Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Hello, and welcome to a new Superbook adventure about the prophet Jeremiah. He was very young when God called him to speak to kings and nations! Let’s watch a video to learn more about Jeremiah’s message, and also check in to see what Chris, Joy, and Gizmo are doing.

Play Video 2: Intro to Bible Story (4 minutes)

Chris is excited about playing a game downtown when he discovers a homeless family living by a dumpster. There’s nothing he can do—or is there?

Chris and Joy's Dilemma

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

What did the kids see in the alley? A homeless family.

Why didn’t Chris help the family right away? He wasn’t sure he should get involved.

The SuperTruth today is “I will take a stand for God.” Let’s say that together. “I will take a stand for God.” 

As followers of Christ, we will often encounter things that are not fair or that go against God’s Word. God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us and empower us to know when and how to stand up for what is right.   

Let’s watch the rest of the video and find out what Chris Does. We will also see how Jeremiah stands up for God and speaks the truth—even when his life is in danger!

Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution* (19 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to meet Jeremiah. Although the prophet faces humiliation and even death for speaking God’s message, Jeremiah obeys the Lord. At home, Chris, Joy and Gizmo bring food and clothing to the homeless family.

*Caution: Be sure to preview this video, as it may be too intense for some children. If you wish to use a slightly less intense version, you can play Video 4 (the condensed Bible story) and Video 8 (Chris and Joy’s resolution). Although the condensed version is less intense, it should still be previewed. You may also want to ask parents to preview the videos before showing them to their children.

Bible Story and Resolution

Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic

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

10A SuperVerse

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Our SuperVerse today is 1 Corinthians 16:13:

Taking a stand for God is not always easy, especially when it seems that you are the only one who follows His Word. Where can we find the strength to stand for God? From God, His Spirit, through Jesus.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in us to give us strength and boldness to live for God! Let’s say the SuperVerse together a little differently. On the word “stand,” jump up, and let’s shout the last two words, “Be strong!”

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

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Dear God, help us to take a stand for You by using the strength and boldness the Holy Spirit gives us. Let us speak and live the truth of Your Word even when it seems no one else is following You. By Jesus’ mighty power we pray, amen.         

In Small Group today, we are going to play a game called “On Guard!” Are you ready to play? Are you sure? To make certain, I’d like you to stand up and shake yourself—wriggle your arms, legs, and head for a moment to make sure you are awake and alert! Now, as you travel to Small Group, don’t let your guard down! Let’s go!     

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

On Guard! Play a game to take a stand.                

As followers of Christ, we will encounter things that are not right in this world. We will also encounter opposition—such as people mocking us or rejecting us because of our faith. Jeremiah was treated badly and suffered for taking a stand for God. He even experienced threats and actual physical persecution. Some believers in parts of the world face this today. Regardless, Jeremiah stood firm in his faith and in his calling to speak and live for God. You could say that Jeremiah stood firm for God no matter what was “thrown at him!” In the game, you will have a chance to stand firm for God. Jeremiah mostly stood alone. In this game, you won’t be alone; you will stand with others to give you strength!

Read Philippians 1:27:

Give the sheets of paper to the children to crush into paper balls. Place the balls in the containers and put them behind the line.  

Hold up a poster board.

What does this say? God’s Word!  

Place the poster board on the floor and stand on it. You will stand on God’s Word as the paper balls are thrown at you. The balls represent trials, insults, difficulties, temptations, and persecution as you serve God.

Hold up a sheet of cardstock. This is your shield of faith! (See Ephesians 6:16.) Use this to block the paper balls. Your mission is to be strong, courageous, and on guard as you stand firm in the faith. One team of three players will stand on the poster boards. Another team will throw paper balls at you. You must be on guard, which means to be alert, as you try to avoid the balls. One more thing: you must stand with both feet on the poster board at all times for the thirty-second round. Each time you step off, your team loses a point. The team throwing the balls scores one point each time a ball hits a player. When the thirty-second round is over, the two teams will switch positions and play again. Then two new teams will play. The team with the most points wins.

Divide the children into teams of three. Adjust as necessary; see note in Get Ready section. 

Each team should choose a name having to do with being courageous, strong, or on guard. Write the team names on the board.

Two teams play two rounds of thirty seconds. Each team will play both roles: “Throwers” and “Standers.”

