Leader Guide

Bible Activity

Bibles - to make the activity fair for all children, do not use tabbed Bibles or electronic devices unless all the children have them
Sticky notes, Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
Pencils - one per pair of children
Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app

Make sure there is a clear path between the children and the whiteboard.
If you would prefer not to use sticky notes, have children raise their hands to answer.

Let’s say today’s SuperTruth: “I will be a cheerful giver.”

In this activity, we will learn that cheerful giving goes beyond money. We have so much to give to God and others because we are abundantly blessed by Him!

Have the children sit down in pairs. Try to pair an experienced Bible user with a child who isn’t as familiar with the Bible. Give each pair a Bible. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse. The other child can be the “messenger.” They write the answers on a sticky note and stick the note to the board. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and being the messenger. Have children close their Bibles before you announce the next verse.

Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game.

Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Note that the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary.

I will say a verse reference and write it on the board. Then I will write two questions for you to answer about the verse: 1. Who gave? 2. What did they give? You may start to look the verse up as soon as I say it. Once you find the answers, the messenger will write your answers on the sticky note, then quickly stick it to the board. You have one minute to do that. Each team scores five points for a correct answer on the board in time. The pair with the most points wins.

If time permits, read the verses surrounding the passage so you can share the background of what is taking place and how to practically apply it today.

Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game. Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Read the verse reference but do not read the actual verse until after the questions are answered.

If time permits, have a child read the verse. Do as many questions as time allows.

1. Luke 21:2–4:

²Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ³“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. ⁴For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

1. Who gave? A poor widow.

2. What was given? Two small coins, two mites, all she had to live on.

2. Acts 4:36–37:

³⁶For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. ³⁷He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

1. Who gave? Barnabas (Joseph).

2. What was given? All of the money from a field he owned that he sold.

3. Acts 3:6:

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

1. Who gave? Peter.

2. What was given? Jesus’ healing power, Jesus’ love, freedom, wholeness from Jesus.

4. Luke 19:8:

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much.”

1. Who gave? Zacchaeus.

2. What was given? Half his wealth (to the poor), four times any money that he cheated people by charging them too much money for their taxes.

5. John 12:3:

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

1. Who gave? Mary.

2. What was given? Expensive perfume.

6. Acts 16:14–15:

¹⁴One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. ¹⁵She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

1. Who gave? Lydia.

2. What was given? Hospitality. Her home to stay in.

7. Matthew 10:42:

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

1. Who is to give? Us, everyone.

2. What small thing given will be rewarded by Jesus? Something as small as a cup of cold water.

8. Acts 2:44–45:

⁴⁴And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

1. Who gave? The believers (in the early church).

2. What was given? They sold their property and possessions and gave money to those in need.

Conclusion: These people decided to freely give from their hearts because of their love for God. They gave without hesitation and reluctance. No matter what we give, God loves a gift that is given cheerfully from our hearts.

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