Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook story, “The Last Supper.” Jesus humbly served others and showed love in everything He did and said. Jesus is an amazing example of how we should treat others. Let’s praise Him as we sing Follow Jesus.

Play Video 11: (Song) Follow Jesus (3 minutes)

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

Follow Jesus

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth for today says, “I will be humble and respectful to others.” What does it mean to show respect to someone?

Respect means to honor and show appreciation to someone. 

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.

How was Chris treating his friends at the beginning of the video that we saw last time? He thought his friends should treat him like a rock star.

Chris did not show respect to his friends. Let’s watch a short version of our Superbook story to see what Chris learned from Jesus’ example.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (8 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to Jerusalem, where crowds cheer as Jesus enters the city on a donkey. When Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, they learn that greatness in God’s kingdom means serving others.

Discussion (1 minute)

Back in Bible times, people’s feet would get very dirty as they walked everywhere on dusty or muddy roads. Washing people’s feet was normally the job of the lowliest servant! Yet Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to show them how a true leader should serve others. Let’s watch our Bible Background Video to learn more about what life was like at that time in Jerusalem. 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 (8.5 minutes)

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)

Our SuperVerse is Philippians 2:3:

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.

Let’s say our SuperVerse in a fun way together. I would like the girls to begin with the first word of the verse and then the boys say the second word and so on until the verse is completed. Are you ready? Children repeat the verse with the girls and boys alternating words.

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

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to Earth to live a life that was pleasing to You. Let us live our lives as He did with obedience, service, humility, and love. In His name, Amen.

Today in Small Group, you’ll play a game about being first and last. Or was it last and then first? Well, you will find out! Go have some fun together!

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

The SuperVerse for today, Philippians 2:3, says:

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.

Jesus came into the world to serve, not to be served. When we follow His example and consider others more important than ourselves, we place their needs in front of our own. Luke 13:30b says:

“Some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.”

In other words, when we are humble and place other people in front of us, God honors us and gives us favor. If we are proud and think of ourselves as more important than others - God is not pleased.

Let’s play a fun game about being first and last.

Divide the class into teams of no more than five or six children in a group. Each team forms a single file line on the opposite end of the room from the mark or tape line. Leave several feet of distance between the teams. The object of the game is to move the team from one end of the room to the mark at the other end and then back again. How the teams move is what is unique about this game! Each team’s line advances forward when the last player in line “peels off” and walks quickly to the front of the line, then the next player, and so on. The player who was first in line will eventually be the last and then move to the front again! Once the team reaches the end mark, they will turn around and start over with the end player walking to the front again. The first team to reach the starting line wins.

Note: You could have players on the second phase of the game turn around and walk backward to the front to advance for more of a challenge.

How did you like that game? It was different wasn’t it?

How did it feel to be first and then find yourself last again?

God is pleased when we put other people first and consider them more important than ourselves! This shows humility and respect for others. Our SuperTruth says, “I will be humble and respectful to others.” Let’s say that together.

Teaching

We just played a game about putting others first. Yes, in the world, people who put themselves first are often considered to be the best and most important. But the Bible tells us the opposite! Mark 9:35 says:

"Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Servants are not considered important people. Servants work for important people. But Jesus tells us something totally different; in the kingdom of God, you must become a humble servant to be first! Give each child a paper plate and pencil, and tell them to write “HUMBLE” on one side. What does “humble” mean? Not to think too highly of yourself and to put others first.

On the other side of the plate, have them write “PROUD.” What does “proud” mean? To think too highly of yourself and to think you are more important than others.

As you review each segment of the story below, tell the children to “vote” on each person’s motive by displaying the HUMBLE or PROUD side of the plate. Encourage conversation and additional comments regarding the actions of the characters.

Ready?

John and his brother want to have places of honor when Jesus becomes King. Proud. They believed they were more important than the other disciples.

Jesus said the Son of Man came to serve—not to be served. Humble. Jesus placed others before Himself and humbly served them.

Jesus rides a donkey instead of a stallion. Humble. Important leaders and kings rode on stallions or in chariots and displayed power! Jesus chose not to.

