Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome back, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook story, “The Test!” Who remembers if Abraham passed God’s test?

Yes, He certainly did! Like Abraham, we can trust and obey God with all our hearts; so let’s praise Him as we sing Put Your Faith In Jesus. This song has some fun motions, so let’s stand up and do them together as we sing!

Play Video 11: (Song) Put Your Faith In Jesus (3 minutes)

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along and do the motions with the children.

Put Your Faith In Jesus

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth for today says, “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.” When someone tells you to do something fun, is it easy or hard to obey? Easy!

Yes, but it gets harder if we have to give up something we care about, right?

Even so, God wants us to obey Him. Let’s say our SuperTruth together. “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.”

Introduce Condensed Bible Story Video (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.

Last time, we saw how Chris was faced with a very hard decision. He had just gotten a brand-new gaming system when he heard about a sick boy in the hospital who wanted one—but it wasn’t available anywhere. That’s when Superbook took Chris, Joy and Gizmo back in time to meet Abraham, his wife, Sarah, and their dearly loved son, Isaac. Now for the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version to see how Abraham put God first in his life. For those of you who have already seen the full video, watching this short version will help refresh your memories!

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story* (7 minutes)

*Note: To be biblically accurate, this video depicts Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on an altar. Be sure to preview the video, as this scene may be too intense for some children. We have endeavored to present the story in the most accurate and sensitive way possible.

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet Abraham and his beloved son, Isaac. When Abraham puts God first and is willing to sacrifice his only son, God provides a ram instead.

Discussion (1 minute)

How was Abraham able to obey God with such a hard sacrifice to make? He had faith; he knew he could trust God with everything; he was fully persuaded and convinced that God could bring Isaac back from the dead.

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

Now let’s watch our Bible Background video to learn more about offering sacrifices. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background* (8 minutes)

*Note: Be sure to preview this video, as it includes historical references to child sacrifice, which may be too intense for some children.

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

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

SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s read our SuperVerse together: “Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer Him your only son.” Genesis 22:12 (cev) Now let’s read it together in a whisper, except let’s shout, “Now I know that you truly obey God.” Children repeat verse.

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse during Small Group.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Dear God, thank You for giving us free will, so we have the choice and the ability to obey You. Please fill us with the power of Your Holy Spirit, and help us choose to obey You even when it is hard! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Okay, are you ready to take some tests in Small Group? I hope you studied! No, I am just kidding! We do have some tests for you, but they are all fun—I promise! Let the testing begin!

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. 

Game

We have been talking about the test that God gave Abraham. What kind of score or grade would you give Abraham on his test? 

How many of you like to take really hard tests in school? 

How do you think tests help you? 

The Bible tells us that tests are necessary for our faith. 

Read James 1:3:

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 

Endurance is the ability to keep going and to hold up under pressure or hardship, to be patient even if God doesn’t answer right away, and to have faith in God even when it’s hard. You see, we can’t really know how strong our faith is until it is tested—until we go through a difficult time, and we see how God gives us the power of His Holy Spirit to obey Him.

Our game today is a series of tests, but don’t worry, they are just for fun—no grades or points will be given! You can choose to take or skip any of the tests; it’s up to you! Hand each child a sheet of paper. Now, the first thing I need you to do is to crumple up your sheet of paper into a ball. Thank you for your obedience. Smile.

Have children stand at least an arm’s length apart. You will announce the test and then start the time—for timed tests. Encourage children as they participate, and be prepared to help any with special needs. There is no scoring or competition; this is simply a fun action game. After each test, ask the children if they think they passed, and if they think it was a hard or easy test.

Ready?

