Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! Today, we will watch a Superbook adventure called “Samuel and the Call of God.” Samuel was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. His life began as a miracle from God. His mother dedicated Samuel to serve God even as a young boy. Samuel is a wonderful example of serving God even when you are young! Now, let’s begin the video and see what is happening with Chris, Joy and Gizmo today!

Play Video 2: Chris and Joy’s Dilemma (2.5 minutes)

Chris and Joy's Dilemma

When Chris has a dream about the boy who broke into his home, Joy thinks it’s a sign that Chris should help him. But Chris has doubts—isn’t he too young to make a difference?

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Let’s say today’s SuperTruth together. “I can serve God today.”

Have you ever thought that you were too little or too young to serve God?

Maybe you thought you must wait until you were older for God to speak to you. That simply is not true. You are never too young to do something for God. He wants you to serve Him today!

What did Joy think that Chris’ dream meant? That God was speaking to Chris to follow up with Jason, the boy who broke into his home. Maybe Chris could be his friend and help keep him from getting into trouble with the wrong crowd.

Did Chris agree that his dream had a deeper meaning? No, he didn’t believe dreams told you anything important.

Did Gizmo’s interpretation of the dream help Chris? No, the interpretation was for a robot, not a human like Chris.

Play Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution (19.5 minutes)

Bible Story and Resolution

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet the prophet Samuel. He answers God’s call as a child, then grows up to become Israel’s leader. The children discover they’re never too young to serve God!

Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic 1

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 1

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Our SuperVerse today is 1 Timothy 4:12.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Let’s say this in parts because the verse has so many words. I would like everyone in grades 1–3 to say the first sentence of the verse up to the word “young.” Then, I would like everyone in grades 4–6 to say the next sentence. Are you ready grades 1–3? Go! Both grade groups say the SuperVerse.

That was good, thank you! Yes, as soon as you become teenagers, you can be an example to others, right? No, you can be an example now!

Right! Age doesn’t matter when serving God. You can be an example to others today by living a life that is obedient to God’s Word.

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If younger children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Dear God, You called Samuel when he was a young boy. He served You his entire life and was an example to others. Help us serve You faithfully and obediently as Samuel did. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Samuel grew in favor with God and people as he served in the Tabernacle. You are going to play a game in Small Group where you will help Samuel grow up! Are you ready to play?

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Teaching

Who can say today’s SuperTruth from memory? “I can serve God today.”

Point to the blocks on the table. This single block represents Samuel. The stack of blocks represent Eli’s older sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who served as priests. Why do you think that there is only one block to represent Samuel instead of a tall stack? He was a young boy when he served Eli in the Tabernacle. 

Some Bible scholars believe he was about 12 years old when God called him.

Samuel would do great things during his life for the Lord. However, Samuel began serving God doing smaller tasks in the Tabernacle. As Samuel proved himself a faithful servant, God trusted him to do greater works of service.

Have a volunteer read Luke 16:10.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

Do you know who said this? Jesus.

Jesus did! Which part of the verse describes Samuel’s dedication to serving the Lord? The first part. 

Which part of the verse describes Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas? The second part.

Have a volunteer read 1 Samuel 2:12–13a.

¹² Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord ¹³ or for their duties as priests. 

A scoundrel is a dishonest and wicked person. The two men did not respect God or place any value on serving Him as priests. Was God pleased with Hophni and Phinehas? No.

Were the people pleased with them? No.

Why not? Eli’s sons stole the best part of the people’s offerings which were reserved for God!

Take away a block from the sons’ stack of blocks. Have a volunteer read 1 Samuel 2:17.     

So the sin of these young men was very serious in the Lord’s sight, for they treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt.

Take another block away from the sons’ stack. Have a volunteer read 1 Samuel 2:18. 

But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest. 

Look at the contrast or difference between Eli’s sons and Samuel. As priests, Eli’s sons sinned against God. Samuel wore a linen garment like a priest as he obeyed and served the Lord. Young Samuel was not officially a priest, yet he honored God and served Him more faithfully than the older priests! 

Add the two blocks to Samuel’s stack. What happened when the people told Eli about the evil things his sons were doing? Eli talked to his sons, but they would not listen!

God had enough; He had plans to punish their sin!

Take two more blocks off the sons’ stack. Have a volunteer read 1 Samuel 2:26.

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people.

