Teaching

Our SuperTruth says: “With God, all things are possible.” Do you believe it? Yes!

Display the plastic jar containing water, oil, and food coloring, or add them to the jar as the children watch.

Do you remember when Peter and Chris discussed the seen and the unseen? The water represents what we can see with our eyes—our world. I added some blue food coloring to the water so you can see it more clearly. The oil represents God. Shake the jar and then place it on the table. What happens to the oil? It floats to the top.

God is all powerful, and He is on top of every situation! Pick up jar and shake it as you speak. God is not limited by anything on Earth! No power, no disease, and no disaster is above God. Place jar on table so oil rises again.

Before each statement below, pass the jar to a child. He or she should shake the jar as you read one of the descriptions below. When you say the word “BUT,” the child sets the jar on the table. As the oil rises to the top, everyone says, “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” The child who was holding the jar then tells how the story ends. If the child cannot answer after a short wait, offer a clue or allow a volunteer to answer.

Ready?

• Some friends wanted to bring a man who was paralyzed to Jesus. The crowd was so large that they could not get through the door. So, the man’s friends carried him to the roof and lowered him down on a mat through a hole to be near Jesus. The religious leaders, called Pharisees, were angry, BUT ... The child sets the jar down, and everyone says “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” Then the child tells the end of the story: Jesus healed the man, anyway.
• Jesus told a story, called a parable, about a farmer scattering his seed across a field. The seed represents God’s message — God’s Word. Some seed fell on a footpath where people stepped on it and birds ate it. Some seed fell on shallow soil where it withered and dried up. Other seed fell among thorns and weeds that choked the little plants as they tried to grow. Some of the seed never grew, BUT ... The child sets the jar down, and everyone says “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” Then the child tells the end of the story: When seed falls on good soil, it takes root and God’s Word spreads.

The devil tries to stop God’s Word from spreading, but nothing is more powerful than God!

• The disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when a big storm hit. They were panicked and frightened by the raging sea, BUT ... The child sets the jar down, and everyone says “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” Then the child tells the end of the story: Jesus was with them and calmed the storm.
• Jesus encountered a man who was under the control of the devil. The disciples and others were afraid and helpless to free the man, BUT … The child sets the jar down, and everyone says “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” Then the child tells the end of the story: Jesus rebuked the demons and sent them into swine/pigs. The man was healed and set free!

Yes, only our ALL-POWERFUL God has the power to set people free and bring them healing and peace!

• Miraculo appeared to have miraculous powers and Chris was impressed with his tricks and illusions, BUT ... The child sets the jar down, and everyone says “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” Then the child tells the end of the story: Chris learned that true miracles come only from God.

If time allows, ask if the children know any other Bible stories where people experienced great trials, such as Daniel, David, Isaac, etc. Have the child shake the jar while telling the beginning of the story, then say “but” and set the jar on the table as everyone says, “GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!” Have the child tell the rest of the story.

God is amazing, isn’t He? He alone has power to perform real miracles! Let’s shout our SuperTruth one more time together: “With God, all things are possible.”

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Today, we are going to make “Gizmo Hand” Bible bookmarks you can take home.

Hand out the Gizmo Hand Bookmark Pattern and supplies, and have the children cut and fold them according to the pattern instructions, then put their names on them.

Take the bookmarks you just made and put them in your Bibles at home. Look up the Scripture on the bookmark and pray for your friends who need to know Jesus. Be sure to take time to listen for God’s answers in your hearts. Next time we meet, I’ll ask you what God showed you about how to reach out to your friends with the love of God.