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, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook story, “The Birth of John the Baptist.”
For anyone who was here last time—or for anyone who knows the Bible story—we are going to do a pop quiz. When I ask the question, pop up out of your seat and raise your hand if you know the answer. Let’s see who can answer each question correctly first—the girls or the boys! Ready?
1. Why is John called “the Baptist”? He baptized people.
2. Is John the Baptist the same person as the man who wrote the book of John in the Bible? No; the man who wrote the book of the Bible was John, a disciple of Jesus.
3. What is the name of the angel in the story? Gabriel.
4. Gabriel brought messages from God to two people in our story. What are their names? Zechariah and Mary.
5. Last question: how were Elizabeth and Mary related? They were cousins.
Announce whether the girls or boys answered more questions correctly.
Great job! Now let’s all stand up to sing and praise God together!
Play Video 11: (Song) He Has a Plan (3 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along and do the motions with the children. They may clap and do freestyle movements during the animation sections.
He Has a Plan
SuperTruth and Discussion (1 minute)
Our SuperTruth today says: “God’s Word never fails.” That’s an amazing statement, isn’t it?
Never is a strong word. It means without exception, not ever, not at any time, not under any conditions. Every word in the Bible is true and will never fail. There are no situations or circumstances that can stop God’s Word and cause it to fail. Now that builds my faith; how about you? Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “God’s Word never fails.”
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.
If you were here last time, why did Joy and Chris take an unexpected ride down the stairs on Gizmo’s back? Gizmo used his Gizmo-Grips to catch Charlie, who had run down the stairs. Charlie continued to run away and pulled the trio down the stairs.
For the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version of “The Birth of John the Baptist.” If you have already seen the full video, watch closely to see who says our SuperVerse in the video. Now that’s a little tricky because I haven’t told you the SuperVerse yet; but here’s a clue. The SuperVerse begins by saying, “You are blessed because you believed … .” So listen carefully to notice who says those words, and I’ll ask you for the answer later.
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.
Discussion (1 minute)
Imagine being Zechariah or Mary when the angel Gabriel appeared. Do you think you would be scared or excited?
When you pray, do you believe God hears you sometimes, or all the time; why?
Why do you think that God sent Gabriel to announce both births?
Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)
That was exciting to see, how Gabriel visited Mary and Zechariah! Both births were impossible for people, yet, with God, all things are possible. Now let’s watch our Bible Background Video and learn more about the Temple where Zechariah served as a priest and the events surrounding John’s birth. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to give some possible answers, then call out the one you think is right!
Play Video 5: Bible Background (8.5 minutes)
Bible Background
Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2
Graphic loops 3 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 2
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Luke 1:45:
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.”
Who said today’s SuperVerse in the video? Here is a hint—it wasn’t Joy, Chris or Gizmo! Elizabeth.
Yes, it was Elizabeth. Now, who was Elizabeth speaking to?Mary.
When the angel Gabriel told Mary what the Lord had chosen her to do, she believed God—and was blessed because of her faith!
Let’s say our SuperVerse again.
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.”
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.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Let’s pray: Dear God, help us believe You completely when we hear or read Your Word, or when we hear the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts. Even though Mary had questions, she trusted You—and we want to trust You in every situation. Help us always believe because Your Word never fails, and accomplishes all You send it forth to do! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s go to our Small Groups where you will play a game that you won’t fail to have fun playing! Are you ready to find out how?
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.