Add the two blocks to Samuel’s stack. Look at the two stacks now. Hophni and Phinehas have fallen out of favor with God and the people. Samuel grew physically and in favor with God and the people as he faithfully served the Lord.

Have a volunteer read 1 Samuel 3:1.

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. 

This verse is very important to understand. How amazing to think that messages from God were very rare then—yet God chose a young boy to deliver His word! Eli and his sons were grown men, and they were priests in the Tabernacle, yet God chose to speak to them through a boy! Samuel delivered the message to Eli, showing He was faithful and trustworthy.

Take the last two blocks from the sons’ stack. Add the two blocks to Samuel’s stack. Have the volunteer read 1 Samuel 3:19.

As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. 

Point to Samuel’s stack. Samuel’s mother dedicated him to God even before he was born. God was with Samuel as he grew. The people trusted Samuel as a faithful leader. He demonstrated love, honor and respect for God and His people. Now, it is time for our Discipleship Challenge where you will be challenged to dedicate your lives to the Lord every day!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give each child a Footsteps Pattern and Dedication Card.

Samuel was dedicated to the Lord at a young age. Just like Samuel, the Lord is with us and will direct our steps as we dedicate our lives to Him.    

The challenge for this course is to place your Footsteps Pattern on the floor by your bed. Then, when you get up each morning, step on it and say a prayer to dedicate your footsteps to the Lord that day. Ask Him to lead you and speak to you throughout the day. A good way to start your prayer is to say what Samuel said. What did he say? “Speak Lord, Your servant is listening!” 

Then be sure to listen for His quiet voice speaking inside your heart. When you have finished praying, color one of the footprints to show that you remembered to do the challenge that day. The next time we meet, I will ask how God spoke to you and directed your steps. The other part of the challenge is to look up the first scripture on your Dedication Card—Psalm 37:23–24. Be prepared to discuss the meaning in our next class.

Optional: if time allows, read and discuss Psalm 37:23–24. Discuss how God cares about your life, directs your steps, and helps you if you experience difficulty as you serve Him.  

Game

In the video, Joy asked Chris if Samuel was the one Superbook wanted them to meet. What did Chris answer? Chris said no because Superbook said it would be someone called by God and Samuel was just a kid.

Chris thought Samuel was too young to be called by God. Yet the SuperVerse tells us that we shouldn’t let anyone look down on us because we are young! Samuel is a great example of how we can serve God no matter how young or small we are.

Read 1 Samuel 2:26:

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people.

Samuel grew physically and spiritually; he was liked by people and pleasing to God.

Hold up the cards and read them. These cards represent the characteristics described in the SuperVerse and SuperTruth. Samuel modeled these characteristics as he grew up and served the Lord. Now, each team is going to make a tower to represent Samuel as he grew up to be a strong and godly example that others could follow. The tower will grow taller, just like Samuel grew as he faithfully served the Lord. The first team to build the tower wins.

Divide the class into Team 1 and Team 2. The teams line up next to the cups and cards.

Choose a 5^th or 6^th grader to help each team by standing at the opposite end. Their job is to assist the players as necessary to build the tower. If the tower falls over at any point in the game—the helper should rebuild it as many times as necessary! The helper represents Eli who trained and helped Samuel as he grew up to serve the Lord.

The first player on each team will take a cup to the other end to start the tower.

The second player takes a card to stack on the cup. Players alternate between cups and cards until the tower is completed, ending with a cup.

The first team that completes their tower wins.

Option: to add to the challenge, give instructions for how each player needs to travel to the other end and come back: skipping, hopping on one foot, shuffling, sideways, backwards, tiptoes, etc.

Conclusion: Samuel faithfully served in the Tabernacle. He was a godly example to others as he grew. Let’s learn more about Samuel and how we can serve the Lord today!

SuperVerse

Have the children sit on the floor facing the board. Let’s say our SuperVerse together. 1 Timothy 4:12:

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

This verse is part of a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to his young friend and coworker Timothy. Paul reminded and encouraged Timothy to stand against false teaching and to share the true Word of God. Paul also wanted Timothy to teach and show people how they should act as part of God’s family and His church. See 1 Timothy 3:14–15.

Have the children turn their heads and cover their eyes so they cannot see the board. Using the list below, change one word of the SuperVerse on the board at a time to alter the meaning of the verse, then have the children look at the board and raise their hands to tell you what word should be fixed. Vary the order of the list after the first few words to make it more challenging. Write in the correct word, then repeat the process.

