Big Idea: I can do what the Bible says.
Bible Basis: Matthew 7:24-29
Key Verse: “Don’t just listen (cup hands to ears and shake head “no”) to the word (extend hands like you’re holding a book)…you must do what it says (march in place).” James 1:22 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
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.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?
Why do you think it’s important to listen to Jesus and do what He says?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.
+ Block Party
- Supplies: Building blocks
- Directions: Work together with the children to build a house out of blocks. When finished, challenge the children to blow the house down. If they can’t do it, allow them to knock the house down with their hands. Rebuild a new house and repeat as often as time and interest allow.
- Say: In today’s true Bible story, Jesus talks about a wise man who built a house that couldn’t be knocked down. In a little bit, we’re going to find out how the man did it and we’re going to learn that we can do what the Bible says.
- Question: Do you have a favorite book? What is it?
+ House on a Rock (Application Activity)
- Supplies: Legos™ or similar (enough to build a small house), plastic bin (1 per group), large rock (1 per group), sand (small bucket full), pitcher of water (1 per group)
- Say: Jesus said that people who listen to His words and do what He says are like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. No matter what kind of bad things happen, you’ll be able to stand strong for God. Let’s do an activity that helps us understand what Jesus meant.
- Directions: Work as a group to build a small house out of Legos™ or similar. When finished, place the house on a pile of sand in a plastic bin. Slowly pour water near the base of the house and watch as the sand washes away and the house falls down. Next, place the house on a rock. Slowly pour water near the base of the house and watch as the house stands strong.
- Say: When we don’t listen to Jesus and do what He says, we’re like the house on the sand. When bad things happen, we get washed away with fear and worry. But when we do listen to Jesus and do what He says, we’re like the house on the rock. When bad things happen, we stand strong on the Word of God.
- Question: Why do you think it’s important to listen to Jesus and do what He says?
+ All Fall Down (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: When we listen to the words of Jesus and do what He says, we’re like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. That means we can stand strong on God’s Word no matter what happens. Let’s play a game that helps us listen for Jesus’ words.
- Directions: Read the sentences below one at a time. If it’s something Jesus said, the children must do a power pose and say, “I can do what the Bible says.” If it’s not something Jesus said, the children must all fall down. Continue until all of the sentences have been read.
- Sentences:
- • “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Matthew 22:37)
- • “Don’t listen to your mom and dad. Do whatever you want.” (NOT Jesus’ words.)
- • “Do to others what you would want them to do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
- • “Take things for yourself and don’t share with others.” (NOT Jesus’ words.)
- • “If you love me, obey my commands.” (John 14:15)
- • “When you feel angry, it’s okay to yell mean things.” (NOT Jesus’ words.)
- • “You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
- • “If someone is in your way, it’s okay to push them.” (NOT Jesus’ words.)
- • “If you don’t like someone, you don’t have to be nice to them.” (NOT Jesus’ words.)
- • “Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Matthew 5:44)
+ In the Wild (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Dice
- Today's Bible Verse: “Don’t just listen (cup hands to ears and shake head “no”) to the word (extend hands like you’re holding a book) …you must do what it says (march in place).” James 1:22 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
- Directions: Practice the Bible verse together until the children can remember it. When ready, tell the children they’re going to say the Bible verse while pretending to be animals from around the world. Allow the children to take turns rolling the dice, then recite the Bible verse while performing the corresponding animal action below. (Note: they do not have to do the hand motions while performing the animal actions.)
- Animal Actions:
- Soar through the air like Eddy the Eagle.
- Hop like Betty the Bunny.
- Gallop like Henry the Horse.
- Climb a tree like Sly the Sloth.
- Flap your wings like Pete the Parrot.
- Choose your own animal movement.
+ Topher's Zoo Time Adventure! (Bible Story Review Activity)
- Supplies: Zoo Time game board (1 per group), Topher game piece cutout (1 per group), Zoo Time Adventure cards (1 set per group)
- Preparations: Print the game board, Topher game piece, and Zoo Time Adventure cards on cardstock paper. Cut out the Topher game piece and cut apart the 7 Zoo Time Adventure cards.
- Directions: Tell the children the object of the game is to help Topher the Gopher get to his friends at the zoo. Place the Topher game piece at the starting point. Place the Zoo Time Adventure cards face down in a pile. Allow the children to take turns drawing a card. Read the card aloud, then after the children answer the question or perform the action, allow them to move Topher the number of spaces indicated on the card. Continue playing until Topher has reached his zoo.
+ Jesus and Me (Response to God Activity)
- Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for children to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. While they are drawing, ask the children why they love Jesus.
- Say: Jesus loves spending time with us. One of the ways we can spend time with Jesus is by talking to Him through prayer. In fact, let’s do that right now. Let’s tell Jesus all of the reasons we love Him.
- Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by telling Jesus about some of the things the children shared. Tell Jesus why you love Him too.
+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)
- Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, give them a snack to eat and ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
- Question: Do you read the Bible at home? When do you read it? Where do you read it?
- Question: Do you have a favorite story from the Bible? What is it?
(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, Your words in the Bible are true. And your words are good. Help me listen to your words, And do what you say. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read the account of the house on the rock in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.
Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).
Read the account of the House on the Rock from the Bible in Matthew 7:24-29 with your child.
Do more of the activities above!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!