Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome to the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Jesus Feeds the Hungry.” If you’ve been here for one of the previous lessons, name something that you remember from one of Jesus’ miracles in the video. He turned water into wine. He fed over 5000 people from five loaves and two fish. The servants did what Jesus asked. This was Jesus’ first miracle. The wine was the best that had been served at the party.

God always has a good plan. His best plan was to provide a way for us to have our sins forgiven and to live with Him forever in heaven. All we have to do is believe in Him as our Savior and invite Him to be Lord of our lives! Let’s stand now and praise our precious Lord and Savior who is God’s plan to save us as we sing The Salvation Poem!

Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem(2.5 minutes)

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

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion(2 minutes)

Let’s say today’s SuperTruth together: “God always has a good plan.”

There is a problem that every human being in the Bible had and still has today—we are sinners and we have fallen short of God’s standard. There is nothing we can do to solve this terrible problem. As we said before we sang our song, God has a wonderful plan to save us through His Son’s death and resurrection. By following His plan, we are saved and He makes His home in our hearts. God also has a special, unique plan for each of us in this world. By following His plan, we accomplish His will for our lives. As we serve Him, He provides all that we need—and He will help us overcome every circumstance and difficult problem we face. I am going to make some statements, and I want you to complete them by shouting today’s SuperVerse as loud as you can!

When I feel lost … “God always has a good plan!”

Even when it’s late at night … “God always has a good plan!”

When I wake up in the morning … “God always has a good plan!”

When I feel overwhelmed … “God always has a good plan!”

When I have a need … “God always has a good plan!”

There is nothing we will face in our lives that takes God by surprise. He has a plan in all circumstances and situations, no matter how impossible things may appear!

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. Let’s watch a short version of the video about Jesus’ miracles. If you’ve already seen it, listen carefully for the disciples’ solution to feeding the large crowd of people.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story(12 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to the wedding at Cana, where Jesus changes water into wine. Later, He feeds a crowd of over five thousand people by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish into a great feast. The children learn that God will supply every need.

Condensed Bible Story

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic

The graphic loops 1.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.

10C SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse Discussion (2 minutes)

Let’s say John 14:23, today’s SuperVerse, together:

According to the SuperVerse, if you really love Jesus, what will you do? All that He says.

What will He do? Make His home in us; live in us.

Can you name some people in the video who did what Jesus asked them to do? The servants at the wedding, the disciples who handed out food to the crowd, the young boy who gave His lunch to Jesus.

When we try to please God on our own, we will not be successful. The only way for us to have an intimate relationship with God is to love His Son. This is God’s only plan for us to draw close to Him. In John 14:11, Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.” When we invite Jesus to live in our hearts, His Spirit comes to live in us and give us new life.

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.

Introduce Signposts Video(1 minute)

Let’s watch the Signposts video to learn more about Jesus’ miracles.

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (3.5 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Let’s pray before we move to Small Group.

Thank You, Father God, for loving us and making Your home in our hearts. We don’t always know what to do, but as we seek You, Your good plan will be revealed to us. Give us the courage to do what You ask and to trust You in every situation we may face. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

In Small Group today, you will play a game to do what you are asked according to a game plan. Let’s go find out what your part is!

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

• Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
  
• A beach ball for each team of four children
• This game is most fun if played outdoors, in a gym, or in a large space

View Jesus Feeds the Hungry Throw Roll Bounce page for setup instructions. Write the following on the board:

1. Throw
2. Roll
3. Bounce
4. Shout the SuperTruth: “God always has a good plan.”

   Just Do It! Play together and follow the game plan.

In Large Group you were asked to listen for the disciples’ idea to feed the large crowd. What did they want to do? Send the people away to nearby villages to find food.

This was not Jesus’ solution. He had a better plan—a supernatural plan to provide food. In the first miracle we saw, at the wedding party, the servants did what Jesus asked and He changed the water to wine. In the next miracle of feeding the crowd, the young boy and the disciples did what they were asked. Then, Jesus did what no one else could do—a multiplication miracle! When we do our part, God will do amazing things according to His good plan. In this game, you will be asked to do what I say according to a game plan. Don’t worry, what I ask you to do will be fun. Each role or part you do represents tasks that you might do as you serve God. Are you ready for the challenge? Let’s play!

