LESSON TWENTY-FIVE...• LUKE: THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS (Wave praise hands in the air.) • JOHN: JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD WHO OFFERS LIGHT AND LIFE

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

TRACKERS WALK WITHAND PRAISE GOD

TRACKERS WALK WITH AND PRAISE GOD

PETER AND JOHN HEAL A CRIPPLED MAN

LESSON 1: IN THE BEGINNING.. . THERE WAS TRUTH

MEMORYVERSE

MEMORYVERSE

The students will learn about praising and serving our great God. Consider spending time in praise before class with the other teachers. Lead the group in a time of praise by simply filling in the blank of the following sentence: God, You are so . . . You may also want to begin a written list of the answers. Praise will fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit to teach the truth of God’s Word to those you have the privilege of influencing.

TEACHER TIP SUPPLY LIST

PL ANTING SEEDSL ARGE GROUP

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

TRACKER’S PLEDGE

TRACKER’S PLEDGE

LESSON 25: TRACKERS WALK WITH AND PRAISE GOD

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

• Teaching posters: L25-P1, L25-P2, L25-P3, L25-P4, L25-P5, L25-P6, L25-P7, L25-P8, L25-P9 OPTIONAL TEACHING SNACK • Plates• Napkins• Cups• Vegetables and dip• Sandwiches• Juice

LEVEL A• Student activity pages

LEVEL B• Dominoes• Student activity pages

LEVEL C• Note cards or paper• Pencils• Student activity pages

PETER AND JOHN HEAL A CRIPPLED MAN190

123


WORSHIP TIMELead children in worship using the following songs from the Trackers of Faith worship album included with the curriculum.

The first song reflects last week’s memory verse; the second song reflects this week’s memory verse; and the last song reflects the memory verse for next week.

TRUTH TIMEThe children will begin with Our Prayer for Truth and the Tracker’s Pledge. Say the prayer and pledge aloud, encouraging the students to repeat after you. (Ask two volunteers to hold the prayer and pledge posters so that the class can see them.)

OUR PRAYER FOR TRUTHT - Teach me Your truth.

R - Reveal Yourself to me through Your Word and Spirit.

U - Unite my heart to Yours.

T - Transform my life to be like Jesus.

H - Help me to follow You.

TRACKER’S PLEDGE

TRACKER’S PLEDGE

in God’s Word, walk in truth

In every area of my life, I pledge to track down truth

by following Jesus, and live in truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

UNDIVIDED HEART (Psalm 86:11–13)

HIS LOVE ENDURES (Psalm 136:1–6, 26)

MORE THAN CONQUERORS (Romans 8:37)

1

2

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

PETER AND JOHN HEAL A CRIPPLED MAN 191

WHO IS GOD? God is our Father, Creator, and Sustainer.

WHO IS JESUS? Jesus is fully man and fully God. He is our

Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Counselor,

and Source of Strength.

QUESTION TIMEAsk three volunteers to hold the question posters so that all may see the words. Lead

the students through the questions and answers.

3

CHALLENGE TIME4Lead the students in the following steps to learn the books of the New Testament.

• Step 1 will teach the Challenge, which is an acronym to help remember the books.• Step 2 will teach the meaning of the acronym, which represents books of the Bible. • Step 3 will teach what each of these books of the Bible is about. Review several times with the students. Say each section clearly and ask the students to repeat after you. (Ask volunteers to hold the Challenge posters found in this lesson, or let them point to the poster with a flashlight.)

“I AM” STATEMENTS(Large Classroom Posters)

LESSON 1: IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS TRUTH


LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

TEACHER: Who did Jesus say He was?STUDENTS: Jesus said . . .

I am the Bread of Life.I am the Light of the World.I am the Gate.I am the Good Shepherd.I am the Resurrection and the Life.I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.I am the Vine.

LESSON 25: TRACKERS WALK WITH AND PRAISE GOD PETER AND JOHN HEAL A CRIPPLED MAN192

BIBLE TRACKERCHALLENGE


STEP 1: ASK, “WHAT’S CHALLENGE #1?”

Marvelous, Merciful, Loving Jesus

STEP 2: ASK, “WHAT’S IT STAND FOR?”