• Balance on one foot for 30 seconds.
• Balance on the other foot for 30 seconds—without blinking!
• Run in place for 30 seconds while holding your paper ball in the palm of your hand. You must keep your hand perfectly flat and not use your thumb or fingers at all.
• Tilt your head back, place the paper ball on your forehead, then march in place for 30 seconds without it falling off your forehead.
• Quickly toss the ball from one hand to the other for 30 seconds without dropping it.
• Pair up with a partner. Stand about 3 feet apart and toss your paper balls to each other twice, at the same time. Next, both partners take one step back and repeat. Finally, both partners take a giant step back and repeat.
• Grades 1–3: Spell Abraham without making a mistake.
• Grades 4–6: Spell Abraham backward without making a mistake.
• Sit on the floor and keep your eyes closed for a minute until I say: Stop! About 20 seconds into the test, break the silence and say enthusiastically, “Look at that!” Remind those who opened their eyes that you didn’t say: Stop!
• Toss the ball up in the air to yourself 27 times as you recite the first 27 books of the Bible. You may look at the posters on the wall, if needed.

Teaching

Our SuperTruth says: “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.” God gave Abraham one of the hardest tests anyone could ever take. Do you remember from our last lesson how Abraham was able to obey God? Abraham had faith!

Hebrews 11:19 tells us that Abraham was fully persuaded that God could bring Isaac back to life!

After Abraham passed the test, the Lord knew without question that Abraham put God first—even above his son, Isaac. In our SuperVerse, the angel of the Lord tells Abraham, “Now I know that you truly obey God.”

When we accept Jesus into our hearts, God places His Holy Spirit in us to strengthen us and to help us obey Him. As we spend time with God, our faith is strengthened and we learn His will for our lives. He gives us the power to obey Him—even when it’s hard! 

Read Ezekiel 36:27 (cev):

“I will put My Spirit in you and make you eager to obey My laws and teachings.”

Display the tray with the empty jar, the ball, the stones, and the bag of rice or beans or corn. 

The jar represents our lives. Let’s fill it with things we might do in a day. This rice represents things we choose to do. Pour in the rice and talk about how it represents things like hobbies, watching TV, spending time with friends, playing sports, and reading. These stones represent important things that we must do each day. Put the stones in the jar one by one, talking about how we need to eat, sleep, go to school, do chores, etc. Now, hold up the ball. This ball represents God and everything related to Him such as reading your Bible, praying, going to church, and serving others—basically any kind of obedient service to God. Dramatically try to put the ball into the jar and try to put the lid on—but it won’t fit. Oh, no! God is supposed to be the most important thing in my life, but I haven’t left any room for Him!

Take the ball out of the jar, and remove the stones and rice. Let’s start over by putting God first. Place the ball in the jar. Now, let’s put in the important things we need to do every day. Place the stones in. Now, let’s put in all the activities we might choose to do. Put in the rice, then put the lid on the jar. Look, everything fits perfectly! When I put God first, everything else falls into place. Like Abraham, we have the choice of whether to put God first or not. When we choose to obey God, our lives will be filled with blessings!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

The final test in our game a few minutes ago was to say the first 27 books of the Bible. We started learning the first 17 books last time. Does anyone remember what that group of books is called? Historical books of the Old Testament.

Can any of you say all 17 of them in order without looking? Allow children to try.

Give a copy of the Wisdom and Major Prophets Pattern to each child.

This time, our challenge is to memorize the next 10 books of the Old Testament, from Job to Daniel. The first five books on this list are often called the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament. Let’s say their names. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.

They are full of beautiful poetry and godly wisdom for our lives. The next five books are called the Major Prophets. Even though there are five books in this section, they were written by four prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. Jeremiah also wrote the book of Lamentations. So let’s read the names of those five books in order: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.

Now let’s read the names of these 10 books together. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.

Distribute scissors and the Small Superbook Device Crafts to the children who began them last time. Their names should be on the back. Give scissors and patterns from Lesson 1 to any children who were absent. Have the children follow these step-by-step instructions to add the Wisdom and Major Prophets section to their devices:

1. Fold the “books” pattern in half along the vertical dotted line. Be very careful to fold it exactly on the dotted line.
2. Carefully fold it in half again, along the other dotted line.
3. Carefully cut along the solid lines, including the rectangular slot.
4. Open it, then “pinch-fold” it to slide it gently through the slot at the bottom of the Historical Books section already hanging from the Superbook device.

