Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome to the last lesson of our Superbook adventure about the prophet Isaiah. When enemies threatened to attack Jerusalem, King Hezekiah prayed, and God saved the city. God has a plan to save us, too. Let’s stand and praise Jesus, who is the only way to salvation, as we sing The Salvation Poem!

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

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

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Have you ever put your trust in someone, and that person let you down? Children respond.

Now, don’t put your hand up for this question, but think for a moment and be honest. Has someone ever put their trust in you to do something, and you let them down?

You most likely had good intentions, but something happened, or you simply forgot. God is the only One we can trust who will never, ever disappoint us.

Our SuperTruth today is, “I will trust in God alone.” Let’s say it together: “I will trust in God alone.”

When we put our trust in God alone, we will never be abandoned or disappointed. Just as He answered King Hezekiah’s desperate prayer when the Assyrian army gathered to attack, He will also answer our prayers for help.

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 Isaiah. If you have seen it before, God’s angel entered the Assyrian army camp and defeated them. King Sennacherib then retreated and returned to his home in a famous city in the Bible. Listen carefully to find out the name of that city.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (13 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to meet the prophet Isaiah, who warns God’s people to return to Him. The Assyrians have invaded Judah and now publicly taunt the people of Jerusalem, saying that God cannot save them. King Hezekiah prays, then sends for Isaiah, who correctly predicts that the Assyrians will be vanquished. The children learn to trust God and speak His message to others.

Condensed Bible Story

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic

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

Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperVerse today is Isaiah 40:31:

Raise your hand if you have ever seen an eagle at the zoo. Children respond.

Raise your hand if you have ever seen an eagle soar high in the sky. Children respond.

The eagle is symbolic of strength and courage and is known for its wide wingspan and flying very high.

God spoke the words in the SuperVerse through Isaiah to comfort His people. (See Isaiah 40:1.) The people had become weary from the threat of the Assyrian army attacking their city. God wanted them to trust in Him. If they did, they would be refreshed and strengthened to continue and not lose hope. They would not only survive, but soar!

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. Isaiah 40:31:

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 how Isaiah predicted that Jesus would come into the world to die for us—hundreds of years before Jesus was born!

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (5 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Let’s pray before we move to Small Group. Dear God, help us to trust in You alone. As we do this, You promise that we will find new strength and soar like eagles. We praise You that we will be able to run and not grow weary, and we will walk and not grow faint. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.

It’s time for Small Group, where you will have a chance to knock some things down. Are you up for that? Maybe I should ask if you are down for that! Let’s go get the “low down” on 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.

Game

You’re Going Down! Play a game to knock down objects with marbles.

In Large Group, you were asked to listen for the city that King Sennacherib returned to. What’s the name of the city? Nineveh.

Here's a bonus question not in our adventure today: which Old Testament prophet was sent to Nineveh to call the people to repent and turn to God? Jonah.

When the Assyrian army mocked God and threatened to attack, Hezekiah proclaimed that God was the only living God. Hezekiah put his trust in God alone to rescue Jerusalem—not in false gods! (See 2 Kings 19:17–19.)

In this game, you will work in two teams to roll marbles to knock over the tubes. The tubes represent idols. What do you think the bottle in the middle represents? God.

God will not co-exist with other false gods in our lives, so we must get rid of all the tubes, so only God remains standing. Remember, not one idol can remain standing!

Divide the children into two teams, which do not need to be equal. Mix up each team with older and younger girls and boys together. Have the teams line up behind the line. Teams play at the same time. Give the first player on each team four marbles to roll. Each player gets two chances to roll the marbles, one at a time, to knock over as many tubes as possible. After players roll, they must quickly retrieve the marbles for the next player, being careful not to knock over tubes in the process. The first team to knock over all of the tubes with the marbles wins. Play another round if time allows, or until all children have taken at least one turn.

Fast Play Option:

• Have two players on each team roll at the same time instead of one player on each team.

• Station two sixth-grade helpers or other volunteers near the camp to quickly roll the marbles back to the next player. The assistants can also stand the tubes upright for additional rounds until every child has had a turn.

Conclusion: Sometimes, before we realize it, we can begin to put our trust in people, things, or even in ourselves rather than God. God wants us to trust in Him alone. Unlike people or things, He will never let us down! Now, let’s learn more about the prophet Isaiah and how He predicted some amazing things—hundreds of years before they happened!

Teaching

A Mouthpiece for God: Isaiah prophesied about Jesus.

