Week 19: Jesus at Feast of Tabernacles, The Woman Caught in Adultery, The Light of the World, Blind Man, The Good Shepherd
John 7:1-8:59, 9:1-4, 10:1-21

Materials needed: For Day 2, When I’m a Mommy and/or When I’m a Daddy both by Ginger Adair Fulton. For Day 3, four candles. For Day 4, a children’s book on blindness.


Day 1: Read John 7:1-53, Jesus at Feast of Tabernacles.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.
Notes: Leviticus 23:34-44 is the Biblical basis for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot in Hebrew). A ceremony during the Feast was the daily drawing of water from the pool of Siloam by a priest accompanied by a great procession. When they returned to the temple, he poured the water from his golden pitcher into a silver basin. This was a joyous celebration accompanied by songs, shouts, and the sound of trumpets. This ceremony represented three things: remembrance of God’s provision of water for their forefathers in the wilderness, a symbol of the “latter rain,” and also represented the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 12:3 records “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” John 7:37 records Jesus’ proclamation, by which the Jews would have realized Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah.


Day 2: Read John 8:1-11, The Woman Caught in Adultery.
Alternate activity: If you feel uncomfortable reading this passage to your children, substitute a game for memory verse review instead.
Timeline date: 29 A.D., also during the Feast of Tabernacles.
Additional reading: When I’m a Mommy and/or When I’m a Daddy both by Ginger Adair Fulton.
Notes: Jesus’ actions are a fulfillment of Jeremiah 17:12-13, a passage related to the Feast of Tabernacles.


Day 3: Read John 8:12-59, The Light of the World.
Visual aid: Place four lighted candles on a table in the center of the room during this lesson.
Notes: During Tabernacles, four great candelabras were placed in the Temple, giving the feast the name, “feast of lights.” (Now, the name Feast of Lights refers to Hanukkah.) This is the context in which Jesus declared himself to be the Light of the World.
Timeline date: 29 A.D., during the Feast of Tabernacles.


Day 4: Read John 9:1-41, Blind Man.
Activity: Continue learning the Braille alphabet.
Supplementary reading: Check with your public library for a children’s book on blindness.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 5: Read John 10:1-21, The Good Shepherd.
Memory verse: John 10:11.
Activity: Compare this lesson with Psalm 23.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Week 20: Jesus at the Feast of Lights, Fire from Heaven?, Cost of Following Jesus, Seventy Workers
Matthew 8: 19-22, 19:1-2; Mark 10:1: Luke 9:51-62, 10:1-24; John 10:22-42

Materials needed: Read through Day 1 for possible unit study needs. Candle and matches for Day 2.


Day 1: Read John 10:22-42, Jesus at the Feast of Lights.
Discussion questions: Did they know He was the Messiah (Christ)? Why did they want to kill Him?
Timeline date: 29 A.D.
Notes: This passage shows Jesus’ observance of the Feast of Lights (also known as the Feast of Dedication or Hanukkah). Hanukkah is the most well known Jewish holiday, although it is one of the least important. Hanukkah was instituted between the testaments and is therefore not mentioned (except prophetically) in the Old Testament. Perhaps you will want to observe Hanukkah this year!
Here are a few unit study ideas for Hanukkah! Take one day off from regular studies for this enjoyable, enriching, and educational study!

I. Language Arts/History
a. Reading: Obtain these or similar books at your public library.
1. Hanukkah by Adam Fisher (K-1).
2. Hanukkah by Miriam Schlein (gr. 2-3).
3. It Is Good! by Steffi Rubin (gr. 4-6).
4. Hanukkah by Dennis Brindell Fradin (gr. 4-6).
5. God’s Appointed Times (chpt. 8) by Barney Kasdan (read aloud).
b. Vocabulary/Spelling/Grammar
1. Compose an individualized list from reading books for each child.

II. Social Studies
a. Play dreidel.
b. Sing Hanukkah songs. Check for book at public library.
c. Eat traditional Hanukkah foods. See below.

III. Math/Home Economics
a. Prepare traditional Hanukkah foods. Obtain a Jewish cookbook from library.
1. Hanukkah Sugar Cookies. These are regular sugar cookies cut out with Hanukkah cooky cutters.
2. Potato Latkes.
3. Israeli (Jelly-Filled) Doughnuts.
4. Other foods fried in oil.

Day 2: Read Matthew 19:1-2, Mark 10:1, or Luke 9:51-56, Fire from Heaven?
Discussion questions: Review the incident of Elijah commanding fire from heaven to destroy someone? (II Kings 1:9-16)
Activity: Perform fire experiments.
1) Put a fire out by cutting off its oxygen supply. (Cover with a glass jar.)
2) Blow out the candle. Hold a lighted match near it, but don’t touch it. Can you light it that way?
3) Pinch out the flame without burning your fingers.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 3: Read Matthew 8:19-22 or Luke 9:57-62, Cost of Following Jesus.
Memory verses: Hebrews 3:7-8; Psalm 95:7-8.
Discussion questions: What is plowing? What happens when you look backward when you are plowing?
Notes: Verse 59 does not indicate his father was dead, but that he would follow Jesus when his father died. We must follow Jesus today.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 4: Read Luke 10:1-24, Seventy Workers.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 5: Twelve Disciples Game.


Week 21: The Good Samaritan, Jesus with Mary and Martha, Prayer, Sign of Jonah.
Luke 10:25-42, 11:1-36

Advance preparation: Prepare Good Samaritan Game for Days 1 and 5. Copy wordsearch for Day 3.
Materials needed: Candle and jar for Day 4.

Day 1: Read Luke 10:25-37, The Good Samaritan.
Memory verses: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.
Discussion questions: Why did the Jews hate the Samaritans? Compare and contrast the religion of both.
Activity: The Good Samaritan Game. Pattern is in Games section.
Game Instructions: Copy game onto poster board. Use die and playing pieces from another game.
Rules of play: Choose player to go first. Roll die. Advance number of spaces shown. Winner is the first to reach the Inn.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 2: Read Luke 10:38-42, Jesus with Mary and Martha.
Notes: Mary and Martha lived in Bethany, a town 2 miles from Jerusalem.
Discussion questions: Mention the fact that Mary and Martha also had a brother named Lazarus. Who invited Jesus to their home? Why did Martha expect Mary to help?
Activity: Act out lesson.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 3: Read Luke 11:1-13, Prayer.
Memory verse: Luke 11:9.
Wordsearch I or II.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 4: Read Luke 11:14-36, Sign of Jonah.
Visual aid: candle and jar with which to cover it (verses 33-36).
Discussion: Have an older child look up and read aloud Exodus 31:18. By Jesus’ statement in Luke 11:20, who is He claiming to be?
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 5: Good Samaritan Game.


Week 22: Hypocrites, The Foolish Rich Man, Watchful Servants, Unfruitful Fig Tree
Luke 11:37-13:9

Advance preparation: Prepare Foolish Rich Man Game for Days 2 and 5.
Materials needed: For Day 3, an oil lamp and books about the weather.


Day 1: Read Luke 11:37-12:12, Hypocrites.
Memory verse: Matthew 10:29-31.
Activity: Attempt to count the hairs on each child’s head.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 2: Read Luke 12:13-34, The Foolish Rich Man.
Memory verse: Luke 12:31.
Songs: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God.”
Timeline date: 29 A.D.
Activity: Each child makes a Foolish Rich Man or Treasures in Heaven Game. Borrow die and playing pieces from another game (or use toy cars).


Day 3: Read Luke 12:35-59, Watchful Servants.
Visual aid: Light an oil lamp (verses 35-40).
Activity: Have an older child look up and read aloud Micah 7:6. Compare/contrast with verse 53.
Additional reading: To better understand verses 54-56, read books about the weather. Suggestions: Why Does It Thunder and Lightning, Why Does It Rain?, and/or Why Is the Sky Blue? all by Chris Arvetis and Carole Palmer.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 4: Read Luke 13:1-9, Unfruitful Fig Tree.
Additional reading: Matthew 21:18-22.
Snack: Fig newtons!
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 5: Foolish Rich Man or Treasures in Heaven Game.


Week 23: Sabbath Observances, An Embarrassing Dinner, The Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 13:10-17, 14:1-35

Advance preparation: Copy worksheets for Day 1.
Materials needed: Library books for Days 2 and 3.