Can anyone say the names of these 10 books without looking? Allow children to try. Remember to work on memorizing the books of the Old Testament at home. This will help you find your way around the Bible for the rest of your life!

Make sure the children’s names are on their devices, collect them, and save them to finish next time.

Optional: As the children work, help them memorize the books of the Old Testament by using the “Old Testament Books” Sheet Music to sing them to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” The first verse includes the historical books - Genesis to Esther - and the second verse includes the wisdom books, plus the major and minor prophets - Job to Malachi.

SuperVerse

Let's say our SuperVerse together, Genesis 22:12 (cev):

“Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer Him your only son.”

Have the children look up Genesis 22:12. Lead the children in slowly reading the verse aloud together.

Who is the angel speaking to? Abraham.

Why did the angel stop Abraham from sacrificing Isaac? Abraham had shown that he put God first even over his son, and God provided a ram instead.

Abraham had proven himself faithful in an incredibly hard circumstance. He had obeyed God, and now he was rewarded. Isaac was spared and Abraham would receive the promises and blessings of God! It is easy to obey when it is fun or a simple request. But it takes great faith and trust to obey in hard circumstances.

Divide the class into three groups. Assign a portion of the verse to each group as follows:

Group 1: “Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said.

Group 2: “Now I know that you truly obey God,”

Group 3: “Because you were willing to offer Him your only son.”

Give the groups a minute to memorize their portion of the verse. Bring the groups together and have them say their part of the verse in order. Repeat two more times, then have the class say the entire verse together.

Note: If younger children are not able to memorize the entire SuperVerse, simply have them repeat it several times and be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer

Have the children sit down quietly.

What did Abraham sacrifice instead of Isaac? A ram.

Read Hebrews 9:22:

In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

Through Abraham, God was demonstrating that He was creating a new way of living. Jesus would become the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. God loved us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son to pay the price for our sins.

When you think about God loving us that much, how does that make you feel?  

If God asked us to give up something that was very important to us, would we be willing to obey Him, since He loves us so much? Could we respond like Abraham with trust and obedience? 

We should be fully persuaded and convinced that God is worthy of our reverence and awe and love, far above anything we possess or value. Can we put God first in our life?  

Perhaps He isn’t asking us to give up a “thing”—but a friendship or relationship that is not healthy for us and is drawing us away from God. Or maybe He is asking us to give up a hobby or something we do that steals our time from God. Could we offer it up to God even though it would be hard? 

Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being a powerful and loving God who is worthy of all our worship, love and obedience. We praise You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. We ask Your Holy Spirit to show us anyone or anything that is too important in our lives. Pause and allow time for the children to silently think and pray. Reveal anything that may be stealing time that I should spend with You. Pause and allow time for the children to silently think and pray. We want to put You first each day of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Bounce Game

Our SuperTruth says: “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.” Our Superbook challenge for these three lessons is to memorize the Old Testament books, right? Well, we have an activity to give us a little head start on the next group of books, which are from Job to Daniel! We will begin to learn the next group of ten books.

The first five books in that group are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. They are sometimes called Wisdom books. The next five books are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. They are often called the Major Prophets because their books are longer than the Minor Prophets, which we will learn next time. The book of Lamentations was written by the Prophet Jeremiah.

Put children in groups of three. Give each group a ball. Have each group stand at least 6 feet apart and form a triangle. Each group will bounce the ball between them as they each say the ten books in order. Players may look at the posters as needed. The first player says aloud “Job” and bounces the ball to the second player, who catches the ball, calls out the next book, “Psalms,” and bounces the ball to the third player, who catches it, calls out the next book, “Proverbs,” and then bounces the ball back to the first player. This continues until all ten of the books are called out in order. If a ball is dropped, the group must start over at Job. Groups can play several times and challenge themselves to go longer without looking at the posters.

