Leader Guide
Object Lesson
- Jealousy Weed Pattern
- Scissors
- Clear tape
Make a copy of the Jealousy Weed Pattern and cut it on the solid lines. Tape the 2 strips together at the bottom of Disorder and top of Unforgiveness. Do not cut the blocks apart.
Make a copy of the pot and cut it out on the solid line. Cut the dashed line to insert the Jealousy Weed from underneath up to the divider line after the “jealousy and selfishness” block. If necessary, curve the strip near the bottom of the pot to achieve the correct height. It must remain loose so the Jealousy Weed can be pulled out smoothly to “grow.”
Write the SuperVerse and scripture reference on the board. James 3:16:
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
Let’s say our SuperVerse together. James 3:16:
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
Walk around with the craft so children can see the “Jealousy and Selfishness” above the soil. What words do you see at the top of the pot? Jealousy and Selfishness.
Those are the only words you see, right? Yes.
Hmmm, does that seem right that they would be alone according to our SuperVerse?
Have children look at the SuperVerse on the board.
No, it doesn’t; why? The verse says where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, we will find disorder and other kinds of evil, too.
Saul was jealous. He selfishly desired the praise that people were giving David!
Have a child slowly pull the strip up and stop after the next line. What do you see? Evil
Ahhhh, so there is more! Just like a plant, there is much more hiding that you can’t see, deep below the surface! Let’s reveal a few kinds of evil that were hidden in Saul’s heart. These things grew and became visible by his actions, thoughts and words.
Have different children take turns gently pulling up the weed just one section at a time until the next word or phrase is revealed. Stop after each section and briefly discuss each one.
- Disorder: Yes, it is present just like our SuperVerse told us! We said earlier that disorder means to be out of order, out of harmony, or in a state of confusion or chaos. Saul’s obsession with hurting David took his focus away from his duties as king and brought confusion, distrust and fear to those around him.
- Uncontrolled anger: Saul could not think properly because of his jealousy and anger. He could only think of hurting David.
- Murder: Saul didn’t kill David; however, he tried several times. Saul killed other innocent people in his jealousy and selfish ambition. (See 1 Samuel 22:16–18.)
Jealousy is a dangerous and powerful emotion. When we allow it to take root and grow in our heart and thoughts, it leads to every kind of evil. Yet if we confess jealousy to God, He can cleanse and remove it from our hearts and minds and replace it with His love! So let’s uproot that jealousy weed completely and get rid of it! Dramatically pull out the weed and toss it in the trash.