Day 1: Read Luke 13:10-17, Sabbath Observances.
Worksheet I, II, or III.
Worksheet I answer key:
1. The seventh day, i.e. Saturday.
2. Remember the Sabbath. Do not work on the Sabbath.
3. We are not under law, but under grace. We should not be legalistic about Sabbath observances. Our convictions and standards need to be from the heart.
4. The Sabbath was made for man, not vice versa. The Sabbath was instituted because man needs a day of rest.
5. God desires music, praise, and thanksgiving on the Sabbath.
6. Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrection. This is a guarantee that we shall also rise from the dead. Every Sunday is a Christian celebration of the resurrection.
7. Jesus has made the two into one loaf, “one new man.”
8. A shadow of Christ.
9. The Sabbath represents our salvation.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 2: How did the Jews celebrate the Sabbath? Check your public library for resources answering this question. Suggested books: Shabbat by Miriam Schlein, Let’s Sing Sabbath Songs by Adi and Esthi Sulkin. Older children may research Biblical passages regarding Sabbath observance.


Day 3: Read It Is Good! Growing up in a Messianic Jewish Family by Steffi Karen Rubin (published by Lederer Pub., Baltimore, MD). Also read Leviticus 23:9-14 about the Feast of First Fruits which is always celebrated on Sunday.


Day 4: Read Luke 14:1-24, An Embarrassing Dinner.
Visual aid/activity: Act out, complete with reclining at a low table (or a blanket on the floor) and snacks!
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 5: Read Luke 14:25-35, The Cost of Following Jesus.
Visual aid: legos for tower.
Memory verse: Mark 9:50.
Object lesson: Pepper Pursuit! Fill a bowl with water. Shake salt and pepper into it. Dip a piece of wet soap into the water. The pepper will run away from the soap! Sprinkle in some sugar and the pepper will return.
Water = Your life
Salt = Peace
Pepper = Sin
Soap = God’s Cleansing from Sin
Sugar = Satan’s “Sweet” Lies
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Week 24: Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Prodigal Son, The Dishonest Steward
Luke 15:1-32, 16:1-18

Materials needed: Day 1: stuffed sheep. Day 2: coins. Day 3: snack. Day 4: paper and pen.

Day 1: Read Luke 15:1-7, Lost Sheep.
Activity: Act out using stuffed sheep. Find some sort of stick for a staff.
Song: “The Lord is My Shepherd.”
Additional reading: Read about sheep.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 2: Read Luke 15:8-10, Lost Coin.
Activity #1: Hide one coin in your house. Have the other nine coins on the table. Light a candle and have the children search for the lost coin.
Songs: “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy,” and “The Joy of the Lord.”
Activity #2: Hide more coins for the children to find as a treasure hunt.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 3: Read Luke 15:11-32, Prodigal Son.
Memory verse: I Corinthians 15:33.
Activities: There was feasting (v. 23), so have a snack! There was music and dancing (v. 25), so play music and dance an Israeli folk dance!
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 4: Read Luke 16:1-18, The Dishonest Steward.
Visual aid: paper and pen to write notes.
Song: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God.”
Notes: Shrewdness in dealing with other Christians (v. 9) is doing good deeds, i.e. using your money to further God’s kingdom and forgiving others so others can forgive you. Verse 17: The Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) is not void. We need to study and understand it.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.


Day 5: Read A True Life Prodigal Son, a brief biography of Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burma.

A True Life Prodigal Son
Adoniram Judson was born August 9, 1788, the oldest child of a Congregational pastor in Massachusetts. His father was very strict and very much like a dictator.
Adoniram must have been his parents’ pride and joy! He was rather precocious. He learned to read at the age of three! His mother taught him in a week! At the age of four, he preached to the neighborhood children. He was excellent at puzzles, and read everything he could get his hands on. He was also outstanding in math, Greek, and Latin, and learned navigation. At the age of 16, he entered college, skipping his freshman year.
College, however, turned out to be a negative influence on Adoniram. I Corinthians 15:33 tells us “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” Because of wrong friends, Jacob Eames and John Bailey, Adoniram became a Deist. A Deist believes a personal god exists, but rejects the Bible. He and his friends made fun of God.
At the age of 19, he graduated from college as valedictorian of his class. Adoniram returned home to Plymouth, Massachusetts, taught school, and wrote Elements of English Grammar and The Young Lady’s Arithmetic. That did not last long. He left home, informing his parents that their God was not his god. His father tried to reason with him, but it was useless. Adoniram was excellent at debate. It was one of his specialties in college!
While traveling, Adoniram met a young pastor who was also kind and pious, not so austere as Adoniram’s father. This made an influence on him.
Shortly after, he spent a night at an inn. In the room next to his was a dying man. All night long, Adoniram heard groans, footsteps, and low voices. The next morning, Adoniram asked the innkeeper about the man. He was informed the man was dead. “Who was he?” asked Adoniram.
The innkeeper answered, “His name was Jacob Eames.”
“Jacob Eames! He was my best friend!” cried Adoniram.
Through this incident, Adoniram was convicted of his sin. He learned if there is no God, then life has no meaning. He returned to God and served Him faithfully as a missionary to Burma. He died April 12, 1850 at the age of 61.


Week 25: Rich Man and Lazarus, Ten Lepers Healed, The Second Coming, Widow and Judge
Luke 16:19-31, 17:11-37, 18:1-8

Materials needed: For Day 2,The Lion Who Wouldn’t Brush His Teeth by Mike Peele or other book discussing good health practices. For Day 4, books on prayer such as Prayers for Boys and Girls; Dear God, Thanks for Your Help; and/or God, I’ve Gotta Talk to You.


Day 1: Read Luke 16:19-31, Rich Man and Lazarus.
Timeline date: 29 A.D.
Activity: Act out lesson or have children re-enact events using a flannelgraph.


Day 2: Read Luke 17:11-19, Ten Lepers Healed.
Additional studies: Read about and/or discuss good health practices, such as The Lion Who Wouldn’t Brush His Teeth by Mike Peele. Assign an older child to research and report on laws regarding health in the Old Testament.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.
Visual aid: Flannelgraph.


Day 3: Read Luke 17:20-37, The Second Coming.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.
Activity: Act out.


Day 4: Read Luke 18:1-8, Widow and Judge.
Activity: Act out.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.
Additional reading: Prayers and Blessings by Miriam Schlein; Dear God, Thanks for Your Help by Annie Fitzgerald; God, I’ve Gotta Talk to You! by Anne Jennings (Arch Book).


Day 5: Bible game of your choice.


Week 26: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Marriage, Jesus Loves Children, The Rich Young Ruler
Matthew 19:3-30; Mark 10:2-31; Luke 18:9-30

Materials needed: For Day 4: needle, picture of camel, picture of Jerusalem.


Day 1: Read Luke 18:9-14, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.
Visual aid/activity: Children may act this out as you read.


Day 2: Read Matthew 19:3-12 or Mark 10:2-12, Marriage.
Activity #1: Play house.
Activity #2: Show children your marriage certificate, wedding photos, and other sentimental memorabilia.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Day 3: Read Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, or Luke 18:15-17, Jesus Loves Children.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.
Notes: The blessing Jesus said over the children was likely similar to the blessing said over Jewish children today each Sabbath.
For sons: “May God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh.”
For daughters: “May God make you as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah.”
For both: “The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His countenance shine upon you
And be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance toward you
And give you peace.”


Day 4: Read Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, or Luke 18:18-30, The Rich Young Ruler.
Visual aids: needle, picture of camel, picture of Jerusalem.
Notes: Jesus may have been speaking of a literal needle and camel, or he may be referring to a narrow passage at the entrance of a walled city which was called a “needle’s eye.” The message is the same either way.
Assignment for older children: Compare and contrast Mark 10:30 with Luke 18:30. (Rewards received in the age to come vs. received in this present age.)
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Day 5: Bible game of your choice.


Week 27: Parable of Laborers in Vineyard, James’ and John’s Mother, Bartimaeus, Zacchaeus, Parable of Money
Matthew 20:1-16, 20-34; Mark 10:35-52; Luke 18:35- 43, 19:1-28

Materials needed: For Day 1: grape juice or grapes, crackers. For Day 3: book on blindness. For Day 5: play money, handkerchief, stick puppets or small people.