This game is the most fun if played outdoors, in a gym, or in a large space. Options for smaller classes or smaller spaces: Play only two teams at a time, then hold playoffs, with the winners of each round competing to determine the fastest team. Play with only three children per team and eliminate shouting the SuperTruth. Teachers and assistants can play if necessary to complete teams. Divide the class into teams of four children. The teams will line up in rows (see diagram) with about 6–8 feet between each player. If space permits, have all teams play at the same time. Give a ball to the first player on each team. Use the board to explain each player’s purpose for each position:

Player 1 throws the ball to Player 2.

Player 2 catches the ball and rolls it to Player 3.

Player 3 catches the ball and bounces it to Player 4.

Player 4 catches the ball and shouts the SuperTruth.

Everyone rotates positions, with Player 4 carrying the ball to stand where Player 1 was. Continue playing until every member of the team has been in each position. The first team to finish wins. Play additional rounds as time permits.

Conclusion: Great job doing your part according to the plan. When we do what God asks according to His plan, we have His promise that His Spirit will make His home in us. Let’s learn more about God’s good plan in our Signpost Teaching.

Teaching

Whatever We Need: Jesus’ miracles of provision connect Him to Moses.

Have a child select the first Signpost card and read it aloud. Tape the card to the wall or prop it up so children can see it. Lead a discussion with the information below. Repeat for the other two Signpost cards. Additional material is included for Grades 4–6 to look up and discuss.

Signpost 1  The Wedding Party

Jesus’ miracles of turning water into wine and feeding over 5,000 hungry people help us to better understand His life and ministry. His first public miracle was at a wedding party. In the Old Testament, which was written before Jesus’ birth, God’s relationship with His people was sometimes likened to a marriage. The prophet Isaiah said that God will be their husband. Many other Old Testament books speak of this relationship, also. (See Hosea, Song of Solomon, Ezekiel, and Psalm 45.)

In the New Testament, John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Bridegroom. The Apostle Paul referred to Jesus as a groom and the church as His bride.

Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine points us back to Moses in the Old Testament. God told Moses to set the Israelites free from slavery in Egypt. When Pharaoh would not let them go, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt. Does anyone know the first plague that God sent? The first plague was when Moses turned the water of Egypt into blood.

Exodus 7:19 says:

Mary told the servants at the wedding to do what Jesus said because she believed that He could provide wine. (For more on this subject, see Lesson 1 Additional Activity, Bible Study: How Did Mary Know?)

Turning water into wine, or turning water into blood, is impossible for humans to do, but it’s not hard for God—nothing is impossible for Him!

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

John 2:11:

Isaiah 54:5:

John 3:28–29:

Ephesians 5:25–27:

2 Corinthians 11:2:

Signpost 2  The Miracle in the Desert

When Jesus fed over 5,000 men, women and children, it was a miracle something like Moses had done centuries earlier. After the Israelites left Egypt, they were out in the wilderness. There was no food to eat and no water to drink. Yet God took care of their needs! Does anyone know what food God provided that they could go out and gather? Manna.

God also sent a certain type of bird to provide meat. Does anyone know the kind of bird? Quail.

God also miraculously provided water to His people by having Moses strike a rock. Now if you went outside and struck a rock, would water come out? No, it was a miracle!

Later, Moses told the Israelites that God would raise up a prophet like him. He was prophesying about the Messiah—Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

In John 5:46, before He fed the crowd, Jesus said:

Jesus also called Himself a type of water. Does anyone know what it is? Living water.

When we believe in Jesus, He gives us living water that satisfies our spiritual needs. Through Jesus’ miracles, He showed that He can provide for our physical needs. Instead of worrying about what we need, we should concentrate on seeking the things of God. Jesus said that when we seek Him above all else, and live right according to God’s Word, He will give us everything we need! (See Matthew 6:33.)

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Deuteronomy 18:15:

John 6:35:

Signpost 3  The New Covenant

During the Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus called the bread His body and He called the wine His blood. Jesus was referring to His death on the cross to pay the punishment for our sins. The bread represents His broken body, and the wine represents His blood that was shed for us. Through His body and blood we are healed and forgiven and saved! Jesus provides for all of our physical and spiritual needs. All we need to do is trust in Him!

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Matthew 26:26:

Matthew 26:28:

Isaiah 53:5:

It’s time for our Discipleship Challenge where you will be given a new challenge to give; possibly in a way you have never given before!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give any child who missed the previous lessons a Jesus Feeds the Hungry Water Jar and Cup Craft. Show children the sample craft made in Lesson 1 and have them complete the craft at home. Hold up the sample craft.

Our challenge for this course is to do what Jesus asks us to do. In the previous challenge, found on Cup #2, you were asked to read and try to memorize Mark 11:25.

