It's all about...

Lesson from Sunday 11th to Saturday 17th

It's all about... GIVING

"Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Objective of the lesson: Teach the children the importance of giving and sharing. When we give, we are opening the doors so that we may receive as well. 

Even though we posted the full Bible verse, let us focus on God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving is not only an act of love and generosity, but it also expresses the same kind of behavior God would like us to have. 

Into the lesson:

Think about all the great things you have received, and how that made you happy. Nice toys, warm clothes, food, a delicious ice-cream on a sunny afternoon. Isn't that all nice?

Everyday you are given things that you must be grateful for. But life is not only about receiving. Just as there is plenty of happiness in giving, there is also a well of goodness in giving. Want to find out?

Yummy ice-cream - even better when shared!
 It is more blessed to give than to receive.    Acts 20:35    

Short Story - The pleasure of giving 

Betty was a 8 year old girl that lived in a very nice house and had all sorts of toys, clothes, and everything a child could wish for. In fact, she had way more than she needed, so in all of her birthdays, her mom tried to persuade her to give some of her toys to less fortunate children, in order to make room for the new ones she was going to get. She also had some clothes that no longer fitted that could be given to younger girls. But Betty did not like the idea.

Even though she would never wear those clothes again, or play with those toys, Betty did not like to share what she had, and would do it very reluctantly. She would go into a very bad mood whenever she saw Julie, the maid's daughter, wearing one of her old clothes or playing with one of her old toys.

Betty's mom was very disappointed on her daughter's behavior, and decided to teach her a lesson. During that week, Betty did not get any desserts after meals. No matter how much she would insist, no dessert was served to her.

One day, the maid had made her favourite dessert: Banoofee pie! Betty wanted to have some, but her mother said she couldn't get any. She went out to the yard and saw 7 year old Julie eating hers under the tree. Betty was so sad, she wet to sit by Julie and said: I wish I could have at least a bite of this delicious dessert. To her surprise, Julie took an extra spoon from her pocket, gave it to Betty and with a smile she said, "dig in, there is enough here for us both!"

Since then, Betty has learned that giving is very important, and shows you have a good heart.

Giving to God

God loves the cheerful giver. Those who give with joy, gladness, and are happy to help others. Because when they are happy to give, they know that nothing is going to lack for them. 

Lucy is faithful to God in her tithes and offerings

When you give your offerings in the CBC, you are contributing towards the maintenance of the room, and making sure there will always be snacks, crayons, colouring pencils, toys, music,  and everything else you see around and love so much.

MARCH: IT'S ALL ABOUT...

Dear Biblical Educators,

Welcome to March! This month, we are bringing 4 very important subjects that our children must learn about and apply in their daily lives.

Check out the first subject on the lesson right below...

Lesson from Sunday the 4th to Saturday the 10th of March

It's all about... PRAYER

"Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be 

opened to you." Matthew 7:7

Objective of the lesson: Teach the children that prayer is talking to God. He is always available to listen and help, whenever they call upon Him.

Many times in life we find ourselves in trouble, facing hard times or difficult situations that we do not know how to handle. Either we are in need of something for ourselves or for someone we love, prayer can definitely help.

Of course, we should not only go to Him whenever there is a problem, but because we love Him, He is part of our lives, like a close friend, the best friend we could ever ask for.

PRAYER IS HEAVEN'S PHONE NUMBER

Whenever you need to talk to God, call on Him through prayer. HE is never busy for you.

GOD'S POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO PRAYERS

NO - You are probably asking for something that will not be good for you in the long run. When God says no, it's for your own good!

WAIT - It's not the time yet. Waiting is an important lesson of trust. There is a time for everything.

YES - Go ahead! It's yours! Go conquer. It's done! 

Lesson: Nature Praises our God

Dear Biblical Educators,

This week we will continue talking about the importance of praising God and seeking His presence into our lives.
Gladness, joy, happiness, a pretty smile on your face... these are the signs that the love of God dwells in your heart.
When we share our happiness with those who suffer, we show them that there is a way out.
We once also had many reasons to cry and be sad, but when Jesus came into our lives, all darkness faded away. He is the way, the truth and the life. He had forgiven our sins and gave us eternal life.
This is more than enough reason to be happy and live in newness of life.

Doesn't that make you wanna sing???

Remember it is not just about singing. Praise is not a song, it is a lifestyle! Our lives must praise the God who gave us everything.
And if, by any chance, there are children among us who do not know this happiness yet, it is time to evangelize them personally.

