Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome back to the second lesson of our Superbook adventure titled, “Paul and Barnabas.” Paul and Barnabas were on a mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people everywhere. And last time, we discovered that this is God’s mission for us today! No matter what happened, Paul and Barnabas never stopped sharing the Good News. As followers of Jesus, we should always share God’s love, too—and that’s why the name of this song is: “We Won’t Ever Stop.”

Play Video (Song): We Won’t Ever Stop(3 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)

Have you ever felt sad or discouraged, and then someone said or did something to cheer you up and encourage you? How did it feel knowing someone cared about you? Children answer. 

We want to do the same thing for other people. That’s why our SuperTruth today is, “I will love and encourage others. Let’s say it together: “I will love and encourage others.”

Let’s watch a short version of our Bible story “Paul and Barnabas.” If you have seen it before, watch carefully and notice what Paul tells the sorcerer that he won’t be able to see for some time. We’ll talk about the answer in Small Group.

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.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story(12 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to join Paul and Barnabas on their mission trip. In Paphos, Paul miraculously blinds a sorcerer, and the Roman governor is saved. In Perga, John Mark abandons the mission, leading to a rift between Paul and Barnabas. In Lystra, Paul is nearly stoned to death. Even so, the disciples continue preaching the Gospel.

Condensed Bible Story

Discussion(1 minute)

Do you remember what the name Barnabas means? Son of Encouragement.

Barnabas lived up to his name by encouraging many others. How did Barnabas help Paul after he became a believer in Jesus?

The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were afraid of Paul because he used to persecute Christians. Barnabas convinced them that Paul had been completely changed when he met the Lord and could be trusted (Acts 9:26–31).

Paul and Barnabas shared the wonderful message about Jesus, who has the power to change people’s lives. They were filled with God’s Spirit, who confirmed their message with miracles!

Introduce Bible Background Video(1 minute)

Guess how many miles Paul and Barnabas traveled on their first mission trip? Allow several children to answer.

Let’s watch the Bible Background video to see who had the closest answer. 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 Video

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic

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

10B SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s say the SuperVerse together:

When we are filled with God’s love, we look beyond our own situation and take notice of others. Instead of criticizing and finding fault in one another, we can look for ways to encourage and help.

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 before we move to Small Group. Dear Jesus, You came into the world because of Your love for us. You took notice of our need and rescued us. Help us to be motivated by Your love to share it with others. We pray in the name of love—the name of Jesus, amen.

In Small Group today, you will play a game of encouragement, and everyone will succeed. Let’s go find out how to 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.

Relay Game

You Can Do It! Play a game of second chances.

In Large Group, you were asked a question about Paul and the sorcerer named Elymas. What did Paul tell Elymas he would not be able to see for some time? The sunlight.

Paul could not let anything distract the governor from hearing about Jesus. John Mark may have been surprised by the opposition that they faced while sharing the Gospel; this was possibly a reason he chose to leave the apostles and return home.

Later, Paul refused to allow John Mark to accompany him on a second journey. Barnabas saw the potential in John Mark and gave him a second chance. The game we are about to play is about encouraging others and giving them a second chance. Actually, this game gives everyone a second, third, fourth, or as many chances as needed to be successful!

Demonstrate as you explain the game. This ball represents a word of encouragement. The sad faces on the boxes represent someone who needs that word of encouragement as quickly as possible. You must bounce the ball at least once on the floor before it goes into the box. Each player walks quickly to Line 1 and bounces the ball. If the ball goes in the box, five points are scored. The player retrieves the ball and brings it back to the next player to take a turn. If the player misses, he/she retrieves the ball and bounces the ball from Line 2. If the player makes it, two points are scored. If missed, the player retrieves the ball and moves to Line 1. At this line, players have as many turns as necessary to bounce the ball in the box to score one point. Everyone is successful!

The reason more points are scored for Lines 1 and 2 is because someone who feels sad needs to be encouraged as soon as possible! In this game, each team gets a second chance to win! The team that finishes first wins one category, and the team that scores the most points wins the other category. This can be the same team or different teams. Here is a very important part of the game for everyone: each team must continually encourage your teammates as they play. Clap and cheer them on with words of encouragement and motivation. This isn’t a time to be silent or shy!

Divide the class into Team 1 and Team 2. Have the teams form two separate lines behind the starting line and opposite their team’s box. A leader or volunteer will keep score on the board. All players shout their points to the scorekeeper—for example, “Team 1, five points” or “Team 2, one point.” Shout “Go” to start the game. The first player on each team moves quickly to the first line and bounces the ball toward the box. Continue as described above until all players on one team have finished. Put a star beside that team on the board. The other team continues to play until they finish. Record the scores and declare a second winner for the highest score.