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 Glory of God

In Isaiah’s vision, he saw the glory of God. Do you remember what he did when he saw God’s glory? He laid face down on the ground before God.

Isaiah lay prostrate before God. That means to stretch out with your face on the ground in humility, adoration, and submission. Isaiah was overcome with God’s glory and holiness.

What word did the angelic beings repeat three times as they worshiped God around His throne? Holy, holy, holy.

They said that the whole earth is filled with His glory! You can imagine how overwhelming these sights and sounds were for Isaiah. During the vision, God called Isaiah to speak on His behalf to the people of Israel. He spoke to Isaiah and through him.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Isaiah 6:3–5

Signpost 2 The Birth and Ministry of Jesus

Isaiah predicted many things as a prophet during the reign of four kings—that’s a long time!

The Gospel of John quotes many of Isaiah’s predictions about Jesus. John wrote that Isaiah saw the future and Jesus’ glory. Isaiah predicted Jesus’ birth about 700 years before it happened!

In Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah wrote:

This is a familiar passage that is often read during a certain holiday that we celebrate. Can you name the holiday? Christmas.

Isaiah also said that Jesus would perform miracles of healing. Can you name some of the diseases and disabilities that Jesus healed while He lived on the earth? Blind eyes, deafness, lameness, evil spirits, bleeding, leprosy, raised the dead!

Isaiah also predicted that Jesus would deliver the Good News to the people. The Good News is how Jesus will heal, comfort, and set people free from sin.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

John 12:41 (CEV)

Isaiah 35:5–6 (NLT)

Isaiah 61:1 (NLT)

Signpost 3 The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Isaiah not only predicted Jesus’ birth, but he also predicted His arrest, trial, and death. Do you remember how King Sennacherib sent his messengers to insult, mock, and threaten King Hezekiah and God’s people? The Assyrians didn’t believe the Lord could save Jerusalem from the mighty army that had already captured city after city.

Isaiah predicted that Jesus would also be insulted and mocked, and his prophecy came true. The soldiers beat Him, spit on Him, and pulled out His beard. Jesus endured all these things because He loved us and submitted to God’s plan.

Matthew 27:41–44 says:

Isaiah predicted how the Messiah would die for our sins—He would be pierced, beaten, and whipped so that we could be forgiven, healed, and whole. All of these things happened to Jesus. He was blameless and without sin, yet He chose to carry our sins on the cross.

1 Peter 2:24 says:

Isaiah even predicted that Jesus would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. (See Isaiah 53:9.)

King Hezekiah trusted in the strength of the one true God to save him from his enemies. God moved in a mighty way and didn’t allow the enemy to enter Jerusalem. Jesus also trusted in the strength of His Father, God. Jesus died according to God’s plan and then was raised from the dead. All of this was predicted by Isaiah. God spoke to him and through him.

Jesus trusted in God alone—even all the way to His death on the cross. Will you trust Him, too? Those who put their trust in Jesus will move from darkness into Jesus’ marvelous light!

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Isaiah 50:6:

Isaiah 53:5–6:

Isaiah 53:9–10:

Isaiah 9:2:

Now, it’s time for the Discipleship Challenge! We'll continue being challenged to be ready for God to send us to speak His Word to others!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give any child who missed the previous lessons the Isaiah Send Me Gizmo Craft with the telescoping neck. Consider taping the four brass roundhead paper fasteners on a page corner to secure them. Show children the sample craft made in Lesson 1 and have them assemble the craft at home.

Use the model craft as you discuss the challenge. The challenge last time was to learn Ephesians 4:15a. Would anyone like to try and say it from memory? Children respond. Ephesians 4:15a:

It’s important to speak the truth, but it’s also important to speak it in love. If we speak in anger and judgment, people will feel discouraged and torn down. We want to share God’s love and encourage people to seek Him.

Let’s extend Gizmo’s neck as far as it will go to see the last challenge. Slowly pull up Gizmo’s neck and have a child read the challenge aloud.

Trust in God alone. Isaiah 40:31

If time permits, look up and discuss the verse now since it is the last challenge. Isaiah 40:31:

Why does this verse sound familiar? It is today’s SuperVerse. This is a powerful verse to memorize. It can be a reminder to trust God in difficult times, in all kinds of situations. Everyone grows weary—even young people like you. Yet God never does, and He wants to infuse us with His strength so we can run and soar!

This verse is also a wonderful message to share with others to encourage them. For this challenge, continue to pray for a clearer understanding of Almighty God, high and above all! Then, look up and learn Isaiah 40:31. Continue to listen to the Holy Spirit and be ready to share God’s Word with people He shows you!

