Age Group: 6-12 years old
Lesson Objective
The objective of this lesson is to teach the children about the significance of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the joyful response of John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating God’s work in our lives.
Introduction
Welcome, kids! Today we’re going to learn about a special visit between two very important women in the Bible: Mary and Elizabeth. This story teaches us about the joy and excitement that comes from recognizing God’s work in our lives. Our scripture passage is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 39-45. Let’s read it together:
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” – Luke 1:39-45
Lesson Overview
1. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth
In this passage, we learn that Mary, who is pregnant with Jesus, goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary is excited to share the news of her miraculous pregnancy and to see Elizabeth, who has also experienced a miracle from God.
Activity: Mary’s Journey
- Provide each child with a map outline of Israel and some coloring materials.
- Have the children color in the towns of Nazareth and Judea, and draw a line to represent Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth.
- Discuss with the children the significance of Mary’s journey and the excitement she must have felt to share her news with Elizabeth.
2. John the Baptist Leaps for Joy
When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb, John the Baptist, leaps for joy. This demonstrates the special connection between John and Jesus, even before they are born.
Activity: Leap for Joy
- Have the children stand up and spread out in the room.
- Explain that you will read the scripture passage again, and when they hear the words “the baby leaped in her womb,” they should jump for joy.
- Read the passage aloud, and encourage the children to leap for joy when they hear the key phrase.
3. Elizabeth’s Blessing
Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the significance of Mary’s pregnancy and blesses her. She praises Mary for believing in God’s promises and acknowledges the special role Mary has in God’s plan.
Activity: Blessing Cards
- Give each child a blank card and some art supplies.
- Encourage them to create a “blessing card” for someone in their life, offering words of encouragement and love.
- Remind the children of the importance of recognizing and celebrating God’s work in the lives of others.
Conclusion
Today we learned about the special visit between Mary and Elizabeth and the joy that filled their hearts as they recognized God’s work in their lives. We also talked about the importance of acknowledging God’s blessings and sharing our joy with others.
Closing Prayer
Let’s close our lesson with a prayer. Please bow your heads and join me:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us about the special connection between Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and Jesus. Help us to recognize Your work in our lives and in the lives of others. Fill our hearts with joy and excitement, and guide us to share Your love and blessings with those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Take-Home Activity
Provide each child with a “Joy Journal” to take home. Encourage them to write down one thing each day that brings them joy or reminds them of God’s blessings. At the end of the week, have the children share their Joy Journals with their families and discuss how they can continue to recognize and celebrate God’s work in their lives.