The Ark and the Tabernacle

Reference: Exodus 25:10-22, 26:1-37, 28:1-2, 41

Story Summary: 
     When God gave Moses the law on Mount Sinai, he also gave him instructions of things to build. First was a special tent called the Tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting. God promised to meet with the people there. The tabernacle was divided into two rooms. In the first room, the Holy Place, there was a special table for bread, a golden lampstand with seven candles, and an altar for burning nice-smelling incense.
     The second room, the Most Holy Place, held the Ark of the Covenant. It was a special chest covered in gold. On top, it held statues of two angels, with wings facing each other. Inside the ark, they placed the stone tablets of God’s law. It was above the wings of the angels on the ark that God promised to meet with the people.
     God chose priests to work in the tabernacle. Priests lit the candles, placed the bread, and burned the incense in the Holy Place. And, once a year, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place with the blood of a goat as an offering for the sin of the people. Because Jesus died for all of our sins on the cross, we no longer need the tabernacle to meet with God.

Big Idea and Motions: Because Jesus died, we don’t need the tabernacle to meet with God.
Jesus died - form a cross with your arms
We don’t need - wag your index finger “no”
Tabernacle - form a “roof” with your arms over your forehead
Meet - bring your hands together and interlock your fingers
God - point up

Verse / Motions: 1 Peter 3:18, ESV - For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.
Christ - form a cross with your forearms
Suffered - punch your palm
Once - hold up one finger
Righteous for the unrighteous - two thumbs up, then two thumbs down
Bring us - pretend to give something to someone else
God - point up

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What are the two names of the special place God told Moses to make? // Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting
What were the names of the two rooms in the tabernacle? // Holy Place, Most Holy Place
What were some of the things in the Holy Place? // Table of Showbread, Golden Lampstand, Altar of Incense
What special box was in the Most Holy Place? // The ark of the covenant
What did the ark look like? // Covered in gold, two angels on top
What was placed inside the ark? // Two stone tablets of the law, ten commandments
Where did God say he’d meet with them? // Between the angels’ wings above the ark
Who were the special people God picked to work in the tabernacle? // Priests
Who did God pick to be priest? // Aaron, Moses’ brother
How often did the priest go into the Most Holy Place? // One time a year
What did the priest have to bring into the Most Holy Place for the sin of the people? // Blood of a goat
Why don’t we need a tabernacle to meet with God? // God’s Son, Jesus, died for all our sins

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/A27tAl
Resources - http://goo.gl/qPxisU

OT 34 Wandering in the Desert Part 2

Reference: Numbers 11:4-35, 20:1-13, 21:4-9

Story Summary:
     The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. As they travelled, they sometimes ran into problems. And when they did, they complained, "We want to go back to Egypt!"
     God gave them a special bread from heaven each day which they called "manna." They soon became tired of it and complained, "We want meat!" Their complaints angered God, who set lots and lots of quail for them to eat. God told them that they'd would eat so much quail, it'd come of out their noses and they'd be sick of it.
     Later, they couldn't find water and complained. God told Moses to speak to a rock and God would make water come out of it. But Moses yelled at the people for their complaining and struck the rock with his staff. God still made water come from the rock, but told Moses that he would no longer enter the promised land because of his sin.
     Again, the people complained about the manna. God sent poisonous snakes among them. After being bit, they begged Moses to ask God to save them. God told Moses to make a snake image. God said whoever looked at the snake would live. Moses did what God said; whoever looked at the snake lived.

Big Idea and Motions: Don’t complain! Be thankful instead.
Don’t - wag your finger “no”
Complain - cross your arms and make a complaining face
Thankful - fold your hands in front of you and bow your head

Verse / Motions: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV - give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Give thanks - fold your hands in front of you and bow your head
All circumstances - gesture your arms in a wide circle
For this - hold a palm facing the ceiling; point your index finger into your palm
Will - form the letter “W” with your fingers
God - point up
Christ Jesus - form a cross with your forearms

