Leader Guide

Object Lesson

  • Bible or the Superbook Bible App
  • Three copies of the Jesus Sign
  • Optional: tape, see below

Make three copies of the Jesus Sign. You may re-use the sign from Small Group Game.

Fold one copy of the Jesus Sign, and put it in your pocket or hide it in the palm of your hand.  

Mark or tape two lines on the floor. You may re-use the lines or marks from Small Group Game.

Place one Jesus Sign face-down at the starting line, and another one face-down at the finish line.

Who can say our SuperVerse, Hebrews 12:1b–2a? 

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Let’s dig deeper into our SuperVerse to understand the importance of Jesus on our mission.

Stand at the start line. Did you know that God gave Jesus a mission? Start walking slowly toward the finish line as you talk. Yes, Jesus was sent by God to Earth on a mission. His mission was to come to Earth as a human, live a sinless life, die on the cross to save us from our sins, and then rise again from the dead so we could have eternal life in heaven with Him! Stand at finish line. Jesus completed His mission perfectly! He now is seated beside God the Father in the place of honor by His throne in heaven! Pick up the sign, show the children and then place it face-up on the finish line. Let me read our SuperVerse and the words that directly follow it that tell us what we just learned. 

Read Hebrews 12:1b–2:

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Go back to the start line. You see, we cannot come to God without Jesus! Pick up and display the Jesus Sign at the starting line. Jesus is the source of our faith. That means He gives us the faith to believe in Him! Now, it does not end there! We never outgrow Jesus! Place that sign face-up on floor, then walk to the finish line as you speak. Jesus is not only the author or start of our faith, He is also the finisher—or perfecter—of our faith. Pick up the Jesus Sign at the finish line and hold it up. 

But what about in between the start and finish lines of our mission—are we on our own? No!

Pull out the folded Jesus Sign you had hidden in your pocket or hand, unfold it, and show the children. Because Jesus completed His mission perfectly, He gives us the strength and endurance to complete ours. When we ask Jesus into our hearts to be our Lord and Savior, He is with us the whole time, from start to finish, no matter what challenges we may face on our journey!