Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome back to the second lesson about our Superbook adventure, “Peter’s Escape.” If you were here last time, Joy wanted to go do something to save Peter right away. The servant girl Rhoda chose a different way to help Peter by staying at home—what was it? Rhoda and the other people prayed for Peter at Mary’s house.

In the Bible story, Peter powerfully preached the Gospel and God’s truth to all who gathered to hear him. Many of them accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Now, it’s time for us to celebrate Jesus, our Lord and Savior, as we sing “We Won't Ever Stop".

Play Video: We Won't Ever Stop (4 minutes)

Preview the song so you can help the children sing along with the music.

We Won't Ever Stop

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is: “I will freely give what I receive.”     

What do you think freely giving means? To share what we have with others without asking for anything in return. To cheerfully and willingly give without complaining.    

What are some things God has freely given you? Life, salvation, forgiveness, mercy, love, healing, joy, blessings, protection.  

God has freely given us so many things—even some things we may not realize! Let’s watch how Peter and John freely gave to the man who was lame in a short version of our Bible story video. For those who have seen it before, watch closely to see how the angel awakens Peter so he can escape from his cell.      

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (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.

Let’s watch how Peter and John freely gave to the man who was lame in a short version of our Bible story video. For those who have seen it before, watch closely to see how the angel awakens Peter so he can escape from his cell.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (12 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook transports Joy, Chris and Gizmo back in time to meet Peter, Rhoda, Mary, and other followers of Jesus. The children learn how the power of prayer can lead to miraculous changes.

Discussion (2 minutes)

What did the man who was lame expect to receive from Peter and John? Silver and gold, money. 

Have you given something to someone in need? How did it feel? Children answer. 

Has someone ever given you an unexpected gift? How did it feel? Children answer. 

Why do you think God enjoys giving to us? He loves us and wants to bless us. He wants us to freely share with others.

We serve a loving and generous God. He loved us so much that He freely gave His only Son to die for us on the cross to give us eternal life. That was the greatest gift anyone could ever give! In response to God’s gift, we should imitate our heavenly Father and freely give what we have been given.   

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

In today’s Bible Background video we’ll learn more about Peter and his escape. We’ll also find out about Herod Agrippa and his family who seemed to always be in conflict with Jesus and His followers. Be ready for Gizmo’s questions! Wait for him to give some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic

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

SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

The SuperVerse today is Acts 3:6:

Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Have you ever felt like you were powerless to give anything to someone who was in need? The man who was lame from birth asked for money, yet Peter and John gave him so much more—the ability to walk! In a moment, his life was changed.          

As followers of Christ, we have so much more to give than money; we have the ability to pray for others and to share the Gospel. These can change someone’s life in an instant! When we have Jesus, we have much to give!   

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

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, Peter and John did not have silver or gold to give the man; yet, they had something even greater—the power of healing through the name of Jesus. Today, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and have so much to give others. Help us to freely give what we receive from Jesus to bring glory to God and to lead others to Christ. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, Amen.    

In Small Group today, you will play a game where you will freely give what you receive—over and over again! Let’s go 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.

Game

Who can tell me the answer to the Large Group question: exactly how did the angel awaken Peter? The angel poked or struck Peter on the side.      

The people praying for Peter did not know how God was going to rescue him, yet they prayed in faith. 

This game is based on our SuperTruth; let’s say it together. “I will freely give what I receive.”    

Hold up each of the six different balloons so the children can see the words written on them.

Peter freely gave what he had—the authority and power of Jesus to heal and set the man free! We have received that same authority and power. These balloons represent just a few of the many blessings, riches and gifts we continually receive from God. He freely gives them to us and wants us to freely share them with others. In this game, you will receive one of God’s blessings and then immediately give it to the person next to you. 

Divide the children into two equal teams. A leader may need to play. Ideally, teams should consist of eight or fewer children. 

Have the teams form separate lines. The two teams will face each other, with several feet between the lines.   

The players of each team will line up side by side, an arm’s length between players.

Place a box at each end of both lines.

Place three balloons of one set of six on the floor at each end of a team’s line. Repeat for the other team.

Give a paper plate to each player.

Start the game. An end player on each team puts a balloon on the plate and then carefully passes it to the next player’s plate. That player passes it to the next player, and so on. The balloon is received and given this way until it reaches the player at the other end of the line. That player then slides the balloon from the plate into the box.   

As soon as the first player passes a balloon, another balloon is immediately put on the plate to pass again.

Once all three balloons from one end have been passed, the last player passes the three balloons on the floor in the same way in the opposite direction to the other box. The first team to put three balloons in each box wins.  