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What did the Israelites want to eat instead of manna? // Meat
When they complained, how did God feel? // Angry
What meat did God send for them to eat? // Lots of quail
How long did God give them quail for? // A whole month, until it came out of their noses
When God sent the plague, what happened? // Some people died
What did God want Moses to do to give them water? // Speak to a rock; water will come out
What wrong thing did Moses do to the rock? // Hit the rock, disobeyed God
What was Moses’ consequence for disobeying? // Couldn’t go into the promised land
What did God send because the people complained about manna? // Sent poisonous snakes
How did the people get better from the snakebites? // Moses put a bronze snake on a pole; they looked at it and lived
Who and what should the snake-on-a-pole remind us of? // Jesus being lifted up on the cross to save us

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/q2xEh5
Resources - http://goo.gl/IGl1VK

OT 33 Wandering in the Desert Part 1

Reference: Exodus 15:22 - 16:36

Story Summary:
     The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. As they travelled, they weren't able to find water and complained to Moses and against God. When they did find water, it was bitter and the people complained. But God told Moses to throw a stick into the water. When he did, God made the water taste sweet.
     Later, the people complained that they didn't have food to eat. They wished they were back in Egypt, where they were slaves, but at least they had food. But even though the people complained against God, he provided food for them anyways.
     That night, God made lots of quail come, birds for the people to eat. And in the morning, God made a special dew cover the ground. When it dried, it left white flakes that tasted like honey wafers. The people called it "manna" because they said, "What is it?" when they first saw it.
     Each day God made manna appear for the people. If they tried to save it overnight, it would stink and be
filled with maggots. God sent twice as much manna on the sixth day, so they could rest on the Sabbath day and not have to gather manna.

Big Idea and Motions: Don’t complain! God saved you. Of course he’ll take care of you
Don’t complain - cross your arms and make a complaining face
God - point up
Saved you - do the baseball “safe” sign
Of course - do a “duh!” gesture/expression with your hands and face
Take care - give yourself a hug

Verse / Motions: Matthew 6:25, ESV - ...do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.
Anxious - put your hands on your cheeks and look worried
Life - pause and take a deep breath while “wafting” air towards your face with your hands
Eat - pretend to eat a sandwich
Drink - pretend to drink from a cup
Body - thump your chest
Put on - pretend to pull on pants

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Where were the Israelites wandering for 40 years? // The desert.
Why did the Israelites complain at first? // They had no water to drink
What was wrong with the water they found? // It was bitter, tasted bad
What did God tell Moses to do with the water? What happened? // Throw a stick in the water, it tasted good
What did the Israelites do when they were hungry in the wilderness? // They complained
What meat did God give them to eat? // Quail.
What bread did God give them to eat in the wilderness? // Bread from heaven, manna
What does the word “manna” mean? // What is it?
What happened to the manna when people tried to save extra? // It smelled and was filled with maggots
Why did they collect double manna on the sixth day? // God wanted them to rest on the Sabbath day

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/CyMjcu
Resources - http://goo.gl/LWNvkD

OT 32 Spies in the Promised Land

Reference: Numbers 13-14

Story Summary:
     God told Moses to send men to go and check out the land of Canaan, the land God promised to give the Israelites. Moses select twelve men. He sent them to spy out what the land and the people there were like.
     The spies spent 40 days in Canaan before returning to Moses. They said that the land was a good land, filled with milk and honey. They showed the people the fruit the had brought back from the land, a large cluster of grapes it took two men to carry.
     The 10 spies said the people of Canaan were too powerful and would destroy them. The people of Israel believed the spies, complained, and wished to go back to Egypt. But the other two spies, Joshua and Caleb, told the people to trust in the Lord; God was strong enough to help them.
     Because the people didn't trust him, God told Moses he would destroy them. But Moses asked God to forgive them and he did. Still, God told the people and the 10 spies that they couldn't go into the promised land. Instead, they would wander the desert for 40 years. Only Joshua, Caleb, and the children would eventually go into the promised land.