Bible Educators must commit to fast and pray for these children, and help them spiritually, so that the word we preach may become truth in their lives.

THERE WILL NOT BE UNHAPPY CHILDREN IN OUR MIDST!
OUR CHILDREN WILL BE HAPPY, HEALTHY AND FULFILLED, FOR THE GLORY OF OUR FATHER, AMEN?

Songs of the Week

Let us recap the 2 songs we have learned last week, 'If I were a butterfly' and 'Jesus is my superhero'  with lots of singing, dancing and hand clapping. If you have not seen then yet, just go down a few posts and you will find last week's lesson.

However, we will also introduce new songs, they are a a bit of a challenge, but also a lot of fun. Check it out:

0 to 3 year olds: Father Abraham

4 to 10 year olds: I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N

ACTIVITIES

After the spiritual talk, the singing and dancing, if there is still any time left, play some quiet games. We suggest Hot Potato. Don't know how to play it? Simple! Click here to watch a short video explaining the rules. We suggest you bring a big potato from home, and to make it real fun, why not draw or past a funny face to the potato?

ANIMALS

• What are the sounds each animal does? Divide the class in teams and see which team can remember more animal names and the sounds they do.

• Still in teams, who can mimic the animals best?

• You could also play a drawing game.  First, make 2 lists with 10 names of animals in each.You have three minutes to draw these 10 animals, one at a time and the children must guess which animal that is as quick as they can. If they are not getting your drawing, they can pass and bring that animal back in the end (if there is still time). The teams must take turns, and in the end, the team that guesses more animals in the end of the 3 minutes win the game. Of course you may adapt the game, changing the times, the quantity of animals and even the number of teams.

We are sure the children will enjoy the lesson. Be creative! If you have a fun idea that you would like to add on, but are not sure it is OK to do it, drop us a comment and we will reply ASAP. It will also help others to do the same and also have good results in their local CBC.

May God bless you!

Lesson: Let's Sing Praises to God! - From Jan 22nd to the 28th

"I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High..." Psalm 7:17.

Dear Biblical Educators,

For the next 2 weeks we are going to teach the Children the importance of  

praising God. And what is praise? 

1-It is to give thanks to God for all the awesome things He has made; 

2- It is to acknowledge how good, faithful, merciful and wonderful He is!

3- It is to gladly sing with love and gratitude for all He is and what He has done.

When we do it, our hearts are filled with joy and we grow closer to God!

Having this in mind, let us teach them these new songs. Don't forget to add dance steps and/or gestures. 

You can also create a scenario, accessories, and whatever your creativity tells you, that has something to do with the proposed songs.

0-3 YEAR OLDS

The Butterfly Song:

Activity:

This song talks about all the beautiful (even if sometimes slightly odd) things that our God has made. All of them are special and unique, and so are our children! 

For this lesson, you should get illustrations of the animals described on the song and talk to the children about  all the particular abilities that each of them has. 

You may also do a play, with masks or paper made costumes, where each child would represent one of those animals mentioned in the song, doing it's respective gesture or movement.

The children may also draw their favorite animal.

How about an "wild life warm up" with the children making the sounds and movements of different animals, even some that were not mentioned in the song. They can also take turns in doing animal impressions and have the others guess which animal they had done.

Be creative and enthusiastic about it.

4-10 YEAR OLDS

Jesus is my Superhero:

He's the one who makes the sun shine
He's the one who that puts the moon in the sky
He's the one who hung the stars
One by one

He's the one who makes the birds sing
He's the one who makes your dreams so high
He's the one who makes me smile
Day by day

Jesus you're my superhero
You're my star, my best friend
Jesus you're my superhero
You're my star, my best friend

Better than Spiderman
Better than Superman
Better than Batman
Better than anyone

Better than Yu Gi Yo
Better than Barbie
Better than Action Man
Better than anyone

You may also click here for another video, to give you clearer dance steps ideas.

The children must learn the lyrics and dance steps to this songs, that should be practiced during the week.

Please send your comments, suggestions and overall feedback, they may be very helpful to others. 

Stay tuned, as a second song may be added to this age group very soon...

Visual Resources and activities - Ugliness of Pride

Two- Faced Puppet

The children will make a two-faced puppet of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

Follow directions below dear Biblical Educators: 

1) Cut out the faces of the tax collector and the Pharisee

 

2) These are the material you will need:

·         1 craft stick
·         Crayons or markers
·         Glue stick
·         Scissors

Ta-ran !!! - The end result

The other side of the craft stick

Send us pictures of your puppets!!!

