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.
Hello and welcome to a new Superbook adventure titled “Doubting Thomas.” In this video, you will meet one of Jesus’ disciples who simply could not believe what the others told him. We’ll also see what happens to Chris on a mission trip, when some kids aren’t interested in the Good News he is trying to share with them!
Play Video 2: Chris and Joy’s Dilemma (4.5 minutes)
Chris and Joy's Dilemma
On a mission trip, Chris tries to share his faith with some kids—but they just laugh. Should he quit?
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
Let’s say today’s SuperTruth together: “I am a witness for Christ.”
What does a witness do? Witnesses share what they have heard or seen.
Who rolled the stone away from Jesus’ tomb? An angel from heaven.
The guards at the tomb saw the angel at the tomb. What story did the high priest tell them to share instead of the truth? That they had fallen asleep and the disciples stole Jesus’ body from the tomb.
Let’s think like detectives for a minute. Is there anything suspicious about that story? If the guards were asleep, how did they know who stole Jesus’ body?
A witness should always tell the truth about something they saw or heard, not a story they make up. In this case, the soldiers accepted money to spread a false story about Jesus so people would not believe the truth.
Jesus asks us to tell only what we know and have experienced about Him; we do not have to make up stories. When we share the truth with others, the Holy Spirit will draw people to Jesus by God’s power.
Let’s say today’s SuperTruth together again: “I am a witness for Christ.”
Let’s watch the second part of the video to see Chris witness about Jesus.
Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution (19 minutes)
Bible Story and Resolution
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to Jerusalem just after Jesus is crucified. Roman soldiers say His body was stolen from the tomb. Why should Thomas believe Jesus’ other disciples, who say He is alive? And who is the mysterious traveler on the road to Emmaus? The children discover that Jesus is always there—for everyone!
Video discussion
How did Jesus witness about Himself and the events surrounding His resurrection? He shared Scriptures that were written centuries before He was born, yet accurately described things that would happen regarding His life, death and resurrection.
Why is it difficult to witness about Jesus to others sometimes? We are afraid that people won’t believe what we say, or we worry about being made fun of. We don’t think we know enough about Jesus or the Bible. We are afraid we won’t know the answers to people’s questions.
Jesus gave us all we need to witness about Him. He wants us to trust in Him and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. All we need is to be willing to share that Jesus is alive and what He is doing in our own lives.
Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic 1
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 1
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
Together, let’s say today’s SuperVerse, Acts 1:8:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere.”
Think about the amazing opportunity and privilege Jesus gives to each of us. He calls us to be His witnesses to tell others who may have never heard the Good News! It is our mission to share about His love, forgiveness and salvation with anyone we can.
In the SuperVerse, who did Jesus say will give us the power we need to accomplish our important mission? The Holy Spirit.
Was Chris trusting in the Holy Spirit’s power when he attempted to witness to the other children? No, he was trusting in his own ability and “coolness.”
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If any children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Heavenly Father, thank You for empowering us to be witnesses for You. Help us to be willing to share Jesus and His love whenever the opportunity comes. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
In today’s game, you will be a follower of Jesus after His resurrection while also trying to keep away from the Roman soldiers! Let’s go see how to 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.