The religious leaders tell Jesus to quiet the crowd. Proud. The religious leaders were jealous of Jesus’ popularity and that He associated with ordinary people. They believed themselves to be more important.

A woman uses her hair and expensive perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. Humble. This woman showed respect to Jesus and sacrificed her very expensive perfume to anoint Him. She kneeled at His feet in humility.

Judas is angry with the woman for using the expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. Proud. Judas was not concerned about the poor. He stole from the funds used to care for the poor. He didn’t respect nor submit to Jesus as he should.

Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. Humble. Jesus performed the lowest of tasks that only a servant would do.

Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet. Proud. Peter, at first, would not submit to Jesus’ wishes.

Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Proud. He was thinking of himself and the reward, not how his actions would affect Jesus or others. Judas was greedy and stole money from the funds used for the poor. Judas placed himself above Jesus’ mission on Earth.

Jesus turned over the money changer’s tables in the temple. This is a tricky one that was saved for last! Humble. Jesus was filled with righteous anger for God’s house. He was showing respect for God’s temple! You can be humble and bold at the same time for God’s work!

We can see how these people displayed a humble or prideful attitude in the actions and words they used. Remember that OUR prideful and humble words and actions are evident to others, too! As 1 Peter 5:5b says,

And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

When we humbly serve God and others, we bring the favor of God into our lives!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Last time, you took home Superbook Secret Servant Packets as a reminder to pray about serving other people. How were you able to serve others?

Allow time for children to share. Pass out packets to any children who did not receive one previously.

Let’s continue to pray about ways to serve others until our next meeting. Can anyone think of some things we can do to be servants in our communities? Ideas may include cleaning up a park, serving at a soup kitchen, volunteering at a food pantry, visiting a nursing home or hospital, etc.

SuperVerse

Our SuperVerse this lesson is Philippians 2:3:

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.

Option 1:

Divide the class into groups of 4–5 children and appoint a responsible older child to be the “servant-leader” for each group. Encourage the older students to read the verse to the group slowly or phrase by phrase and help the younger children learn the verse.

Option 2:

Have the class stand in a circle and say the SuperVerse together several times, then play “Superbook Spin.”

Have you ever played a game where you spin an arrow at the beginning of your turn? Well, today I am a human game spinner—and whoever I point to needs to say one word of our SuperVerse in order!

Stand in the middle of the circle, turn around, then suddenly point at a child who should immediately say the first word in the verse. As you keep turning — as fast or slow as you like, keep pointing quickly to various children, who should immediately say the next word, until the verse is finished. Children can look at the board if necessary. Repeat as time allows, letting other children to be “spinners.” Close by asking everyone to recite the verse together from memory.

Note: Younger children may not be able to memorize the 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

Earlier we talked about ways to serve others. When we take the time to serve, we show that we respect others and consider their needs important. It is good to serve, but it is just as important to serve with a humble attitude! Jesus modeled this for us. He never bragged or called attention to His service. He also never complained or was selfish with His time. These attitudes can show disrespect.

Distribute pencils and paper to children.

Let’s take a minute to remember a time when you may have done what you were asked to do, but not with a humble attitude. Perhaps you grumbled or argued. Or perhaps you disobeyed and didn’t do the task at all. Write down your thoughts without showing your papers to anyone, then fold them up as we pray. Allow children a minute to think and write.

Pray: Lord Jesus, we confess to You times when we have been selfish, prideful or disrespectful. We are truly sorry and ask You to forgive us. Teach us to serve others as You did with joy and a humble heart. In Your name, Amen.

Read Hebrews 8:12:

“And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

What happens when we confess our sins to God?

God forgives us and forgets about our sin—and we can, too! Let’s tear up our papers into little tiny pieces and throw them away! Pass around a trash bag for children to throw out their shredded papers.

Coin Game

Repeat the SuperTruth with the class.

Do you think Judas was respectful of who Jesus was and His mission on Earth?

Talk briefly about Judas leaving the Last Supper to betray Jesus.

Judas was filled with pride. Why do you think he betrayed Jesus for 30 coins? Perhaps he was greedy or disappointed that Jesus was humble, not a powerful king.