Each “Stander” will wear a pair of safety goggles.

Teams that are not playing will keep track of points during play: minus one point if a “Stander” steps off a poster board. One point is scored for the “Throwers” for each ball that strikes a “Stander” anywhere on the body except for the hands holding the shield.   

The leader will keep time and tally the scores after each thirty-second period.   

Note: You may wish to save the paper wads for Action Game, an Additional Activity in Lesson 3 of this course.

Conclusion: It is not always easy to take a stand for God. However, God’s Word and the Holy Spirit fill us with the courage and strength we need to influence the world around us. Our faith is a shield to block whatever the enemy throws at us. We must always be alert and on guard against attack as we take a stand for God! Let’s learn more about that now! 

Note: Following the game, secretly give a sixth-grade helper or another leader two paper balls to hide until needed in the Teaching Time. See details below.

Take a “shield” from the game and place it on the table for the Teaching Time.

Teaching

Appointed by God: Jeremiah points to Jesus.

Today, I want you to be alert and on guard as I teach. Whenever I say the word “stand,” you must stand up until I say sit down. Children with disabilities or who aren’t able to stand may raise their hands instead. After children stand, wait a moment for any children who missed the signal to stand up, then ask the children to sit down again.

God called Jeremiah at a young age to speak His message. God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said that He put His Words in his mouth to speak. Jeremiah responded that he was too young, but God said he was not too young; he must go wherever God sent him and say whatever God told him. The Lord said, “Today, I appoint you to STAND up against nations and kingdoms.”

Jeremiah was called to take a STAND against hundreds, even thousands of people! This would be an overwhelming task for anyone, yet God told Jeremiah not to be afraid because He would be with him and protect him.

What are some things that the people of Israel were doing that angered God?

Wicked and evil things, they stole, murdered, committed adultery, rebelled, worshiped idols, and offered sacrifices to false gods (burned incense to Baal).

Jeremiah did as God asked. He boldly spoke God’s words even when it meant being mocked, arrested, imprisoned, and persecuted by religious leaders and others. He was even falsely accused and thrown in a cistern, or well, and left for dead! To make things worse, a false prophet named Hananiah lied to the people about Jeremiah! (See Jeremiah 28.)

In the video, Chris told Jeremiah he didn’t need to keep warning the people because they weren’t listening to him. How did Jeremiah answer Chris? He had to speak—God’s Word was like fire in his heart and bones. He could not hold it in! Optional: read Jeremiah 20:9:

God’s Words are not ordinary words; they are alive and powerful! (See Hebrews 4:12.) When our hearts are filled with God’s Word, we will find that we must speak. Like Jeremiah, we must take a STAND!         

Jeremiah loved God’s Word. Jeremiah 15:16:  

Let me read one phrase again: I bear Your name. We also bear God’s name; we are made in His image, and He calls us to be set apart and to live differently from the world around us. God told Jeremiah that he must always be alert and on guard. Pick up the shield and nod discreetly to the volunteer who will immediately stand and throw the paper balls for you to block.

As we STAND for God, we must always be ready for what the world throws at us!

Conclusion: Today, God calls us to speak His message. As with Jeremiah, do not say you are too young! He calls us to be on guard and to courageously STAND for Him with the strength that He provides! We even have a helper. Do you know who? The Holy Spirit!  

No matter how young or old we are, the Holy Spirit empowers us so we can take a STAND for God.

God has a plan and a future for each of us. Our hope is in Him during good and bad times. God does not want us to be afraid, and that is what the Discipleship Challenge is about!

Display the model craft for children to see. Give each child a Lifeline Bookmark, scissors, and pencil, plus a six-inch length of string, twine, or yarn. Be prepared to assist any children with special needs. Children should:

1.    Carefully cut out their bookmarks and write their names on the back.   

2.    Punch a hole in the ring where marked.

3.    Tie the string, twine, or yarn in the hole. Be prepared to assist as necessary.      

How was Jeremiah rescued from the cistern? He was pulled up from the cistern with ropes by Ebed-Melech and thirty of the king’s guards.

The men threw the ropes into the cistern, but they could not pull him out unless Jeremiah did something. What did Jeremiah need to do? Jeremiah needed to take hold of the ropes and put them under his arms.   

