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Leader Guide

Object Lesson

  • Sin Card
  • Flashlight with batteries that operates
  • Scissors
  • Table
  • Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
  • Bible or the Superbook Bible App

Make one copy of the Sin Card.

Open a flashlight and make sure it has fresh batteries.

Fold the Sin Card so it fits inside the flashlight tube and place it on top of the batteries.

Assemble the flashlight and make sure it does not work. The connection between the batteries and the bulb should be blocked by the Sin Card.

Write the SuperVerse on the board. John 1:4–5:

4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. John 1:4–5:

4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Jesus’ light is inside everyone who follows Him. The darkness of this evil and wicked world cannot extinguish His light; however, there is something that can hide it!  

Dim the lights if possible. For safety, do not completely darken the room. Hold up the flashlight. This flashlight represents us, people who follow Jesus. We are called to be children of light.

Attempt to turn on the flashlight. Hmm, this light is not shining. I wonder why not! I just put fresh batteries in it, so I know it has power. Let’s take a look inside. I see the problem; there is something blocking the light that should not be inside.

The darkness can never extinguish Jesus’ light; however, we can hide His light when we have things inside our hearts that block it.

Pull out the card and read it aloud: SIN.

What are some sins that can block God’s light in our hearts? Children answer. They may include anger, lying, gossip, pride, jealousy, and selfishness. 

Should followers of Christ keep these things in their hearts? No.

Why not? They go against God’s Word, God wants us to repent and stay away from things like these; they are darkness, evil, and wicked deeds and words.

Read Ephesians 5:8–14a:

8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible.

You are correct; these kinds of things should not be in our lives. It was good that we removed that sin from our light!

Assemble the light and turn it on again. That is the way it should work every time. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:15:

Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Ask children to bow their heads and close their eyes; then close in a prayer of repentance.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the light of Christ that reveals things in our hearts that should not be there. Let’s take a moment to silently confess and ask forgiveness for anything the Holy Spirit reveals that may keep our lights from shining brightly. Allow time for children to pray. Father, thank You for Your love, mercy, and forgiveness today. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.