Eyewitness Game

Optional: Read Luke 1:1–4:

Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.

The Gospel of Luke is a book of the Bible written by Luke. He was a physician and the close companion of the Apostle Paul. See Colossians 4:14. In the Bible Background video, we learned that Luke was known as an accurate and detailed writer. Luke carefully investigated the life of Jesus and collected information from eyewitnesses who actually saw the events as they happened! Luke wrote his book while many of the people who knew Jesus were still alive.

He also wrote another book of the Bible. Does anyone know which one? Acts.

Luke took great effort to make sure his account was well researched and organized. He knew that the history he was writing was very important!

In this activity, you are going to be an eyewitness! You will write down details from a scene in “The Birth of John the Baptist.” I will show you a picture for about 30 seconds. Then you will have a minute to work with your group to make a detailed list of everything you saw! We will discuss the lists together and compare them to the picture.

So, what kinds of things are you looking for? That’s a good question! For example, the color of the character’s hair or clothes. Do they have sandals on their feet, a cloth around their waist, or a covering on their head? Do you see a boy or girl, man or woman? How many people, trees, rocks, or houses are in the picture, and how would you describe each one? What are the people doing? These are just a few examples; there are many more details to record in each scene!

Divide children into groups of three. Try to mix younger and older children in each group. Be sure to put those with special needs with older children who can help them. Show the first picture to the entire class and start the timer. Allow about 30 seconds for everyone to view the picture, then stop the timer. Give the groups of children a minute to discuss their observations and create a group list. Adjust the times as desired for your children. Repeat this procedure for each picture. Do as many pictures as time permits.

Conclusion: What great eyewitnesses! You gave very accurate descriptions of the scenes!

Close in Prayer: Dear God, You created the heavens and Earth with great care and detail! You formed us and every living thing. You created amazing detailed things for us to discover in this world and in the Bible; so many that we can never find them all! You also care about the details of our lives! We praise You for Your promise to us in Psalm 37:23:

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.