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 is the second lesson of our Superbook adventure, “The Prodigal Son.” Let’s spend some time in praise and thankfulness to God as we sing and do the motions for Everything Good.
Play Video 11: (Song) Everything Good (3.5 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.
Everything Good
SuperTruth and Discussion (1 minute)
In the Bible story about the prodigal son, the father waited patiently for his son to return home. God waits patiently for us to turn to Him, too! That’s why our SuperTruth for today is, “God waits patiently for us to turn to Him.” What do you think turning to God means?
We can make bad choices at times and wander away from God and His plan for us, yet God waits patiently for us to turn back to Him. I am so glad that we have a heavenly Father who is loving and patient!
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If all children watched the full Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.
In our video last time, what bad choice did Chris’ friend Aaron make?
Yes, Aaron skipped school, rode an all-terrain vehicle without permission, and wrecked it! He was scared and thought his father could never forgive him. For those of you who haven’t seen the video, we are going to watch a short version of The Prodigal Son to see how the father in Jesus’ story showed patience and love. For those of you who have seen the full video, let’s watch for ways that the father showed patience to his two sons.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9 minutes)
Condensed Bible Story
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to ancient Galilee. Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son—a young man who leaves home for what he thinks is the adventure of a lifetime, only to discover that what he wants most in the world is his father’s love. The children learn about God’s unfailing love and the power of forgiveness.
Discussion (1 minute)
Why do you think that the father was patient and the older brother was so impatient?
Do you think the older brother ever changed his attitude about his younger brother?
Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)
Now let’s watch our Bible Background Video and learn more about the Bible times and location in which Jesus’ parable about the Prodigal Son took place. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some 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 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 2
SuperVerse (2 minutes)
Our SuperVerse is found in Revelation 3:20:
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Who is speaking in this verse? Jesus.
Yes, Jesus calls to each of us, seeking a close and loving friendship with everyone. He is gentle and patient, but He will not force His way into our lives. Let’s say our SuperVerse together this time.
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Dear God, we praise You for being patient, loving, and merciful to us—even when we make bad choices and turn away from You. Thank You for calling out to us so that we can receive Your forgiveness. We praise You for giving us a new start each time we turn back to You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our SuperTruth is about turning to God. Next, you’ll play a game about turning. Let’s go to our Small Groups and see what this is all about!
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.