A sign
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: The people wanted to know that Jesus
was truly God's Son and our Savior. They wanted a sign. Signs
have the function of informing us. Road signs tell us when to
slow down, stop, and how fast we can travel. They tell us where
we are and what products we can buy. Likewise, the empty grave
is God's sign informing us of Jesus' authority. Jesus had no
other authority: no degree, military rank, political office, or
religious office. He had only his own words and actions.
* The cross is also a sign telling us who Jesus is (see the other object lesson). Make small crosses for the children to wear today as "signs" telling people who they are. Simple crosses can be made for younger children (gluing one stick on another) and more elaborate crosses by older children.
* Investigate the signs around your home or church. Ask the children, "If you didn't know where anything was at our church, could a person find it because of the signs?" (Perhaps your church needs more signs directing people who may be unfamiliar with your building.)
* Make signs for your church or home.
* Another dynamic occurred in the Temple that day. Jesus upset many people by overthrowing the money changers' tables, scattering their coins, and chasing them and their animals out of the Temple. He was angry at the crass commercialization in God's house. This might be an opportunity to explain to your children that the church exists not to make money for itself but to use money for God's purposes.
Sunday school assembly opening:
* Reaffirm the purpose of your offering. Your Sunday school receives an offering from the children for a specific purpose. Highlight that purpose. (If your Sunday school does not have a specific focus for the offerings, you might consider one.)
* The cross is also a sign telling us who Jesus is (see the other object lesson). Make small crosses for the children to wear today as "signs" telling people who they are. Simple crosses can be made for younger children (gluing one stick on another) and more elaborate crosses by older children.
* Investigate the signs around your home or church. Ask the children, "If you didn't know where anything was at our church, could a person find it because of the signs?" (Perhaps your church needs more signs directing people who may be unfamiliar with your building.)
* Make signs for your church or home.
* Another dynamic occurred in the Temple that day. Jesus upset many people by overthrowing the money changers' tables, scattering their coins, and chasing them and their animals out of the Temple. He was angry at the crass commercialization in God's house. This might be an opportunity to explain to your children that the church exists not to make money for itself but to use money for God's purposes.
Sunday school assembly opening:
* Reaffirm the purpose of your offering. Your Sunday school receives an offering from the children for a specific purpose. Highlight that purpose. (If your Sunday school does not have a specific focus for the offerings, you might consider one.)