After they become confident reciting these 10 books of the Bible, encourage them to start the game again from Genesis, using the Genesis to Esther Poster on the wall, and continuing through Daniel.

This activity is not designed to be a race but rather to familiarize the children with the books as they appear in their Bible to help them feel confident navigating it.

Optional: Help the class memorize the books of the Old Testament in order by singing them to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” The sheet music shows how the list of books fits with the tune. The first verse includes the historical books—Genesis to Esther—and the second verse includes the wisdom books, plus the major and minor prophets—Job to Malachi.

Guessing Activity

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.” 

Place the lettered socks on the table so the letters are scrambled. Ask if anyone knows what word the letters can make. Once they figure it out, rearrange the socks to spell OBEY.

Inside each sock is an object beginning with the letter on the outside. Can you tell what is in the sock by just looking at it and not touching it? No. 

Do you trust me that there is something in each sock? Yes.

Briefly talk about how we must trust God in all things even when it’s hard because we don’t always know what the situation contains or see what it holds.

Now, let’s have some fun with the socks! We can laugh, but not talk. 

Pass the socks around the table in order of the letters in the word OBEY. Let the children hold and feel each one, but don’t allow conversation or comments. When the socks have been returned, hold each sock up and allow children to give their guesses for the contents. Then open each sock and reveal what is inside. 

Which sock was the hardest for you to guess?

You couldn’t see inside the socks, but you knew something was there because I told you and you trusted me. We can trust God when we read His promises in the Bible, and we can obey Him even when we don’t see the whole picture as He does. Even when we don’t have all the answers, God does. What is hidden to us is in full view to God. When we choose to trust and obey God even when it is hard, God will bless our lives.

Object Lesson

God delights in our obedience. In fact, there is nothing that can take the place of obedience to God’s Word! The Bible tells about King Saul when he tried to substitute a sacrifice for obedience to God. God specifically told Saul to destroy everything in an enemy city. But Saul did something else. 

Read 1 Samuel 15:9:

Saul and his men … kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs—everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality.

Sometimes, we think we know best, don’t we? If someone tells us to do one thing a certain way, we may try to do it an easier and faster way, rather than doing what is asked. I know I have done that! Saul thought he knew better than God what to do with the things he won in the battle. Saul tried to excuse his disobedience by telling the Prophet Samuel that He was going to worship God by sacrificing some of the animals they captured! Saul thought he could get around what God asked by keeping the most valuable things and then offer up a sacrifice instead.

God was very angry at Saul for his disobedience—so angry that He removed him as King of Israel. 

Read 1 Samuel 15:22:

Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

Okay, I am going to give —names of two helpers— an instruction to obey. Please run in place _____ -children’s names-. The children will begin doing jumping jacks. Ask the class:  Was that okay? Did they obey me? 

But their legs were moving and they were exercising; that’s good enough isn’t it?  

You are right; they were doing something active, but they didn’t do what I asked. They were disobedient because they decided they would have more fun doing jumping jacks than running in place. Actually, however, I asked them to do that before our lesson—so they were really obeying what I told them to do! Let’s clap for them!

What if your mom tells you to clean your room—but instead, you just throw things into the closet or under your bed. I mean, who really cares? You made your room look a little neater, so it’s the same thing, isn’t it? 

Did you really obey? 

No, it was easier to do it your own way, but you didn’t do what she really asked you to do.

What if the Holy Spirit speaks to our heart telling us to forgive someone who hurt us—but instead, we listen to a Christian song and sing along as a substitute. Is that obedience? 

Praising God is good, isn’t it? 

Well, yes, praising God is good—but obeying Him is always best.

God desires obedience more than anything else! Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.”

Has God spoken to you specifically about something you need to do but you are substituting something else for it, hoping He will accept that instead? Has He asked you to give up something that isn’t good for you, and you are trying to wriggle out of it by doing something else you think will please Him?

