Leader Guide
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.
Welcome (1 minute)
Welcome back, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook story, “Samuel and the Call of God.” In this story, we see how God speaks in a very personal way to the young boy Samuel. For those who saw the video in Lesson 1, who does Samuel think is calling him at first? Eli.
Samuel learned to recognize and obey God’s voice—and we can, too! Our music video today is called “Follow Jesus,” and it mentions some ways that we can hear His voice. So let’s all stand to worship and praise God, who loves us and speaks to us!
Play Video 11: Follow Jesus (3 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along and do the motions with the children.
Follow Jesus
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
What are some ways that we can hear God’s voice? Read God’s Word, listen, and pray.
Our SuperTruth today says: “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”
Let’s think about this for a moment. Can you obey without listening? No.
Why? You won’t know what to do until you listen to what you’re told.
Now listen carefully to this question. Can you listen without obeying? Yes.
Why? You can listen, but then ignore or disobey what is said.
Have you ever heard your parents or teachers tell you to do something, but you chose not to do it? I know I have. Does this please God?
In order to obey, we must know what we are being asked to do so we can do it! That’s why our SuperTruth has two parts, and they’re both important!
Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.
If you were here last time, who had the same dream twice? Joy, Chris or Gizmo? Chris.
Who believed that Chris should take action because the dream was important? Joy.
For the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version of “Samuel and the Call of God.” If you have already seen the full video, watch closely for how God responded to Samuel’s prayer and rescued His people.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11 minutes)
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet the prophet Samuel. He answers God’s call as a child, then grows up to become Israel’s leader. The children discover they’re never too young to serve God!
Condensed Bible Story
Discussion (1 minute)
Why do you think Samuel hesitated to tell Eli what God said? Because God promised to punish Eli and his sons.
What important lessons do you think Samuel learned about speaking for God when he gave God’s message to Eli?
Why do you think Eli didn’t discipline his sons even after God told him about their evil ways?
Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)
Eli was a priest in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, not too far from Jerusalem. In our Bible Background video, we will learn more about the time and place that Samuel and Eli lived. We will also find out what a Tabernacle is and why it was so important to the Israelites. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some answers, then call out the one you think is right!
Play Video 5: Bible Background (8 minutes)
Bible Background
Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 2
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
Let’s say our SuperVerse together. 1 Samuel 3:10:
And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, Your servant is listening.”
Where was Samuel and what was he doing when the Lord called him? He was in the Tabernacle, sleeping.
How many times did Samuel go to Eli before they realized God was calling him? Three times.
God showed His love and patience by gently calling to Samuel four times. God is patient with us, also. He speaks to us and waits for us to listen and obey!
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, we have learned how You spoke to Eli, an older man, and Samuel, a young boy. No matter how young or old we are, help us to always listen and obey. We are Your servants and we wait for Your call. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s go to Small Groups and play a game called Eli Says. The game is easy to play; however, you will need to listen carefully to make sure you only follow the instructions from Eli! Let’s go 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.