Big Idea and Motions: Trust in the Lord.
Trust - pretend to grasp a rope in front of you with two hands (the ASL sign for “believe/trust”)
Lord - point up

Verse / Motions: Proverbs 3:4, ESV - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
Trust - pretend to grasp a rope in front of you with two hands (the ASL sign for “believe/trust”)
Lord - point up
All - gesture your arms in wide circles
Heart - put your hands over your heart
Lean - fold your arms and lean to the side
Understanding - tap your temple

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
How many men did Moses send into the promised land? // 12
What were the men supposed to do in the promised land? // See what the land was like
How many days were the spies in the promised land? // 40
What good things did the spies say about the promised land? // Filled with milk and honey
What bad things did the 10 spies say about the promised land? // Large cities and scary people
Who were the two spies who trusted God to help them go into the promised land? // Joshua and Caleb
What did the people do after hearing the spies? // Complained, wanted a new leader and go back to Egypt
What did Joshua and Caleb say to the people? // God will help us go into the promised land
What did Moses do when God said he would destroy the people? // Asked God to forgive them
What punishment did the ten spies and the people receive? // Couldn’t go into the promised land, wander the desert for 40 years
Who could go into the promised land? // Joshua and Caleb, the kids

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/PyEYoG
Resources - http://goo.gl/sFA3Cu

OT 30 The Ten Commandments

Reference: Exodus 20

Story Summary:
     When God met with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave his law to him. These were the rules God wanted the people from Abraham's family, the Israelites, to follow. The very first rules God gave to Moses were a list of ten commandments, the most important rules for his people to know.
     The first four commandments taught the Israelites how to love God with all of their hearts. They are: Do not put any gods in place of me. Do not make statues of gods. Do not misuse the name of the Lord. Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy.
     The last six commandments taught the Israelites how to love people as they loved themselves. Honor your father and mother. Do not commit murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness…  Do not long for anything that belongs to your neighbor.
     The Israelites (and all people) broke these commandments. They needed a savior to save them from the punishment for their sin. The good news is that God sent his Son, Jesus. He obeyed God's commandments, died, and rose again!

Big Idea and Motions: We’ve broken the ten commandments, but Jesus obeyed them perfectly.
We’ve - point to yourself
Broken - pretend to snap a twig in half in front of you
Ten Commandments - hold up ten fingers
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Obeyed - form an “O” with your arms above your head
Perfectly - two thumbs up

Verse / Motions: 1 Peter 2:22, ESV - He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
He (Jesus) - form a cross with your forearms
No - wag your index finger “no”
Sin - two thumbs down
Deceit - form an X over your mouth with your index fingers
Mouth - open your mouth as wide as you can

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What is commandment 1? // Do not put any gods in place of me.
What is commandment 2? // Do not make statues of gods...
What is commandment 3? // Do not misuse the name of the Lord...
What is commandment 4? // Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy...
What is commandment 5? // Honor your father and mother.
What is commandment 6? // Do not commit murder.
What is commandment 7? // Do not commit adultery.
What is commandment 8? // Do not steal.
What is commandment 9? // Do not bear false witness...
What is commandment 10? //  Do not long for anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/jh4YrQ
Resources - http://goo.gl/tybZs2

OT 29 God Gives Moses the Law

Reference: Exodus 19

Story Summary:
     After God led them through the Red Sea, God led the Israelites to camp by Mount Sinai. There, God told the Israelites that he would meet with Moses on the mountain. God told Moses and the people to obey him completely. If they did, the nation of Israel would be his special treasure.
     God told them to get ready for his coming by washing his clothes. He said that anyone who went on the mountain would die, so he told them to place limits around it to keep the people safe.
     On the morning of God's coming, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud covered the mountain. A trumpet blew, the earth shook, and smoke from a fire came as God descended on the mountain. God's voice spoke from the mountain and called Moses up.
     While on Mount Sinai, God gave his law to Moses. These were the rules that God wanted his people to live by. We call the ten most important of these rules the Ten Commandments. God gave them the law so that his people would know the good he wanted them to do, be aware of the bad things they had done, and know that they needed a savior.