Optional: If time permits, continue the theme of second chances; play as above and give each player an additional turn. Instead of players shouting their score, position a volunteer or leader at the boxes to shout each player’s score.

Conclusion: No matter how hard we try, we all will miss the mark and fall short as we follow Christ. God never gives up on us, and we can’t give up on each other.

Turn the boxes around to reveal the happy faces. This looks better, doesn’t it! Let us always be ready to encourage and motivate others—as long as it takes to build them up and be successful!

Teaching

That's Encouraging! Discuss building up vs. tearing down.

From our Bible story today, can you name some ways that Paul and Barnabas encouraged others and showed God’s love? Barnabas helped others accept Paul when he became a Christian; they preached the Gospel to others even when they were commanded to stop; Barnabas gave John Mark a second chance; they healed others in Jesus’ name.

Barnabas was a kind and generous man. He once sold a field he owned and gave the money to the apostles. There are many ways to demonstrate God’s love and encourage others.

If you were here last time, how did Chris, Joy, and Gizmo encourage Jia Wei when he was being teased by students for inviting them to his Bible study? They got his tablet or digi-pad back for him and signed up to attend his study in front of the others.

Our actions and words are powerful. They can have a positive effect on others. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT):

Stand by the table next to a pile of blocks. What are some ways that we can encourage people and build them up? If you have an idea, raise your hand. Call on children one by one to have them come up and state an answer, giving each a block to build a tower. As more children come forward, the tower will get higher. Answers may include: Kind words, helping with a chore, listening to their problems, praying for them, sharing a Bible verse with them, etc.

We can pray and ask God for wisdom and creativity to build people up—just as we built this tower.

However, our words and actions can discourage people, hurt them, and tear them down. Proverbs 12:18 says:

It took us a while to build this nice tower, but mean or cutting words can tear someone down in an instant. Knock the tower down with a chopping motion.

It is often easier to say the first thing that comes to mind rather than consider how it may affect someone. Can you name some reasons someone may say something hurtful? Jealousy or envy, trying to make themselves look better than someone, revenge, going along with the crowd or try to fit in, anger, frustration, disappointment, unhappy with themselves.

In Ephesians 4:29, Paul says:

When we get angry, what’s the first thing we should do before we say or do anything? Children answer.

We should STOP, THINK, and PRAY. Let’s say someone posts something nasty about you on the Internet. Right away, you may want to post something mean about that person. Instead, STOP before you say or do something wrong. THINK about whether your words or actions will help or hurt. PRAY and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom.

Squeeze some icing onto the plate. Discuss how it is impossible to put the icing back into the tube. Liken it to our words, and how once our words are spoken, posted, or sent, they cannot be taken back.

Let us always strive to encourage, love, and motivate others in all we say and do!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give the Mission Ship Craft to children who missed Lesson 1 to assemble at home. Hold up the sample craft.

Raise your hand if you completed the Discipleship Challenge mission from the last lesson. Would anyone like to share your experience about witnessing to others? Children respond.

Can anyone say Psalm 96:3 from memory?

Witnessing about Jesus is simply sharing what you know about Him and how He is real and active in your life. Now let’s read our mission challenge for Lesson 2 on the sail. ENCOURAGE—Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and encourage someone.

Optional—read Philippians 2:4 (NLT):

Paul and Barnabas encouraged other believers wherever they traveled on their missions. And that is the second challenge on your mission—to encourage at least one person every day. This could be with your words or actions. As today’s SuperVerse says, look for ways to motivate one another. As we learned earlier, we have help! We can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show us people who need encouragement and to give us insight and creative ideas of how to encourage them!

The other part of your mission is to look up and read Philippians 2:4 in your Bible. If possible, memorize the verse and discuss it with your family.

Remember, try to encourage at least one person every day! You will have a chance to share the results of your mission with us in class next time.

SuperVerse

Superbook Cover-up: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Barnabas did not give up on John Mark even when Paul had lost faith in him. Barnabas felt so strongly about motivating John Mark to do the Lord’s work that he was willing to leave Paul and travel with John Mark. That must have been a difficult decision for Barnabas. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit may lead us to encourage someone whom others have rejected and have lost confidence in. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can show God’s love and give them another chance. God loves and values everyone—and we should too!

Let’s say the SuperVerse aloud two times together.

Erase the verse in the correct order at the top of the board and remove the sheets of paper to uncover the verse written in random order.

Ask a child to come to the board and choose the first word of the verse, write it on the top of the board, then carefully erase only that word from the random order verse at the bottom of the board.

Have a second child do the second word, and continue until the verse is written in the correct order. You may choose to erase each word instead of the children.

If a child writes a word out of order, erase it and encourage them to try again, giving them a second chance as Barnabas gave John Mark. If the child writes down another incorrect word, have the class shout words of encouragement and applaud their effort! Then call on someone to tell them the correct word to write on the board so they can be successful. Once the entire SuperVerse is written correctly, have everyone say it aloud together.

