Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Hello, and welcome to the last lesson of our Superbook adventure titled “Baptized!” God used Joy and Chris to introduce a classmate to Jesus. God wants all of us to bring people to Him, too. Let’s stand and praise Jesus, who gives the free gift of salvation to all who believe in Him, 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)

Raise your hand if you have tried a new product or food or heard a new song that you liked so much that you couldn’t wait to share it with others so that they could enjoy it, too. Children respond.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever met someone who was so interesting that you couldn’t wait to introduce that person to your friends or family. Children respond.

For those of us who follow Jesus, we have the opportunity to share something that is literally life-changing—the Good News of Jesus! We know firsthand the awesome things He has done and continues to do in our lives. We should share Jesus with others so that they can experience His love, forgiveness, and salvation, too! This is what Jesus calls all of us to do!      

Our SuperTruth today is, "Jesus calls us to bring others to Him."

Let’s say it together. “Jesus calls us to bring others to Him.”   

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 Chris and Joy’s baptism. If you have seen it before, listen closely to see who introduced Nathaniel to Jesus.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (14 Minutes)

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.”

Condensed Bible Story

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic

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

10C SuperVerse

SuperVerse (2 minutes)

Our SuperVerse today is Matthew 28:19:

If you were here for the first lesson in this course, we talked about how this verse is often called “The Great Commission.” To commission someone means to choose someone and give them the authority to do a special task or mission. 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.

This commission was not only for the disciples in Bible times. It applies to every believer—including you and me. He has given us a very important mission! Let’s say the SuperVerse together.

Matthew 28:19:

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, God’s loving and perfect Son, who obediently died on the cross so we can have new life through the power of God!     

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (3 minutes)

Signposts

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Let’s pray before we move to Small Group. Dear God, You have given us the best gift that we could ever receive—Jesus! Help us obey the Holy Spirit’s leading to share our faith with others, so they can come to know Jesus, too. In Jesus’ saving name, we pray, Amen. It’s time for Small Group, where you will have an opportunity to “attract” fish to put into a boat. Let’s go find out how to play this game that comes with a “catch.”

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

Boatloads of People! Play a game to bring others to Jesus.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “Jesus calls us to bring others to Him.”

After the disciples pulled in the miracle catch of fish, Jesus told His disciples that He would teach them to become fishers of people.

Hold up a paper clip and a magnet. In this game, you will go fishing for people represented by these paper clips. How do you catch them? I am glad you asked! You will catch people with a magnet. Why a magnet? When we live our lives as Christ did, we will “attract” people to Him! The paper clips will be scattered around the playing area. One player from each team will play at the same time. You will have ten seconds to gather as many clips as you can using only your magnet. You cannot use your free hand to pick up or hold your “catch” on the magnet. When time expires, you will come to your team’s “boat” and drop your “catch” into the box. Then you will take your magnet to the next player on your team. The next players will begin at the same time to fish for ten seconds.

• Have some older children help you scatter paper clips around the playing area of the room. Make the area as large as possible. Lay out about 100 paper clips on the floor to begin and periodically add more as the game progresses. Children who have not yet taken a turn can help do this.
• Divide the class into two equal teams of mixed ages; one player may need to play twice.
• Have each team stand behind the line or mark.
• One player from each team will “fish” at the same time.
• Play continues this way until all the players have taken a turn.
• Have four 5th–6th graders help you count the “catch” in each “boat.”
• The team with the largest “catch” wins.
• Play another round if time allows.
• Optional Play: Place some chairs or other obstacles around the playing area and put “fish” under them for a more interesting challenge.

Conclusion: Great fishing! As followers of Christ, our mission is to bring others to Jesus so they, too, can become His followers. We are never alone. When Jesus sent His disciples out with the Great Commission, the verse that follows in Matthew 28:20 says:

Just as Jesus directed the disciples where to drop their nets, the Holy Spirit will guide us to find people who will answer His call.

Teaching

Jesus Is Amazing: God sent His Son to save us.