SuperVerse

Superbook in Motion: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Let’s say the SuperVerse aloud together:

Isaiah 40:31:

Eagles are often mentioned in the Bible, which describes them as swift and powerful—good hunters that soar and ascend to great heights. Eagles are also known to be fiercely protective of their young.

In Exodus 19:4, God even mentioned eagles when He described how He rescued the Israelites from Egypt. He says that He carried them on eagles’ wings and brought them to Himself. In the verses just before the SuperVerse, Isaiah says that God never grows weak or weary; He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. He goes on to say that even the youths will grow tired and become exhausted, but by trusting in God, they will find new strength. (See Isaiah 40:28–30.)

It’s great to be young like you are, with lots of energy. But, no matter how much energy you have, everyone needs to rest. All of us face problems and struggles, and we all need to find rest.

God never sleeps or grows weary. He wants us to trust in Him and allow Him to strengthen us.

Divide the children into groups of three to five children. Try to mix older and younger children together, and assign an older child to be a leader. Have each group meet in a separate area of the room. Give the children a designated amount of time to come up with motions to fit the verse's words. Then have each group perform the motions they have come up with as everyone says the verse aloud. If any children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer

Trusting Prayers: Communicate with God.

After hearing the Assyrians’ demands and threats, King Hezekiah knew that the only hope for Jerusalem was to trust in God. He tore his clothes and put on burlap. This represents intense mourning, grief, repentance, and deep sorrow. It shows humility and submission before God. The king then sent messengers to Isaiah the prophet, hoping the Lord would speak to him. Then Hezekiah went into the Temple. Soon, he received a letter written by the Assyrian king with even more bad news! (See 2 Kings 19:1–13.)

Optional: read Hezekiah’s prayer in the Temple: 2 Kings 19:14–19.

Have you ever had a bad day, where one bad thing after another seems to happen? Hezekiah was having one of these days, and it kept getting worse. God’s people were helpless; they needed their king to do something—and quickly! Hezekiah spread King Sennacherib’s letter out before the Lord and prayed. He said something very important in his prayer: he said the other nations’ gods did not help them against the Assyrians. But those gods were formed by human hands and not real—God was the only living God who could rescue them from the enemy's power!

In this time of prayer, I would like you to think of something you need God’s help with—something only He can do. It could be something at school. It may be for yourself or someone else, such as for a sickness or a relationship that needs to be healed. It could be someone who needs to know Jesus and receive His love and salvation. Whatever the situation, God is real and alive, and when we put our complete trust in Him, He will answer.

Let’s do as the king did when he spread out the letter before the Lord. I would like you to hold out your hands, palms up before God, and state your need silently to Him. Doing this represents our dependence on Him—that we are trusting Him alone for help. Let’s bow our heads, close our eyes, and do that now. Allow children time to pray.

Close: Dear God, You spoke to Isaiah and gave him an answer for Hezekiah. You did not allow the enemy to enter Jerusalem or even shoot one arrow. Thank You for protecting and saving Your people. We praise You for hearing our requests today. We are trusting in You alone for the answer! In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!

Review Game

Bounce Back Review: Play a game to review the lessons about Isaiah.

Raise your hand if you were here for the previous lesson when we talked about returning to God. Children respond.

What is another word we can use for returning or turning back to God? Repentance, repenting, repent.

Demonstrate as you explain the game. The name of this game is “Bounce Back Review.” You will answer true/false questions about the Bible story of Isaiah and King Hezekiah by turning a plate toward me with your answer. You'll score five points for each correct answer. Then you will roll balls to hit the wall and bounce back to knock over pins, similar to bowling. You'll score one point for each pin knocked over. If a player knocks over all six pins, the team will score ten points. That’s how we roll today!

Divide the class into two teams. They do not need to be equal.
Have a player from each team stand behind the mark. Give each player a plate.
Ask the same review question from the list to both players. Feel free to add your own questions.
Players will answer the question by choosing which side of the plate to show you—either True or False.
Five points are scored for a correct answer; no points are scored for an incorrect answer.
Ask the teams to tell you the correct answer for any false question.
Players are then given two balls each to roll to the wall and bounce back to knock over their team’s set of bottles.
The two players then “re-set” the bottles for the next player.
The next two players take a turn.
The team with the most points wins.

