Sample Lesson for New Testament

(All visuals, memory verses, word puzzles, coloring pages, etc are included with the curriculum)

Welcome to Kidslive. Let’s take a few minutes to get into our small groups and do prayer requests.

1)Look at these two lines. Which one is the longest? No, you are both wrong. They are both the same.2)Which straight line is the longest? (They are the same length). 3) Which of these four circles are the same size? (Inner left and outer right). 4) Which of the circles in the middle is larger (both the same)5) Is one horizontal line longer than the other? (no)Do you believe me? You should, because these are optical illusions.

The Bible tells us a lot of things that sound hard to believe but guess what, everything the Bible tells us is true. In the last few years scientists have been finding out that even the really cool miracles from the Bible are being proven to be true. Just the other day I watched a program on TV that should photos they took of Noah’s ark that is still resting on top of Mt Ararat in

Turkey

Our story today is about a man named Zechariah who had been praying for a miracle, that even in his old age he would have a child. Then when an angel told him it was going to happen, he didn’t believe him! We should always believe God!

NARRATOR: In the time of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah. He and his wife, Elizabeth were upright before God, observing all His commandments. But they had no children and were getting old. Elizabeth was a close relative of Mary, the future mother of Jesus. One day Zechariah went to the temple to pray.

Zechariah pops up and bows head : Thank you Lord, for your many blessings. I am a little sad because we never had any children. . .

(Gabriel pops up):Do not be afraid, Zechariah. I am an angel from God. Your prayer has been heard by God. Your wife will have a son and you are to name him John. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of Elijah and prepare the people for the coming of the savior!

ZECHARIAH (´Sounds suspicious): How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is WELL along in years!

GABRIEL (´A little angry, speaks loudly): I AM GABRIEL, I STAND IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD and I have been sent to tell you this good news! Because you don't believe me you will not be able to speak until the day this all happens!

NARRATOR: Well, Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife did get pregnant and have a baby! But Zechariah couldn’t speak one word the whole time of his wife’s pregnancy!

BROTHER-IN-LAW: It's a miracle, I tell you, A MIRACLE! So, you are going to name him Zechariah, aren't you?

BROTHER IN LAW: But there is no one in our family named John. Zechariah, do you want to name him John?

ELIZABETH: John still can’t talk but he’s saying yes. His name will be John.

ZECHARIAH: (Jumps up and shouts): I can talk! I can TALK!! PRAISE THE LORD! My child will be called a prophet of the Most High God, for he will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for the savior. He will teach people about salvation and forgiveness of sins!

NARRATOR: And this little baby grew up to be John the Baptist. When he was a man he told people that the kingdom of God was coming and he baptized them in the Jordan River. He even baptized Jesus! But I’m getting ahead of myself. That’s next week’s story!

Sometimes things sound too good to be true. Why do you think that Zechariah didn’t believe he was going to have a son when the angel told him? (Because he was so old).

Do you ever have a hard time believing something in the Bible? If you don’t understand something you should ask your parents or one of your church teachers to explain it to you.

Large Group Game: At each small group table pick one child. The child must come up with 2 true things to say about themselves and 1 false thing to say. (Have each small group leader coach them) Have each table send up their child and then the everyone must figure out (for points) which statement is the false one for each child. (Use the numbers on the table, 1,2,3 and have them hold up with number of statements they think is false).

Small Groups: Find a color coded puzzle hidden around the room (red will have red paper, etc). Each small group will put together their puzzle (a scripture verse on believing) and then come up to the microphone to read it. Be strong in the Lord. . .Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11-11 Go over Bible Blitz questions.

Bible Blitz competion between sections in room. Keep track of points on a poster board each week.

1) Each table will have a puzzle to find color coded, hidden around the room. Find all the pieces and put in order. You will be asked to come up to the microphone and tell your verse:

Red: Matthew 21:22: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Yellow: John 6:69 We believe and know that you, Jesus, are the Holy One of God."

Green: Romans 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified.

Go over memory verse and get prizes: Be strong in the Lord. . .Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

5) What happened to Zechariah when he didn’t believe the angel? (He couldn’t talk until after John was born)

8) TF Zechariah knew his baby boy was going to be a special child that would get people ready for the messiah, Jesus, to come. (T)