Big Idea and Motions: God’s law shows us the good to do, the bad we’ve done, and that we need a savior.
God - point up
Law - pretend to write on your palm
Good to do - two thumbs
Bad we’ve done - two thumbs down
Savior - do the baseball “safe” sign

Verse / Motions: Psalm 119:72, ESV - The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Law - pretend to write on your palm
Mouth - point to your mouth
Better - two thumbs up
Me - point to yourself with your two thumbs
Thousands - gesture your arms in a wide circle
Gold and silver pieces - pretend to pull coins out of your pocket

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What large place did the Israelites camp by? // Mount Sinai
Who met with the Israelites on Mount Sinai? // God
What did God say he’d do for the Israelites if they obeyed his law? // They’d be his special treasure
What did the people say when God told them to obey his law? // We will obey
What did God want the Israelites to do to their clothes before he came? // Wash them
What would happen to people who went up the mountain when God was there? // They would die
What scary things happened when God came on the mountain? // Trumpets blew, lighting and thunder, thick clouds, fire and smoke
How did the people feel after the clouds, thunder, smoke, and trumpets? // They were afraid
What did God give to Moses when he was on the mountain? // His law
What do we call the most important of God’s commandments? // The ten commandments

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/aUzorC
Resources - http://goo.gl/JnXYV1

OT 28B Moses Defeats Amalek

Reference: Exodus 17:8-17

Story Summary:
     After leaving Egypt, the Israelites were attacked by a group of people called the Amalekites. They were led by a man named Amalek.
     Moses told Joshua to find some men who were ready to fight. Moses, along with his brother Aaron and Hur, went to the top of the hill. He brought with him the staff of God, the same staff God used to send the 10 plagues and part the Red Sea.
     During the battle, Moses held up the staff. He wanted God to help them win the battle against the Amalekites. When Moses held the staff up high, the Israelites would begin to win the battle. Whenever his arms lowered, the Amalekites would start to win.
     As the battle wore on, Moses began to tire. Aaron and Hur brought a rock for Moses to sit on. And they helped hold his arms high above his head. And so, with the help of God, Joshua and the Israelites defeated Amalek and the Amalekites.
     God was on the Israelites' side during the battle. And we know God is on our side, too, because he sent his Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins.

Big Idea and Motions: Because Jesus died, we know God’s on our side.
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Died - cross your arms across your chest and bow your head
Know - tap your temple
God’s - point up
Our side - point to yourself with both thumbs

Verse / Motions: Romans 8:31, ESV - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
What then - shrug your shoulders, tilt your head, and hold out your hands
Say - make your hand talk like a puppet
God - point up
For us - point to yourself with both thumbs
Who - place a hand above your eyes and look around
Against us - punch your palm

True or False Questions
The Israelites attacked the Amalekites. // False, it was the other way around
They were called the “Amalekites” because their leader was named “Amalek.” // True
Moses’ staff was special because it was magic. // False, God told him to use it; God was the powerful one
When Moses’ held the staff up high, the Amalekites would win. // False, the Israelites would win
The two men who helped Moses were Aaron and Hur. // True
Joshua helped lead the Amalekite soldiers. // False, he led the Israelites
Aaron and Hur brought a rock for Moses to sit on. // True
Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ legs when he got tired. // False, they held up his arms.
The Israelites won the battle because of God’s help. // True
God is not on our side. // False, God is on our side.
We know God is on our side because he sent Amalek to die for our sins. // False, he sent Jesus

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/kZv3L8
Resources - http://goo.gl/S9QQOB

NT 19 Jesus Raises Lazarus

Reference: John 11:1-44

Story Summary:
   Mary and Martha sent Jesus a letter. It said, "Lord, the one you love is sick." They were talking about their brother, Lazarus. Jesus said, "This sickness will not end it death." However, by the time Jesus reached Mary and Martha's house, Lazarus had been dead for four days!
   Martha told Jesus, "If you had been here, Lazarus would not have died." Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would rise again. Martha thought that Jesus meant Lazarus would be raised on the last day. But Jesus said, "Anyone who believes in me will live, even if he dies." Martha said, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God."
   Jesus went to Lazarus' tomb and had them roll back the stone. He said, "Lazarus! Come out!" Dead Lazarus came to life and walked out of the tomb, still wrapped up in cloths like a mummy! Many of the people who saw this amazing miracle put their faith in Jesus.

Big Idea and Motions: Believe in Jesus and you’ll rise again on the last day.
Believe - pretend to grasp a rope in front of you with both hands
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Rise again - reach low with your hands, then raise them to the sky
Last day - pound the bottom of your fist onto your open palm on each wordthe people who saw this amazing miracle put their faith in Jesus.



