Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! This is the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Peter’s Escape.” Peter was one of the twelve disciples. After Jesus died and rose again, Peter preached the Gospel, and thousands of people were saved. As believers, we can rejoice in the hope of our salvation! Let’s stand and rejoice in Jesus as we sing The Salvation Poem!

Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)

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

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is, “Jesus has overcome the world.” Let’s say it together. “Jesus has overcome the world.”  

Peter and many of the other apostles were arrested for preaching the Gospel. They faced persecution, trials and suffering as they shared the Good News of Jesus Christ. Yet they had peace knowing that, in the end, they had victory through Jesus.    

In John 16:33, Jesus said: 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 

Jesus gives us hope and peace so we can rejoice even in difficult times.    

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.   

Peter preached the Gospel message with boldness after He was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He and other disciples also performed many miracles. Let’s watch a short version of the video about Peter. If you’ve already seen it, watch carefully to see what was unusual about the gate opening as the angel and Peter left the prison.              

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (12 Minutes)

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

Condensed Bible Story

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic

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

SuperVerse Graphic 3

SuperVerse (2 minutes)

Our SuperVerse today is Romans 12:12: 

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  

Raise your hand if you like to be happy and rejoice.

Now raise your hand if you like to be sad and fearful.

No one wants to be that way. Sometimes, we can have hardships and problems that can cause us to be anxious and worry. Yet what is the answer to any trouble we may face? Jesus! 

Jesus never changes—He has overcome the world, and we can have peace and security in Him! This is our confident hope. When we face troubles, we need to be patient and keep praying because God is with us and He will answer! 

Now, let’s rejoice in Jesus, our confident hope, by jumping, waving our arms in the air, and praising Him!     

Let’s say the SuperVerse once more together. Romans 12:12: 

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 

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

Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)

Let’s watch the Signposts video to learn how Peter responded to difficult times and followed the example of Jesus.   

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (3 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Let’s pray before we move to Small Group. 

Dear God, Peter and the other apostles faced trials and hardships. Even so, they endured and confidently rejoiced in the hope Jesus gave them. We praise You because we have that same hope! We rejoice knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and one day He will take us to heaven to live with You forever! In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.  

In Small Group today, you will be challenged to “take heart” and overcome the world. Are you ready to defeat the troubles of this world? Let’s go and find out how!

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

Peter waited patiently in his prison cell, trusting in God. The Bible tells us that we will face trouble; yet, in Jesus, we can have peace and victory. Read John 16:33:

In this game, you are going to “take heart.” To take heart means to take courage, or to be brave. We are not brave in our own strength, but in Jesus, because His power overcomes the world!

Divide the children into two equal teams. Give each child two plates. If teams are unequal, give two extra plates to the team with one less player and have two players play twice. Have children draw a heart on each plate, color it red, then write “Jesus” on the heart with the black crayon or marker.

This plate represents “taking heart” in Jesus so you can be courageous when trouble comes. When it’s your turn, you will toss the plate to overcome the world. The world and its troubles are overcome by covering it up with the plates. The teams will play at the same time as a relay.

Let’s say the SuperTruth together:

The verse tells us to be patient in times of trouble. You will not be able to overcome the world with the first try. You must be patient, take heart and not give up! You will make it!

Have teams form two lines behind the starting line.

Stack each team’s plates or put them in two separate piles.

Start the game by saying, “Take heart in Jesus!”

The first players on both teams “take heart” by grabbing a plate and then tossing it toward the “world” at the other end. The players will continue to toss their plates from the spot their plates land. Players cannot step over the last line closest to the world as they toss. They must retrieve a missed plate and step back over the line to toss again.

When players get close to the world, they need to try to aim the plate to cover up as much of the world as possible. They will toss the plate until it lands on part of the poster board or world.

The player will then quickly return to the starting line and the next player will go. When all players have tossed both of their plates, determine the winners. There are two ways to win: 1. The team that finishes first. 2. The team that covers up the most surface of the world.

