Age Group: 6-12 years old
Introduction
Welcome, kids! Today, we’re going to talk about a very important lesson from the Bible. It’s about being vigilant and ready for the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. Our scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, verses 25-36. Let’s read it together:
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21:25-36
Lesson Overview
1. The signs of Jesus’ return
In this passage, Jesus talks about the signs that will happen before His return. He mentions that there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and that people on earth will be scared and worried because of the things that will happen.
Activity: Nature’s Wonders
- Split the children into groups and provide them with art materials like colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
- Have them draw some of the signs Jesus mentioned in the passage, like the sun, moon, stars, and the roaring sea.
- Encourage them to share their drawings with the class and explain how they relate to the passage.
2. The parable of the fig tree
Jesus uses the example of a fig tree to help us understand how we can know when His return is near. When a fig tree starts to grow leaves, we know that summer is near. Similarly, when we see the signs Jesus described, we can know that His return is near.
Activity: Fig Tree Craft
- Provide each child with a small tree-shaped cutout made from cardstock or construction paper.
- Have them color or decorate the tree, adding leaves to symbolize the fig tree in Jesus’ parable.
- Ask the children to write one of the signs of Jesus’ return on each leaf.
3. Staying vigilant and ready
Jesus tells us that we need to be vigilant and ready for His return. He warns us not to get caught up in the distractions and worries of life, but instead to always be watching and praying.
Activity: Watchful Eyes
- Give each child a piece of paper and ask them to draw a pair of eyes.
- Encourage them to write one way they
can stay vigilant and ready for Jesus’ return next to their drawing.
- Have the children share their ideas with the class.
Conclusion
Today we learned about the importance of being vigilant and ready for the coming of Jesus. We talked about the signs of His return and how Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to help us understand when His return is near. We also discussed how we can stay watchful and focused on Jesus amidst the distractions of the world.
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 the importance of being vigilant and ready for Jesus’ return. Help us to always be watchful and prayerful, keeping our hearts focused on You. Guide us to live our lives in a way that honors You and prepares us for the day when we meet Jesus. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
Take-Home Activity
Send each child home with a “Vigilant and Ready Checklist” to help them remember to stay focused on Jesus throughout the week. The checklist can include items like:
- Read the Bible daily.
- Pray for strength to resist temptation.
- Share God’s love with others.
- Attend church and Sunday School.
- Reflect on the signs of Jesus’ return.
Encourage the children to complete the checklist each week and to discuss their progress with their families.