Verse / Motions: John 11:25, ESV - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Resurrection - reach low with your hands, then raise them to the sky
Life - hold a fist, palms up, then open it (like an opening flower)
Believes - pretend to grasp a rope in front of you with two hands
Die - cross your arms in an X over your chest
Live - hold a fist, palms up, then open it (like an opening flower)

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Who became sick and died in today’s story? // Lazarus.
Who were Lazarus’ sisters? // Mary and Martha.
Where was Jesus when Lazarus was sick? // In Jerusalem
Who did Mary and Martha send a message about Lazarus to? // Jesus.
When Martha came out to meet Jesus, what did Jesus say would happen to Lazarus? // He’d rise from the dead.
When did Martha think Lazarus would rise again? // At the last day, when God raises all believers.
How long had Lazarus been dead? // Four days.
What happened after Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”? // Lazarus came back to life.
What kinds of bodies will Jesus give believers on the last day? // Strong, glorious bodies that will live forever
Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/qqdgJN
Resources - https://goo.gl/r69ADs

NT 18 Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter

Reference: Luke 8:41-56

Big Idea and Motions: Put your faith in Jesus to be saved from sin.
Faith - pretend to grab a rope in front of you like it’s a rescue line
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Saved - make the baseball “safe” sign
Sin - two thumbs down
*This is the ASL sign for faith/trust. Follow this link to watch a video: http://goo.gl/4cHz3

Story Summary
     Jairus, a ruler at the synagogue, came to Jesus because his 12-year-old daughter was dying. He begged Jesus to come to his house and heal his daughter.
     As they walked to Jairus' house, the crowd pressed in on Jesus. In that crowd was a woman who had a disease that made her bleed for twelve years. No one had ever been able to help her. She touched Jesus and was healed instantly. Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" Peter said, "The crowd is all around you. They're the ones who touched you." But Jesus said, "I know that power has gone out from me.
     Reluctantly, the woman told Jesus that she had touched him. Jesus said, "Go in peace. Your faith has healed you."  
     On the way to Jairus' house, a messenger said that Jairus' daughter had died. Jesus said, "Just believe. She will be healed."
     At the house, Jesus went into the room with the girl, with her parents and his disciples Peter, James, and John. Jesus grabbed the little girl's hand and said, "Little girl, get up!" Immediately, her spirit returned and she got up. Her parents were amazed!

Verse / Motions: Acts 16:31, ESV - And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
They said - make your hand talk like a puppet
Believe - pretend to grasp a rope with two hands*
Lord Jesus - form a cross with your arms
You - point at another person
Saved - do the baseball “safe” sign
Household - form a “roof” over your head with your arms
*This is the ASL sign for faith/trust. Follow this link to watch a video: http://goo.gl/4cHz3

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What was the name of the synagogue ruler? // Jairus
What problem did Jairus have? // His daughter was dying
What did Jairus ask Jesus? // To heal his daughter
What problem did the sick woman have? // A bleeding disease for twelve years
What happened when she touched Jesus? // She was healed
What did Jesus say to the woman? // Your faith healed you
What did the messenger say to Jairus? // His daughter died.
What did Jesus say to Jairus after hearing the girl died? // Believe and she will be healed
What did the crowd do when Jesus said the girl was sleeping? // Laughed
What happened when Jesus took the dead girl’s hand? // She came to life

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/N8ZMmz
Resources - http://goo.gl/jegbVs

NT 17 Jesus Walks on Water

Reference: Matthew 14:22-33

Story Summary:
   Jesus sent the disciples to sail across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus stayed behind, went up a mountainside, and prayed into the evening. The disciples' boat was pounded by waves because the wind was blowing against it.
   Early in the morning, Jesus walked upon the lake towards the disciples. The disciples thought Jesus was a ghost. Jesus said, "Be brave! It is I," but Peter, one of the disciples wasn't so sure. "If it is you," he said, "tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus told Peter to come. Peter stepped out onto the waves and walked on water toward Jesus. But seeing the waves, Peter became afraid and started to sink.
   Jesus grabbed Peter and helped him into the boat. Right then, the wind died down. Back in the boat, the twelve disciples worshipped Jesus, saying, "You really are the Son of God!"

