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 Prodigal Son”! For those of you who have already seen our Bible story video, tell me some things that you remember about the prodigal son and his father.
God is a loving and forgiving father! He wants to forgive and restore us so we can live with Him forever! Let’s stand up and praise God as we 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: “God celebrates when we ask Jesus to forgive our sins.” Let’s have grades 1–3 shout the first part of the SuperTruth, “God celebrates when …” and then grades 4–6 shout the last part, “we ask Jesus to forgive our sins.”
Are you ready? Let’s go! “God celebrates when …”; “we ask Jesus to forgive our sins.”
Good job for the first time; however, I believe you can do it again even louder! Let’s go! “God celebrates when …”; “we ask Jesus to forgive our sins.”
Isn’t that exciting to know—God celebrates when we ask for forgiveness! God does not want anyone to stray away and be lost forever. He wants everyone to come to Him and be forgiven!
Introduce Condensed Bible Story Video (1 minute)
If you were here for the previous lessons, why did Chris’ friend Aaron wanted to live in Chris’ tree house? He had done something he felt his father could never forgive.
Today, we are going to watch a short version of the video. If you’ve already seen it, look and listen for the three things that the father ordered the servants to put on the Prodigal Son. You’ll have a chance to use your answer to win points in our Small Group Game!
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9 minutes)
Be sure to preview this video, as some scenes may be too intense for young children.
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.
Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 3
SuperVerse Discussion (2 minutes)
Let’s all say the SuperVerse together. Luke 15:7:
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!”
Jesus spoke these words to religious leaders who were offended that Jesus spent time with people they considered to be terrible sinners. From this verse, do you think God is angry or happy when sinners repent and return to Him?
There is great joy in heaven when someone who has strayed from God returns home! God is pleased when we share the Gospel with others—so they can come home to their heavenly Father! We will discuss this verse more in Small Group.
Now, let’s say the SuperVerse together again. Luke 15:7:
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!”
Note: 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 learn more about the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Play Video 6: Signposts (4 minutes)
Be sure to preview this video, as some scenes may be too intense for young children.
Signposts Video
Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, You love us so much that there is a celebration in heaven when we ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins! Help us to share the Gospel message with others so they can find forgiveness, joy and salvation, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today in Small Group, we will play a fun game to review Jesus’ parable about the Prodigal Son.
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.