1. Lesson (based on Psalm 23:5b-6)
- Materials: An
empty jar, a (larger) pouring jar with water, a cloth or napkin, a straw
- Put the empty jar on top of
the cloth/napkin
- Tell the kids that the aim of the game is
to pour as much water into the empty jar without it spilling over.
- For older kids, can get them to take turns
pouring in water. For younger kids, the teacher can do it for them.
- The tricky part is when the water reaches almost
to the brim of the jar. By then, can use the straw to drop water into the jar
bit by bit.
- Game/illustration ends when the jar
overflows.
- Conclusion:
- In this illustration, we see how much is
really needed to make a cup overflow.
- Do you know our lives are a
cup too? A cup full of God’s life, goodness and blessings.
- And do you know, our cups are not just
half full or half empty. It’s not even full to the brim. It’s overflowing. Not
by a trickle or a drop, but in abundance.
- Imagine holding your cup under a
waterfall. What happens? The water is just gushing in and gushing out. It’s never
ending. And never run out.
- That’s what life is when you have Jesus in
you.
1. Lesson (based on
Psalm 23:5b)
- HOOK:
- How do
you welcome important guests to your house? We shake their hands, greet them,
introduce ourselves. (Ask the children to
demonstrate with a partner the way they would welcome their guests.)
- Do you know how people in different cultures greet
each other? (Act it out and get kids to
imitate)
- Japanese: greet each other with a bow from the waist with palms on thighs and heels
together. A bow ranges from a nod to a 90-degree bend at the waist. The longer
and lower you bow, the more respect shown.
- India: touch the feet of the elderly, e.g. grandparents
- Brazil: kiss two times on each cheek
- Cambodia: put two hands together in front of you. The higher the hands,
the more respect shown.
- During Jesus’ time, it was
customary for the Jews to show honor and respect to their guests by anointing
their head with oil, kissing them and washing their feet. When Jesus came
to Simon the Pharisee’s house, he did not get any of this special treatment (Luke
7:46). But a “sinful” woman came to anoint Jesus’ feet with the most expensive
perfume she had and washed his feet with her tears and hair.
