Leader Guide

SuperVerse

Let's say our SuperVerse for today. Matthew 11:11:

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!”

Many prophets in the Old Testament longed to see the promised Messiah, the Holy One of God. John was privileged to see Jesus and to prepare the way for His ministry. John lived a life of truth and risked his life to preach boldly about the need to repent from sin.

John was a great man—yet Jesus said that even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John. How can this be? John died before Jesus was crucified and rose again. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we can receive forgiveness for our sins. He gives us the right to become children of God! When we ask Jesus to live in our hearts, His Holy Spirit gives us power to accomplish great things for Him. Jesus gives us the right to come boldly to the throne of God and ask our Father in heaven for His help. Nothing that we have done makes us great in the kingdom—it is all because of what Jesus has done for us! 

Have the children say the SuperVerse together while looking at the board. Next, have them turn their backs to the board as you erase two or three key words, such as “truth,” “lived,” “greater,” “John the Baptist,” or “least.” Have them face the board and say the verse again, filling in the missing words from memory. For each subsequent round, erase two or three additional words while they have their backs to the board.

Note: Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. They may simply repeat it several times, while older children may memorize part or all of it. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Conclusion: Remember, we have the opportunity to be great in the Kingdom of God because of Jesus!