Would anyone like to try and say the verse from memory?

How did you do with forgiving others? Were you able to forgive with God’s help? Children respond.

How did you feel after you forgave them? Children respond.

Our final challenge for this course is on Cup #3. Choose a volunteer to find the cup in the water jar and then read it aloud. Give in secret, Matthew 6:3–4.

Raise your hand if you have given something to someone who had a need. Children respond.

Great; it is wonderful to give to others. However, Jesus also looks at why we give. If it is for selfish reasons, such as to get attention for ourselves or to be praised, this isn’t pleasing to God. Jesus asks us to give even when no one sees or knows about it! And, when we do this, He will personally reward us!

In this final challenge, read the challenge Scripture and then look for opportunities to give to others in need—without calling attention to yourself or expecting to be praised. Some ideas might be to give your time, ability, or even to donate some money or a possession when appropriate. Just be sure to discuss this with your parents in advance!

Optional: Read and discuss the Scripture now: Matthew 6:3–4:

Remember, give for the right reason and God will be the one who rewards you! As we have been learning, Jesus will take whatever we give, no matter how little, and He will multiply it!

SuperVerse

Superbook Substitution: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Mary knew that Jesus could provide for the need at the wedding party. This came from her close relationship with Him. As followers of Jesus, we show our love to Him by doing what He says and living as He would want us to live. In doing this, we grow closer to Him and are confident in what He will do for us according to His Word. God is not far away, He is in our midst and His Spirit lives in us. 

Have the children sit facing the board. Let’s read John 14:23 on the board together.

Have the children 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 words need to be changed (you may vary the order of the list). Write in the correct word, then repeat the process.  

• Change “Jesus” to “Mary.”
• Change “All” to “Few.”
• Change “love” to “leave.”
• Change “will” to “won’t.”
• Change “do” to “say.”
• Change “say” to “sing.”
• Change “Father” to “mother.”
• Change “love” to “like.”
• Change “come” to “go.”
• Change “home” to “bed.”
• Change “each” to “some.”

Conclusion: Jesus wants to make His home in our hearts; yet, He will only stay where He is welcome. By doing what He says, we show our love for Him and He dwells with us. 

If any children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer

Abiding Prayers: Communicate with God.

The more we read God’s Word, pray, and seek Him with all our hearts, the closer we become to Him. And in that closeness and intimacy, His plans can be revealed to us. When we seek to walk closely with God and obey Him, He promises to make His home with us in our hearts. His Holy Spirit actually lives inside each of us!

Today, in our prayer time, I would like us to make a fresh commitment to follow God’s Word and to seek a closer relationship with Him. By doing this, we can trust in His plan. Please bow your heads and close your eyes. Express your desire to God for a closer walk with Him and a willingness to do what He asks.

Allow children time to pray and then close in prayer.

Now, thank God for His Spirit who lives in all who trust in Jesus as their Savior. Children pray.

Let’s pray together. Heavenly Father, You have given us a precious promise to come to us and actually live and abide in us when we seek You and walk according to Your Word. Thank You for Your Spirit and for the good plans You have for all believers. Help us to quietly trust and obey all that You ask us to do and to live with expectant hearts for what You will do in us and for us. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, Amen.

Review Game

True or False? Play a game to recall important facts in the Bible story.

This is the last lesson about our Superbook adventure, “Jesus Feeds the Hungry.” So let’s play a fun game to review some important things that happened when Jesus performed the miracles. This is a True and False question review. Hold up a double-sided TRUE/FALSE Sign.

To answer a question you will hold up the sign and choose either true or false. The side that you show me will be your answer. Five points are scored for a correct answer. You will also have two more chances to score points for your team. Each player will try to toss two sock balls into the container marked with the correct answer.

For example, if the answer is true, you will try to toss both sock balls into the TRUE can. You will score one point for each sock ball tossed into the correct container. If a sock ball goes in the wrong container, you lose one point—so aim carefully! Points are not scored or lost for socks that don’t go into either container. Now, listen and watch closely to find out how you will toss the socks.

Choose an older child who knows the difference between throwing overhand and underhand to demonstrate. 

First, toss one sock ball overhand. Have the child toss one sock ball overhand. 

Then, toss the second sock ball underhand. Have the child toss one sock ball underhand. 

Divide the children into two teams—they do not need to be even. Have each team line up a few feet behind the mark. The first player from each team steps up to the mark and gets a True/False Sign. They will each answer the same question by choosing which side of the sign to show you. Next, the players will toss the sock balls into the proper container—first overhand, then underhand. The players will retrieve the socks after the score is tallied. The team with the most points wins.