Marvelous: MatthewMerciful: MarkLoving: LukeJesus: John

STEP 3: ASK, “WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?”

• MATTHEW: JESUS IS THE MESSIAH PROMISED BY THE OLD TESTAMENT

(Use your right pointer finger to point to the palm of the left hand.)

• MARK: REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD BROUGHT BY JESUS

(March in a circle with hands on the heart.)

• LUKE: THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS(Wave praise hands in the air.)

• JOHN: JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD WHO OFFERS LIGHT AND LIFE TO THE WHOLE WORLD

(Flash fingers on both hands. Then form a circle in front of you with both hands.)


LESSON TWENTY-FIVE



Adore the Risen, Crowned Christ


Adore the: ActsR isen: Romans

Crowned: 1 CorinthiansChrist: 2 Corinthians


• ACTS: THE CHURCH BEGINS AND THE GOSPEL SPREADS BY

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT(Interlock fingers with pointer fingers extended into a steeple.)

• ROMANS: GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION EXTENDS TO ALL PEOPLE (Point up to the sky, then open hands palm up like a book and move each arm out to the side.)

• 1 CORINTHIANS: REMAIN UNITED IN THE FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE SHOWN TO US BY JESUS CHRIST

(Bring hands together and interlock fingers, then move your locked hands in a triangle shape.)

• 2 CORINTHIANS: CHRISTIANS SOMETIMES SUFFER FOR THEIR FAITH AND MINISTRY

(Create a tear motion down one cheek as you drop your head and frown.)




LESSON SEVENLESSON TWENTY-FIVE

L ARGE GROUPPL ANTING SEEDS



Adore the Risen, Crowned Christ


Adore the: ActsR isen: Romans

Crowned: 1 CorinthiansChrist: 2 Corinthians


• ACTS: THE CHURCH BEGINS AND THE GOSPEL SPREADS BY

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT(Interlock fingers with pointer fingers extended into a steeple.)

• ROMANS: GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION EXTENDS TO ALL PEOPLE (Point up to the sky, then open hands palm up like a book and move each arm out to the side.)

• 1 CORINTHIANS: REMAIN UNITED IN THE FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE SHOWN TO US BY JESUS CHRIST

(Bring hands together and interlock fingers, then move your locked hands in a triangle shape.)

• 2 CORINTHIANS: CHRISTIANS SOMETIMES SUFFER FOR THEIR FAITH AND MINISTRY

(Create a tear motion down one cheek as you drop your head and frown.)

L ARGE GROUP




God’s Eternal Power Carries Timeless Truth



• GALATIANS: WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY GOD’S GRACE THROUGH FAITH (Swipe one hand over the other as if wiping clean. Then point both pointer fingers to heaven.)

• EPHESIANS: GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSES ARE REVEALED IN JESUS CHRIST WHO UNITES HEAVEN AND EARTH

(Start with hands spread apart—one above and one below—and bring together with a clap.)

• PHILIPPIANS: CHRISTIANS ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN WHO LIVE WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND

(Raise one arm and point up to the heavens, then bring that arm forward and point straight ahead.)

• COLOSSIANS: JESUS CHRIST FREES US TO LIVE TRULY HOLY LIVES(Cross arms across your chest, then pull them apart, breaking free.)

• 1 THESSALONIANS: LIVE HOLY LIVES BECAUSE JESUS IS RETURNING FOR HIS CHURCH

(Place hand above eyes as if straining to see, then turn to the left and to the right.)

• 2 THESSALONIANS: REMAIN FAITHFUL IN THE FACE OF TROUBLE BECAUSE JESUS IS RETURNING

(Place both hands over heart, then pull the right arm out and up to the side, as if making a pledge.)


LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

God’s: GalatiansEternal: EphesiansPower: Philippians

Carries: ColossiansTimeless: 1 Thessalonians

Truth: 2 Thessalonians





LESSON SEVENLESSON TWENTY-FIVE

L ARGE GROUPPL ANTING SEEDS


Trust and Thanksgiving Train People to Have Jesus’ Peace and Power



• 1 TIMOTHY: ORDER THE CHURCH COMMUNITY AROUND

THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL(Extend both arms as if giving a hug, then bring pointer fingers together to form a steeple.)