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  Jesus Is All We Need

Can someone tell me what just happened in this scene on the Signpost Card? Jesus healed a man who was blind.   

During Jesus’ ministry time on the earth, He taught people about being a part of God’s kingdom. He often healed people who were sick or had a physical affliction. Raise your hand to tell me a miracle of healing that you saw in the video. He healed a crippled man; He healed a blind man; He healed a woman in the crowd who reached out and touched His robe; He healed a child who couldn’t walk.

Jesus also fed hungry crowds in miraculous ways. Speaking of amazing things Jesus did, what miracle took place in a fishing boat? Jesus told Peter and the other fisherman to let down their nets into the water after they had fished all night and caught nothing. They caught so many fish that their boats almost sank.

These were just a few of His miracles. The Bible tells us that Jesus performed many more miracles. Here is what Jesus’ disciple John said in John 21:25:

Jesus performed miracles to meet people’s needs, bring God glory, and show that He was sent from God. (See John 2:11.) 

Jesus spoke God’s blessings over the crowds that followed Him. He gave hope to those who endured suffering and trials for following Him by promising them a great reward in heaven. 

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6   

John 2:11:

Luke 6:21b–23a:

Luke 6:17–19

Acts 10:38

Signpost 2 Jesus Came to Seek and Save

Jesus did many important things in this world; however, the most important thing He did was to die on the cross to save us from our sins. We all need to be forgiven and cleansed of sin! Jesus knew that His mission in this world was to seek and save those who are lost.

Did you know Jesus sees us even before we see or seek Him? What was Nathanael doing when Jesus saw him? He was sitting under a tree.

Jesus knew all about Nathanael before he knew who Jesus was. Jesus knows about each one of you, too. In fact, He knew you before you were born, and He has good plans for your future! (See Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11.)

Jesus invites us to join Him, just as He called the disciples to follow Him. He seeks us and calls out to us so we can begin our journey with Him and fulfill God’s wonderful plans for our lives!

Jesus willingly came down from heaven and gave up everything for us—sacrificing His life for our sins. Then, He rose from the grave to defeat death so we could have eternal life with Him in heaven. Are you willing to accept His free gift?

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6   

Romans 5:8

SuperVerse

Fill in the Blank: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Today’s SuperVerse is often called “The Great Commission.” Jesus commissions all of His followers to share the Gospel. This means He gives us the authority and the power to take His love to others! Jesus died for all people, and the Good News is for the entire world. We are called to share the Gospel with everyone.

Our SuperVerse today is Matthew 28:19:

According to this verse, where are we supposed to take the Gospel? To all nations.

What do you think it means to make disciples? Children respond.

A disciple is simply a follower or student of a teacher. People need to learn about God’s ways to follow Jesus’ example and be led by the Holy Spirit.

Have the children sit on the floor facing the board. Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Matthew 28:19:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Have the children turn their heads and cover their eyes so they cannot see the board. Using the list below (not necessarily in the same order), erase one word of the SuperVerse on the board. Have the children look at the board and raise their hands to tell you what word is missing. Write in the correct word, then repeat the process.

• "go"
• "disciples"
• "all"
• "nations"
• "baptizing"
• "Father"
• "Son"
• "Spirit"
• "Matthew"

Conclusion: You did a good job filling in the blanks. It’s important to know God’s Word so that we can take the Gospel to the nations!

Prayer

Right Prayers: Communicate with God.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “Jesus calls us to bring others to Him.”   

We just learned that Jesus calls all of us to “go and make disciples.” This can be hard! What are some reasons that we may not share the Gospel with other people? Fear that we will be mocked or teased; fear that we don’t have all the answers to questions someone might ask; worry that we won’t have the right words to say; concerned that others will reject us.   

We may feel like we’re not up to the task—but did you know that when Jesus tells us to “GO,” we don’t go alone? Let’s read the last thing Jesus told His disciples before He went up to heaven, in Acts 1:8:

We don’t ever GO alone! The Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us the power to do what Jesus commands!

Let’s close our eyes for a time of prayer. First, ask God to show you someone that you should talk to about Jesus. Allow time for children to pray. 