Activities:

Age 2-3 Yrs

* Biblical Educators Play - Using soft toys, or puppets, you can develop this story, making it interesting for the little ones to listen to.

Age 4-7 Yrs and 8-10 Yrs

* Biblical Educator, take to the class black eyeliner pencil, a small mirror, a face towel 

(it must be wet at the moment of the demonstration). Scratch your face (without them to see it) with the eyeliner and let your fingers get dirty with it. They will for sure notice it, laugh, point at you and ask why are you like that. Explain that when we are proud, our heart is just like your face, and it will reflect in your attitudes, words, expression, and ask them if they would like to stay close to someone who is dirty? For sure they will say no! So, we have to clean our hearts, taking away all pride, and by acting in a humble way.

* Writing down everything that showed pride in us - give 2 papers, it can even be cut in hearts shapes, in one children will write everything that they used to do that showed pride; in the other they have to write what from now on they will do differently. 

Stay blessed!!!

Lesson: The Ugliness of Pride - From Sunday the 15th to Saturday the 21st of Jan

Bible verse to memorize

 " ... God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4.6)

Objective of the lesson 

Lead the children to understand that God, in all His Glory, just can't stand pride! People who are proud and boastful are not fun to be around. But those who are humble will be honored and taken care of by the Lord.

Story: The Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee

This week's story comes straight from the Bible. It was first told by Jesus to his disciples, and it carries a very important message. Do you want to know what it is? So, if you have your Bible and would like to read along, open it at Luke chapter 18 verses 10 to 14. Or else, just listen up!

"Two men went up to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and

he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:10-14

This is a very short and simple story, but did you really get the meaning of it?

The Pharisee was a sort of religious leader, who also happened to be very hypocritical, and think he was better than everybody else. He was very boastful and arrogant, thinking he would get on God's good graces by the good things he did or have. He forgot that God could see how ugly his heart was like, and all the bad things he did when no one was around.

The tax collector, in the other hand, was the kind of guy who used to be know as someone who handled dirty business. He had a pretty bad past and knew he was in the wrong big time. He knew God was his only hope, or else... 

He wasn't going to pretend that he was good or worthy, when he knew he wasn't, but his surrender and confession brought God near. 

So from now on, remember that being proud is not a good trait. Be humble, and you will be happy!

Points to emphasize:                                                         

1. God can't stand a proud person. In fact, nobody can!
2. Humbleness is the opposite of pride. Remember, if the Son of Good himself was humble, who are we to be proud?
3. Sometimes it is not always easy to have a humble heart. We must strive to attain it, and that is why we need the Holy Spirit.

Suggested activities and discussion: 

• Are you proud sometimes? What are the kinds of things that children do that shows they are being proud...

A- With their parents and family members?

B- With friends?

C- With strangers?

D- At CBC?

E - Other occasions? 

• How can I fix my behaviour in order to be humble instead of proud? 

E.g: If I used to boast about what I have, I will now...

       If I used to look down on others who are less fortunate, I will now...

       If I used to think I was the best at everything, I will now...

       If I used to be angry whenever I was rebuked, I will now...

Lesson: The Power of Prayer- From Sunday the 08th of Jan to 14th Satrurday

From the Sunday the 8th to Sturday the 14th of January

Bible verse to memorize

 "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:13-14).

Objective of the lesson 

Lead the children to talk to God and develop a relationship with Him. Let them know that God wants to bless them, but in order for that to happen, they must communicate all their needs and worries to our Heavenly Father.

Story: The Power of Prayer

Debbie and John were siblings who always used to come to the CBC to play and have fun with their friends, but when it was time to pray, they did not like it. They never used to close their eyes and were secretly mocking and laughing of the children who did pray. They used to disturb prayer time, and were unable to concentrate.

One day, as they met outside school to walk home together, they were both very sad. Debbie's best friend was very sick and was taken to the hospital in a lot of pain. John, in the other hand, got into serious trouble because some of his friends did something wrong and left him alone to take the blame.

What could they do? Who could help them?

When they got home, Mum noticed they were sad and upset, and asked what was bothering them. They told her everything that has happened on that day, and she said: "You know, guys, there is someone who you can talk to that can help you to deal with that. In fact, He can do even more. He can help you sort things out and bring many blessings on yours and on your friends lives, bringing to your hearts joy and confidence that your prayers are answered. Do you know who I am talking about?"

And they both answered, "Yes, you are talking about Jesus. But how do we talk to Him?" And Mum explained all about prayer. 