Pray for the children and ask God to give them the faith and the power of His Holy Spirit to do what He has asked, believing that God wants what is best for their lives and that He will bless obedience.

Bible Study

Our SuperTruth today is: “I will obey God, even when it’s hard.” Abraham obeyed God even though it was incredibly difficult. Let’s dig into some more examples where others obeyed God, even when it was hard.

Have children look up and read the verses aloud. Lead a discussion using the questions below. Feel free to add any questions that you think will facilitate deeper discussion with your particular group.

1. Peter and Andrew—Matthew 4:18–20:

¹⁸ One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. ¹⁹ Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” ²⁰ And they left their nets at once and followed Him.

• What did Jesus ask Peter and Andrew to do? Follow Him so He could teach them to fish for men—or preach the Gospel.
• What do you think made this a difficult request to obey? He asked them to leave their jobs and family immediately. That’s how they made a living. They did not know Jesus.
• How did Peter and Andrew respond? They obeyed Jesus and left immediately.
• Why do you think they chose to obey? Did they see or sense something different about Jesus? Were they convinced He was the Messiah?

2. Jesus—Matthew 26:36–46:

³⁶ Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”³⁷He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and He became anguished and distressed. ³⁸He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” ³⁹He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.” ⁴⁰Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn't you watch with Me even one hour? ⁴¹Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” ⁴²Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” ⁴³When He returned to them again, He found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. ⁴⁴So He went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. ⁴⁵Then He came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶Up, let’s be going. Look, My betrayer is here!”

• In verses 36–38, what did Jesus ask some of His closest followers to do? Watch to support Him while He prayed.
• Did they obey Jesus and support Him?  No, they fell asleep three times.
• In verses 37–38, describe Jesus’ condition and feelings. Anguished, distressed—His soul was crushed with grief to the point of death.
• What was Jesus praying about that was so hard?  Doing God’s will when it meant He would suffer and die. He knew His time was near to be arrested, persecuted, and crucified on the cross. He didn’t want to do this in His flesh, but He wanted to obey God’s will more!
• How do you think you would feel being Jesus and having your closest followers not be there for you? Feel alone, hurt that the very ones I was about to die for couldn’t stay awake.
• Did Jesus ultimately obey even though it was hard? Yes, completely.
• What was Jesus’ reward for His obedience?  God raised Him from the dead—He sits at the right hand of the Father now, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, He has the Name above all names. He defeated the devil and death! He paid the price for our sins and secured salvation for everyone who believes. 

3. Joshua—Joshua 24:1,14–15:

¹ Then Joshua summoned all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, including their elders, leaders, judges, and officers. So they came and presented themselves to God...¹⁴ “So fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. ¹⁵But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

The Israelites had turned their back on God. God spoke to the people through Joshua, their leader. Joshua challenged them to make a choice who they would serve—idols or God.

• Who did Joshua confront and challenge? Leaders, judges, officers, elders, and every tribe of Israel.
• Why was God angry with Israel? They rebelled against God and worshiped idols.
• What did Joshua challenge them to do? Choose that day whom they would serve.
• How did Joshua obey God in a hard time? He confronted the sin of all the people including spiritual leaders and judges! He chose God first, not waiting for the majority’s opinion or the popular choice. He was bold in his choice of service to God! 
• Is it difficult to obey God when those around you don’t—why or why not? 
• If you lived in Bible times and were challenged by Joshua, what would you say? Would you wait to see what the others chose, or would you be one of the first to boldly commit to obeying God even though it might be hard? 
• How do you think Joshua could make such a bold statement? He was fully persuaded, convinced that God was the only true God! He knew God called Him to lead and was not afraid of people.

Class Project

If your group did not have time to create or finish this class project in Lesson 1, you may do it here. See directions in Lesson 1. If desired, the class may continue to work on this group project in Lesson 3.

You may wish to have the children sing the "Old Testament Books" song as they work on the project to help them learn the names of the books.