Ask God to give you the boldness and the power to share about Jesus with that person. Allow time for children to pray. 

Ask God to prepare that person’s heart to receive your message. Allow time for children to pray.

Close in prayer: Heavenly Father, you have done a great work in all of us. You have forgiven our sins, given us the gift of salvation, and filled us with Your Spirit. Help us tell others what You have done in our lives so they may become Jesus’ disciples, too! In His wonderful name, we pray, Amen!

Review Game

Skipping Review: Play a game to review the Bible story.

Peter and some of the other disciples were professional fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Point to the blue towel. Here is our own Sea of Galilee.

We will divide into two teams. A player from each team will answer true or false questions about the Bible story in our Superbook adventure. Hold up the plates and demonstrate. 

When it’s your turn, if the answer is True, hold up the plate and show me the side that says “T” for True. If the answer is False, show me the side that says “F” for False. Your team gets five points for each correct answer. But even if your answer is incorrect, you can still win points for your team!

Raise your hand if you have ever skipped pebbles or stones on a lake or pond. Children respond. Demonstrate as you explain the game. 

You will each get three chances to skip a pretend pebble (coin, eraser, or checker piece) on the floor, so it lands on our Sea of Galilee. Your “pebble” must skip at least one time before it rests in the sea. A point is scored for each “pebble” that lands and stays in the “sea.” After both players on the teams have had three turns “skipping pebbles,” quickly gather them up for the next player on your team!

Divide the class into two teams. They do not need to be equal.
Have a player from each team stand behind the mark and give each player a plate.
Ask the same review question from the list to both players. You may give easier questions to younger children or visitors. Feel free to add your own questions.
Players 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 for an incorrect answer.
Ask the teams to tell you the correct answer for any false question.
Have a leader or sixth-grade helper keep a running tally of the teams’ scores.
Players then take three “pebbles” and skip them one at a time toward the “sea” for points. Be sure that the players are done throwing their “pebbles” before a leader or sixth-grade helper picks them up after each turn.
The next two players take a turn.
The team with the most points wins.

Question/Answer Page:

1. T/F: Jesus told His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This is called the Great Addition. (False—The Great Commission) 

2. T/F: One day, Jesus preached from Peter’s fishing boat on the Red Sea. (False—Sea of Galilee) 

3. T/F: Jesus chose ten disciples. (False—twelve)

 4. T/F: Large crowds of people often gathered to hear Jesus preach. (True) 

5. T/F: Jesus asked Judas Iscariot to push the boat deeper into the water. (False—Simon Peter) 

6. T/F: Simon Peter refused to obey Jesus and go deeper out into the Sea of Galilee. (False—he obeyed) 

7. T/F: The disciples had fished all night and caught nothing before Jesus got into their boat. (True) 

8. T/F: At Jesus’ command, the disciples caught a lot of fish with their fishing poles. (False—in their nets.) 

9. T/F: After the fish were caught, Peter fell to his knees and said he was a sinful man. (True) 

10. T/F: Jesus told the men that He would teach them to fish for tuna. (False—people) 

11. T/F: When the disciples began to follow Jesus, they brought everything with them. (False—they left everything) 

12. T/F: Philip brought Matthew to meet Jesus. (False—Nathanael) 

13. T/F: Jesus first saw Nathanael sitting under an umbrella. (False—under a fig tree) 

14. T/F: Jesus saw Nathanael before Philip introduced him to Jesus. (True) 

15. T/F: The people came to hear Jesus teach and to be healed of all their diseases. (True) 

16. T/F: We are raised to an old life with Christ when we are baptized. (False—a new life) 

17. T/F: Baptism represents how we die to sin and are raised to new life. (True) 

18. T/F: The Bible tells us that a friend can sharpen a friend. (True) 

19. T/F: Today’s SuperTruth says that Jesus calls us to bring others to Him. (True) 

20. T/F: Today’s SuperVerse says to make disciples in the biggest nations in the world. (False—all nations)

Drawing Activity

Show and Tell: Quickly draw and share Bible story scenes.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: Jesus calls us to bring others to Him.