• 2 TIMOTHY: GUARD THE GOSPEL AND CONTINUE TO FAITHFULLY TEACH IT TO OTHERS

(Cross your hands in front of you with fists closed, forming an “X” that resembles a shield.)

• TITUS: LEADERS SHOULD MODEL HOLY LIVING SO THAT THE LOCAL CHURCH CAN THRIVE

(Place hands together in front of you as if praying, then look over your right shoulder and to your left, as if looking at others.)

• PHILEMON: RECONCILE WITH AND RELEASE ONESIMUS, THE RUNAWAY SLAVE(Reach arms out palms up, then bring back to body closing fists. Then, release palms back out.)

Trust and: 1 Timothy

Thanksgiving: 2 Timothy

Train: Titus

People to: Philemon

Have: Hebrews

Jesus’: James

Peace and: 1 Peter

Power: 2 Peter


L ARGE GROUP




LESSON TWENTY-FIVE


Trust and Thanksgiving Train People to Have Jesus’ Peace and Power



• 1 TIMOTHY: ORDER THE CHURCH COMMUNITY AROUND

THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL(Extend both arms as if giving a hug, then bring pointer fingers together to form a steeple.)

• 2 TIMOTHY: GUARD THE GOSPEL AND CONTINUE TO FAITHFULLY TEACH IT TO OTHERS

(Cross your hands in front of you with fists closed, forming an “X” that resembles a shield.)

• TITUS: LEADERS SHOULD MODEL HOLY LIVING SO THAT THE LOCAL CHURCH CAN THRIVE

(Place hands together in front of you as if praying, then look over your right shoulder and to your left, as if looking at others.)

• PHILEMON: RECONCILE WITH AND RELEASE ONESIMUS, THE RUNAWAY SLAVE(Reach arms out palms up, then bring back to body closing fists. Then, release palms back out.)

• HEBREWS: JESUS SERVES AS OUR MEDIATOR TO GOD (Point up to God, then to the self, then clap hands together.)

• JAMES: FAITH IS PROVEN BY GOOD WORKS DONE IN LOVE (Point up to the sky, then open hands palm up like a book and move each arm out to the side.)

• 1 PETER: CONTINUE ON IN THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY EVEN IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIPS

(March in place with a frown or sad face.)

• 2 PETER: HOW TO DEAL WITH TROUBLEMAKERS AND FALSE TEACHERS(Touch temples on both sides, then wave a pointer finger in front of body indicating no.)

STEP 3: ASK, “WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?” (CONT.)


LESSON TIMELead the students through the lesson laid out in the following pages. The Prepare section will give tips and insight for implementation. The Teach section will offer creative, scripted dialogue for teaching the lesson. The Wrap-Up section will offer creative, scripted dialogue for practical application.


5

PREPARE In this lesson, Jesus has ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father. He has sent the Holy Spirit to fill the believers with power. This power is displayed in a mighty way when Peter and John pray in the name of Jesus for a lame man to be healed. Read Acts 3 to prepare for this lesson.

TEACH SAY: To begin, I want to give you a little pop quiz to see if you remember some of the things we have learned recently. This is how we will do it. When I say “Pop!” I want you to jump as high in the air as you can. I am going to watch and try to select the person who jumps the highest. That person will answer a question. Then, he or she gets the chance to say “Pop!” and select the person who gets to answer the question. Ready? One, two, three . . . Pop! (Have students answer the following questions.)

• After Jesus died on the cross He came back to life again after how many days? (three)• How did the disciples feel when they saw Jesus resurrected? (When His disciples saw Him, they were so excited!)• Who was the disciple who doubted? (Thomas)• Who was the disciple who denied Jesus three times? (Peter)

• Did God forgive that disciple? (yes)• Did God continue to use that disciple? (yes)• What happened to Jesus forty days after He was resurrected? (He ascended into heaven.)• What did Jesus commission the disciples to do right before He ascended? (Go and tell others about the gospel.)

SAY: Great job! Okay, with all this popping up, I think we should take a break and see what our Barn Friends are up to.