In our Bible story video we saw how Judas wanted Jesus to act more like a powerful king. He did not like Jesus’ humble ways. We also know from scripture that Judas was not respectful of the disciples’ money which He was in charge of. Judas was unhappy with Mary as she anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. In John 12:4–6 the Bible says:

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray Him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

We want to serve in ways that honor God and respect others! We pray for God’s help so we can follow Jesus’ example! Let’s play a game where we will return the 30 pieces of silver that Judas received for betraying Jesus.

Divide the children into two teams and place them on opposite sides of the room. Each child should stand about 6 feet apart from team members in a long row. Give 30 coins to the first child on each team, and place a container about 15 feet away from the last child on each team. On “GO,” have the first child on each team begin tossing coins one at a time to the second child, who in turn tosses them to the next in line, with the last child tossing them one by one into the container as fast as possible. Whichever team gets all their coins into the container first wins.

Note: for larger classes, children can stand in a spiral or circle formation.

That was really exciting! You all did very well throwing and catching the coins! Let’s say our SuperVerse, Philippians 2:3, together:

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.

Balloon Object Lesson

Jesus was teaching a crowd and His disciples one day. He began to talk about how many religious leaders were full of pride. These leaders showed off, wanting others to see all of the religious things that they did. They prayed out loud, and they gave money when others were watching. They believed all the things they did made them closer to God. They were jealous of Jesus because of the crowds that followed Him. Read Matthew 23:11-12Jesus said,

“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

To exalt mean to raise or to lift up to elevate in rank. This is the opposite of what our SuperVerse, Philippians 2:3, is saying:

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.

Hold up the “Proud” balloon so the children can see the writing. The religious leaders exalted or lifted themselves up. As you talk, throw the balloon up and then bounce it off your hand into the air each time it falls.They elevated their rank above others. They believed they were more important than other people and that God saw them as holier and more righteous than others. Look at the balloon, does it stay up in the air when it is lifted up or exalted?

What happens each time it goes up? It comes down.

Isn’t that what the verse tells us will happen? If you exalt yourself, you will be humbled; in other words you will be brought down low! Sometimes, like in this case, it happens right away. In other cases, it happens over time.

Now, let’s look at what happens when we humble ourselves. Take the helium-filled “humble” balloon and lower it to the ground. When we humble or don’t exalt ourselves, we will be exalted. Hold the string and let the balloon rise up on its own as high as the ceiling if possible - or as far as it will rise and you can still pull it down with the string when finished. In other words, God will lift us up!

Leave the “humble” balloon in the air. Throw the “proud” balloon up a few times again and watch it fall to the ground. Do you see the difference? I exalted or raised the “proud” balloon myself, and it always comes back down. But, I did not exalt or raise up the “humble” balloon, and it stays up! If we will humble ourselves, God will exalt us!

Why are these balloons different?

The “proud” balloon is filled with ordinary air, while the “humble” balloon is filled with helium. We need God’s Holy Spirit to fill our lives so we can be humble. When we fill our lives with our own air, we will fail. But God’s Spirit will fill us with His power to live a life of love, humbleness and kindness!

Craft/Discussion

Distribute craft materials, saying: Place one hand on the paper with your palm down and fingers spread apart. Trace around your entire hand, cut out the handprint, and write your name on it. Now, let’s review the story with our handprints.

• HAND

Have the children hold their handprints out in front of them. The hand is a symbol of service. How did Jesus serve His disciples? He gave them communion, washed their feet, taught them.

Bend down and lower the handprints to the floor. Jesus was very humble when He washed His disciples’ dirty feet. This was the duty of a slave or servant, not the Son of God! Peter could not believe Jesus would do this and refused at first to let Jesus wash his feet!

• PALM

Have children point to the palms on the handprints, then wave them high in the air. When Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, why did people wave palm branches? This symbolizes triumph and honors a conquering hero. Showed Jesus respect and that they thought He was important. 

