Leader Guide

Object Lesson

We have discussed how Paul learned to admit his weakness so he could be strong in Christ. Paul knew that in order to overcome his weakness, Christ’s supernatural power and strength had to work through him. Paul did not try to hide the fact that he had a weakness. In fact, we all have weaknesses, don’t we?

That’s why our SuperTruth is very good news. Let’s shout it together: “Jesus can work through my weakness.”

Let’s read what Paul wrote about his weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:8–10:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Did the Lord take away Paul’s weakness? No.

What did He tell Paul? His power works best in weakness.

Let’s take a closer look to see how Jesus helps us in our weakness. First, let’s each think of a weakness that we struggle with in our lives. Just think of it silently and don’t say anything out loud. You might think, I wish I were stronger, or faster, or more athletic, or smarter, or prettier, or whatever.

Hold up the shirt with two hands so children can read the word on the front. Let’s say this shirt represents the weakness that you just thought of in your life. 

Does this shirt seem strong or powerful?

No; it is just hanging from my hands without any life or strength in it.

Paul asked the Lord to take his weakness away. Ball up the shirt and throw it as far as you can—preferably behind something so the children cannot see it.  

Wouldn’t it be nice if all of our weaknesses would just suddenly disappear, never to be seen again?

Go and pick up the shirt as you speak. Yet we are human, and all humans will always have weaknesses—until Jesus takes us to heaven, where we will be completely perfect forever! We might be tempted to say, I’m not perfect so God can’t use me!

Let’s see what Jesus did with Paul, and what He will do with our weaknesses, too! Let’s say that I represent Jesus—and you ask Jesus to come live inside you.

Put on the shirt and lift your arms as if they’re being stretched out on a cross. You thank Him for dying on the cross for your sins. 

Raise your arms upward. You ask Him to be the Lord of your life.

Hug several children. What is happening here?

I am Jesus and I am showing My love to others through your weakness. The weakness is still present; it wasn’t taken away! Jesus can still use us for His glory, even though we are not perfect.

This is how Christ’s power and strength can work through each of us! As long as we trust and rely on Jesus’ strength and not our own, Jesus’ strength works through us. However, when we begin to rely on our own strength and ability, look what happens.

Take off the shirt and hold it up in front of you with two hands. If we rely on ourselves, people will see our weakness instead of Jesus’ mighty strength and power! When we ask Jesus into our hearts and humbly admit our weaknesses and failures to the Lord—His power flows through us, He can use us for His glory, and He can show His love to others through us.

OPTIONAL FOR GRADES 4–6

Read and discuss Jesus’ words in John 15:4–5:

“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”