The craft you made is a life ring with a lifeline. Where would you typically see one? Near water, like a pool, beach or lake. On a boat or dock.    

What is it used for? To throw to someone who might be drowning or struggling in the water. 

Because the people refused to obey God and repent, He turned them over to their enemies to be taken out of Jerusalem as slaves. God sent Jeremiah to deliver a message to them. God’s message was a lifeline of hope to get the people through hard times.

Read Jeremiah 29:10:

Now, the verse that follows this is written on your Life Ring; let’s read it aloud together. Jeremiah 29:11: 

Jeremiah chose to grab hold of the lifeline. We also have a choice to make. In difficult times, we can choose to trust God or worry. God told Jeremiah not to be afraid because He was with him and He had a plan and purpose for him. This is true for us today. When we have Jesus in our hearts, we have the assurance that He will be with us to guide us and give us strength every day. And someday, He will take us to heaven where there are no problems or suffering!

Use this bookmark in your Bible or in a book you are reading. When you face a situation that causes worry or fear, reach for the lifeline and say the verse aloud. Let it be a source of hope and a reminder to trust God’s plan for your life. For the first challenge, try to memorize the first part of the verse:

Let’s all say that together now.       

SuperVerse

Superbook Action: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity. 

Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet to the nations. He was appointed to stand up against kings and nations. God promised to protect Jeremiah, yet the Lord also told him that he must do his part. Jeremiah must be alert, bold, and not afraid of those who opposed him. As representatives and servants of God, we are also called to stand for Him. God will protect us, yet we must not be careless. We must be alert and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as He directs and empowers us to live for God—even when others don’t.

Divide the class into groups of four children. Try to mix older and younger children together, if possible. Have each group find a different place in the room to meet for several minutes. Tell the groups to come up with four different actions to represent the four commands or instructions in the SuperVerse. They may assign one instruction to each child, or all the members of the group can do the motions together.

Gather all the children and have each group perform the verse for the rest of the class. Then, have everyone say the verse together, with all of the groups performing their various actions.

Conclusion: Let us always walk with wisdom and in step with the Holy Spirit as we take a stand for God. 

Prayer

Praise Prayers: Communicate with God.

Choose a good reader to read Jeremiah 10:23–24:

This is a prayer that Jeremiah prayed as he acknowledged to God that he was created for a special purpose. Jeremiah asked the Lord to correct him in love whenever he strayed from God’s path.

God also has a plan for our lives to accomplish His work on earth.

Choose a good reader to read Jeremiah 29:11:

God’s people had strayed from serving and obeying God. Even though God allowed them to be turned over to their enemies, He still loved them and offered restoration and hope to them when they returned. At times, we may stray from God’s plan—sometimes even without knowing it. No matter what we do, God loves us and waits for us to return to Him and accept His plan and purpose for our lives. He offers unfailing forgiveness, mercy, and love as He gently corrects us.

Today, our prayer is for God to forgive us for any mistakes or missteps we have made causing us to disobey His plan for us. Allow children time to pray silently and ask God to forgive them for anything they have done or not done that has offended Him. Then, have children silently pray and submit and dedicate their lives to follow God’s plans and will for their lives.

Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, You love each one of us today and forever. We praise You that You have wonderful plans of hope and joy for our present and future. We dedicate our lives to You today and acknowledge that we belong to You. Thank You for Your gentle love and correction to keep us on the path You have for us! Amen.     

Review Game

Tangled: Review the Bible story and create a web.

Have the children sit on the floor in a circle, at least an arm’s length apart from each other. Ask one child—preferably wearing pants or shorts—to lie down in the middle. 

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. 1 Corinthians 16:13:

What are some things you might encounter where you need to be strong, courageous, and on guard? Temptations, peer pressure, doubt, fear, trials, and opposition that may come. 

We are going to review the video we watched and create a web at the same time. We will talk about what this represents after we have all taken a turn. 

Hand the ball of yarn or string to one child and explain. Hold the ball as you tell an interesting part of the Bible story about Jeremiah. It can be anything from the video or the teaching. Then, hold one end of the yarn and gently toss the ball over the middle and above the child lying down to someone else across the circle. That child tells a portion of the story, keeps hold of some yarn, and tosses the ball of yarn over the middle to yet another child across the circle. We will continue this way until everyone has had an opportunity to contribute.