Play again if time permits.

Conclusion: Read 1 John 5:4:

Now, it’s time for our Signpost teaching where we will learn more about our victory in Christ, who has overcome the world!

Teaching

Signpost 1: Pray Instead Of Worry

The Bible tells us not to be anxious or worried about anything. That is not always easy! We live in a world where sin has caused many problems. How can we not worry?    

When Peter was arrested, what did the other followers of Christ do? They prayed.

Did Peter seem to be very anxious in prison? Was he up all night worrying? No, he was sleeping!

The Apostle Paul gives some good advice about stopping worry in Philippians 4:6-7:

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Philippians 4:6-7

(Story of Peter and John in Acts 5:40b-42 (NLT): 

(Story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:23-26 (NLT)

Signpost 2: Jesus Overcomes the World

The apostles knew someone who helped them stay strong; someone who is stronger than all the problems of the world. Do you know who that is? Jesus.

Jesus is just as strong today as He was back then – He never changes!    

The beggar who was lame asked Peter for money, perhaps just to buy food for a day. Yet Peter gave him so much more than something that would only last one day. Peter looked into his eyes and gave the man what he had: the love and power of Jesus. What did the man do? He stood up and began to walk, leap, and praise God.

He was healed and set free to serve and worship Jesus for his entire life!   

In another Bible story, Jesus was preaching in a crowded house when a man who was paralyzed was lowered down through the roof. The man wanted to be healed physically—yet  Jesus gave him far more. What did Jesus do? He healed him and also forgave his sins. 

This is something that no one in the world can do – only Jesus can forgive our sins. He makes us whole again. Jesus gives us far above what we could ask or imagine.

In our Bible story today, when Peter healed the man who was lame, did he do it in his own name? No.

Peter healed the man in the name of Jesus. He is stronger than any problem, and He has authority over situations.

Matthew 28:18 tells us:

When we pray in the name and authority of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our difficulties will not vanish; however, we will be given strength, courage, and joy to endure and to overcome

Jesus said that when we follow Him, we will be set free. That means freedom from fear, worry, and anything that keeps us from experiencing the love of God. Jesus told us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Hebrews 13:8 (NLT):

Acts 3:4-8 (NLT):

(A man who is paralyzed is lowered down through the roof to Jesus.) Luke 5:19-20, 24-25 (NLT):

John 14:13 (NLT): 

John 8:32: (CEV):

John 16:33 (NKJV):

Let’s talk about our Discipleship Challenge and how we can share Jesus and His overcoming power with others!    

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

SuperVerse

Have the children sit down leaving about three feet around each child and facing the board.

Why is it so hard to be patient in times of trouble? We are afraid, we want help right away, we may feel alone and not sure what to do.   

As followers of Jesus, we can trust Him in every situation. And even though we can’t see Him, He is always with us. God is faithful; we can trust in His promises because He hears and answers our prayers.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together: 

Our SuperVerse tells us to do three things. What are they? Rejoice, be patient, pray.

In the Bible story, what did the lame man do when he was healed by Peter through the power of Jesus? He jumped up and was leaping and praising God. 

Imagine how he felt. He could walk for the first time since birth! What an amazing realization that he did not have to be carried around any longer – he was free! 

Now is your chance to release some energy. I will say and do motions for each part of the verse, then you repeat the words and copy my actions.

·      Romans 12:12 (Pretend to read from a Bible)

·      Rejoice in our confident hope. (Jump up and shout the words)

·      Be patient in trouble, (Smile and hold hands out with palms up)

·      and keep on praying. (Fold hands in prayer and look to the sky) 

Option: Have children take turns leading.  

Conclusion: The SuperVerse tells us to rejoice in our confident hope – that means believing something by faith before we can see it with our eyes. Let’s keep praying and trusting God.

