Share the Good News of Jesus
Overview
(Note: You can download the full Storytime Elementary study and activity guide by David Cook here. The following are excerpts from the guide.)
Bible Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” John 15:5
Lesson Aim: Help your child understand Jesus’ life from the triumphal entry through His death, resurrection and ascension, as well as His relationship with His disciples.
Background Reading: Luke 23:46-24:12, I Corinthians 15:4-5, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:7-11, Romans 8:31-39
BIBLE STORY: THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
Bible Story: The Vine and the Branches (from John 15-17)
“Come with me,” Jesus said to His disciples. As they walked, Jesus talked. “I am like a vine,” Jesus said. “And you are like branches. No branch can grow fruit by itself. It needs the vine.”
“Keep close to Me,” Jesus said. “Then you will be like a branch that grows fruit.”
Jesus meant that His disciples would grow in their faith. They would have His power to do His work.
Then Jesus prayed, “Father help My disciples. Help all who will believe in Me.”
BIBLE STORY REVIEW
Discuss what Jesus meant when He said the disciples would have the power to do his work. How can you, as a family, reach out to others in your community with the Good News that Jesus is alive? (Examples: Have a meal or groceries delivered to an elderly neighbor, invite others to join Easter worship services online; call a friend or relative.)
LET’S SING PRAISE TO OUR KING!
BIBLE MEMORY VERSE
ACTIVITIES
Scavenger Hunt
Have a scavenger hunt through your home to look for things that represent what keeps family members close to each other (such as a calendar, kitchen table or a family Bible). Then do a scavenger hunt for things that keep you close to Jesus.
Tossing Game
Play a tossing game to help your child learn the memory verse. Write the following parts of the scripture on strips of blank paper. Toss a ball on each phrase of the verse. Adjust the exercise based on the number of people participating.
Player 1: I am the vine;
Player 2: You are the branches.
Player 1: If you remain in me
Player 2: And I in you
Player 1: You will bear much fruit.
Player 2: John 15:5