Prayer is talking to God as you talk to a friend. He listens to you and never leaves you alone. Everytime you feel sad, lonely, angry, or are tempted to do something bad, talk to Him and ask Him to take that bad thought away. He will come to you and make you happy. He can also help you in difficult situations and even things that seem very hard, or even impossible to achieve. But you must take it seriously and use your faith. Remember to thank for all the good He brings to you and for being such a good and faithful friend!

Right there and then, Debbie and John got on their knees and prayed. Debbie started "Dear Lord Jesus, I am so sorry for not talking to you when I had the chance. But from now on, I want to be close to You. Please, heal my friend Laura who is in Hospital in a lot of pain. Help me to be a better child from now on...."

And John continued, "Yes, Lord Jesus, I know my behavior is not pleasing you. Please, help me to change and be a good boy, so that I don't get into trouble in school anymore. I want to be an example, and have You living in my life forever and ever! Amen!"

After the prayer, they felt immediately lighter and happy, as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. The next day, Debbie received a phone call from Laura saying that she was recovering fast and she was about to go home. And eventually, John was no longer in trouble in school and was now giving good examples to his friends. Do you see how prayer works?

Points to emphasize:                                                         

1. Anything you ask in Jesus name, He will do it for you.  Nothing is impossible, but you need to ask good things, and not bad things.
2. Prayer is talking to God as you talk to a friend. You must be respectful, but sincere.
3. When you or someone you love is in trouble, ask for God's help in prayer.

Suggested activities and discussion: 

• Who here has a testimony of the power of prayer?
• Who can remember people of the Bible who prayed and saw great miracles and wonders?
• What are the things you should or should not ask in prayer? 

E.g: I should ask for blessings in my life, for family or friends, healing, ask for help with behaviour and studies, provision, ask for the good of people, etc...

I should NOT ask for bad things to happen to me or anyone else, and never ask for anything hurtful or naughty. I should not ask for things that, eventually, are going to bring me harm.

Secret Friend Prayer: 

Everybody knows that it is very important to pray for our friends. So this week, we are going to act on it! 

In a small piece of paper, everyone is going to write their names and a prayer request, fold it and put it in a box. Then, each child is going to pick one name and will be praying for this friend for the whole week. 

The next Sunday, there will be loads of testimonies, amen? 

And the Biblical Educators can also do this among themselves!

Zacchaeus 28-08-11

LESSON OF THE WEEK: ZACCHAEUS


Biblical Reference                                                  
Psalm 25.12 and Luke 19.1-10

Purpose of the lesson
Teach children that God forgives our mistakes and show us the way we should go.

Memorize the verse
“Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose”. (Psalm 25.12)

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Class: 2-3 year olds

Introduction


Educator, make a paper hat. Choose a kid and ask him/her to go to the front of the class and close his/her eyes. Meanwhile, ask to the assist educator to put the hat (the one you made) on another kid. Ask to the chosen kid: Which one of these friends is different? (Wait them to participate) Certainly the child with the hat will catch the eye. Say: This one (pointing to the kid with the hat) is different because he/she is wearing a little paper hat and that’s why he/she catches your eye. Today we will know the story about Zacchaeus that, to see Jesus, did something different. Let’s find out what did he do? Stay quiet, I am about to start.

Zacchaeus, the little man

THERE WAS a very short man (educator get down), his name was Zacchaeus. He worked receiving money (make a money gesture with your fingers and ask them to imitate). Buddies, Zacchaeus did something very wrong (make a serious face) because he kept the money from other people to himself. Can we do that, kids? (Wait them to participate) Of course not! (Wave negatively and ask them to imitate)
Zacchaeus found out that Jesus would be passing nearby his house and many people (make a gesture of quantity) stood there waiting Him to pass. But Zacchaeus could not see Jesus so he decided to climb a tree. What a dangerous thing, right kids? But Zacchaeus achieved what he wanted and when he was up above and Jesus looked to him and said: Zacchaeus get down and take me to your house. How nice! (Make an expression of joy) Jesus would stay in the house of Zacchaeus that day!
He was so happy that he apologized to Jesus for all the wrong things he did and he decided to give back to the people all the money he had stolen.

Conclusion

Zacchaeus apologized to Jesus and God taught him how to proceed. After that day he learned he should do good things that pleased God. Who here will obey and do everything right say “I will”. That’s right, Jesus will be very glad with you!!