Big Idea and Motions: Repent and put your faith in Jesus to be saved.
Repent - pretend to turn a steering wheel 180°
Faith - pretend to grab a rope in front of you with two hands
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Saved - make the baseball “Safe!” sign

Verse / Motions: Ephesians 2:8, ESV - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Grace - place one hand on your heart and reach out to help with the other
Saved - make the baseball “safe” sign
Faith - pretend to grab a rope in front of you like it’s a rescue line
This is not - wag your index finger “no”
Gift - pretend to hold a present and give it to someone else
God - point up
*This is the ASL sign for faith/trust. Follow this link to watch a video: http://goo.gl/4cHz3

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
As the story began, what did Jesus tell the disciples to do? // Sail their boat across the Sea of Galilee
What did Jesus do on the mountain? // He prayed alone.
What problem did the disciples have on their boat trip? // A windstorm kept pushing them back
How did Jesus get to the disciples’ boat? // He walked on the water
What did the disciples think Jesus was? // A ghost
What did Peter want Jesus to do to prove he wasn’t a ghost? // Call Peter to walk on the waves
What happened when Peter first stepped on the water? // He walked on it
What happened when Peter looked at the wind and waves? // He began to sink
What are the two other words that are like faith? // Believe and trust
What is today’s big idea? // Repent and put your faith in Jesus to be saved
What is today’s Bible verse? // Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (ESV)

Google Docs Links
Lesson - https://goo.gl/B8PEHV
Resources - https://goo.gl/V3ootK

NT 16 Jesus Heals a Man Who Could Not Walk

Reference: Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:18-26

Story Summary:
     Jesus stood in a house and taught a large crowd of people about God's Word. The house was so filled with people that there wasn't even room at the door to get in.
     A group of men carried a man who could not walk. They wanted to bring him to Jesus. But they couldn't get in because of the crowd. So, they climbed onto the roof of the house, made a hole in the roof, and lowered the man down to Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
     When Jesus said this, some Bible teachers there became angry. They thought, "What's he saying? Only God can forgive sins." To prove to them that he could forgive sins, Jesus said to them, "What's easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven?' or 'Pick up your mat and walk?'"
     Jesus spoke to the man who could not walk. "Pick up your mat and go home. Right then, the man stood up and carried his mat home.
     All the people there were amazed at what Jesus had done. They said, "We've never seen anything like this!"

Big Idea and Motions: Because Jesus is God, he can forgive our sins.
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
God - point up
Forgive - hold one hand palm up; pretend to brush something off it with the fingertips of your other hand *
Sins - two thumbs down
* This is the ASL Sign for “forgive”. See http://goo.gl/635Tk for a demonstration.

Verse / Motions: 1 John 1:9, ESV - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...
We - point to yourself
Confess - make your hand talk like a puppet
Sins - two thumbs down
Faithful - cross your fingers on both hands
Just - pound the bottom of your fist on your up-facing palm (like a judge’s gavel)
Forgive - hold left palm up, brush it off twice with the fingertips of your other hand

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What was Jesus doing in the house? // Teaching people God's Word
How crowded was it? // So crowded, no one could get inside
Why were so many people there? // Jesus did amazing miracles and said amazing things
What problem did the man with four friends have? // He couldn't walk
How did the four friends get their friend inside the house with Jesus? // Made a hole in the roof, lowered their friend down
What was the first thing Jesus said when he saw the man and their friends? // Son, your sins are forgiven
Why were the Bible teachers upset with Jesus? // Because only God can forgive sins
What’s easier to say: Your sins are forgiven or Pick up your mat and walk? Why? // Your sins are forgiven because it’s something you can’t see
What happened when Jesus told the man to pick up his mat and walk? //His legs were healed and he could walk
How did the people in the crowd feel when Jesus healed the man’s legs? // Amazed.