What are some ways that we can bring others to Jesus? Witness or tell others what we have experienced Jesus doing in our own lives. Tell others about what we have seen or heard Jesus is doing in the lives of others. Live our lives like Jesus. Show Jesus’ love by serving others.

Give each child a copy of the Witness Post page and a pencil. To witness means to share or tell others about what you have seen, heard, or experienced. Even though Jesus is not physically walking in the world like He was in Bible times, He is very much alive in our hearts and working in our lives today!

What are some things we can use to witness or communicate today that Jesus’ followers did not have in Bible times? Phones, television, radio, computers, social media, apps, etc.

Some apps make it possible to share messages, pictures, and videos with others—instantly!

In this activity, we’ll read an event from the Bible that you watched in our Superbook adventure or Signposts video today. Listen carefully; imagine you are there as the event takes place. Then, draw two pictures of what happened on your Witness Post Page. Your drawings represent a photo or video you took of the event that you want to share with others. You may also post a short message underneath your pictures. The message can add details to the pictures or say something like, “I can’t believe this just happened!” or “Ahhh, wish you were here!”

Read or have a volunteer read one passage. Then, briefly ask children to name significant events in the Bible passage to help them decide what to draw. Important—children should be creative and draw what they feel is important—not necessarily what others choose. Children can draw two progressive pictures in the two blocks to represent a video or two separate pictures of two different scenes. Give younger children the option to draw only and not write a message. Give everyone a couple of minutes to draw, then have several children share their “posts.”

1. Luke 6:17–19:

2. Luke 5:1–3:

3. Luke 5:4–7:

4. Luke 5:8–11:

Conclusion: Today, there are many ways available to help us bring people to Jesus. Let’s take advantage of all we have access to as we fulfill the mission to GO and make disciples!

Coloring Activity

A Special Catch: Color a scene from the Bible story.

Give each child a coloring page and crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to share. As the children work, lead a discussion using the content below.

1.    This is a silly picture, isn’t it? If you were here for the video in Lesson 1, can you remember who created this silly scene? Gizmo.

2.    Why did he make this video? He was trying to show how to fish for people. 

3.    Is this what Jesus meant when He told the disciples to become fishers of people? No, Jesus meant that we should go and share the Gospel to bring people to Him or “catch” people to become followers.   

4.    Would anyone like to tell us about a time you shared your faith or told someone about Jesus? Children respond.  

Conclusion: In the Bible story, the disciples fished all night and caught nothing. Yet when they obeyed Jesus’ instructions, they caught so many fish that their boats were in danger of sinking! Jesus doesn’t send us out alone on our own power. He has given the Holy Spirit to all His followers to guide and empower them to be fishers of people. Just as the disciples did not see any fish in the lake to catch, we may overlook people who are ready to receive the Gospel message and become disciples of Christ.

When children finish, allow them to share their pictures with the class if they desire.

Bible Activity

Go and Share: Discuss verses about sharing our faith.

Jesus told us to GO and make disciples. In this activity, we will discuss a few Bible passages about sharing our faith and the importance of being willing to do it.

1 Peter 3:15 (CEV):

1. How can we honor God with our lives? Obey His Word; live, love, and serve as He did.

2. What do you think it means to let Him be Lord of your life? To submit to His will and obey Him. To be His disciple or follower. To serve Him.

3. How can doing these things help bring others to Him? When we live like Christ, others will be loved and served by us, and it will attract them to Jesus.

4. What kind of hope is this verse talking about? The hope of being with Jesus forever in heaven; the hope of eternal life and heaven.

John 4:26–30, 39–42:

Jesus talked to a Samaritan woman at the well while on a journey. This surprised the disciples because Jews and Samaritans did not like each other! Yet, Jesus loves everyone and came for all the lost people of the world, regardless of who they are. He spoke with the woman, and she was amazed by how much He knew about her. He also revealed that He was the Messiah sent from God.