Leader Guide

Teaching

We have been talking about Jesus’ amazing sacrifice to save us from our sins. But what exactly is sin?

Sin is disobedience. It is anything that we do, say, or even think that goes against God’s Word. Sin is anything that displeases God.

What number of sins is too many to get into heaven?

Write each number on the board as you say it and have children raise their hands to answer each question.

Who thinks 500 sins is too many to enter heaven?

Who thinks 300 sins?

How about 100 sins?

How about only 10 sins, is that the limit?

The answer is one! Write the number “1” on the board and circle it.

One sin is too many to get into heaven. God’s standard is to be perfect—that means zero sins! That is a big problem because Romans 3:23 says:

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

The Good News is that God had a plan from the beginning to solve the sin problem. The plan is our SuperVerse today from John 3:16. Let’s say it together:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God sent His Son to the world to die for us and save us from our sins. 1 John 1:7 says:

The blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.

Wipe away the “1” so the board is clean. 1 John 1:9 says:

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

How many sins will God forgive?

He forgives ALL our sins—every single one!

This would be an ideal time to ask children if they have ever asked Jesus to forgive their sins and to lead them in a prayer of salvation. Ask the children to close their eyes and SILENTLY confess any sins to God and ask Him to forgive them. Then lead them in the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your own Son to sacrifice His perfect life on the cross for my sins and to give me everlasting life. I am sorry for my sins and I ask You, Jesus, to cleanse my heart and give me a new life in You! I love You, Jesus, and I choose to follow You, today. Amen.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Today, we are going to make a cross to remind us what Jesus has done for us.

• Hand out the markers, string, scissors, and cross pattern to each child.
• Have children cut out crosses and write their names on the backs of the crosses.
• Fold in half with the verse and pattern showing on each side, punch a hole near the top of each folded cross, and tie a string through the holes to make a necklace or bookmark.
• Display your finished cross as a model for the children.

Good job on making your crosses! Are you ready for today’s challenge? Our challenge is to pray as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Who remembers what He prayed? That God’s will would be done, not His own.

In your prayer time, thank Jesus for sacrificing His life on the cross to forgive your sins and give you new life in Him! Here is the second part of our challenge: Instead of just telling God what you want, ask Him to show you His will and what He desires for you! Then spend some time listening for His answers in your heart as you pray and read your Bible.

Wear your cross as often as possible until next time or hang it in your room to remind you of the Superbook Challenge! The next time we meet, I will ask you what happened when you prayed and listened for His answers.