Prayer

Peter and the other apostles faced danger and persecution. They endured suffering and hardships. Was this because they sinned or disobeyed God? No. 

These hardships didn’t happen because they sinned; they happened because they were doing God’s will! The devil isn’t happy when God’s Word is preached, and neither are a lot of people. But that doesn’t mean we should stop obeying God and sharing the Gospel! However, we should pray and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom about how, when, and where to tell others about Him.

By following God’s will, even in difficult times, Peter obeyed God and showed people how to trust Him even in difficult times.

Peter wrote two books of the Bible. Can you guess their names? First and Second Peter.

Peter gives us some good advice about what to do when we face hard times. He wrote in 1 Peter 3:14-16, 18: 

Peter said we should worship God instead of worrying, so let’s do that right now. Let’s pray.

Dear God, we worship You because You are more powerful than any problem we can ever face. We love You because You sent Your Son to die on the cross and pay the price for our sins. We praise You because Jesus has overcome sin and death. When we face hard times, remind us to pray and trust You. Lord, some of us may be worried about some things right now. Allow children time to think and pray. God, we ask You now to replace that worry with Your peace. Allow children time to pray. Help us to live our lives in a way that people will know we belong to You. Please lead us and guide us, showing us how to share the Good News with others. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, Amen!   

Review Game

This is the last lesson in the Superbook adventure about Peter’s escape from prison. So, we are going to play a fun review game to help us remember the important truths we have learned. This is a True and False question game where you will have not one, but two chances to score points for your team! You can score points by answering questions correctly and also by tossing a balled-up sock into the container. 

When the lame man was healed, he jumped up to his feet. (See Acts 3:8.) A player from each team will take a turn sitting in a chair. I will read a question; to answer “false,” you will stay seated. To answer “true,” leap to your feet! Then, for another chance to score points, you will sit in the chair and try to toss a sock ball into a container. You can score two points for a correct answer and one point for a sock tossed into the container. That means every player has an opportunity to score up to three points on a turn. Let’s play!

Divide the children into two teams—they do not need to be even.

Have each team line up behind a chair.

A player from each team sits in a chair and answers the same question.

Then the players each have a chance to toss a balled-up sock in the container.

Have a sixth-grade helper or another volunteer keep score on the board.

The players then retrieve the socks for the next players.

The team with the most points wins.  

Optional: when the answer is “false,” ask teams for the true answer and award a bonus point if it's correct. You may also ask additional bonus questions related to the original one. 

Skit

Peter was in a very bad situation; he sat in a cell in the most secure area of the Antonia Fortress. The next day he would stand before King Herod, who really wasn’t interested in giving Peter a fair trial. Herod wanted to make an example out of Peter to please the Jews. However, King Herod’s prison was no match for God and His people who put their faith in Him.

Can anyone say our SuperVerse from last time? Acts 12:5:

But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

Choose from two skit options:

• The Narrator Script is read by a leader or a good reader in fifth or sixth grade. Choose five to eight children to be volunteer actors. Without practicing, they will act out or say whatever the narrator reads aloud.
• The Quick Skit is planned and acted out by groups of 5 or 6 children. The groups are given the Quick Skit and about 5 minutes to prepare, then perform their skit for the class. 

Conclusion: When Peter was in prison, his only hope was in God! He knew he was doing God’s will. Instead of panicking or complaining, he waited patiently and trusted the Lord. He even fell asleep! We always have hope because Jesus has overcome the world! Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Romans 12:12: 

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Craft

If you were here for a previous lesson, how did Gizmo locate Peter in prison? With his X-Ray Scanner.

Today, you will create your own X-Ray scanner with interchangeable faceplates!  

Give Gizmo’s X-Ray Scanner, a pencil, children’s scissors, and a brass roundhead paper fastener to each child. Provide crayons, colored pencils, or markers to share. Have children carefully cut out Gizmo’s helmet and scanner arm, color them, and write their names on the back. On the faceplate, have them draw Peter in chains with the two prison guards, and the angel. Demonstrate how to attach the arm to the helmet with the fastener. Be prepared to assist any child with special needs. Allow children to share their “scanners” with the class.  

