Leader Guide
SuperVerse
- Whiteboard and marker; or chalkboard and chalk
- Round balloons, one for each team of two children, plus extras
- Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
Blow up the balloons and tie closed.
Write the SuperVerse on the board in large letters that can easily be seen during the activity. Matthew 5:44:
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
Leave the SuperVerse on the board for Prayer section.
I think that today’s SuperVerse is short enough that at least two of you can already say it with your eyes closed. Raise your hand if you would like to try it. Matthew 5:44:
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
The dictionary defines persecution as harassment or cruel and unfair treatment of someone based on race, religion, or
political beliefs.
Now, let’s say Matthew 5:44 together; you can do it with your eyes closed or open!
Jesus did not seek
vengeance when He was persecuted, even though He possessed supernatural power and
could have destroyed His enemies! Instead, He showed love and mercy and prayed
for them. As followers of Christ, we are to love like He loves.
OPTION 1: Divide the
class into two groups. (It can be girls in one group and boys in the other, or
another arrangement.) Have them all sit down. Have the first group jump up and
say the first sentence of the verse, then quickly sit down. Immediately, the
second group should jump up and say the second sentence, then sit down. Have
them say it in different ways: slow, fast, shouted, whispered, and with
actions. Then switch parts and repeat!
OPTION 2 [WITH
BALLOONS]: Divide
the class into pairs and give each pair a balloon. Try to place children
together of different genders and ages if possible.
Each team’s two players will face each other, about 10–12 feet apart. Teams must stand so both players can read the verse on the board.
Set the timer for 2 minutes.
Start the time. A player for each team will shout the first word of the verse and bat the balloon to the other player.
That player will say the second word of the verse and bat the balloon back to the first player.
Play continues this way with the goal to complete the verse as many times as possible before the clock runs out.
Each time the verse is completed, teams will immediately begin the verse again.
If the balloon falls to the floor at any point before the verse is completed, the team must start over from the beginning of the verse.
Optional: teams may continue from the last word shouted before the balloon touched the floor.
When the time ends, ask each team how
many times the verse was completed.
Optional play for a gymnasium or larger room: teams stand with several feet between them and away from walls or other objects in the room. Players will take one step backward each time they shout a word. This increases the distance between the players and provides an additional challenge.
If children cannot memorize the SuperVerse, be sure they understand its meaning. Remind them to keep working on the verse at home.