Activities

- Drawing. For this activity you will need white cardboards. Cut out the cardboards in a tree shape (a tree for each cardboard). You will need one tree for every four children. Split the class in groups of four and give them crayons. Say: Children, today we heard the story of Zacchaeus, a very short man that climbed a tree to see Jesus. And now you are going to draw Zacchaeus on the tree. Educator, pay attention on the activity and congratulate the kids at the end


- Decorating the scene. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. Paint with crayons and glue little paper balls on the tree.
Ps: Educator, distribute pieces of crepe paper and ask to the kids to make little balls with it.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

What is Zacchaeus doing up the tree?

Class: 4-7 year olds  

Introduction


Educator, make a paper hat. Choose a kid and ask him/her to go to the front of the class and close his/her eyes. Meanwhile, ask to the assist educator to put the hat (the one you made) on another kid. Ask to the chosen kid: In your opinion, which one of these friends catches your eye? Certainly the child with the hat will catch the eye. Say: This one (pointing to the kid with the hat) catches the eye because he/she is wearing something unusual, right? Nobody wears a paper hat. Today we will know the story about a man that, to see Jesus, did something different. Let’s find out what did he do? Stay quiet, I am about to start.

The story of Zacchaeus

THE BIBLE tells us the story of Zacchaeus, a tax-collector who lived deceiving people because he collected much more than they should pay. One day he found out that Jesus was coming to visit his city and he wanted to meet Him.
Many people were at the way waiting for Jesus to pass by. Zacchaeus was a very short man and realized that if he stayed in the middle of the crowd he wouldn’t be able to see Jesus. So he had a great idea. Do you know what he did? (Wait their participation). He climbed a tree. That’s right! He would see him from above the tree for sure. And that’s what happened, Zacchaeus saw Jesus. When Jesus passed under the tree, something wonderful happened for Jesus said: “Zacchaeus come down quickly, for today I want to stay in your house”.
How wonderful! The Master would go to the house of Zacchaeus; then he came down very fast. Some people were talking bad things about Jesus because they thought that He shouldn’t talk to a sinner. Children, Zacchaeus was known as a thief, as someone who took advantage of the people. Jesus knew that he used to do bad things but He loved him and wanted to change his life.
Zacchaeus didn’t miss the opportunity and when they were at his house he said: “My Lord, I decide to give to the poor half of my belongings and if I defrauded someone in something I will repay four times”. And Jesus answered: “Today salvation has come to this house…”
Before having an encounter with Jesus Zacchaeus did many dishonest things and hurt many people. However, after learning about God’s will he left all bad things behind and from that day on everything was new in that man’s life.

Conclusion

Kids, this week verse says: “Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose”. God loves all people but He wishes them to abandon all the wrong things to do what pleases Him because by doing so, the Holy Spirit will teach them the way they should follow. Who here wants to follow the path of Jesus say amen!

Fun Chat

Write in a paper the sentence: “Life with Jesus” and in another one “Life without Jesus”. Stick a paper on your shirt with the sentence “Life without Jesus” and ask to the assist educator (or choose a kid) to stick the other one on her shirt. Then pick ten kids. Ask them to make a line (little train). Educator, hold hands with the assist educator or the chosen kid and stay in front of each other. Say to the class: You will pass under our arms (like a country dance) and the kid we hold will choose which side he/she wants to stay, ok?
Educator, start the game. Put your holding hands up and, when the last child is going through, carefully lower the arms and ask what does he/she prefers: truth or lie. He/she will certainly choose the truth. Then ask him/her to stay behind the assist educator (or chosen kid). Continue the game changing the question to “good or evil”, “obedience or disobedience”, “happiness or sadness”, “love or hate”. They must stand behind the one who represents the chosen attitude.
When there are no more children on the train, ask: Class, why nobody wanted to stand behind me? (Wait their participation). Oh! Nobody wanted to pick me because I’m representing a “Life without Jesus” (point to the paper) and he/she (point to the assist educator or chosen kid) is representing a “Life with Jesus”. When Jesus is in our lives we have good attitudes: we are true, kind, obedient, happy, etc. But those who lie, disobey, those who are mean and live sad don’t have Jesus in their lives, just as Zacchaeus who stolen from people before knowing Jesus. However after finding Him, Zacchaeus completely changed his choices and started to have good attitudes. Who here wishes to have good attitudes and to have Jesus inside your heart say “I wish”!
Educator, make a prayer with the kids giving their lives to Jesus. After that, memorize the verse with the poster of the week.