Note: If a balloon falls to the floor at any time, it must be picked up by the player and put on a plate, and play resumes at that point.   

Optional play: The end players on each team start a balloon at the same time. When the two balloons meet in the middle, the players with the balloons must exchange the balloons with each other by tossing one in the air and quickly passing the other before catching the first balloon or by some other method. The rest of the game play is the same. 

Conclusion: How did it feel to keep giving what you received? Children answer.

God gives us good things so we will share what we receive with others. When we do, others can experience His goodness. Let’s find out more about that in today’s teaching!     

Teaching

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will freely give what I receive.”         

How much did Peter charge the lame man for his healing? Nothing; he gave freely.

Peter was obedient to Jesus’ command when He gave them power and authority to minister in His name. In Matthew 10:8, He said: 

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”    

What good things have you received that did not come from God? There isn’t anything. All good things come from God. 

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:7b:

What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?

God has given us everything, so we need to freely share all we have! (See James 1:17.)    

Hold up Sponge 1. This sponge represents us.

Point to the bowl of water. This bowl of water represents God’s blessings that we receive through Christ. Can you name some of those blessings? Children answer.

Some are our possessions, spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation. Every good thing we know of, and even things we aren’t aware of, come from God! 

Lift up Sponges 2 and 3, showing how dry they are by trying to squeeze them. These sponges represent other people. They are completely dry, and they are thirsty for love, hope and joy.       

Put Sponge 1 in the water; raise it, and lower it into the water repeatedly as you name each thing that we do. As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity and privilege to go to church, where we can pray, worship, and learn about God’s Word. Like this sponge, we soak up God’s blessings that He freely gives. We can also do these things at home. As God’s children, we have access to God in prayer and we have the Bible to read His Word. 

Is God’s plan just to bless us so we can keep the blessings to ourselves? No!

What does He want us to do with all we receive through Him? Freely give to others.

Exactly! Instead of just saturating ourselves in God’s blessings, His will for us is to …

Squeeze some water from Sponge 1 onto Sponges 2 and 3 in the clear pan and repeat until they are saturated. Hold up the clear pan so children can see the sponges “grow.”

What did we just do? We freely shared with others what we received from God.

What happened to the others as we shared what we have? They grew.

As they have received from God and experienced His love and goodness, they grew in their faith!

Dip Sponge 1 in the bowl. The awesome thing is that we can continue to receive from God so we always can give! 

Read Proverbs 3:27: 

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

This is exactly what Peter and John did on the way to worship in the Temple. They didn’t ignore or push the beggar aside—they shared what they had, the love and power of Jesus!        

Giving is good; however it is also important to have the right attitude. We must give with a generous and kind heart that is pleasing to God. 

Read 2 Corinthians 9:7: 

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give a House of Prayer page to any children who missed Lesson 1 so they may assemble it at home.   

Hold up the sample craft. Part of the challenge last time was to read and discuss Philippians 2:3–4. Let’s read it together.

³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Is it hard to focus more on others and not only on your own needs? Children answer.

Did any of you have an opportunity to pray for someone about a need, and what happened when you did? Children answer.

In our next challenge on Beam 2, you will read and discuss Hebrews 13:16. You are also challenged to find a family with a need in your neighborhood, at school, or in church and then pray each day for them.  

The final part of this challenge is, with an adult’s help, to ask a church, food pantry, or homeless shelter what items they need, then gather and donate them. Next time, I’ll ask how it went. Remember to pray every day, expecting results. And keep in mind that God is pleased when we take action to meet other’s needs.     

SuperVerse

Have the children sit on the floor facing the board. Peter did not have what the man asked for; yet he gave him much more than he could have imagined. After not being able to walk since birth, suddenly he could stand, walk and jump. Instead of being carried to beg at the Temple gate, he now could walk into the Temple! 

We must never underestimate what we have to give others in the name of Jesus! We carry priceless gifts from God inside our hearts—far more valuable than silver or gold!      

Let’s look at the board and say our SuperVerse together. Acts 3:6: 

Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”  

Have the children turn their heads, then lower and/or 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. Write in the correct word and then repeat the process. Vary the order of the list to make it more challenging. As they become familiar with the verse, erase more than one word at a time.

• Change “Peter” to “Paul”
• Change “silver” to “bronze” 
• Change “gold” to “dollars”
• Change “I’ll” to “they’ll”
• Change “what” to “nothing”
• Change “have” to “lost”
• Change “Jesus Christ” to “Apostle Peter”
• Change “Nazarene” to “Ninevite”
• Change “get up” to “fall down”
• Change “walk” to “swim”

Peter and John knew what they had to give—it was much more than they were asked for. The man’s legs and feet were strengthened as he stood up by faith. 