SAY: As you remember, after Jesus rose up to heaven, something else exciting happened. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to help us, comfort us, teach us, and fill us up. The first day that the disciples realized that Jesus gave them His Holy Spirit, it was truly exciting and amazing for them. They were

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

PLAY THE VIDEO FOR LESSON 25.


all together, and there was a sound like a mighty wind. Let’s make a sound like a mighty wind! Take a deep breath and blow out loudly through your mouth. (Guide the children in acting out the rushing wind, then continue on with the story.)

SAY: After the Holy Spirit came, the disciples were filled with joy, power, and zeal. They were so excited to tell others about the Lord! And they remembered that Jesus told them to “go and make disciples of all nations.” And they did just that! They went and told everyone who would listen about Jesus, the Lord and Savior. The truth of Jesus was the greatest gift they could give to those around them.

SAY: One day, Peter and John, two of the disciples of Jesus, went to the temple to pray. Beside the temple gate, there was a crippled man who could not walk. Every day, the crippled man sat at the gate, begging people to give him money. He had been crippled since birth, and this was his only way to receive any money to live. He asked Peter and John to give him some money. They both looked at him and realized that what the man really needed was the good news about Jesus and His love and power. It was indeed the greatest gift they could give him. Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Then He reached down and helped the man up, and guess what happened? A miracle! The man popped right up and began to walk and jump and praise God. He was filled with zeal and excitement for the Lord too! And he went around walking and jumping and praising God! And because of his excitement, other people stopped to listen to the good news of Jesus too!

WRAP-UPSAY: The gate where the man sat to beg each day was called Beautiful Gate. The miracle that took place at the Beautiful Gate was indeed a beautiful thing. Jesus wants to make all of our lives even more beautiful than they already are. I need nine volunteers to show some of the beautiful aspects Jesus adds to our lives when we follow Him.

Select nine volunteers to hold posters L25-P1, L25-P2, L25-P3, L25-P4, L25-P5, L25-P6, L25-P7, L25-P8, L25–P9 included in this lesson.

ASK: B is for Brave. What does it mean to be brave? (Allow for responses.)

SAY: Being brave means to go forward with what you need to do, even if you are nervous are afraid to do so.

READ: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)

SAY: E is for Excellent. Excellent means extremely good. The Holy Spirit helps us have excellent thoughts and actions for the glory of God.

READ: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Phil. 4:8)

SAY: A is for Audacious. Audacious means a willingness to take bold and brave risks. The power of the Holy Spirit makes us audacious in our faith.

PL ANTING SEEDSLESSON TWENTY-FIVE

L ARGE GROUP


READ: “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:22–24)

SAY: U is for Understanding. To be understanding means having insight or good judgment. The Holy Spirit makes us understanding of others, which helps us have good actions and attitudes.

READ: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

SAY: T is for Teachable. To be teachable means that we are able and willing to learn. The Holy Spirit helps us learn God’s ways and walk in them.

READ: Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. (Ps. 25:4)

SAY: I is for Invincible. To be invincible means to have the ability to overcome. It means to be too powerful to be defeated. The Holy Spirit brings power to our lives. Even the evil one, Satan, can’t overcome us, because we are invincible. Our power is greater than the power of the evil one because our power comes from God.

READ: Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 ESV)

SAY: F is for Faithful. Being faithful means to be loyal, constant, and steady. It means that even if we don’t see or feel God working, we are confident that He is. The Holy Spirit can build up our faith as we follow God and His ways.

READ: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

SAY: U is for Unselfish. To be unselfish means to put the needs or wishes of others above our own needs or wishes. The Holy Spirit can transform our selfishness and make us unselfish so we can help others and glorify God.

READ: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phil. 2:3–4)

SAY: L is for Loving. To be loving means to show great love and care. You may not always feel it, but you can always show it. The Holy Spirit can transform our old selves and make us loving to everyone. When we understand the love that Jesus has for us, it can overflow to those around us.

READ: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7–8)


LESSON TWENTY-FIVE


REVIEW TIMESAY: In today’s story, we saw that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter and John had great zeal for the things of God. When you have

zeal you have great energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for a particular cause. The disciples’ zeal was for the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit helped them have zeal for following Jesus and helping others. Their fuel to do this came from the Holy Spirit, not from themselves. We will now talk a little bit more about what it means to have zeal for the Lord in our small groups.