Activities

- Setting up the verse. Write the verse on a cardboard, cut it in peaces separating the words and fix each word under a chair. The kids will find the words and they will set it up on the table. In case you have a big class, make the same verse several times in different colors. Children must find the words, put them together and set up the verse following the color. At the end of the activity, explain and memorize the verse with them.

- Drawing. Zacchaeus was a short man, that’s why he climbed a tree to see Jesus. Draw him climbing up the tree.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 

Come down Zacchaeus! I'm coming to your house today.

Class: 8-10 year olds

Introduction


Educator, make a paper hat. Choose a kid and ask him/her to go to the front of the class and close his/her eyes. Meanwhile, ask to the assist educator to put the hat (the one you made) on another kid. Ask to the chosen kid: In your opinion, which one of these friends catches your eye? Certainly the child with the hat will catch the eye. Say: This one (pointing to the kid with the hat) catches the eye because he/she is wearing something unusual, right? Nobody wears a paper hat. Today we will know the story about a man that, to see Jesus, did something different. Let’s find out what did he do? Stay quiet, I am about to start.

The history of Zacchaeus

THRE WAS A rich man who lived in the city of Jericho. Zacchaeus was his name. He was a tax collector and acted with dishonesty with people because he used to collect more than they should pay to get plenty of money. God is not pleased that attitude, because he was enriched with what belonged to others.
At that time Jesus visited several cities, teaching about the kingdom of God, healing and delivering people and one day, He went to the city of Jericho. When he discovered that the Lord Jesus was in his town, Zacchaeus wanted to know Him.
Zacchaeus stood in the way expecting Him to pass, but the crowd gathered and was very difficult to get close to Jesus. Seeing Him, then, it was almost impossible, as Zacchaeus was too short. It was then that Zacchaeus had a great idea! He decided to climb a tree. Look kids, he wanted to see Jesus so much that he even forgot that it was an important man, and didn’t mind if someone would see him up that tree.
Zacchaeus could never imagine that Jesus would see him, but to his surprise, Jesus came near the tree, looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I want to stay at your house." Zacchaeus, all happy, quickly came down the tree and took Jesus to his house. People were criticizing Jesus for going to the house of a sinner who deceived others. Jesus did not like Zacchaeus committed wrong things, but loved and cared about his life.
The words of the Lord Jesus touched the heart of Zacchaeus who said, "Lord, I decided to give to the poor half of my possessions, and if in anything I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus replied, "Today salvation has come to this house ...” .
The encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus changed his life completely. Hearing this story from the Bible, reminds us of a verse from the book of Psalms that says: "Those who fear the Lord will learn from the way they must go.”Zacchaeus was wrong because he had not had an encounter with Jesus. But from the moment he met Jesus and learned the Word of God, decided to change his attitude and therefore received salvation, he and his entire family.

Conclusion

God loves everyone and wants everyone to leave the mistakes and become true children of God. To this one has to want be with Jesus, leaving the wrong things and living a new life, as did Zacchaeus. Jesus forgave and saved everyone in that house. If the person decided to leave the wrong things and commit his life to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit will guide you and show you the way it should follow. Who here will strive to do only what pleases God say amen!

Fun Chat

Educator, for this activity you need strip and sheets of paper, colored pencils, balloons and sweets for the entire class.
Formulate questions based on the lesson, screw inside the balloon. Stick the balloons on the board or wall making the phrase: God is our refuge and strength. Ask for kids to go ahead, pop balloons, and answer the question. After distributing the sheets, ask the class to each create a drawing based on the verse of the text (Wait for participation.)
At the end of the activity, they must present and explain the meaning of the picture for the whole class. Discuss the pictures and put them on the wall and distribute candy to the class
Conclude with a prayer asking God for the class so that they’re always sure of His presence.


Activities

- Learning the verse. 1) Read verse of the week and write down what you get: “Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose”. (Psalm 25.12) 2) Comment about the verse.

- Sit down/stand up. Using the verse of the week to memorize, play with the children until they memorize the verse. Arrange the room in a semicircle and give orders. Children with the features you say should stand up, recite the verse and then sit again. Example: Those who have black hair stand up and recite the verse, those who wear tennis, those who wear glasses, and those who are in red blouse, etc.

Mid-week exercises:


1) Answer.
a) What was Zacchaeus occupation?
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b) What was the town where Zacchaeus lived?
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c) What decision did Zacchaeus take when he accepted Jesus?
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d) What attitude did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus?
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e) Why could not Zacchaeus see Jesus?
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2) Reflect on your behavior and write down what is being asked.

What I have done that displeased God:


What I will do to please God: