Leader Guide
| Site: | Superbook Academy |
| Course: | Baptized |
| Book: | Leader Guide |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Thursday, 4 July 2024, 1:42 AM |
Description
SuperTruth:
I choose to follow Jesus.
SuperVerse:
“Anyone who wants to serve Me must follow Me, because My servants must be where I am.” John 12:26a (NLT)
Bible Story:
Matthew 9:9, 28:19; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 5:1–11, 6:12–23a; John 1:43–50; Proverbs 27:17
Superbook Video:
Baptized!
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
*Be sure to preview the Bible story video for this course, as some imagery may be too intense for young children. If you wish to use a slightly less intense version, you can play Video 2 (Chris and Joy’s dilemma), Video 4 (the condensed Bible story), and Video 8 (Chris and Joy’s resolution). Also, preview the Bible Background and the Signposts videos.
Welcome (1 minute)
Hello and welcome, everyone! Today, we begin a new Superbook adventure, “Baptized!” Chris and Joy recently made the decision to follow Christ and are planning to be baptized. However, their baptism may have to be delayed. Let’s visit Valley View now and see what is going on.
Play Video 2: Intro to Bible Story (2 minutes)
Chris and Joy are excited about their upcoming baptism, but heavy rains threaten to ruin their plans.
Chris and Joy's Dilemma
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
What was Gizmo pretending to be outside? A weatherman.
What did Gizmo call the rainstorm? Stormageddon.
Where were Joy and Gizmo going to be baptized—in a swimming pool? No, the river at the park.
Whose name was on Joy’s list that she crossed out more than once? Ellie.
Why did Joy hesitate to invite her? Ellie was not a Christian, so Joy didn’t know if she would be interested.
The SuperTruth for today is “I choose to follow Jesus.” After many Superbook adventures, Chris and Joy have made a life-changing decision to follow Jesus. Let’s watch the second part of the video to see what they learn about following Jesus and if the weather delays their baptism.
Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution (21 minutes)
Joy can’t decide whether to invite Ellie to the baptism because she's not a Christian yet. Superbook takes Chris, Joy, Gizmo—and Ellie—to meet Jesus as He chooses His disciples and tells them He will make them “fishers of men.” Ellie accepts Jesus as her Savior, then joins Chris and Joy as they are baptized.
Chris and Joy's Dilemma
Video Discussion (1 minute)
Where was Jesus while the disciples were talking and sitting around a fire? He was alone on a mountain praying.
What did Jesus call the process of bringing others to Him? Being fishers of men (people).
Jesus wasn’t just talking about men, but everyone—men, women, boys, and girls! He was talking about us!
Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic
Graphic loops 1.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
Chris and Joy's Dilemma
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
Today’s SuperVerse is John 12:26—let’s say it together:
To be a true follower of Jesus, we must carefully follow His example. While here on the earth, Jesus was a servant to others and always obeyed what God told Him to do. We must try to be obedient to God’s Word and to love and serve others as He did.
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, thank You for sending Jesus into the world to die for us and set an example of how we should live. Give us the wisdom and strength to choose to follow Jesus all the days of our lives. In His name, we pray, Amen.
Raise your hand if you like to go fishing. Children respond.
In Small Group, we are going to play a fishing game. However, this is a different kind of fishing because you won’t fish for fish! So, even if you don’t like the thought of touching a fish, or you have never gone fishing, I think you will like this game. And for some of you, the best part is that you won’t need to put a worm on a hook!
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.
Action Game
- Baptized! Fish Page
- Cardstock—one sheet per two children, plus extras
- Scissors
- Optional: blue blanket, blue sheet, or blue material to create
a “lake”
- Optional: painter's tape or masking tape
- Optional: board to keep score
- Optional: To play the game with “fishing poles,” you’ll need one paper clip for each fish, two short sticks to be “fishing poles,” two strings about 24-inches long to be
“fishing lines,” and two round, washer-style magnets to be “fish hooks.” For
more than two teams, add extra fishing poles.
Make copies of the Baptized! Fish Page in color or black and white—one page per two children, plus extras.
Cut out the individual fish. To save time, stack and align two to three pages and cut them all at one time.
Create space for a “lake” about 4–5 feet wide in the middle of the game area. Optional: Use a blue blanket, sheet, or material to create the lake.
Place a line or mark about 10 feet away from one side of the lake, and place another line or mark about 10 feet away from the opposite side of the lake.
You may have the children simply reach into the lake to get the fish with their hands, OR play the game with “fishing poles.” To do this, attach one paper clip to each fish’s head.
Attach a string to a short stick, then tie a round washer-style magnet to the other end of the string.
Hold back one “people fish” and place all the other fish facedown in a random fashion in the “lake.”
Catch REEL—ay: Play a game to "fish" for people.
What job did several of the men have before Jesus chose them to be His disciples? Fishermen.
What did Jesus tell these fishermen He would teach them to do? To fish for people.
How do you fish for people? Tell others about Christ; bring others to Jesus; share the Gospel.
Point to the fish in the lake. This lake is stocked with lots of fish, so it looks like it will be “smooth sailing” to snag a couple, doesn’t it? Ohhh, but this game has a “catch”; we aren’t just fishing for any type of fish. Like Jesus’ disciples—we are going to fish for people!
Many of the fish in the lake are ordinary fish. Show the fish you held back. But, when you flip some fish over, you'll find people. On your turn, you must find two fish with people on them before you can come back to shore. Then the next player on the team takes a turn. The first team to have all players catch two people each wins the game. If you catch an ordinary fish, you must throw it back by placing it face down into the lake again. When you find a fish with a person on it, you keep it for your team.
Divide the class into two equal teams; one child may need to play twice. Try to mix older and younger children on each team. The teams will form separate lines on opposite sides of the “lake.” Explain how to get the fish (either with their hands or with the optional “fishing poles”). Encourage players to cheer each other on as they fish. Why? Because we all share one common goal to bring people to Christ as we follow Him.
Conclusion: Great job, everyone, finding people that we can bring to Jesus! Just like we cheered each other on, we must help and encourage one another as we follow and serve Christ. Let’s find out more about what it means to follow Jesus in today’s teaching.
Teaching
- Baptized! Follow Sign
- Baptized! Reward Sign
- Three Chairs
- Scissors
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
Discipleship Challenge materials:
- Baptized! Fishing License
- Cardstock—one sheet per child, plus extras
- Pencils
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
Make one copy each of the Follow Sign and the Reward Sign.
Cut out the three individual FOLLOW SIGNS.
Line up the chairs several feet in front of the children, about 3–4 feet apart.
From left to right, place the Follow Signs in order (1–3), facedown on the chair seats.
Place the Reward Sign face down on the floor under the third chair.
Discipleship Challenge
Make copies of the Baptized! Fishing License on cardstock in color or black and white—one per child, plus extras.
Make one model craft with the bottom section cut off and the #1 fish cut out and glued to the #1 pole line to show the class as an example.
A High Calling: Jesus calls everyone to follow Him.
Let’s say today’s SuperVerse together: John 12:26:
This sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Ask a volunteer to follow you as you walk around the room and speak. The volunteer can then sit down again.
There doesn’t seem like much to it, actually. It looks like something we all can do—no problem. Look how easily {volunteer’s name} is able to do it without even practicing. The disciples followed Jesus everywhere He went while He lived in the world as a man. After Jesus died and rose again, where did He go? He returned to heaven to be with God, His Father.
Wait a minute—Jesus isn’t here physically today, but He still calls us to follow Him. That must mean to follow Him is more than just physically following His footsteps, like {volunteer’s name} followed me. Raise your hand if you agree there is a deeper meaning to following Jesus? Children respond.
Even though {volunteer’s name} followed me, it doesn’t mean he/she is willing to serve and do as I do and say. Have you heard of “following” people on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? Children respond.
If you follow people that way, does it mean that you always do what they do? No!
No, it probably means you think they are funny or interesting, but you don’t necessarily want to be like them. So the question we really need to answer is, what does it mean to follow Jesus? Can I hear some of your ideas? Children answer.
To follow Jesus means to be like Him, imitate Him, and follow the example He gave while on earth. It means to listen to and obey His Word in the Bible. It doesn’t just mean going to church; there is much more to it!
Walk and stop at the first chair. As we follow Jesus, we will experience many situations along the way, some good, some difficult. As His followers, our goal is to respond like He did, no matter what we encounter. Have a volunteer come forward and read Sign #1 on the chair—Love—and then return to his/her seat.
Following Jesus means to love as He loved. He loved unconditionally and deeply. He showed compassion, forgiveness, and mercy to all He encountered in all kinds of situations. In John 13:34–35, Jesus said:
People should be able to recognize that we are followers of Christ by how we love ourselves, right? If children do not catch your mistake, read the verse and repeat the question. No, by how we love each other!
People should see that we are followers of Christ by how we unselfishly love one another! Move the first chair aside and then walk and stop at the second chair. Have a volunteer come forward and read Sign #2—Obey—and return to his/her seat.
To follow Christ, we must be willing to obey God, as Jesus did. Does this mean we have to obey God even if we don’t understand why He’s asking us to do something? Yes.
Does this mean we have to obey God even if it means we have to do something hard? Yes.
Jesus submitted to God’s plan and humbly laid down His own life to follow God’s will. He did what God wanted, rather than what Jesus may have desired for Himself. He did this even when it meant dying on the cross for us.
Move Chair #2 aside and then walk and stop at Chair #3. Have a volunteer come forward and read Sign #3—Endure—and return to his/her seat.
To endure means to suffer or go through something patiently. Jesus never hid the truth. He never pretended that it would be easy to follow Him. He knew it wouldn’t always be a smooth ride. Jesus endured insults, mockery, and rejection—and He prepared His followers to experience the same things. Jesus endured when He was mocked, He endured when He was beaten, and He endured when He was dying on the cross. He could have stopped it at any time, calling on all the angels of heaven to rescue Him. But He chose to endure all this—why? Children answer.
He endured it all for us—because He loves us. He wanted to rescue us from sin and shame and death—so He endured it all so we could be forgiven and free. And someday, we will spend all eternity with Him in heaven!
Jesus turned to His disciples and said in Luke 6:22–23:
Move Chair #3 aside, being careful to leave the Reward Sign in place on the floor. Have a volunteer come forward and read the sign, then return to his/her seat. Reward.
Hmmm, I like rewards, how about you? I wonder what it is. In the SuperVerse, Jesus said:
The reward is having Jesus with us—today and forever! This reward goes to all who choose to follow Jesus Christ and endure whatever trials we face for His sake. In fact, He is preparing a place for us in heaven right now. (See John 14:2–3).
Jesus calls us to follow and obey because He wants to reward us with His joy in service now and in the future with eternal life in heaven. Jesus called His disciples by name. Jesus still calls people by name to follow Him; it’s up to us to choose to follow Him.
Optional: Here is how the Apostle Paul described what it means to follow Jesus and have the same attitude of service that He had on earth. Philippians 2:3–11 says:
Let’s move to our Discipleship Challenge to apply these truths in a practical way.
Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application
Give each child a Baptized! Fishing License and a pencil. Have each child write his/her name on the blank line. Use the model craft as you explain the challenge.
Jesus told His disciples that He would teach them to be fishers of men, or people. Jesus chose fishing because several of the disciples were professional fishermen, and fishing was well known in the area.
Would someone please read Matthew 28:19 at the top of your license?
Today, a license is required in most places where people are allowed to fish in public lakes, streams, or rivers. A license has your name on it and authorizes you to legally fish. In this verse, Jesus authorizes His disciples, including us, to GO and spread the Good News and make disciples who will follow Him, too. This verse is often referred to as “The Great Commission.”
To commission someone means to choose someone and give them the permission and authority to do a special task or job for you. Before Jesus left the earth to return to heaven, He commissioned His disciples to make other disciples of every nation and to baptize them into a new life in Him. Since we are His followers, He gives us this same commission!
This license represents the authority and responsibility to GO! At the top of this license, what is Jesus sending us out to catch? People.
To begin this challenge at home, you will cut off the bottom section containing the three fish. Can someone read Fish #1 for us? Luke 10:2—Pray for fishers of people.
God wants His followers to fish—the more, the better! In this challenge, you will look up the verse in your Bible or the Superbook Bible App and try to memorize it. Then each day, you will pray for more fishermen in God’s kingdom. Now, as part of this challenge, I would like you to concentrate on praying for each other, as we all are called to fish for people! Pray that we would all be willing to “cast our nets” where the Holy Spirit tells us, so others can come to know Him. We will discuss how this challenge went for you the next time we meet.
SuperVerse
- Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
Write the SuperVerse on the board as written below:
1. “Anyone who wants to serve Me
2. Must follow Me,
3. Because My servants must be where I am.”
John 12:26
Superbook Follow: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.
Stand at the board. We are going to say the SuperVerse in three parts. Walk several feet away from the board, but where it is still visible to the children. Ask the children to stand up and follow you.
Let’s say Line #1 together: “Anyone who wants to serve Me.”
Now, begin to move to another side of the room where the board is still visible and invite the children to follow you. Let’s say Line #2 together: “Must follow Me.”
As we learned in our teaching, following Jesus means to love, show mercy, forgive, and even endure persecution, trials, and suffering as you live in obedience to God. Just like you followed me wherever I led you, we must learn to listen and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit wherever He leads. The Holy Spirit not only leads us but also gives us the strength to follow Him!
Move to another part of the room where the board is visible, and invite the children to follow. Let’s say Line #3 together: “Because My servants must be where I am.”
In the last part of John 12:26, Jesus is speaking of the future reward we will receive when we serve and obediently follow Him. Jesus is in heaven, and we will be able to live with Him when we complete our journey on the earth. It will not always be easy to follow Jesus. There will be ups and downs, joy and suffering. But we can be sure of His presence with us here and in heaven.
Revelation 3:21 says:
Let’s say the entire SuperVerse aloud together:
Prayer
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
Following Prayers: Communicate with God.
Jesus came to the disciples in their everyday lives. He walked by the sea to call some disciples. He found Nathaniel under a tree, and he found Matthew working as a tax collector. He still calls out to people today. He sees us this very moment and is waiting for those who will answer His call to follow Him.
In our prayer today, I am going to give you a chance to receive Jesus as your Savior. If you already believe in Jesus, that’s awesome! You can still repeat the words with us and renew your commitment to follow Him. You can also pray in your heart for anyone who may believe in Jesus for the first time today.
In the video, what did Peter do immediately after Jesus performed the miracle of providing a boatload of fish? He fell to his knees and said he was a sinner.
Luke 5:8 says:
This is the very first and most important step to following Jesus. We have to admit our need for Him. We must acknowledge that we are sinners and we can’t save ourselves.
Close in prayer, allowing time after each phrase for the children to pray silently or repeat aloud after you: Dear Lord Jesus, … I’m sorry for all the things I’ve done wrong. … I believe You died on the cross for me … to pay the price for my sins … to forgive me … and to take me to heaven someday. … Come live in my heart. … Fill me with Your Spirit … so I can follow You, … serve You, … and live to please You in all that I do and say. … Help me share the Gospel … so others can choose to follow You, too! … In Your saving name, we pray, Amen.
Make sure to follow up with any children who prayed to follow Jesus as their Savior. Encourage them to download Gizmo’s Bible Adventures, a free 30-day devotional for children and their families. Visit us-en.Superbook.CBN.com/Pages/Discover/KidsDevo/Gizmos-Bible-Adventures.
