Leader Guide
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
Welcome (2 minutes)
Welcome back for the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “The Birth of John the Baptist.” Here is a question for anyone who was here for the first two lessons. How did Mary know that Elizabeth was going to have a baby? God’s angel, Gabriel, told her.
That’s right! Now, this question might be more difficult. When Gabriel visited Mary, he said Elizabeth had been pregnant for how many months? Six months.
Yes, you really listen well! Today, we are going to learn more about how we can always trust God’s promises. What were two promises that God kept in the Bible story we have been discussing the last two lessons? Elizabeth and Mary would both have sons.
Now let’s worship God, who keeps His promises, as we stand and sing The Salvation Poem.
Play Video 7:(Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.
The Salvation Poem
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
Our SuperTruth for today is: “I can trust God’s promises.” Let’s say that together: “I can trust God’s promises."
Have you ever made a promise that you didn’t keep?
Has someone ever made a promise to you that they didn’t keep?
Yes, it is disappointing when a promise is broken, even if the person tried very hard to keep it!
Even when we can’t trust others, we can always trust God! He won’t let us down or forget a promise He has made. There is nothing that can stop Him. If God said it, we can believe and trust it!
Where can we find God’s promises? In His Word—the Bible!
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.
If you saw the full Superbook video in Lesson 1, you’ll remember that Joy and Chris were babysitting an energetic 2-year-old named Charlie. Do you remember what Joy said about taking care of Charlie? She doesn’t want to help take care of him - “No way. Not now. Not ever!”
Yes, that’s when Superbook took Chris, Joy, Gizmo, and Charlie to meet Elizabeth and Zechariah in a small town outside of Jerusalem. For those of you who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version now. After you see the video, you will see how the birth of John the Baptist causes Joy to see things a little differently. And if you’ve already seen it, look for different ways that Zechariah communicated with people.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11.5 Minutes)
Condensed Bible Story
Superbook takes Chris, Joy, Gizmo, and Charlie to meet Elizabeth and Zechariah, who learn they will have a baby in their old age. Our heroes deduce from past adventures that this unborn baby will grow up to be John the Baptizer. They also learn that God has amazing plans for each of us and every child can grow up to be someone special.
Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 3
SuperVerse (2 minutes)
Our SuperVerse today is found in Luke 1:70–71a:
Long ago the Lord promised by the words of His holy prophets to save us.
This is part of Zechariah’s prophecy and prayer after his son, John the Baptist, was born. Why was it a miracle that people could hear Zechariah prophecy? He had been unable to speak because he didn’t believe Gabriel’s words in the Temple.
Let’s say the SuperVerse together in a different way. Let’s say the SuperVerse very softly together. Softly: Let’s try it! Everyone softly says the SuperVerse.
Normal Voice: Okay, now let’s shout the verse together this time; ready, set, go! Everyone shouts the SuperVerse together.
Nice job! God sent us a Savior just like He promised many years ago. Jesus still saves, forgives, and is preparing a place for us in heaven!
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. They may simply repeat it several times while older children may memorize part or all of it. Be sure all children understand its meaning.
Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)
Let’s watch our Signposts Video to see how the birth and ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus were prophesied and connected!
Play Video 6: Signposts Video (3.5 minutes)
Signposts Video
Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)
Let’s pray before we move to Small Group.
Dear God, thank You for sending a Savior, which was prophesied long ago by the Old Testament prophets. We praise You that we are redeemed, rescued from sin and death, to serve You until we come to heaven to live forever! We praise You for being our God in whom we can trust! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Today in Small Group, we are going to play a fun game about God’s promises called “Still Standing!” Are you ready to play?
Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.