Day 1: Read Matthew 20:1-16, Parable of Laborers in Vineyard.
Memory verse: Philippians 2:14.
Discussion: What are grapes made into?
Activity: Hire your children to prepare a snack of grape juice or grapes and crackers. Make the jobs unfair, but pay everyone the same. (For example, all children get paid a dime no matter how much work they did.)
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Day 2: Read Matthew 20:20-28 or Mark 10:35-45, James’ and John’s Mother.
Activity: Act out.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Day 3: Read Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, or Luke 18:35-43, Bartimaeus.
Activity: Blindfold children during the reading of the lesson.
Additional reading: library book on blindness.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Day 4: Read Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus.
Song: “Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man.”
Discussion: Why were the tax collectors despised? They were Jews who worked for the Roman government, and made a lot of money doing so. The other Jews wanted out from under Rome’s control.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Day 5: Read Luke 19:11-28, Parable of Money.
Visual aid: play money, handkerchief, stick puppets or small people.
Memory verse: Colossians 3:23.
Activity: Staple sheets of paper together (construction paper on front and back) to make a book. Draw pictures of or write about the talents God has given you.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.


Week 28: Lazarus, Triumphal Entry, Fig Tree Cursed, Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Matthew 21:1-22; Mark 11:1-25; Luke 19:29-48; John 11:1-57, 12:12-19

Advance preparation: For Day 1: playdough (homemade or purchased). Materials needed: See playdough recipes for Day 1. Day 2: green construction paper. Day 3: fig newtons.


Day 1: Read John 11:1-57, Lazarus.
Visual aid: Use playdough to construct a tomb, stone, and people.
Activity: Playdough! I have included three recipes for homemade playdough.
Timeline date: 30 A.D.

Cloud Playdough
Mix 6 cups flour with 1 cup oil. Add food coloring and enough water to make a soft, pliable dough. Extract may be added for some of the water for a nice smelling playdough. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Flour and Salt Playdough
4 C. flour
1 1/2 C. water
1 C. salt
2 T. oil

Combine flour and salt. Add water, mixing well. Knead; add oil; knead again. Food coloring and extract may be added, if desired.
After modeling, dry at room temperature or bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Decorate with felt-tipped pens or paints.

Peanut Butter Playdough
1 large jar peanut butter
1/4 - 1/3 C. honey
Powdered milk, enough to make a playdough firm enough to model
Mix all ingredients. Decorate with raisins, nuts, and other edibles. Eat!


Day 2: Craft: Make palm branches from green construction paper.
Read Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, or John 12:12-19, Triumphal Entry.
Visual aids: Palm branches from craft and jackets. Act out!
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Sunday. This begins Jesus’ final week at Jerusalem.


Day 3: Read Matthew 21:18-22 or Mark 11:12-14, 20-25, Fig Tree Cursed.
Discussion: What does the fig tree represent in other passages? (Israel)
Snack: fig newtons.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Monday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, or Luke 19:45-48, Jesus Cleanses the Temple.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Monday.
Visual aid: Act out!


Day 5: Choice of game.


Week 29: Jesus’ Authority, Israel’s Unfaithfulness, Wicked Tenants, Wedding Feast
Matthew 21:23-46, 22:1-14; Mark 11:27-33, 12:1-12; Luke 20:1-19

Materials needed: For Day 4: candy and paper napkins.


Day 1: Read Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, or Luke 20:1-8, Jesus’ Authority.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 2: Read Matthew 21:28-32, Israel’s Unfaithfulness.
Activity: Act out.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 3: Read Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, or Luke 20:9-19, Wicked Tenants.
Discussion: Who is the chief cornerstone?
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 22:1-14, Wedding Feast.
Notes: The guests had already been invited. The guests said they would come. The son’s house was finished. The final day came and the servants were sent out to summon the guests.
Verses 11-14 indicate you can’t sneak into heaven. You must have been made pure by Jesus’ blood (white garments).
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.
Activity: For each child, fold a paper napkin into envelopes. Fill with an invitation to Jesus’ wedding along with candy or some other special treat.


Day 5: Choice of game.


Week 30: Taxes for Caesar, The Resurrection, The Greatest Commandment, Jesus Tests the Pharisees, Widow’s Two Coins
Matthew 22:15-23:39; Mark 12:13-44; Luke 20:20-47, 21:1-4

Materials needed: For Day 1: coins. For Day 3: construction paper and contac paper. For Day 4: playdough. Day 5: play money and gold box.