Object Lesson
- Pencil sharpener—electric or manual
- Pencil with a dull tip
- Table
- Optional: knife sharpening rod or steel
Place all of the items on the table.
Dull or Sharp? Present an object lesson based on Proverbs 27:17 and Hebrews 11:24.
Raise your hand if you remember in the Superbook adventure when Chris, Ellie, and Peter were talking around the campfire? Children respond.
They were discussing friendships. Peter quoted a Bible verse from Proverbs 27:17:
If you have a sharpening rod or steel, display it now. It is not recommended to use a knife around children. You may have seen a chef or your parents in the kitchen rub both sides of a knife blade quickly over a metal rod. This sharpens and straightens the knife blade so that it gives you a sharper cut.
The Bible verse compares this to how we can sharpen or make each other better and more effective as we follow Christ.
Hold up the dull pencil. This pencil used to have a sharp point. But, after some use, the point has become dull.
Sometimes, as followers of Christ, we can become dull like this pencil. The original excitement of serving can begin to fade, and we can become spiritually lazy. Instead of thinking about serving others, we begin to selfishly think about our own needs and wants.
Hold up the pencil sharpener. Place the pencil into the sharpener and sharpen it. Show the pencil to the children. Now, this is sharp again! You can write much neater and clearer with it now.
Hold up the pencil. Like this pencil, we can go from dull to sharp, full of passion and fire for the Lord. As followers of Christ, we must regularly pray, read God’s Word, and continue to look for ways to serve Christ by serving others. In doing so, we can remain sharp and effective for God’s kingdom to increase!
Disciple Matching Game
- Baptized! Disciple Card Page
- Six sheets of cardstock
- Scissors
- Bible or Superbook Bible App
Make copies of the six Baptized! Disciple Card Pages on cardstock.
Cut apart the individual cards. To save time, consider stacking two pages and cutting them together.
Mix the cards in a pile.
Lay out the twenty-four cards face down on the floor in rows of four or six, leaving room to walk between the rows.
The Chosen Twelve: Play a game to learn the names of the men Jesus called to follow Him.
Read Mark 3:13–19 aloud:
Our game is based on these Bible verses. Jesus nicknamed James and John, who were brothers, the Sons of Thunder. This was because they were bold in their words and actions—sometimes a little too bold! Jesus chose twelve men, and you are going to choose them, too—two cards at a time! Some of these names are a little long and may be difficult to pronounce. Don’t worry, if you can’t read a name; we will do it together. Just try to match the number on the cards.
Divide children into two teams. They do not need to be equal. Try to mix older and younger children together on each team. On the front of each card is the name of a disciple that Jesus chose to follow Him. On their turn, each player will walk to the cards, turn one over and show it to everyone. Then, the player will choose another card to try to match the name on the first card. If they do not match, the cards are returned face down to the same spots. If the names match, have all of the children say the name of the disciple together. The player then carries the matching set back to the team. The team with the most matches after all the cards are removed wins.
Conclusion: In the verses we read, Jesus actually had many more followers. However, He only called twelve men to be His apostles. These men were Jesus’ closest disciples and traveled with Him everywhere. Remember, Jesus still calls us to be His disciples and to follow and serve Him. He will never force us; we must make the choice to follow or go our own way.
Coloring Activity
- Baptized! Stormaggedon Color Page
- Crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers
- Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
Make one copy of the coloring page for each child, plus extras.
Give a coloring page to each child, along with crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to share. Lead a discussion using the questions below as children color their pages.
Stormageddon: Color a scene from the Superbook adventure.
1. What is Gizmo doing in this picture? He is pretending to be a weatherman on T.V.
2. What piece of equipment was Gizmo using that Chris told him to turn off? A wind machine.
3. Why were Chris and Joy sad about the rain? It was the day they were supposed to be baptized outside in the river at the park, and they had invited guests.
