Leader Guide

Teaching

Two Signpost Cards
Cardstock or paper
Optional: tape
Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
House Of Prayer for any children who missed the previous lessons
Sample Discipleship Challenge Craft

Copy the Two Signpost Cards onto cardstock if possible, in color or black and white.

Copy the House Of Prayer for any children who missed the previous lessons. See Lesson 1 for details.

Have a child select the first Signpost card and read it aloud. Tape the card to the wall or prop it up so children can see it. Lead a discussion with the information below. Repeat for the second Signpost card. Additional material is included for Grades 4–6 to look up and discuss.

Signpost 1: Pray Instead Of Worry

The Bible tells us not to be anxious or worried about anything. That is not always easy! We live in a world where sin has caused many problems. How can we not worry?

When Peter was arrested, what did the other followers of Christ do? They prayed.

Did Peter seem to be very anxious in prison? Was he up all night worrying? No, he was sleeping!

The Apostle Paul gives some good advice about stopping worry in Philippians 4:6-7:

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Philippians 4:6-7

(Story of Peter and John in Acts 5:40b-42 (NLT):

⁴⁰ They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. ⁴¹ The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. ⁴² And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

(Story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:23-26 (NLT)

²³They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. ²⁴So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

²⁵Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. ²⁶Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! (Acts 16:23-26 (NLT))

Signpost 2: Jesus Overcomes the World

The apostles knew someone who helped them stay strong; someone who is stronger than all the problems of the world. Do you know who that is? Jesus.

Jesus is just as strong today as He was back then – He never changes!

The beggar who was lame asked Peter for money, perhaps just to buy food for a day. Yet Peter gave him so much more than something that would only last one day. Peter looked into his eyes and gave the man what he had: the love and power of Jesus. What did the man do? He stood up and began to walk, leap, and praise God.

He was healed and set free to serve and worship Jesus for his entire life!

In another Bible story, Jesus was preaching in a crowded house when a man who was paralyzed was lowered down through the roof. The man wanted to be healed physically—yet Jesus gave him far more. What did Jesus do? He healed him and also forgave his sins.

This is something that no one in the world can do – only Jesus can forgive our sins. He makes us whole again. Jesus gives us far above what we could ask or imagine.

In our Bible story today, when Peter healed the man who was lame, did he do it in his own name? No.

Peter healed the man in the name of Jesus. He is stronger than any problem, and He has authority over situations.

Matthew 28:18 tells us:

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

When we pray in the name and authority of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our difficulties will not vanish; however, we will be given strength, courage, and joy to endure and to overcome

Jesus said that when we follow Him, we will be set free. That means freedom from fear, worry, and anything that keeps us from experiencing the love of God. Jesus told us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Hebrews 13:8 (NLT):

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Acts 3:4-8 (NLT):

⁴Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” ⁷Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. ⁸He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

(A man who is paralyzed is lowered down through the roof to Jesus.) Luke 5:19-20, 24-25 (NLT):

¹⁹But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. ²⁰ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

⁴“So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” ²⁵At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God.

John 14:13 (NLT):

You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.

John 8:32: (CEV):

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 16:33 (NKJV):

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Let’s talk about our Discipleship Challenge and how we can share Jesus and His overcoming power with others!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give a House Of Prayer to any children who missed Lessons 1 and 2.

Hold up the sample craft. Last time, our challenge was to read and discuss Hebrews 13:16.

Would someone like to share your thoughts on the verse or your family discussion?

Were you able to gather food or clothing for a church, homeless shelter, or food pantry?

Our final challenge is to share Jesus with someone. So many people are sick, lonely and afraid. They may look happy on the outside, but if you get to know them, you may find that they are sad about some deep problems on the inside. Jesus gives us forgiveness, power, hope, love and peace—and we need to share that good news with others!

As part of the challenge, read and discuss 2 Corinthians 2:14 at home. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone who needs to know Jesus and His overcoming power. Then look for ways to share about Jesus with that person and invite them to our group, to church, or to a Bible study.

Remember to take heart; Jesus has overcome the world! Always be willing to share this good news with others!

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