Day 1: Read Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, or Luke 20:20-26, Taxes for Caesar.
Visual aid: coins.
Discussion: Explain the consequences of a straight yes or no answer. The Pharisees present would have objected to a “yes” answer; those of Herod’s party would have objected to a “no” answer. Jesus convicted everyone of sin.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 2: Read Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, or Luke 20:27-38, The Resurrection.
Visual aid: Draw stick figures.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 3: Read Matthew 22:34-40 or Mark 12:28-34 as well as Luke 20:39-40, The Greatest Commandment.
Bookmark craft: Cut out a bookmark from construction paper. Decorate with hearts and write out the greatest commandment on it. Cover with contac paper. Punch a hole in the top and tie a ribbon through it.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 22:41-23:39, Mark 12:35-40, or Luke 20:41-47, Jesus Tests the Pharisees.
Notes: From Matthew 23:3 we may conclude that it is beneficial to study rabbinical writings. The oral teachings of Jesus’ time were recorded in the Talmud after His death.
Activity: Make white-washed tombs. Model a tomb from playdough. Allow to dry. Paint white. Talk about bones inside of them.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 5: Read Mark 12:41-44 or Luke 21:1-4, Widow’s Two Coins.
Visual aid: play money, gold box.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.

Prayer
Pray with your children during daily devotions and teaching sessions. Remember to pray for them during your private prayer time. Pray for their spiritual growth, their future spouses, specific needs.


Week 31: Fear, Temple to be Destroyed, Ten Maidens, Talents, Judgment
Matthew 24:1-51, 25:1-46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-38; John 12:20-50

Materials needed: For Day 1: seeds and candle. For Day 3: oil lamp. Day 4: play money. Day 5: legos or blocks and stuffed animals (sheep and goats).


Day 1: Read John 12:20-50, Fear.
Visual aids: seeds (v. 24), candle (v. 35, 46).
Song: “This Little Light of Mine.”
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 2: Read Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, or Luke 21:5-38, Temple to be Destroyed.
Assignment for older children: Compare lesson with Revelation chpt. 6.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 3: Read Matthew 25:1-13, Ten Maidens.
Visual aid: Light an oil lamp.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 25:14-30, Talents.
Visual aid: play money.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 5: Read Matthew 25:31-46, Judgment.
Visual aids: throne made of legos or blocks, stuffed sheep and goats.
Discussion questions: Who are Jesus’ brothers? (v. 40) What are some practical ways to give people food and drink, clothing, visit them, be hospitable, etc.? Show hospitality to some of Jesus’ brothers. (Matthew 12:50 indicates His brothers are other believers.)
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Week 32: Judas Plans to Betray, Jesus Anointed, Preparation for the Last Supper, The Seder
Matthew 26:1-29; Mark 14:1,2-25; Luke 22:1-23; John 12:1-11, 13:1-4, 21-35

Advance preparation: Make haroset for Day 4.
Materials needed: For Day 1: 30 coins. Day 2: perfume and a snack. For Day 4: matzah and ingredients for haroset.


Day 1: Read Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16 or Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11 or Luke 22:1-6, Judas Plans to Betray.
Additional reading: Zechariah 11:12-13.
Activity (preschool): Count out thirty coins.
Notes: Matthew’s account tells us the amount was 30 pieces of silver, the price for a female slave.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 2: Read Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, or John 12:1-11, Jesus Anointed.
Visual aid/activity: Act out. Props needed are perfume and a snack.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Tuesday.


Day 3: Read Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, or Luke 22:7-13, Preparation for the Last Supper.
Discussion: Why was the owner of the house willing to let them use his upper room?
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 26:20-29, Mark 14:17-25, Luke 22:14-23, or John 13:1-4, 21-35, The Seder.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.
Visual aid: Demonstrate reclining at a low table to eat. Eat matzah (unleavened bread from the Jewish section of the grocery store) dipped in haroset. Drink grape juice. Sing a psalm.
Better yet, treat your family to an authentic Passover seder (say-der). (The Messianic Passover Haggadah and other Passover resources available from The Lederer Foundation, 6204 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.)
Haroset
2 large apples
1/4 cup juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Peel and chop apples finely. Add chopped nuts. Mix in juice and cinnamon. Refrigerate.


Day 5: Choice of game.


