Spiritual batteries
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: Jesus is our spiritual power source.
He has "the words to eternal life" that sustain us and give us
hope -- even in the face of death.
* Death is a mystery to us all but especially to children. If any have experienced the loss of a loved one (or even a beloved pet), allow them to tell about it. Say something like, "We believe that Jesus gives us eternal life. Even though we say 'good-bye' to loved ones when they die, we know we shall see them again." Explain that this is the basis of our HOPE.
* This passage of the gospel contrasts the power of the spirit with the weakness of the flesh. In our sports-hero- obsessed society, this is an important point. Ask the children about their favorite athletes. Have an almanac around and tell about favorite athletes of the past who have now died. "Someday even the strongest of our athletes will grow weak and die. But Jesus is stronger than even death. He will not permit those who believe in him to die. Our bodies may die, but we live on because of God's grace."
* What is true of athletes is also true of movie stars. Rent a video of an old movie. Show how young these people were when the movie was filmed and how now they have died.
* Jesus still has "the words of eternal life." There is no one else who can fulfill our needs like Jesus. That's the point of Christianity, the church, the Sunday school, and the home teaching.
Sunday school assembly opening:
* Hymns from the "Hope" or Easter sections of your hymnal would be appropriate for the opening.
* Invite the children to explore other themes of HOPE. Perhaps they look forward to beginning school soon?
* Death is a mystery to us all but especially to children. If any have experienced the loss of a loved one (or even a beloved pet), allow them to tell about it. Say something like, "We believe that Jesus gives us eternal life. Even though we say 'good-bye' to loved ones when they die, we know we shall see them again." Explain that this is the basis of our HOPE.
* This passage of the gospel contrasts the power of the spirit with the weakness of the flesh. In our sports-hero- obsessed society, this is an important point. Ask the children about their favorite athletes. Have an almanac around and tell about favorite athletes of the past who have now died. "Someday even the strongest of our athletes will grow weak and die. But Jesus is stronger than even death. He will not permit those who believe in him to die. Our bodies may die, but we live on because of God's grace."
* What is true of athletes is also true of movie stars. Rent a video of an old movie. Show how young these people were when the movie was filmed and how now they have died.
* Jesus still has "the words of eternal life." There is no one else who can fulfill our needs like Jesus. That's the point of Christianity, the church, the Sunday school, and the home teaching.
Sunday school assembly opening:
* Hymns from the "Hope" or Easter sections of your hymnal would be appropriate for the opening.
* Invite the children to explore other themes of HOPE. Perhaps they look forward to beginning school soon?
