Big Idea: Jesus saves us from sin, so we can boldly tell others that “I’m with Him!”.
Bible Basis: Luke 22:31-34, 54-56
Key Verse: “I’m not ashamed of the good news. It is God’s power to save everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
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?
If you were Peter, what do you think you would have done when people asked if you knew Jesus? Why?
For older kids:
Peter said that he was willing to go to jail or even die for Jesus, but then he denied even knowing Him. Why do think that happened?
If you were Peter, what do you think you would have done when people asked if you knew Jesus? Why?
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 Jesus and tell Him, “I’m with You!”.
Journal Station prompt: Do you know somebody who doesn’t know about the good news of Jesus? How could you tell them the good news? What would you say? Write about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Luke 22:31-34, 54-62. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a picture of yourself standing next to Jesus. Write the words, “I’m with Jesus!”.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Artrageous Community Builder
- Say: Today we’re going to hear the “artrageous” story of a man who had to make a super hard decision. But here’s the really fun part—we get to create story art while we listen! We’ll find out more about that later, but right now I think we should do an “artrageous” warm up.
- Directions: Give each kid a piece of paper and a marker or pen. Tell the kids to draw a picture of their favorite food, but with a twist—they have to draw it with their eyes closed the entire time. When finished, have the kids take turns showing their drawing and allowing the others to guess what they drew.
+ I'm with Jesus (Application Activity)
- Say: In today’s story, Peter pretended like he didn’t know Jesus because he was scared of what people might think or do. Telling people you’re a Christian can be hard sometimes, but we don’t have to be ashamed. We’re going to make something right now that will show people that we’re not afraid to say, “I’m with Jesus!”
- Directions: Give each kid in your group a Tyvek® wristband and some markers. Tell the kids to write the words “I’m with Jesus” on their wristband, then have them decorate their wristband in a fun and creative way. If time and materials allow, they can even create multiple wristbands. When finished, help the kids put their wristband(s) on and challenge them to wear it for at least a week. Encourage the kids to be ready to tell others about the good news of Jesus if someone asks about their wristband. When the kids are finished creating, have them show each other their wristbands and answer the following questions.
- Question:
- If someone this week asks you about your wristband, what will you tell them?
- How could you use that opportunity to tell people about the good news of Jesus?
- If someone told you that believing in Jesus is weird, would it be hard for you to tell that person that you believe in Jesus? Why or why not?
- Why do you think it’s important for your friends to know if you’re a follower of Jesus? How could that help them become followers of Jesus too?
- Can you think of someone you would like to invite to church for Easter next weekend? How are you going to invite them?
+ Survivor (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. When everyone is ready, turn the sign over so they can no longer read it. Next, tell your group that they are all on a sinking ship and that you (the small group leader) are a part of a rescue team looking for survivors. To be a survivor the kids have to complete a task while saying the Bible verse out loud. If they complete both the task and the Bible verse successfully, they have to yell, “I’m a survivor.” If they mess up on either the task or the Bible verse, they have to pretend to sink into the floor as if it were water. Today’s Bible verse says: “I’m not ashamed of the good news. It is God’s power to save everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16. (Listed below are some optional actions. Use as many as you wish, but consider asking the kids for ideas for challenging actions to complete while reciting the verse)
- Hop on one foot while turning in circles
- Perform push-ups
- Pat head with one hand and rub stomach with the other
- Jumping jacks
- Go back and forth giving “high 10’s” to the kid on either side
- Pair up with another kid and do leap frog
- Quickly spin around in circles
- Perform sit-ups
- Question: Do you know anyone who doesn’t go to church or know about Jesus? How could you share the good news of Jesus with that person?
+ Artrageous Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Set up: Provide one plain white self-adhesive name badge for each kid in the group. Hang a piece of poster board or butcher block paper on a wall in the room. At the top of the board write the words, “I give my THANKS to God.”
- Directions: Give each kid in your group a blank name badge sticker. Place some colored markers in the middle of the group. Tell the kids to think of something that they’re thankful for and draw or write about it on their name badge. When finished, allow the kids to show their prayer art and talk about it. Next, lead your group in a closing prayer. Encourage the kids to tell God “thanks!” for the things they drew. Finally, when the prayer is over, lead the kids to the poster board sign that says, “I give my THANKS to God.” Tell them to give their thanks to God by removing the sticker and sticking it to the sign. In the end, the kids will have created a visual art collage. Consider keeping the collages on the wall throughout the remainder of the “Artrageous” series.
(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 Jesus, thank you for saving me from my sins. Help me so that I am not ashamed of you and your Word. Instead, make me bold to share what you have done with others. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Luke 22:31-34, 54-56
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!