Questions and Answers

1. T/F: The seraphim had ten wings each. (False—six wings)

2. T/F: One of the seraphim put hot cocoa on Isaiah’s lips to cleanse him. (False—a hot coal)

3. T/F: Isaiah was a prophet of God who predicted what would happen in the future. (True)

4. T/F: God sent Isaiah to congratulate the Israelites for their obedience. (False—to tell them to return to Him/ to repent)

5. T/F: Isaiah stood the entire time during his vision at the temple. (False—he bowed and laid prostrate/face down)

6. T/F: The seraphim praised God saying, “Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.” (False—Holy, holy, holy)

7. T/F: Isaiah refused God’s call and asked Him to send someone else. (False—he said, "Send me")

8. T/F: King Hezekiah followed God’s orders to join armies with the Egyptians. (False—he acted on his own)

9. T/F: The Assyrians were afraid of God’s people. (False—they felt superior or invincible)

10. T/F: King Sennacherib sent his messengers to congratulate King Hezekiah and the people for trusting in God. (False—to intimidate and mock them)

11. T/F: King Hezekiah’s leaders tore their clothes and cried out after talking with the Assyrian messengers. (True) 

12. T/F: King Hezekiah’s men stood atop the walls of Jerusalem pointing slingshots at the Assyrian army. (False—bows and arrows)

13. T/F: King Hezekiah refused to pray to God and ask for help. (False—he prayed and trusted in God for help)

14. T/F: King Sennacherib called King Hezekiah on the phone. (False—he wrote a letter)

15. T/F: Isaiah was always afraid to speak the truth. (False—he spoke God’s truth, even when others didn’t want to listen)

16. T/F: God sent a plague of frogs to attack the enemy’s camp. (False—an angel)

17. T/F: 180,000 Assyrian soldiers died in the camp when God sent His angel. (True)

18. T/F: Today’s SuperTruth says to trust in ourselves above anyone else. (False—in God alone)

19. T/F: Today’s SuperVerse says that we will walk backwards and faint. (False—walk and not faint)

20. T/F: Today’s SuperVerse says that when we trust the Lord, we will soar like doves. (False—eagles)

Object Lesson

High and Lifted Up: Discuss how God is above all.

Let’s read the verse on the board together:

King Uzziah was, for the most part, a godly king over God’s people. In the later years of his reign, he was not as obedient. 2 Kings 15:3 says:

After many years of military success and prosperity, the king was dead and the Assyrians were rising to power.

Begin to stack the smaller boxes starting with the small “GOD BOX." Turn it around, so the label is visible.

Let’s say things are going smoothly for the most part. It is easy to see God in our lives, and we have a lot to be thankful for. But then something unexpected and not so good happens.

Put the “RELATIONSHIP BOX” on top of the “GOD BOX.”

Let’s say your best friend moves away or changes schools, or you have a misunderstanding or disagreement, and the relationship is broken.

Place the “DISAPPOINTMENT BOX” on the stack.

Let’s say you are dealing with a big disappointment. Maybe you were injured in a game and can’t play the rest of the season, you failed a test, or weren’t chosen for something you tried out for.

Place the “PERSECUTION/SUFFERING BOX” on the stack.

Let’s say you were teased, rejected, or laughed at for your faith at school. Maybe you were mistreated, picked on, or even bullied because of it.

Place the “HARDSHIP BOX” on the stack.

Now, someone in your family is dealing with an illness or disease, or a close friend or relative has passed away. Maybe a parent has lost a job, and the family is having trouble financially, which creates stress and hardship. What position is God now? Is He on top? No, He is on the bottom.

Sometimes, in our lives, difficult things may begin to pile up and consume our thoughts and time. We can allow them to grow bigger and bigger and see God as smaller and smaller.

There were a lot of things happening around Isaiah when God gave him his vision. He needed to see God for who He is. God’s robe and glory filled the room; He was “high and lifted up.” Kings came and went, nations rose and fell, but God was still above all on His throne. Isaiah needed to see God this way before he faced the people and brought an unpopular message to repent and turn to God. He also needed to see that God is much more powerful than an enemy army.

Point to the boxes. Things can easily get out of whack when we focus on situations instead of God Almighty.

Remove the small "GOD BOX" and leave the others stacked. Pick up the large “GOD BOX” and turn the “GOD LABEL” so it is visible. Use the box to knock over the stack of small boxes and cover them up by resting the large box on top of them.

There, that’s better! Where is God now, compared to the problems and situations we may face? He is above them; He is on top of them.

The more we gaze at God and see Him in His power and glory, the more our problems and situations will fade and shrink. He is on a lofty throne above everyone and everything!

