Leader Guide

Obedience Game

Paper or plastic cups and paper plates—one per child plus extras
Bible or the Superbook Bible App

Note: the plates and cups can be reused in Jesus Feeds the Hungry Stacking Game.

Write the SuperVerse on the board. John 2:5

His mother told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you. ”

Mary Says: Play a game to do whatever is asked.

Our SuperVerse is not long—raise your hands if you think you can already say it with your eyes closed. Give two volunteers a chance to say the verse.

Let’s say it together—John 2:5

His mother told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

If you’re a guest at a wedding celebration, what are some items you might find at a table where you sit? Forks, knives, spoons, plates, cups, napkins, tablecloth, chairs, candles, party favors, etc.

Give a plate and cup to each child. There is a good chance that you would have a plate and a cup. Our game today is called “Mary Says.” You will have a chance to move around and have fun—but you need to listen carefully and only do an instruction that begins with the words “Mary says.” If you obey an instruction that is not from Mary, you must leave the game for one instruction, then come back in to play. Are you ready to listen carefully and do whatever is asked by Mary?    

Have children line up in several rows and leave at least an arm’s length of space between each other. If there is another leader in the room, use them as spotters to send children in and out of the game. Be prepared to help those with special needs or to adjust instructions accordingly. Use the instructions below to see how well the children are listening. Repeat some or add your own instructions as desired.

Mary says hold the cup in your right hand and the plate in your left hand.
Place the cup in the middle of the plate.
Mary says hop on one leg while balancing the cup on the plate.
Mary says stop hopping.
Now balance the plate on top of the cup.
Mary says balance the cup on top of one wrist.
Mary says balance the plate on top of the cup.
Shout “Let’s party.”
Mary says place the cup and plate on the floor in front of you.
Pick up the plate.
Pick up the cup.
Mary says lift your hands and move them back and forth to the music.
Mary says cover your eyes.
Mary says run in place.
Stop running.
Mary says uncover your eyes.
Mary says stop running.
Mary says take two steps to the left.
Mary says to touch your toes.
Scratch your head.
Mary says put both hands out to receive a gift.
Mary says jump three times.
Pick up your cup and plate.
Mary says pick up your cup and plate.
Mary says pretend to take a drink from the cup.
Hop once on your left foot and twice on your right foot.
Mary says balance the plate on your head.
Mary says place the cup on top of the plate on your head.
Balance the cup on your knee.
Mary says to shout, “I will do whatever Jesus tells me.”

Conclusion: Jesus will never ask us to do anything without purpose like we did in this game; yet, He may ask us to do something unusual that may not make sense to us —like asking the servants to fill the jars with water. Whatever Jesus asks us to do, we can trust that He will use it for our good, to help others, and to bring glory to God.