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. Acts 3:6: 

Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 

If children cannot memorize the SuperVerse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer

We have been discussing how God freely gives to us, and how our response should be to freely give to others. Let’s say our SuperTruth together. “I will freely give what I receive.”

Have children sit in a circle. Why do you think it is difficult to give sometimes? Children answer.

Some reasons are that we can feel selfish or greedy and want to keep what we have; we feel we have earned something and don’t want to share it; we may not think someone else deserves it; we forget that all we have is a gift from God; and we may be afraid that God will not provide what we need in the future.      

Here is what Paul said about giving in 2 Corinthians 9:8: 

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 

God is generous with us so we can be generous with others! 

Today, we will begin our prayer by thanking God for all the blessings that He freely gives us. I’ll open with a short prayer and say something I’m thankful for, then we will go around the circle and each of you will thank God for something that He has given freely to you. You simply need to say a word or two, such as “My home,” or “Food.” It is fine to repeat something that someone else has said. 

Dear God, we come to You with hearts full of thanks today. I am very grateful for …

Go around the circle and allow children to name things God has freely given them.       

God is so good to us! Now for the second part of our prayer today, we are going to ask God to remove any wrong attitudes or feelings that may keep us from giving freely as we should. Silently pray along with me. 

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the things that keep us from giving to others cheerfully. Please forgive us for selfishness, greed or fear. Remind us that You will always provide for our needs, and help us trust You. We enjoy Your blessings every day. We do not earn these blessings; they are a gift through Your Son Jesus. Please give us opportunities to share Your many blessings with others, and help us to give generously and cheerfully, trusting You to provide all that we need. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.       

Match Game

Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “I will freely give what I receive.” 

Peter gave the man who was lame what he himself had received: Jesus! In our prayer time, we named many things that we have received from God. There are ten of God’s gifts or blessings on the cards. Your job is to find the matching card for each one. 

Divide the children into two teams; they do not need to be even. Have teams sit together so everyone can see the cards on display. A different player gets two guesses on each team’s turn. The player will choose a card number, and the leader will flip that card up along its taped edge to reveal the blessing from God. The same player will then select a second card number to try to match the first card. If the two cards match, the leader carefully takes the cards from the board and gives them to the team. If time permits, discuss the practical application. If the cards don’t match, they are flipped back down again. Whether the cards match or not, play continues with the other team taking a turn. Play until all pairs are removed from the board. The team with the most pairs wins. 

Optional Scripture Discussion

For each match, read the verse on the list. Briefly discuss the verse and how we might freely give to others what we have received.  

1.   LOVE  1 John 4:7: 

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.

2.   MERCY  Luke 6:36 (nkjv):

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

3.   FORGIVENESS  Ephesians 4:32: 

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

4.   SALVATION  Mark 16:15: 

And then He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

5.   GIFTS and TALENTS  1 Peter 4:10: 

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

6.   ABILITIES  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.

7.   POSSESSIONS  1 John 3:17–18 (nkjv):

¹⁷ But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? ¹⁸ My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

8.   JOY  John 15:11:

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”  

9.   MONEY  1 Timothy 6:18:

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 

10.   KINDNESS  Proverbs 3:3: 

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.  

Conclusion: God has given us so much more than we ever could deserve, and He continues to give more every day! As His blessed children, let us always be generous like our heavenly Father.  

Craft

Give a coloring page to each child. Give crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to the children to share. Lead a discussion using the questions below as children color their pages. 

• Where did the man who was lame sit and beg? At the Temple gate.  
• How did he get to the gate each day? People carried him.
• How long had he been unable to walk? Since he was born.
• What did the man ask Peter and John for? Money.
• What did Peter and John ask the man to do before healing him? To look at them.
• What did Peter say they didn’t have to give? Silver or Gold.
• What did they have to give? Jesus—His healing power.
• What was the man doing as he went into the Temple? He was walking, leaping, and praising God.   

Close in prayer: Dear God, Peter and John gave the lame man more than money. He was healed and walked for the first time in his life. Help us to always be ready to share Jesus with others so they can experience His power. In His name we pray, Amen.  

Object Lesson

Let’s say our SuperTruth together. “I will freely give what I receive.”  

Stand behind the table. Place the cereal or snack box (with the two half tubes inserted) on the table—frown face visible to the children. Place the box on the table with the sad face toward the class and next to the cereal box. Place the bowl of balls on the table.

We have been discussing how God generously gives to us. He does that to provide all we need and so that we might freely give to others who have needs. Peter had something more valuable to share than money. He shared the love and power of Jesus and brought healing to the lame man. 

Let’s take a look at our two friends here.

