse says, “Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong.” Daniel did a great job of that. Even though everyone was praying to the king, Daniel still prayed to the one true God. That’s not always easy, though. Sometimes it’s hard to do something that’s different from everyone else. Let me show you what I mean.
- Directions: Begin by creating a simple beat by clapping your hands, slapping your legs, and/or tapping the floor. Once you’ve established a beat, tell the kids to join you while you continually repeat the beat. While the kids are following your beat, choose one kid and challenge them to create and maintain a completely different beat from the rest of the group. (There should now be two beats going at the same time.) Some kids will find it difficult to create and maintain a different beat—that’s okay! Keep the two beats going for about 10 seconds or until the one kid loses their beat. For the second round, allow the one kid to create another beat for the group. When the rest of the group is following their beat, choose another kid to create and maintain a different beat. Continue playing rounds until everyone has had a turn to create a beat. When finished, ask the following questions:
- Question: How hard was it for you to create and keep a different beat from the rest of the group?
- Question: How is that similar to or different from following God instead of the crowd? (Suggested answer: If everyone is doing the wrong thing, it can be hard to follow God and do the right thing.)
- Question: What are some things “the crowd” does that go against God’s Word?
- Question: Have you ever been tempted to do what everyone else was doing even though they were doing the wrong thing? Tell us about it.
- Question: How are you going to be like Daniel this week? In other words, how are you going to follow God instead of the crowd?
+ Bible Emoji? (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Set-Up: Print 2 copies of the “Bible Emoji Pieces.” Each copy will have 4 different pieces to an emoji (mouth, eyes, tongue, etc.) Each piece will have one of the numbers 2–5 on it. Cut the pieces out.
- Directions: Place the “Bible Verse” sign in the middle of your group. Read the verse several times with your group so that they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong.” Exodus 23:2a When ready, remove the Bible verse sign and divide your group into two teams. Choose a team to go first and have them recite the Bible verse together. If they fail to recite it, the turn moves to the other team. If they recite it successfully, allow that team to roll a die. If they roll a 1, give them the plate. If they roll a 2–5, give them the emoji piece with that number on it. If they roll a 6, they can choose the plate or any emoji piece they want. If they roll a number that they’ve already rolled, they receive no additional piece and the turn moves to the other team. Have each team take turns reciting the verse and rolling the die until one team has successfully collected all of the pieces and assembled their emoji.
- Question: Why is it so tempting to do what other people are doing, even if it’s wrong?
+ Prayer Poses (Prayer Activity)
- Say: When we pray to God, there’s no right or wrong way to position our bodies. What matters the most is that our hearts are in the right place. But sometimes praying in different positions helps us to remember the different ways we can pray to God. We’re going to practice praying in one of those positions right now.
- Directions: Ask the kids in your group to share why they need forgiveness. When finished, tell them they’re going to pray on their knees with their heads bowed low. Explain to them that this position is a way of telling God that they are sorry for their sins. When the kids are in position, open the group in prayer. Allow any kid who feels comfortable to pray aloud. When finished, close the group in a final prayer.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, Thank you for guarding and protecting me each day. Give me the courage to follow you when I am tempted to sin. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Daniel and the Lions Den - Daniel 6
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!