Optional: Erase the verse and have the class try to say it from memory.

Prayer

Encouraging Prayers: Communicate with God.

Our SuperVerse and SuperTruth are about encouraging and motivating others. I think all of us have experienced times when we are down and have lost confidence or hope. Perhaps we messed up or failed at something we have attempted to do. It is especially discouraging and embarrassing if it happens in front of others, like at school. In times like these, a word of encouragement or even a smile can make a big difference. It is easy to join in with others who criticize or make fun of someone who has made a mistake or failed. As followers of Christ, we are called to build up and motivate rather than tear down.

The Holy Spirit will help us think of ways to encourage others. Today, in our prayer time, I would like you to think of someone who needs to be encouraged. It could be a family member, a friend, or even a classmate that you don’t know very well. If you can’t think of someone right away, ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone to your mind. Please bow your heads, close your eyes, and silently pray. Allow children time to meditate and pray.

Now, I would like you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you think of creative ways to encourage that person. It could be by your words or an action that helps and supports them. Allow children time to pray.

Close in prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us to pray and to speak to our hearts. Remind us to pray each day for the people that You bring to our minds. Help us to always be on the lookout for those who need to be encouraged and shown Your care and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Building Game

Build ‘Em Up! Demonstrate how we can encourage others.

We have been discussing how we must encourage others and show them God’s love. Let’s read another verse that says this a little differently. Read Romans 15:2 (NLT).

It is easy to focus on our own needs and do things to build ourselves up—and we should! However, we can’t ignore others in the process. As followers of Christ, we must look for ways to motivate others and help them do what is right. When we do that, we build them up in the Lord, and God’s Kingdom is strengthened. In this game, we are going to build towers that represent people. Point to the cup. But instead of building your own team’s tower up, you’re going to race to build the other team’s tower up!

Divide the class into Team 1 and Team 2. It is important for each child to know the team number that they are assigned. Have the teams shout their team number aloud.

The teams must be even and may have up to ten children. If the teams are uneven, a child on one team may need to play an additional time.

Each team will build a tower of a maximum of twenty blocks with each child having two turns. Smaller teams allow children to take additional turns.

Have teams form two separate lines behind the mark with Team 1 facing the card for Team 2, and Team 2 facing the card for Team 1. Place an equal pile of dominos or blocks (maximum of twenty) near each team behind the line or mark. The first player from each team will pick up a block and quickly carry it to their team’s side of the table and place it in front of the card. Then the players will balance a cup—happy face out—on top of their block and return to their team. The next players take their turn. Players lift the cup and place their block on the tower and balance the cup on top again.

The first team that successfully completes their tower with the cup on top wins. Allow the other team time to complete their tower.

Note: If a tower falls at any point, a player may be chosen to help the current player rebuild the tower, and then play continues as before. This shows support and encourages the player.

Congratulate the winning team and then reveal the card by placing it against their tower. Now, do the same with the other card.

Neither team built their own tower—instead, you built the other team’s tower up! This is what the verse is talking about, helping others and building them up instead of always focusing on ourselves!

Social Network Activity

Tweet Others As You Wish To Be Tweeted: Post a message to encourage others.

Can someone name the social network app where you post a short message called a tweet? Twitter.

The tweet can be read by anyone who chooses to follow or subscribe to your messages or from your account page on the internet.

Texting is another way to send short messages to a specific person or a group of people. Texts or tweets can be serious or fun, thoughtful, encouraging, and motivational. Or, they can be careless, destructive, and hurtful.

Can you finish this old saying? “Sticks and stones may break my bones…" But words will never hurt me.

This saying has been around for many years, but it isn’t true. Paul and other apostles were physically stoned by people who opposed their message about Christ (Acts 14:5,19–20). No one would question that sticks or stones can injure someone; however, words hurt others, too!

Whether we want to admit it or not, the words we say do matter. They can tear down or build up. Let’s read Ephesians 4:29 again, which we discussed in our teaching time:

It would be wise to consider this verse before saying something on social media! Give a Tweet Sheet and a pencil to each child.

In this activity, I am going to read a situation in which someone needs to be encouraged and shown God’s love, mercy, and kindness. You are going to write a text or tweet in ten words or less to encourage and support that person.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together before we begin:

Read the scenario and give children a minute or two to tweet or text a word of encouragement on their Tweet Sheets. You may substitute your own scenarios that your children will relate to. After each scene, or after the sheet is completed, allow children to share their tweets and discuss the scenario together.

1. Someone has been hurt by gossip.
2. Someone is nervous about doing a big presentation at school.
3. Someone's grandmother died.
4. Someone was not picked for a team or activity they tried out for.
5. Someone found out that they must move to another state.