We need to show the proper respect to God and humbly praise and worship Jesus, too! The religious leaders were jealous of Jesus’ popularity and were full of pride—so much so that they told Jesus to quiet the crowd! Do you remember what Jesus’ answer was? If they were quiet, the rocks would cry out!

• CROWN

Have the children press the thumb behind the other fingers so the rest of the handprint looks like a crown. Jesus did not walk around with a crown on as other kings of that time did. Jesus did not come to have an earthly kingdom. But, Jesus is King and Lord over all. Everything is under His power. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

Close your eyes and imagine meeting Jesus face to face. Can you picture Him? He is God’s Son—more important and powerful than any king or president!

Read Matthew 20:28: Jesus says,

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

I asked us to imagine meeting Jesus. But did you know we really can meet Him, today? He wants to come into our hearts and have a wonderful relationship with us—to be Lord of our life! All we need to do is ask! We can’t see Jesus with our physical eyes point to eyes, but we can see Him with our eyes of faith! Point to heart.

Have the children write a way that they have served others on their handprints, then tape the handprints to the wall with the writing hidden to show how we should serve others with humbleness, and not show off.

Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You humbly came to Earth to serve us by dying on the cross to set us free from our sins. Please come and live in our hearts forever as Lord and Savior. In Your name, Amen.

Bible Study

• This Bible study is based on our SuperTruth and SuperVerse. Let’s say both of them together. The SuperTruth today says: “I will be humble and respectful to others.” The SuperVerse, Philippians 2:3, says:

Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.

God places a high priority on treating others with humility and respect. Let’s dig into some more verses which will help us to interact with others in ways that are pleasing to God. Have children look up and have 3 children each read one of the verses aloud. Lead a discussion using the questions below.

1. Philippians 2:3–5

³Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. ⁵You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Note: These are the SuperVerse and verses that follow the SuperVerse.

Ask:

• What was the attitude that Jesus modeled? Humility, unselfishness, service - all things listed in the verse.
• Is it easy to focus on others completely and not on your day and your interests? Why or why not?
• How can we “take an interest in others”? What would that look like? Helping, assisting, caring, noticing, asking.
• Did Jesus try to impress others?
• Have you ever tried to impress others? What does it feel like to be around someone who is trying to impress you or others?

2. Colossians 3:12–13

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Ask:

• What do you think it means to be chosen by God?
• What responsibility do we have to God? To live as Christ did - a holy life; to serve, honor, forgive, and love others; to love God.
• What do you think it means to make allowance for others? To think the best, rather than the worst; give the benefit of the doubt; in other words, don’t quickly judge and condemn.
• Why should we forgive someone who sins against us? Jesus forgave us, so we must forgive, also!
• What does the verse mean by clothing ourselves? Display the fruit of the Spirit; to put on Christ; to act as He did, not selfishly, uncaring or cold, but loving.
• How do you want to be treated by others when you stumble or make a mistake?

3. Romans 12:10

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Ask:

• Is love just a warm feeling we have on the inside, or is it something we show by our actions and words? We show love.
• Give some examples?
• What do you think it means when it says, “genuine affection”? To honestly care about the needs of others.
• What does it mean to honor someone? Like the SuperVerse says, to consider others more important, to place them above or ahead of you so you may serve them.
• Have you ever honored someone more than yourself?

4. Ephesians 5:21

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ask:

• What does it mean to submit to someone? To place yourself under - offer yourself to. To serve, make yourself available to.
• What should be our motivation for this? Out of obedience to His word, to be like Christ, out of love and respect for Him and what He did for us.

Close your eyes and imagine meeting Jesus face to face. Can you picture Him? He is God’s Son—more important and powerful than any king or president!

In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says,

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

I asked you to imagine meeting Jesus. But did you know we really can meet Him, today? He wants to come into our hearts and have a wonderful relationship with us—to be Lord of our lives! All we need to do is ask! We can’t see Jesus with our physical eyes point to eyes, but we can see Him with our eyes of faith! Point to heart.

Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You humbly came to Earth to serve us by dying on the cross to set us free from our sins. Please come and live in our hearts forever as Lord and Savior. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Jesus loves us so much He died for us. One way we can show our thankfulness is by serving others!