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 (1 minute)
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re going to watch the Superbook story, “Jonah.” He was an Old Testament prophet who God sent to bring a message to a city called Nineveh. God wanted the people of that city to turn from their sinful ways. Raise your hand if you think Jonah obeyed God and left for Nineveh right away. [Children respond.]
Who thinks Jonah tried to run away from what God wanted him to do? [Children respond.]
Let’s watch the first part of the video now and see what happens to Joy at school.
Play Video 2: Chris and Joy’s Dilemma (3.5 minutes)
Chris and Joy's Dilemma
When Joy sees a bully steal a bike at school, she is upset that the principal offers mercy to the thief.
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
Did Joy believe that the girl who stole the bike deserved mercy? No.
What did Joy want to happen to the girl? Punishment, be taught a lesson.
Today’s SuperTruth says, “God wants to show mercy to all people.” What exactly is mercy, anyway?
Mercy is showing love, kindness and compassion to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
We all need God’s loving mercy, and His mercy will never run out! Let’s watch the rest of today’s Superbook video and see if Joy changes her mind.
Play Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution (18.5 minutes)
Bible Story and Resolution
Superbook takes Joy, Chris and Gizmo to meet Jonah, who is swallowed by a great fish as he resists God’s plans to show mercy to wicked people. The children learn to show God’s forgiveness even to those who don’t deserve it.
Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic 1
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 1
SuperVerse (1 minute)
Let’s say our SuperVerse, Jonah 4:2b, together:
“I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
How would you like people to say this about you? Fill in some names of children in the room: “I know that _____, or ______, or _____ is merciful and compassionate.” That would be quite a compliment and bring glory to God! Yes, God is full of mercy, and as followers of Jesus, we should be, too!
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Dear God, Thank You for being a merciful and loving God. Help us to show Your love and mercy to all people. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Today in Small Group, we will play a game that shows how God wants to show mercy to all people! Are you ready to play? Have fun!
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.