OPTIONAL TEACHING SNACKPrepare a Zeal Meal for the students. Pass out several snack items such as veggies and dip, sandwiches, juice, etc. Provide a party atmosphere for the children.

6

SAY: The most important thing you need to know is that all of those beautiful characteristics can be ours through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not through our own power, so we have nothing to brag about. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are transformed and made into the image of Jesus more and more each day. This is something we can be excited to share with others!

End the lesson with the following prayer and then dismiss the students to small groups or continue large group. PRAY: Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for us. Thank You for sending your Holy Spirit to us. We are excited about You and Your ways. Help us to share that with others. Make my life beautiful for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

WAT ERING SEEDSCONTINUE L ARGE GROUP OR T RANSITION TO SMALL GROUP


ACTIVITY TIMEAs time allows, pick one or more of the following activities to continue the lesson. Pick the activity with consideration of the age of your students.

LEVEL A: KINDERGARTEN THROUGH SECOND GRADE

LEVEL B: THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE

SAY: Let’s all take a minute to display a little bit of zeal for the Lord, just like the man did!

Guide the children in several rounds of the following activity:

Everyone should walk in place, then jump in place, then raise hands and wiggle fingers toward heaven. Do this several times through, then regain their attention.

SAY: Just like the disciples in the Bible, you can be disciples of Jesus and be used of God. Where can God use you? (Allow for responses.)

SAY: God can use you to show the love of Jesus, no matter where you are. How can

SAY: I would like for us to do another activity that will demonstrate how having zeal for the Lord affects others. I will give everyone a domino. We need to quietly and carefully place our dominoes, one at a time, side by side on the floor.

Make sure that the dominoes are placed close enough to each other to make contact with the one beside it.

we show the joy of Jesus at school? (Allow for responses. Some examples are: being kind to others, being respectful to teachers, being helpful to your friends, standing up for what is right, and saying no to what is wrong. At home you can share the good news of Jesus by being a good example for younger siblings, obeying your parents, and being kind to your neighbors.)

SAY: We don’t have to be professional missionaries or preachers for God to use us. He wants to use us right where we are! If time allows, guide the students through the age-appropriate activity pages found in the student activity page booklet.

SAY: We all have family and friends that we are close to. If we share our zeal and excitement for the Lord with them, then they may become excited about the good news of Jesus too. Then they will affect their friends, and those friends will affect other friends, and it will go on and on and on! Sort of like this!

7



LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

LEVEL C: FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE

Divide the students into groups of two to four. Ask the students to discuss the following questions and have one member of the group write down their responses. Then, bring all the students together again and share their answers. • How did Peter and John happen to meet the crippled man? (They were on the way to pray, which shows they were seeking God already.)• How did their attitude toward prayer bring about the miracle? (They called on the name of Jesus to heal him.)• Who did they trust in to bring about the miracle? (Jesus, not themselves)• Look up John 14:13–14 and read aloud with the group: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” According to that verse, what are the two criteria for Jesus to answer what you ask? (Ask in His name and ask for something that would glorify God.)

• What if you ask for something that wouldn’t glorify God? (He probably won’t answer that, unless He does so to teach us a lesson.)• Does the passage say when Jesus would answer the prayer? (no)• Is God’s timetable the same as our timetable? (no, not always)• How do we feel when we have to wait on God’s answers? (impatient, doubtful, worried)• How can we overcome these negative feelings? (pray, trust God, wait patiently)• Peter and John had zeal for the Lord. They were excited and eager to share the good news of Jesus. What would zeal for Jesus look like at your school? At your home? At church? If time allows, guide the students through the age-appropriate activity pages found in the student activity page booklet.

Tip the first domino over, so that it makes all of the dominoes fall in succession. The children may want to repeat this activity, if time allows.

SAY: We should all spend time with Jesus by praying and studying the Bible. And then we should share all the great things we know about Jesus with others so that they, too, can

experience the love and joy that comes from knowing Him! Let’s all have zeal for the Lord and for all of His ways!

If time allows, guide the students through the age-appropriate activity pages found in the student activity page booklet.



LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

Documents

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE...• LUKE: THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS (Wave praise hands in the air.) • JOHN: JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD WHO OFFERS LIGHT AND LIFE