Week 33: Who Is the Greatest?, Foot Washing, Peter Warned of His Denial, Promise of Holy Spirit
Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:24-38; John 13:1-20, 36-38, 14:1-31


Day 1: Read Luke 22:24-30, Who Is the Greatest?
Visual aid/activity: Act out. Children are the disciples arguing. Mom plays Jesus.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 2: Read John 13:1-20, Foot Washing.
Visual aid: Wash children’s feet as you read lesson.
Memory verse: John 13:16.
Discussion: Who should have washed their feet already? (a servant.) Jesus performed the lowliest of jobs. Their feet would have been especially dirty as they walked on dirt roads either barefoot or in sandals.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 3: Read Matthew 26:30-35, Mark 14:26-31, Luke 22:31-38, or John 13:36-38, Peter Warned of His Denial.
Memory verse: I Corinthians 10:13.
Discussion questions: Where did this discussion occur? (the upper room at the Last Supper)
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 4: Read John 14:1-31, Promise of Holy Spirit.
Key verses: 6, 14-16, 26-27.
Setting: Still in the upper room at the Last Supper.
Memory verse: John 14:26.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 5: Choice of game.


Week 34: Love One Another, The World Hates You, Jesus’ Prayer, Gethsemane, Judas’ Suicide
Matthew 26:36-27:1, 3-10; Mark 14:32-72; Luke 22:39- 71; John 15:1-18:27

Materials needed: For Day 4: play money.


Day 1: Read John 15:1-17, Love One Another.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 2: Read John 15:18-16:33, The World Hates You.
Key verses: 15:18, 20; 16:2.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 3: Read John 17:1-26, Jesus’ Prayer.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 26:36-27:1, Mark 14:32-72, Luke 22:39-71, or John 18:1-27, Gethsemane.
Discussion: What had Jesus said at the seder which may have led Peter to draw his sword and cut off the slave’s ear? (See Luke 22:36.) What did Jesus really mean? Was this a legal trial according to Jewish law? Why was it conducted in such a manner?


Timeline date: 30 A.D., Thursday-Friday.


Day 5: Read Matthew 27:3-10, Judas’ Suicide.
Visual aid: play money.
Memory verses: Zechariah 11:12-13.
Discussion: What were Judas’ “smaller” sins? (John 12:6 The apostles would not have known he was doing this until after Jesus’ death and resurrection.) The principle is that “smaller” sins lead to “bigger” sins. What does demon-possession (John 13:27) lead to? (death, Matthew 27:5)
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Friday.


Week 35: Pilate, The Crucifixion, Burial, Empty Tomb
Matthew 27:2, 11-66, 28:1-15; Mark 15:1-47, 16:1-8; Luke 23:1-56, 24:1-12; John 18:28-19:42, 20:1-12

Materials needed: For Day 3: playdough.

Day 1: Read Matthew 27:2, 11-31 or Mark 15:1-20 or Luke 23:1-25 or John 18:28-19:16, Pilate.
Discussion: Was this the same crowd as the one who hailed Jesus king the week before? What were righteous Jews doing during Jesus’ trial? (preparing for the Passover. According to Josephus, there were 2.7 million Jews in Jerusalem for this Passover.)
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Friday.


Day 2: Read Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:26-49, or John 19:17-37, The Crucifixion.
Additional reading: Select portions of Psalm 22 to read aloud. Note that Jesus is quoting this psalm when on the cross.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Friday.


Day 3: Read Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, or John 19:38-42, Burial.
Visual aid: tomb made from playdough.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Friday.


Day 4: Read Matthew 28:1-15, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, or John 20:1-12, Empty Tomb.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Sunday.


Day 5: Choice of game.


Week 36: Road to Emmaus, Jesus With His Disciples, Jesus With All the Disciples, Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias
Mark 16:12-20; Luke 24:13-49; John 20:19-29, 21:1-23

Materials needed: For Day 2: lock.

Day 1: Read Luke 24:13-35, Road to Emmaus.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Sunday afternoon.


Day 2: Read Mark 16:12-20, Luke 24:36-49 or John 20:19-25, Jesus With His Disciples.
Visual aid: lock.
Timeframe: John records this occurred on the first day of the week in the evening. In Jewish thought, days are reckoned from sunset to sunset. “And there was evening and there was morning, one day.” (Genesis 1:5) Therefore, the first day of the week began on Saturday evening and continued until sunset Sunday. Saturday evening would be the evening of the first day and Sunday evening would be the beginning of the second day of the week.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., Sunday.


Day 3: Read John 20:26-29, Jesus with All the Disciples.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., one week later.


Day 4: Read John 21:1-23, Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias.
Timeline date: 30 A.D., during the 40 days following the resurrection.


Day 5: Choice of game.

• Post A Comment!

Comments