42 Babies and Toddlers Leader GuideUnit 9 • Session 3

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Unit 9 • Session 3God Judges His People

UNIT 9SESSION 3

GIDEON

BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 6–8KEY PASSAGE: Isaiah 33:22MAIN POINT: God’s plan is perfect.

The Bible Story

Judges 6–8

BIBLE STORY FOR TODDLERSAn angel of God told Gideon to fight the army of Midian. The Angel said, “God will be with you.” Gideon asked God to show him a sign. God made a fleece wet, even though the ground was dry. Then God made a fleece dry, even though the ground was wet. Gideon gathered an army. God told Gideon, “You have too many men!” God told Gideon to watch the men drink from a river. The men who brought the water to their lips could stay—only 300 men! They went to the Midian camp at midnight. God mixed up the army of Midian, and they fought each other! Gideon’s men chased Midian as they ran away.

BABIES GOSPEL GEMS *God used Gideon to help His people. *God said He would be with Gideon. *God sent Jesus to be with us.

© 2015 LifeWay

43God Judges His People

Babies Activities

Unit 9 • Session 3God Judges His People

LOOK IN THE BIBLEProvide hand-size Bibles for babies to hold and turn the pages. Open your Bible to Judges 6. Show the Bible story picture as you say the Gospel Gems. You may read the key passage card. SAY: God said He would be with Gideon. God sent Jesus to be with us. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT. [Pray for the babies.]

SING A SONGSing to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”:“ When God’s people needed help, He sent a judge. [Clap, clap] When God’s people needed help, He sent a judge. [Clap, clap] But God’s people soon forgot just how much they needed God. When God’s people needed help, He sent a judge!” [Clap, clap]

SAY: God used Gideon to help His people. GOD’S PLAN IS

PERFECT.

MAKE A “TORCH”Provide a clear disposable soft drink cup with lid for each baby. Invite babies to tear pieces of orange, red, and yellow tissue paper and drop them in the cup. Seal the lids and invite babies to examine their “torches.”SAY: The Bible says Gideon’s men carried torches. God used Gideon to help His people. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

MAKE SILLY SOUNDSMake different sounds by snapping your fingers, clapping your hands, or patting your knees. Invite babies to make sounds too.SAY: Gideon’s army made a loud noise that scared Midian’s army! God said He would be with Gideon. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

Check diapers, serve bottles if needed, and release babies to parents according to your church’s security guidelines. Give parents today’s big picture card. Repeat the Gospel Gems and Bible-learning activities for babies who stay a second hour.

44 Babies and Toddlers Leader GuideUnit 9 • Session 3

Toddler Activities

CIRCLE TIME (5 MINUTES) Provide Bibles for toddlers to hold. Say the Bible is God’s words. Read the key passage card and guide toddlers to say it. Open your Bible to Judges 6. Show the Bible story picture as you tell the story. SAY: God said He would be with Gideon. God sent Jesus to be with us. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT. [Pray for the toddlers.]

MAKE A TORCHProvide paper towel tubes, sheets of orange or yellow tissue paper, and stickers. Show toddlers how to crumple and fluff the tissue paper as you stuff it in a torch. Tape to keep the “flames” in place.SAY: Gideon’s army carried torches. God used Gideon to help His people. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

COMPARE LESS AND MOREProvide two clear containers. Place one item in the first container and three items in the other. Invite toddlers to discover which container has more and which has less.SAY: God told Gideon to go into battle with less men. God said He would be with Gideon. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

MARCH LOUDLY AND SOFTLYInvite toddlers to march softly around the room. When you say “louder,” toddlers will stomp and make noise.SAY: Gideon’s army made a lot of noise that scared Midian’s army. God used Gideon to help His people. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

EXPLORE LIGHTSProvide flashlights for toddlers to shine as you dim the lights. Show how to make a beam wider or thinner.SAY: Gideon fought at night when it was dark. God confused Midian’s army, and they ran away. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

45God Judges His People

Bonus Teaching Hour

GIDEONBIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 6–8KEY PASSAGE: Isaiah 33:22MAIN POINT: God’s plan is perfect.

TRANSITION ACTIVITY: PLAY WITH WATERProvide a shallow tub with about an inch of water. Also provide sponges for toddlers to practice squeezing and wringing out. You may also provide floating toys. Keep towels handy in case of spills.SAY: Gideon was scared, so Gideon asked God to make a fleece wet or dry to show God would go with him to fight Midian. God said He would be with Gideon. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT.

SING A SONGSing the “My God Is So Big” song with hand motions. If you are unfamiliar with the tune or hand motions, check them out online. Don’t worry if the toddlers can’t sing it; they’ll enjoy watching you!SAY: God said He would be with Gideon. God confused Midian’s army, and they ran away. GOD’S PLAN IS PERFECT!

READ BOOKS ABOUT GODRead books about trusting God when we are scared. You may also open a child-size Bible and read Psalm 56:3.SAY: Gideon was scared, but God was with Gideon. Later, God sent Jesus to be with us! We do not have to be scared because GOD’S

PLAN IS PERFECT.

Check diapers, serve a snack if needed, and release toddlers to parents according to your church’s security procedures. Give parents today’s big picture card to reinforce today’s Bible story, Main Point, or Gospel Gems throughout the week.

Key Passage CardsInstructions: Print and cut apart the cards. Laminate them or cover them with clear contact plastic.

Use the translation of your choice as directed in the Babies and Toddlers Leader Guide.

God the SaviorBabies and Toddlers Leader Guide • Unit 9© 2015 LifeWay OK to Print

The Lord is our Judge.

Isaiah 33:22 (HCSB)

The Lord is our Judge.

Isaiah 33:22 (ESV)

The Lord is our Judge.

Isaiah 33:22 (NIV)

The Lord is our Judge.

Isaiah 33:22 (KJV)

Gideon (Judges 6–8) • Unit 9, Session 3 • © 2015 LifeWay OK to Print