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

Diorama Craft

Sounds Like a Plan! Make a diorama of Jesus’ miracle to feed the crowd.

Read John 6:1–6.

Why did Jesus ask Philip where they could buy food to feed the crowd? He was testing Philip.

Jesus wanted to see if Philip would only think of natural ways to solve the problem—or if Philip had faith that Jesus could do a supernatural miracle and feed the crowd.

Jesus had a good plan; He already knew what He was going to do. When we face difficult circumstances, should we lose hope, and give up, and get frustrated because we don’t see a practical solution? No.

Or should we look to Jesus and believe by faith that He already has the answer? Yes.

Nothing is impossible for Jesus! Nothing catches Him off guard or surprises Him—He always knows what He will do.

Display the model craft.

In this activity, you are going to make a diorama. A diorama is a model of a scene or event. You will make a diorama of Jesus’ miracle of feeding over 5000 people with the lunch of just one boy.

Give a Diorama Pattern (two pages), children’s scissors, and pencil, to each child. Provide glue to share. If the patterns are in black and white, provide crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers for the children to color before cutting out the individual pieces. Have the children write their names on the scene page of the pattern. Have children carefully cut out the individual pieces. Children will then follow the instructions to fold and assemble their crafts. Be prepared to assist children as necessary.

Conclusion: Take your diorama home to remind you that God lives with us and can take care of all our needs.

Seeking Activity

Go and Find It: Locate the bread, fish and bonus items in the crowd.

In Mark 6:38, Jesus asked His disciples a question and followed up with a task for them to do in preparation for His miracle.

Your challenge is to find and circle the five loaves of bread and two fish which are hidden in the drawing on your pages. Place a check next to each item once you have found it. In addition to the five loaves and two fish, there are bonus items to find including, one broccoli, one Chris, one Joy, one Gizmo, and one donut!

When everyone has finished, you can reveal the location of the hidden items. If you can’t find an item quickly, don’t give up! Leave it and move on to the next item. Then you can come back to it later.

Give the children a set amount of time to find the items and then discuss the locations together.

Option: give children the crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to color their pages, or suggest that children color their pictures at home.

Conclusion: Jesus used what the young boy was willing to give. He will take what we give Him and increase it to do amazing things.

Bible Activity

You Can Plan on God: Race to find verses about God’s good plans for us.

When we love Jesus, His Spirit lives in us; and we begin to delight in doing what He says. This helps us draw closer to Jesus as we walk in step with His will for our lives. We also experience and enjoy His good plan for us as it unfolds day by day. In this activity, you will work in pairs to look up Bible verses about some good things that God has planned since the beginning to provide to us. If you are not familiar with using the Bible, don’t be concerned; you will still be able to participate!

This is how you will play: I will read the Scripture reference aloud and write it on the board. You can then open your Bibles and look up the verse. I will then read a sentence which will contain one or more blanks that you must fill in. One person can look up the Then bring it quickly to the board and stick it there. You will have 45 seconds to do this. The first team to stick the correct answer on the board scores 10 points. Every team that sticks the correct answer on the board before time expires receives 5 points. Each team that finds the answer and sticks it on the board after time expires scores 3 points; so never give up!

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. Allow spelling errors due to the speed of the game .

1. John 17:21: God’s good plan for us is to be _____ with Him. (One)

2. 1 John 1:9: Two blanks—Jesus has a plan to _____ our sins and _____ us from wickedness. (Forgive; cleanse)

3. James 1:5: Our generous God has a plan to provide us with _____. (Wisdom)

4. John 3:16: God has a plan through Jesus, His only Son, to give us _____ life. (Eternal)

5. John 14:27: God’s good plan is to give us _____ so we are not troubled or afraid. (Peace)

6. John 17:13: God’s plan is to fill us with His _____. (Joy) 

7. John 16:13: God’s plan is to guide us into all _____. (Truth)  

8. Romans 8:37: God’s plan is to give us overwhelming _____ through Christ who loves us. (Victory)

9. 2 Corinthians 5:17: God’s good plan through Christ is to give me a new _____. (Life)

10. Jeremiah 29:11: This question has three blanks to fill in so listen carefully! God’s plans for us are for _____ and to provide us with a _____ and a _____. (Good; future; hope)

Conclusion: God had good plans for us when we love Him and walk in His will. Obedience unlocks His favor and blessings in our lives.