Leader Guide
Relay Game
- Poster board or large sheet of butcher paper
- Marker
- Scissors
- Two small boxes—shoeboxes are ideal
- Sin and Forgiven Pattern
- Bible or the Superbook Bible App
- Optional: masking tape
- Optional: paper grocery bags, one per child
- Optional: timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
Make copies of the Sin and Forgiven Pattern—1 sheet per four children plus extras.
Cut apart the individual cards.
Make a large cross from poster board or butcher paper.
Use the marker to write on the cross: “Jesus sets me free from sin.”
Write “Sin” on one box and “Forgiven” on the other box.
Tape or lean the cross against the wall.
Mark or tape a line about 15 feet from the cross.
Optional: children may hop to the “Sin” box in paper grocery bags, then discard them when they take “Forgiven” cards.
When we sin, we are bound to sin like slaves. The Good News is that Jesus—God’s Son—sets us free from our sin so we can have hope and peace and joy.
Jesus said in John 8:34–36:
“Everyone who sins is a slave of sin. … So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
Divide the class into two equal teams. Have each team form a line behind the mark or taped line. Put the “Forgiven and Set Free” cards in the “Forgiven” box and place it at the foot of the cross. Place the “Sin” box next to that box, and give each child a “Bound by Sin” card. The game is a relay race. Each player must keep his or her ankles tightly together—as if bound or tied—and hop to the cross while holding the “Bound by Sin” card. Optional: each player hops to the “Sin” box with both feet in a paper grocery bag. The child then places the sin card in the “Sin” box and takes a “Forgiven and Set Free” card from the other box. The players then are set free and run back to the line so the next player can begin. Play until everyone is completely set free from sin! Optional: play two rounds and time each round for the fastest time.
Conclusion: Good job everybody! You are all set free! How did it feel to exchange your sin for forgiveness and be set free to run again? Great, relieving.
Remember, “if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” All we need to do is come to Him and confess our sin. Jesus forgives our sin and cleanses us from all wickedness so we can be guilt free and righteous before God.