Leader Guide

Small Group

In Large Group you were asked to identify two animals in the video that were caged. Raise your hand to name just one of them, then someone else can name the other one. Lion, bear.

Although Julia and Marcus were not real people in today’s Superbook adventure, they represent real people who actually did live at that time. Paul, Phoebe, and many other believers faced real suffering and persecution for their faith. The video was based on events that really happened, including the Circus Maximus arena with ferocious animals and the Great Fire of Rome caused by the wicked emperor Nero. Real life people like Jason hid and protected Paul and other believers in his house to keep them from being arrested. Jason himself was arrested for his brave acts.

In the video, what was the name of the commander of the Roman Praetorian guard who reported to Nero? Felix.

We are going to play a game in which you will pretend to be early Christians who must stay one step ahead of Felix and the Roman guards.

Have an older child or a Sixth Grade helper play Felix. He will stand in the center of the room as you explain the game.

Have you ever played a game called Four Corners? Today’s game is very similar. The goal is not to be caught by Felix and the Roman guards! Felix will close his/her eyes and slowly count aloud to 10. As Felix counts, you will quietly move to the sign of your choice. The signs at each corner of the room represent faithful and courageous believers who opened their homes to protect Christians from being arrested. Now, remember to move very quietly so Felix can’t hear you! When the counting is finished, Felix will keep his/her eyes closed and shout, “I think someone is hiding at sign number _____ (1,2,3, or 4). You never know which number Felix will say! Everyone hiding by that sign must sit down in the middle of the room near Felix because you have been caught! The game continues until only one player remains. That player successfully escaped from the Roman guards! Let’s play two practice rounds to make sure everyone understands the game. If you’re caught in these first two rounds, you don’t need to sit down.

To shorten the game, once a corner is named, you may announce that it is closed so players may no longer flee there. This limits play to three turns per round, after which there will probably be a group of winners in the fourth corner. You can say that the believers successfully escaped Felix and the guards and won! Children who were “caught” are then free to play in the next round.

Conclusion:

How did you determine which corner you would flee to? Children respond.

Was it hard not to follow the crowd? Children respond.

Was it difficult to remain quiet as you played? Children respond.    

This game was fun, but we should remember that today, some Christians in parts of the world suffer terrible hardships and suffering because of their faith in Jesus. We are going to pray for these believers in our prayer time today.    

Let’s learn more about how we can turn adversity and troubles into growth and even an opportunity for great joy in today’s Teaching!