We cannot let any situation become bigger than God and pull Him down in our minds. Instead, we must see Him in all His glory and power and allow Him to pull us up! Then, we can be strengthened and refreshed, so we can run and not faint—so we can SOAR!

How do you see God; is He high and lifted up, or is He low and pressed down? I challenge you, and I challenge myself each morning to get a fresh glimpse of God on His throne, high and lifted up above everyone and everything—above every problem, every situation, and every fear. Point to “GOD BOX.”

When things come crashing down and start to overwhelm us, it’s time to pray and restore God to His position on top, not below. King Hezekiah laid the Assyrian king’s letter before God with the threats and demands. He looked toward heaven and put his trust in God alone.

In Isaiah 66:1, God said through Isaiah:

That’s an awesome picture to see, isn’t it? Focus on the Lord, not the problem. God is bigger and above all. There is nothing He won’t do to move heaven and earth to accomplish His plan and to help us.

Maze Activity

Tunnel Vision: Trace two paths to connect in the middle.

Raise your hand if you were here for the previous lesson when we played a game about Hezekiah’s tunnel. King Hezekiah made preparations for the threatened attack of the enemy. He strengthened some parts of Jerusalem’s walls and built some new walls. (See 2 Chronicles 32:1–5.)

To prevent the enemy from cutting off the water supply, King Hezekiah ordered that a tunnel be built underground, so water could still flow from the spring to the city. He also stopped up the spring above ground so the enemy would have no water to drink. That is what this maze is about. You are going to connect a water tunnel from one end of the city to the other.

Give each child a Tunnel Maze and a pencil. Explain how they must choose from the bottom and top of the Maze and connect the two lines in the middle meeting “spot.” As the children work, lead a discussion using the content below.

King Hezekiah was a good king who loved the Lord. However, that doesn’t mean he never made mistakes. Can you name a mistake that the king made? He joined forces/ made an agreement with Egypt to fight against the Assyrians.

God had not directed King Hezekiah to do this! Instead of joining forces with Egypt, what did God want the Israelites to do? Trust in Him alone to protect them against the Assyrian army.

That is what our SuperTruth tells us. Let’s say it together: “I will trust in God alone.”

Imagine looking out from your house and seeing a huge army waiting to attack you; that would be a fearful sight! However, even when we can see no way out, God wants us to trust Him.

Optional: Read 1 Chronicles 32:2–4:

Optional: Read 2 Kings 20:20:

When the children finish, compare the tunnels and congratulate them for their accurate and diligent digging!

Conclusion: Though we try to trust in the Lord at all times, we may become impatient or fearful. We may be tempted to panic and decide to take matters into our own hands! But instead, always remember that God wants us to trust in Him.

Bible Activity

A New Strength: Race to find verses about receiving strength and rest from God.

Isaiah spoke of a new strength in today’s SuperVerse. This strength is not human strength: it is divine strength that we receive from God. His strength refreshes and helps us to accomplish amazing things according to His plan and purpose. In this activity, you will race to find verses about the strength that only comes from God.

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, they 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 Bible reference in the Old Testament or New Testament. I will then write O.T. or N.T. on the board along with the verse reference. At this point, you may begin to find the verse, and I will read a fill-in-the-blank question as you look. I will read the question one more time and upon request, if needed. The player who is not looking up the verse will be the messenger who is sent, like Isaiah.

The messenger 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 will score ten points for the correct answer; all other teams will 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 ready to learn more about God’s strength that we can receive?

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. N.T.—Philippians 4:13: We can do everything because of the strength we have through _____. (Christ)

2. N.T.—2 Corinthians 12:9: The _____ of Christ works best in our weaknesses. (Power)

3. N.T.—Ephesians 3:16: God empowers us with _____ strength through His Spirit. (Inner)

4. O.T.—Isaiah 40:29: God gives power to the _____ and strength to the _____ (Weak, powerless)

5. O.T.—Isaiah 40:31: When we ____ in the Lord, we will find new strength and _____ like eagles. (Trust, soar)

6. O.T.—Psalm 29:11: The Lord blesses His people with strength and _____. (Peace)

7. N.T.—Colossians 1:11: When we are strengthened by God’s power, we will have all the _____ and _____ we need. (Endurance, patience)

8. O.T.—Nehemiah 8:10b: The _____ of the Lord is our strength. (Joy)

9. O.T.—Psalm 46:1: God is always ready to help us; He is our _____ and _____. (Refuge, strength)

10. O.T.—2 Chronicles 16:9a: When we fully commit our _____ to Him, He will strengthen us. (Hearts)