Conclusion: Whether our words are spoken in person or posted through social media, they are powerful to build up or tear down. We must choose our words carefully to encourage others and demonstrate God’s love.

Craft

Take Note: Make a card to encourage someone.

There are many reasons that people need to be encouraged. Can you name some? Sad, hurt by someone, disappointed, someone they know is sick or has died, a pet is lost or sick, they’ve received a bad grade or failed to make a team, etc.

Have children write a short note on the inside of their card to someone who needs to be encouraged and then sign their name. Have them color and decorate their cards to personalize them.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will love and encourage others.”

Take these cards home and give them to the people you made them for. The cards are one way to show God’s love and care for others.

Conclusion: No matter the reason or how your encouragement comes—a card, a kind word, a listening ear, text, phone call, prayer, song, or even a smile—it can motivate someone and give them hope.

Bible Activity

What Would You Do? Look up verses and discuss Paul and Barnabas’s disagreement.

What did Paul and Barnabas disagree on regarding John Mark? If he should accompany them on their next journey to encourage the people they had preached the Gospel to.

In this activity, we are going to look up some Scriptures and discuss this in more detail. You will have an opportunity to consider the circumstances and express your feelings about each man’s actions and choice. There may not always be a clear right or wrong answer, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, and let’s all respect each other’s opinions.

1. Acts 15:36–41 (NLT):

• In verse 36, what did Paul want to do? Visit the cities where they had preached the Gospel and see how the people were doing.
• How can we apply this in our lives? It is helpful to follow up and keep in touch with others to see how they are doing and if they are growing in their faith. We need to make ourselves available to answer questions, encourage, and pray with them.
• Why would Paul not travel with John Mark again? He had deserted or abandoned them on the previous journey.
• What did Barnabas want to do? Give him a second chance and allow him to go.
• Now, take a moment and consider their different feelings and decisions about John Mark; what do you think you would do in the same situation and why? Is one man right or wrong? Children share their feelings.
• Can you think of another verse or story in the Bible to back up your response? Children answer.

Let’s look up some other passages that will give us some more things to consider with Paul and Barnabas’s positions regarding John Mark.

2. John 21:17 (NLT):

• Does anyone know when this conversation took place between Jesus and Simon Peter? After Peter had denied Jesus three times. Later, after Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples had gone fishing, and Jesus came to them.
• Jesus came to find His disciples after they had abandoned Him. He restored Peter and gave him a job to do in God’s Kingdom. He told him to care for His lambs and sheep, which represent Jesus’ followers. How can this be related to Paul and Barnabas’s situation with John Mark? Jesus gave Peter a second chance and didn’t reject him after he had denied and abandoned Him. He sent him out to do important work for Him again.
• Do Jesus’ actions seem more like Paul’s attitude toward John Mark or more like Barnabas's? Please explain. Barnabas; he gave John Mark a second chance to do God’s work. He showed forgiveness and mercy.

3. Acts 9:26–28 (NLT):

Jesus miraculously appeared to Saul as he actively persecuted followers of Christ. Saul became a believer and changed his name to Paul.

• What did Barnabas do to help Paul? The other disciples did not trust that Paul had really changed and were afraid of him. Barnabas convinced them that Paul was now a follower of Christ so the other believers and leaders would accept him.
• How should this experience have affected Paul with regard to John Mark’s situation? Paul was given a second chance by Jesus and by the other believers and leaders in the church. You would think Paul would be willing to forgive and extend the same kindness and benefit of the doubt to John Mark. Paul/Saul actually imprisoned and persecuted believers, yet he was given a second chance.
• What was the result of Paul getting a second chance? He preached boldly for Christ and accomplished much for God.

4. Colossians 3:13 (NLT):

• How does this verse apply to the circumstance with Paul and Barnabas? Paul didn’t seem to be able to make allowance or look past John Mark’s failure and forgive him. Barnabas was willing to forgive and move on.
• Why is it often difficult to do what this verse tells us? It is hard to trust people and give them another chance, especially when they have offended us or let us down.
• Do you think sometimes it is wise to forgive, yet not give certain responsibilities to someone until they prove they are trustworthy? Why or why not? Children answer.

Conclusion: Paul had strong reasons not to allow John Mark to travel on his second journey with Barnabas. The good news is that Paul and John Mark eventually were reconciled and united in doing God’s work. Before Paul died, he encouraged other churches to welcome John Mark. He also called John Mark a fellow worker and said he was helpful to his ministry (Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11).

And here is a question for you: can you guess which book of the Bible was written by John Mark? The Gospel of Mark.

How amazing to think that even though he failed to complete one mission, he went on to write a very important book of the Bible that would tell millions of people about Jesus!