They may draw another Bible scene on the other faceplate if time allows or take home to finish.

Conclusion: Peter did not have any human hope for rescue. This craft can remind you that God knows where we are all the time and we can trust Him when we face trials and troubles. Who can say today’s SuperTruth from memory? “Jesus has overcome the world.”    

Bible Activity

Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “Jesus has overcome the world.”

The Bible verses we will look up and discuss are about how the trials and hardships in this present world are short compared to the time we will spend with God in heaven.

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

1. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18:

¹⁶ That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. ¹⁷ For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! ¹⁸ So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 

• In verse 16, what happens to our physical bodies as we get older? They begin to fail and die.
• Is it the same with our spirits? No, they are renewed every day.
• Our natural, physical bodies eventually grow weaker and wear out as we get older—but not our spirits. Why? Our spirits last forever, our natural bodies do not. (1 Corinthians 15:43–44)
• In verse 17, how are our natural or physical bodies like the troubles we face? They won’t last very long.
• Yes, when you are young, 80 or 90 years old seems long; but, compared to eternity or forever with God, it is very short. How does God’s glory compare to life’s troubles? It lasts forever and outweighs the troubles—or is much greater.
• According to verse 18, what should we focus on? Things we can’t see—spiritual things, things in heaven instead of troubles we see with our natural eyes in this world.
• What is the difference between the troubles now and the things we cannot see? The things we can’t see—God’s spiritual things—last forever. The things of this world won’t last—they will be gone.

2.  1 Peter 1:6–8: 

⁶ So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. ⁷ These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. ⁸ You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 

• In verse 6, what can we look forward to in the future? Wonderful joy.
• What must we go through for a while? Many trials.
• In verse 7, what does enduring trials show about us? That our faith is genuine or real.
• What is the testing of our faith with trials compared to? Fire purifying gold.
• Fire burns out the impurities and purifies the gold. How is this like our faith? If our faith is real, during a trial, we will stand firm and hold onto God, showing our faith is real.
• How valuable is true faith? More valuable or precious than gold.
• What is the reward for true faith? Praise, glory and honor—rewards in heaven when Jesus comes back to earth.    
• In verse 8, what do we do even though we don’t see Jesus with our natural eyes? By faith we love Him, trust Him, and rejoice in Him in ways that can’t be explained.  

3.  Romans 8:35–38:

³⁵ Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ³⁶ (As the Scriptures say, “For Your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) ³⁷ No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. ³⁸ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 

• What is the answer to the question asked in verse 35? Nothing can separate us! (Answer in verse 38.)   
• When problems arise, does it mean that you have done something wrong, or that God doesn’t love you? Trials can strengthen us; they don’t mean we have sinned or God abandoned or left us alone.
• Look at verse 36—what does Jesus sometimes call us as believers and what does He call Himself? We are sheep—He is the Good Shepherd. 
• Does a shepherd leave his sheep when danger comes? No, a shepherd rescues and protects the sheep.
• Verse 36 is referring to Psalm 44:22. What do you think this is talking about in regard to our life on the earth? We will face trials, danger and persecution in this world; some believers have faced death.
• In the Bible story, who did Herod kill? James, John’s brother.    
• Who was Herod planning to also kill to please the Jews? Peter.
• In verse 37, even though we face troubles, danger, persecution, and other hardships—what do we have through Christ? Overwhelming victory—Jesus’ love.
• In verse 38, name the things that cannot separate is from God’s love. Death, life, angels, demons, fears for today, worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell.    
• Does this study change the way you view trials and hardships; explain. Children answer. 

Conclusion: Even though it may seem like a trial or hardship lasts a long time, it is temporary and cannot be compared to what awaits us for eternity in heaven.