• Change “Don’t” to “Always”
• Change “less” to “more”
• Change “young” to “old”
• Change “example” to “obstacle”
• Change “believers” to “robots”
• Change “say” to “sing”
• Change “live” to “swim”
• Change “love” to “lawn”
• Change “faith” to “doubt”
• Change “purity” to “courtesy”

We are never too young to live a life that is pleasing to God and in doing this, attract others to Him!

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.

Prayer

Have the children sit down. Where did Samuel serve Eli? In the Tabernacle.

Read 1 Samuel 2:18:

But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest.

As we discussed in Large Group, you may have thought you were too little or too young to serve God. Samuel was a young boy, yet he performed important duties as he served the Lord and Eli, the high priest. There are many examples in the Bible about young boys and girls who served God and did big things for Him. One boy named Josiah became king of Judah when he was only 8 years old! Now that you know you can serve God today by being an example to others, let’s seek God in prayer and ask Him to help you in what you say and how you live. Are there areas of your life that need to be cleansed? Do your words and actions show God’s love and mercy? Can your faith be strengthened in some areas? Maybe today you still have some doubts about following Jesus. God is waiting for you to share these things with Him so He can help you. The Holy Spirit lives in all believers to help us live a powerful, victorious life that brings glory to God!

Today, let’s sit silently before God for a few moments.

First, silently tell God about any weaknesses, doubts or fears; then ask Him to cleanse them from your heart. Allow time for children to think and pray.

Next, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that may keep you from a closer walk with God. Allow time for silent prayer.

Now, ask God to help you to be an example that others can follow to serve Him! Allow time for prayer.

Close in Prayer: Dear God, thank You for how Your Holy Spirit reveals deep things in our hearts—things we may not even know are there. Remove anything that is not pleasing to You and that may hurt our example to others. We want to serve You today and forever! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Example Game

Let’s say today’s SuperVerse together. 1 Timothy 4:12:

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Who are some people that you think are good role models—people you look up to and admire, and who are good examples to follow? Why?

Whether you know it or not, you are an example, too. Children your age—and younger ones, too—notice how you act and what you say.

As Christians, it is important to follow godly examples of people who love and serve God, and also for us to be godly examples that other people can follow. Let’s play a fun game to practice being an example and following an example.

Pair up children. If there is an uneven number, volunteer to be someone’s partner. Stand facing one another. Choose one child to be the example and the other child to follow the example. The child who is being the example should very slowly make a facial expression or move a hand, foot, leg, or head. They can do activities they might do during their day like playing sports, games, chores, reading, school activities, church activities, etc. The child who is the follower must duplicate the same actions as closely as possible. After a few moments, switch roles. When you are done, lead a brief discussion with all of the children using the following questions:

• How is Samuel a good example to follow? He listened and obeyed God; he was faithful.
• Who is the best example we can ever follow? Jesus.
• Why is Jesus the best example? He never sinned. He lived to do God’s will.
• How can our words and action reflect our faith?

Read 1 John 2:6.

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Let’s always strive to be a good example that others can follow as we follow Christ!

Serving Game

• Two dustpans
• Bag or envelope
• Sheets of paper—one per four children
• Two small brooms; or make them with the following materials:
• Four empty paper towel tubes
• Scissors
• Duct tape, masking tape, or shipping tape
• Two paper plates
• Marker or pencil

You may use two real brooms, or make them with the materials listed.

Make a cardboard broomstick by crimping one end of a tube, then sliding it about two inches into another tube. Wrap tape around the tubes to connect together. Repeat to make a second broomstick with the other two tubes.

Draw a line across the center of both paper plates.

Cut strips on one side of the plate up to the line—see illustration.

Tape the uncut side of each plate to a broomstick—see illustration.

Cut each sheet of paper into four vertical strips. Place in a bag or envelope.

Raise your hand if you think you can say the SuperTruth with your eyes closed.

Okay, close your eyes. Ready? Go. “I can serve God today.”

Samuel served God by serving Eli in the Tabernacle. In the video, do you remember what Samuel was doing outside the entrance to the Tabernacle? Sweeping.

Is that serving? Yes!

Serving comes in many forms; from the smallest things like sweeping or doing chores, to prophesying or working miracles by God’s power! In this game, we are going to pretend that Eli just had a big meeting with all of the other priests. Now, the floor is dirty and needs to be swept. You are going to serve Eli by sweeping the floor!

