Leader Guide
Game
- Two small balls that bounce, such as tennis balls
- A container such as a box or a large, clean trash can—see note below
- Bouncing With Mercy Question and Bouncing With Mercy Answers sheets
- Whiteboard or chalkboard
- Marker or chalk
- Timer—clock/watch with second hand, stopwatch, timer app
Note: If the container does not have tall sides, insert a towel or blanket to keep the ball from bouncing out.
Make a copy of the Question and Answer Sheet.
Place the trash can or box near one end of the room.
Mark or tape a line about 8 feet from the trash can or box.
Our SuperTruth says: “God showed His mercy through the cross.” How did the story of Jonah point to the life and death of Jesus Christ?
Yes, the events in the Old Testament were part of God’s master plan. Many times, Jesus and writers of the New Testament referred back to events and writings in the Old Testament. The entire Bible is connected, and nothing has happened by chance.
Let’s play a fun review game to go over all the important things we have learned about God’s plan of mercy.
Divide the class into equal teams and have them stand behind the mark. If there is an odd number of children, one player may go twice. Hand a ball to the first player on each team, say “Go,” and start the time. At the same time, each player tries to bounce their ball on the floor hard enough so it lands in the container as many times as possible in 20 seconds. They must retrieve their own ball after each shot and walk quickly back to the line to try again. Each team shouts out the number of times their player is able to bounce the ball into the container—1, 2, 3, etc. One point is scored for each shot made.
Regardless of how many points the two players get, the one who scores first earns a chance for his/her team to answer a question from the Q & A sheet. Ask younger children or those with special needs the easier questions. The team can discuss it together and has one chance to answer. If they answer correctly, they receive another point. If they answer incorrectly, the other team gets a chance to answer for a point. Record scores on the board. Play until all children have a chance to bounce the ball. The team with the most points wins. As time permits, you may discuss their answers during the course of the game to ensure that children understand them.