Point to the small box. Let’s say this person is sad because he doesn’t feel loved.

Point to the cereal box. This person is a follower of Jesus and daily receives God’s love.

What do you think Jesus’ follower should do? Share God’s love.  

Let’s see what happens as God freely gives His love.

Hold up two balls. These balls represent God’s love.

Roll the balls into the cereal box tube on the left side.

What just happened here? Jesus’ follower received God’s love. 

Hold up the cereal box and shake it. You are right; it’s in there! Yet the love wasn’t given to the other person. Tilt the small box which is empty.   

Well, that’s not the way we learned it should work. What does the SuperTruth say? “I will freely give what I receive.”

Point to the small box. Let’s try again. This person needs forgiveness now. 

Point to the cereal box. Jesus’ follower has been forgiven and continues to receive forgiveness from Jesus every day. Hold up two balls and roll them down the tube. 

This believer received forgiveness. Shake the cereal box—I hear it!         

Show the children the inside of the small box. Do you see any forgiveness in here? No! 

Point to the cereal box. Let’s say this believer has been praying and the Holy Spirit revealed that he hasn’t freely shared the blessings received from God.

Pick up the cereal box and turn your back to the class so the children cannot see. Remove the half tubes from each side of the cereal box and insert the whole tube so it is visible on both sides of the cereal box. Place the cereal box on the table with the happy face visible.  Make sure that the tube on the right side of the box is positioned over the small box so the ball will roll into it.  

Point to the small box. This person needs love, forgiveness, salvation, and wisdom now.

Point to the cereal box. Remember, our friend’s heart and attitude have been changed since the Holy Spirit spoke to him.

Hold up the remaining balls. These balls represent God’s love, forgiveness, salvation, and wisdom. What do you think will happen? Children answer.

Roll the balls into the left side of the tube and they will drop into the small box.

Pick up the small box and tilt it so they children can see the balls inside. Wow, this time our friend freely gave what he received from God!

Turn the small box around to reveal the happy face. This is God’s will, to share His love and generosity with others so they may experience His goodness.  

Read 2 Corinthians 9:8: 

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  

Optional: for fun, ask the children if they know how the balls came through in the second part of the presentation. 

Bible Activity

The Bible verses are about people who freely gave what they received from God.

Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “I will freely give what I receive.”

Have the children sit down in pairs. Try to pair an experienced Bible user with a child who isn’t as familiar with the Bible. Give each pair a Bible. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse. The other child can be the “messenger.” They write the answers on a sticky note and stick the note to the board. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and being the messenger. Have children close their Bibles before you announce the next verse.

Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game.

Increase the 45-second time if necessary.

Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Note that the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary. 

I will say a verse reference and write it on the board. You may start to look it up as soon as I say it. Once you find the verse, you will write down your answers to the two questions on the board: 1. Who gave freely? 2. What did they give? 

The messenger will write your answers on the sticky note, then quickly stick it to the board. You have 45 seconds to do that. Each team scores five points for a correct answer on the board in time. The pair with the most points wins. 

If possible, read the verses surrounding the verse/s listed so you can share the background of what is taking place and who or what the person is giving.  

1. Luke 19:8 (Answers: 1. Zacchaeus 2. Wealth or money)    

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

2. Luke 21:2–4 (Answers: 1. Widow 2. Two coins/two small coins/everything)  

² Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ³ “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. ⁴ For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” 

3. Exodus 36:6 (Answers: 1. Men and women 2. Gifts and sacred offerings for the sanctuary) 

So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings.

4. Acts 3:6 (Answers: 1. Peter 2. Healing/power of Jesus/ability to walk)

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”  

5. Luke 10:34 

There are several answers in this verse. Have the pairs write down all the answers they can find and give additional time. Also consider giving bonus points to any pair that names a correct answer that no other pair identifies.

(Answers: 1. Samaritan 2. Care, help, olive oil, wine, bandages, a ride, a room)    

Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 

6. 2 Kings 4:8 (Answers: 1. Wealthy woman 2. Meals/food)

One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat.

7. John 12:3 (Answers: 1. Mary 2. Expensive perfume and her worship)   

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 

8. Matthew 27:59–60 (Answers: 1. Joseph 2. His own new tomb)

⁵⁹ Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. ⁶⁰ He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. 

9. Acts 2:44–45 (Answers: 1. All believers 2. Everything/property/possessions/ money) 

⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 

10. Acts 16:14–15 (Answers: 1. Lydia 2. Home/hospitality)

¹⁴ One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. ¹⁵ She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

Conclusion: We have been generously blessed by God. Let us always be willing to freely give of our faith, money, possessions, time, and abilities; whatever will help and bless others.