Place the dustpans at one end of the room.

Place a line or mark about 15–20 feet from the dustpans.

Give a strip of paper to each child. Have them crumple them into balls and drop them randomly across the floor a few feet from the mark or line.

Divide the children into two equal teams and form separate lines behind the line or mark.

Give a “broom” to the first player on each team.

The first player on each team will use the broom to sweep ONE paper ball into the dust pan, then return to the team and hand the broom to the next player.

The first team to have all of their players sweep and return to the line wins.

Conclusion: There is no job that is too small to be considered serving. When we are obedient and our heartsare right to help God and others, our service is pleasing to Him.

Rhythm Game

Have the children sit in a circle. Our SuperTruth today says we can serve God in about a year, right? No.

No! What is the correct SuperTruth? I can serve God today.

Yes; I can serve God today.

Read Hebrews 6:10:

For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers, as you still do.

God sees when we serve Him and when we serve others. In fact, one of the ways we can serve God is by serving other people. We show our love to Him by caring for others. What is one way that we saw young Samuel serve in the video? Serving Eli, bringing a drink to Eli in meetings, sweeping the floor, caring for the sheep, listening to and being a companion to Eli, doing various tasks in the Tabernacle like keeping the candles lit.

What are some ways we can serve God by serving people at home, school, church, or in the neighborhood?

Begin a rhythmic pattern: SLAP your knees twice, CLAP your hands twice, SNAP your fingers twice, and have the children join in the rhythm. Then go around the circle with each child naming a way to serve on the beat of the two snaps. You should go first to give them an example: slap-slap, clap-clap, “Sweep the floor!” After one round, you can vary the pattern or quicken the beat to add more difficulty—and more fun!

Conclusion: You came up with many great ways to serve God and others today! Not everyone serves the same way; each day you will discover new opportunities to serve and show God’s love.

Bible Study

Ask different children to read the Bible passages, then lead a discussion with the questions below.

2 Kings 22:1–2:

¹ Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. ² He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.

• How old was Josiah when he became king? Eight years old.
• What is today’s Super Verse reference? 1 Timothy 4:12.
• How can the SuperVerse be applied to Josiah? Even though he was young, he did the right thing.
• What do you think some people may have thought at the time? They may have thought he’s too young to know what is right.
• Looking at verse 2, do you think Josiah was a good example to follow; why? He did what was pleasing to the Lord. He did what was right.
• Was Josiah a good example to follow for only a few years? No, he reigned as king for 31 years.

2 Kings 23:25:

Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.

• What does this verse tell us about King Josiah? There never was a king like him. He obeyed God’s laws. He loved and served the Lord with his whole being; his heart, soul and strength.
• Does loving God with your heart, soul, and strength sound familiar? See Mark 12:29–31. Who said that this was the greatest commandment? Jesus.

Josiah was a wonderful example to follow. He became king at the age of 8 and served God faithfully for 31 years. He loved God with all of his heart, soul and strength. It is never too early to dedicate your life to the Lord as Josiah did. When we put God first in our lives, we can be a powerful example for others to follow.

Have two or three children read portions of John 6:8–13. A huge crowd of people followed Jesus. He asked His disciples to feed the crowd. A disciple named Philip told Jesus it was impossible to feed that many people.

⁸ Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ⁹ “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” ¹⁰ “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward He did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. ¹² After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” ¹³ So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.

• In verses 8–9, what are some things that Andrew may have been thinking? Andrew probably didn’t place much importance on the boy or value what he had. Still, Andrew told Jesus about the boy and his lunch, so he may have had some faith for a miracle.
• Did Jesus send the boy away and tell him to come back when he was older? No.
• How did the young boy serve Jesus that day? He offered all he had—his lunch.
• What was Jesus able to do with the boy’s unselfish offering? Perform a miracle by feeding 5,000 men plus women and children.
• Was there barely enough to go around for the people? No, everyone ate all they wanted, and there were twelve basketfuls left over!
• How can this inspire you to serve God today and not wait until you are older? Give God what you have now. He can work miracles with what we have.
• What do you think Jesus can do with what you have?

Close in Prayer: Dear God, thank You for this Bible story about the young boy who served Jesus—and more than 5,000 other people! Help us to live a life of faith and love and to be an example to others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.