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)

Welcome back to the second lesson of our Superbook adventure called “Jesus—Friend of Sinners.” Raise your hand if you have ever taken a trip somewhere for a specific purpose. Children respond.

Jesus left heaven and came to Earth for a specific purpose. We will find out more about that soon.  Now, it’s time to stand and praise God for loving us so much that He sent His Son to the world.

Play Video Song: Superhero (3.5 minutes)

Preview the song so you can help the children sing along with the music.

Free Music Video

SuperTruth and Discussion (1 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is:

Jesus came for sinners.” Let’s say that together: Jesus came for sinners.”        

This is Jesus’ purpose for coming to Earth. He did not come to be king and to be friends with important people or religious leaders. He came for sinners. Can someone tell me who are sinners? Everyone; we are all sinners.

The Bible tells us that all people have sinned. (See Romans 3:23.) That means Jesus came for everyone who ever lived on the earth; including you and me! 

Let’s watch a short version of our Bible story. If you have seen the video before, pay close attention to find out what a sinful woman uses to wipe the perfume on Jesus’ feet.                   

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.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (10 minutes)

Superbook takes Joy, Chris and Gizmo to witness three Bible stories: the parable of the great supper (banquet), the calling of Matthew the tax collector, and the woman caught in sin. Joy is surprised to see Jesus spend time with sinners, tax collectors, the poor, and those with disabilities. She decides to become more like Jesus by following His example.

Condensed Bible Story

Why do you think it is so difficult for someone to come to Jesus when they are full of pride? You don’t think you need anyone’s help. You look at all the good things you do and believe that is enough.

How long did it take for Matthew to decide to follow Jesus? He got up and followed Him immediately.

What did the woman use to wipe the perfume on the feet of Jesus? Her hair.

Was Jesus angry with her? No, He accepted her worship and sincerity. He forgave her and used her as an example to correct the prideful Pharisee.  

What did Jesus tell the Pharisee named Simon? He told Simon all of the things he didn’t do compared to how the woman honored and treated Him.  

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

In today’s Bible Background video, we’ll learn more about banquets, hosts and guests in Bible times, as well as how Jesus was a friend to sinners—even when it offended important religious leaders. Be ready for Gizmo’s questions! Wait for him to give some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (7 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic

The graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

10B: SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

The SuperVerse today is Matthew 9:13:

"I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Jesus knew without a doubt exactly why He left heaven to come into the world. He was on a mission. He didn’t come to support and congratulate the religious leaders for their good deeds and for how well they kept the Ten Commandments. Instead, Jesus came to those who were humble and realized they were sinners and that they couldn’t save themselves. 

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If they are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning. 

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray. Dear God, we all have sinned and need a Savior. We praise You for sending Jesus into the world to save us! Thank You that when we confess our sins and accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, we are forgiven and saved and receive eternal life. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.     

Our game in Small Group is all about seeing our need for Jesus. You might say that this game “builds” our confidence in Him! Let’s go 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.