Video Leader Guide

Welcome(1 minute)

Welcome back to the second lesson of our Superbook adventure called “Love Your Enemies.” In our last lesson we learned that nothing can separate us from God. In today’s lesson, we will learn how to respond to enemies like Jesus did!     

Now, it’s time to stand and praise Jesus who is our example and our Savior!

Play Video: (Song) Free (2 minutes)

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

Free

SuperTruth and Discussion(1 minute)

Sometimes we can react quickly without thinking. Raise your hand if you have ever responded to someone or something in a way that you regret. Children respond.

Before we do something we’ll be sorry for, it’s important to take a moment to pray and listen for God’s voice in our hearts. When we obey Him, we will respond in a way that represents Christ.

Our SuperTruth today is: “I will respond in love like Jesus.” Let’s say that together: “I will respond in love like Jesus.”

We will discuss this more a little later. Now, let’s watch a short version of our Bible story. If you have seen the video before, Chris tells Pastor Aaron that if he becomes afraid or feels sorry for himself while suffering, something will stop. What is it that Chris doesn’t want to stop? You can share your answer in Small Group.      

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 (11 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

*Caution: In following the biblical narrative, this video may be too intense for some children. Be sure to preview it before showing the class. You may also want the parents to see it before showing it to their children.

First, Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to see that when Jesus is arrested, He is still willing to heal a soldier whose ear is cut off by Peter. Next, they see Jesus praying in agony on the cross, “Father, forgive them.” Then they witness Stephen quoting Jesus' words of forgiveness as he is brutally stoned to death. The children learn to trust God when being mocked or persecuted.

Discussion(2 minutes)

Why is it difficult to respond like Jesus when you are treated unfairly or wronged? Because you don’t want to look weak or be taken advantage of. You want to get even and teach someone a lesson.  

If you saw the full-length video last time, how did Chris surprise Kane at the end? Chris gave Kane his extra soccer ball so he could make the required number of goals to qualify for the All Star team.

How do you think the story may have ended if Chris had decided to teach Kane a lesson and taken revenge for being bullied? He might have gotten some satisfaction for a moment but destroyed his witness. Kane would not have experienced the love and mercy of Jesus. Chris would have felt guilty and would need to ask Jesus for forgiveness. Kane would have gotten angrier and wanted to get even.      

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

Now let’s watch our Bible Background video to learn more about what the world was like when Jesus walked this earth. When Gizmo asks some questions, wait for him to give four possible answers, then call out the one you think is correct!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse Graphic 2

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

SuperVerse Discussion(1 minute)

The SuperVerse today is Matthew 5:44:

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

Let's say Matthew 5:44 together:

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

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

Prayer and Send-Off(1 minute)

Let’s pray. Dear Jesus, when You lived in this world, you modeled how we should respond to others in love, even our enemies. We cannot do this in our own strength. Please fill us with Your love and the power of Your Holy Spirit so we can show others the joy, peace and mercy that You show to us. In Your loving name we pray, Amen.
Our game in Small Group is all about responding with love and prayer when we are mistreated. Let’s go find out 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.