Look at the tangled web we have created. Our world is tangled like this web, and sometimes we get caught in the middle. Ask the children to pull tightly on their yarn as the child in the middle tries to stand up.

It’s hard to follow God’s ways when we are tangled up in the worldly web! Have all the children let go of their yarn so the person in the middle can stand. Untangle everyone from the web and say:

Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “I will take a stand for God.”

Even if we are scared, when we trust in God, we can still have the courage and strength to stand firm in our faith. When we are on guard, we will be free to serve God and avoid becoming tangled in the world’s web!

Stacking Game

Standing Up: Race to build the pyramid first!

Jeremiah told Chris that God’s Word felt like something in his bones; what was it? Fire.

God placed His Word in Jeremiah’s mouth, and he could not remain silent—even when no one seemed to listen or care. Let’s say our SuperTruth together. “I will take a stand for God.”  

Divide the class into two teams—if uneven, one child may go twice to make the teams equal. Have teams sit in two lines behind the starting line. You and a helper—such as a sixth grader—will stand at the table to knock down the cups after each turn.

Let’s play a game about standing up! You will remain seated until your turn, then jump up, walk quickly to the table, and set up the six cups to make a pyramid with three on the bottom, two on the next level, and one on top. Shout the SuperTruth, “I will take a stand for God!”—then walk quickly to tag the next child in line, who will jump up and go. Remember, you must shout the SuperTruth before you can return home. Stay standing after your turn, and the first team to finish with everyone standing wins! Are you ready to take a stand?

Conclusion: It’s hard to make the cups stand up, especially under pressure when people are watching! It isn’t always easy to stand up for God, either. When others are watching, we may feel pressure to do things contrary to God’s Word. God was with Jeremiah and He is with us, too. He will give us the courage and the strength to stand for Him.

Domino Activity

It Only Takes One: Play with dominoes to reinforce the lesson.

Today, we are going to talk about how our actions can influence other people. To show you how just one person can affect many others, I brought some dominoes. Set up several dominoes on end and in a row, then push over the first domino. It only takes one domino to start a chain reaction. In the same way, you can influence others around you by your example and your actions.

Divide the children into two or three groups; give each group a set of dominoes and allow a few minutes for them to have fun making lines of dominoes and watching them fall.

Conclusion: You are never too young to set a godly example. God empowers you and protects you so you can be an example of His mercy, love, and righteousness.

Bible Activity

Wake Up! Race to find verses about being alert and ready.       

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. 1 Corinthians 16:13:

In this activity, we are going to look up verses about being on guard and taking a stand!     

Have the children sit 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 while the other player writes the answer on a sticky note. The notes are then stuck to the board. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and writing down the answer. Have children close their Bibles before you announce the next verse. 

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, and I will then read a fill-in-the-blank question for that verse. One player in each group will write the answer on a sticky note and then walk quickly to stick it on the board. You have thirty seconds to do that. The first team scores ten points for the correct answer; all other teams score five points for the correct answer stuck to the board within the time limit. Every pair will have a chance to finish, so don’t give up! The team with the most points wins. Are you alert and ready to begin?     

Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game. Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs. 

1. James 4:7. We must humble ourselves and _____ the devil. (Resist)  

2. Ephesians 5:15. We must be _____ how we live. (Careful)

3. 1 Peter 5:8. Stay _____ and watch out for your great enemy, the devil. (Alert)

4. Ephesians 6:11. Put on all God’s _____, so you can stand firm. (Armor)

5. Matthew 24:42. We must keep _____ for the Lord’s coming. (Watch)

6. Ephesians 5:11. We must not take part in _____ deeds of evil and darkness. (Worthless)

7. Colossians 4:2. We must be devoted to prayer with an alert ______. (Mind)

8. Matthew 26:41. We must watch and pray so that we won’t give in to _____. (Temptation)  

9. 1 Peter 3:15. We must worship Christ as Lord of our lives and always be ready to _____ our hope as a believer. (Explain)

10. Ephesians 6:18. We must stay alert and _____ in our prayers for all believers. (Persistent)

Conclusion: As believers in Christ, we must always be ready for and alert to the schemes of the enemy and also for opportunities to take a stand for God and share His message with others!