4. Have you ever had an event you were excited about canceled or cut short because of the weather? Please share. Children answer.
5. Do you remember where Jesus was baptized? Was it inside a synagogue or church? No, He was baptized in the Jordan River.
6. Do you remember who baptized Jesus? Hint if needed: Do you know someone in the Bible who is called “the Baptist”? John the Baptist.
7. Have you seen a baptism in our church? Can you
describe it? Children respond.
Conclusion: Being baptized is an important event in your walk with Christ. It represents your old life passing away and your new life beginning. Chris and Joy were eager to share this moment with their friends and families. No wonder they were disappointed when they thought their special day would be delayed!
Bible Activity
- Bible—to make the activity fair for all children, do not use tabbed Bibles or electronic devices unless all the children have them
- Index cards—five per pair of children
- Scissors
- Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
- Eraser
- Pencils—one per pair of children
- Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with a second hand, or timer app
Cut five index cards in half for each pair of two children.
“SEA-ing” Is Believing: Race to find verses about important events around the Sea of Galilee.
In the Superbook adventure, Ellie was amazed to see the love and compassion Jesus had for the large crowds around Him. In this activity, you will look up verses about some important events in Jesus’ ministry that took place in the region of the Sea of Galilee.
Have the children sit in pairs. Try to pair an experienced Bible user with a child who isn’t as familiar with the Bible. Assign each pair a number and give each pair a Bible and ten index card halves. Have the pairs put their assigned number on each index card. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse while the other player writes the answer(s) on an index card. The index cards are then brought to the leader. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and writing down the answer(s). Have children close their Bibles before you announce the next verse.
Note that most of the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary.
Are the events of Jesus’ life on the earth recorded in the Old or New Testament? New Testament.
That is why all of the Bible passages you will look up will be in the New Testament. I will say a verse reference and then write it on the board. You may start to look it up while I read a fill-in-the-blank question for that verse. I will repeat the question several times because some questions have two blanks to fill in. One player in each group will write the answer on an index card and then walk quickly to bring it to me. You have 45 seconds to do that. The first team to bring me a card with the correct answer scores ten points; all other teams score five points for the correct answer brought to me within the time limit. Every pair will have a chance to finish, so don’t give up! The most important part of the game is to search God’s Word and let it sink into our hearts. After points are awarded, we will take turns reading the entire verse. The team with the most points wins. Let’s get started!
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. If time permits, after points are scored for each question, read the entire Bible passage and briefly discuss it.
1. Luke 5:1: Jesus was _____ on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The crowds pressed in to _____ to God’s Word. (Preaching, listen)
2. John 1:48: Jesus found a man named Nathanael in Galilee sitting under a _____ _____. (Fig tree)
3. John 6:19: The disciples were in a boat on the sea when suddenly a storm came up, and they saw Jesus ______ on the water toward their boat. They were ________. (Walking, terrified)
4. Luke 5:3: Jesus taught the crowds from the seashore, and He also taught sitting in a _____. (Boat)
5. John 21:6: Jesus came to His disciples and told them to cast their nets on the _____ side of the boat. (Right)
6. Mark 4:41: Jesus miraculously calmed a storm on the sea. The disciples were amazed and said that even the ____ and ____ obeyed Him. (Wind, waves)
7. Matthew 4:19: Jesus saw Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew throwing a fishing net in the water. He told them to follow Him and that He would show them how to ___ for ____. (Fish, people)
8. Matthew 15:30: A large crowd brought Jesus many people who were lame, blind, crippled, and couldn’t speak. The crowds were amazed when Jesus _____ them _____. (Healed, all)
9. Matthew 8:32 (NKJV): Jesus miraculously healed two men by casting demons out of them. Jesus sent the demons into a herd of _____, and they jumped into the sea. (Swine)
10. Matthew 4:17: Jesus began His ministry in the region of Galilee, telling people to _____ of their sins and ____ to God. (Repent, turn)