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/5zHBCY
Resources - https://goo.gl/0I8jAa

NT 15 Jesus Feeds the 500

Reference: Mark 6:30-44, John 6:1-15

Story Summary:
     Jesus and his disciples had been so busy teaching the crowds that they hadn’t had a chance to eat. So they went by boat to a quiet place. But the crowd found out about where they were going and raced there ahead of them.
     By that time, it was very late in the day. Jesus’ disciples told him to send the crowd away to find something to eat. But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples replied, “It’d take eight months of pay to buy food for all these people!” Jesus sent them out to find out how much food was in the crowd. When they came back, Andrew the disciple told Jesus they had found five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus then had the crowd sit in groups of 50s and 100s.
     Jesus thanked God for the food, broke it into pieces, and gave it to the disciples. They passed the food out to the crowd, but it never ran out like it was supposed to! Jesus made the bread and fish multiply. The disciples fed over 5,000 people using just five loaves of bread and two fish. Everyone ate and was full and in the end, there were twelve baskets of food leftover.

Big Idea and Motions: Jesus’ miracles show us he’s God’s Son.
Jesus’ - form a cross with your forearms
Miracles - hold your hands above your head and wiggle them in celebration
Show - pretend to look through binoculars
God’s - point up
Son - pretend to cradle a baby

Verse and Motions: John 20:31, ESV - But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God...
Written - pretend to write on one of your palms
You - point to another person
Believe - pretend to grab a rope in front of you like it’s a rescue line
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Son - pretend to cradle a baby
God - point up
*This is the ASL sign for faith/trust. Follow this link to watch a video: http://goo.gl/4cHz3

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
After they sailed on the boat, who met Jesus and the disciples? // A big crowd
How many men were in the crowd? // 5,000 men, plus women and children
What did Jesus tell his disciples to do? // Give food to the crowd
How long did Philip say they’d have to work to pay for all the food? // It’d take eight months pay to buy food
How much food did Andrew say they found? // Five loaves of bread and two fish
What did Jesus do with the food before he gave it to the disciples? // Broke it and thanked God for it
What happened to the bread/fish in the disciples’ baskets as they passed it out? // It kept multiplying
How did the people feel after they ate? // They were full
How many baskets of leftovers did they collect? // 12
What does the miracle of feeding the 5000 tell us about Jesus? // He’s God

Google Docs Links
Lesson - https://goo.gl/iddzyI
Resources - https://goo.gl/H5gMHV

NT 14 Jesus Drives Out Evil Spirits

Reference: Mark 5:1-19

Story Summary:
     Jesus and the disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came to meet him.
     The evil spirit made the man’s life miserable. He lived among the tombs, cut himself with stones, and screamed day and night. The people had chained his feet and ankles, but he broke them.
     When he saw Jesus, he ran to him. Jesus said, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” The man shouted, “Jesus, Son of God, promise you won’t hurt me!” Jesus asked the evil spirit his name. It said, “Legion,” which meant that there were many spirits in the man.
     The spirits begged Jesus to not send them away, but instead to send them into a herd of nearby pigs. Jesus gave them permission. They left the man and went into the pigs, who quickly rushed down a steep bank and into a lake.
     The people from town saw the man who had the evil spirit. He was dressed and thinking clearly. He
begged Jesus to let him go with him. But Jesus instead told him to go to his family and tell them what the Lord God had done for him.

Big Idea and Motions: God is strong and on our side!
God - point up
Strong - flex your muscles
On our side - point to yourself with both thumbs as you say each word

Verse / Motions: Psalm 118:6, ESV - The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Lord - point up
My side - point with both fingers to the spot next to you, as if God is standing by your side
Fear - put your hands on your cheeks and look scared
What can - hold out your arms and shrug your shoulders
Man - flex your muscles
Me - point to yourself with two thumbs

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What did Jesus and the disciples do at the beginning of the story? // Sail across the sea
Who met Jesus when he got off the boat? // A man with an evil spirit
How did the evil spirit make the man’s life miserable? // Lived among the tombs, screamed, broke chains, cut himself
What is the first thing Jesus said to the unclean spirit? // Come out of him!
What was the spirit's name and what does it mean? // Legion - a large group of soldiers
Why were the evil spirits afraid of Jesus? // He’s God’s Son.
What did the spirits ask Jesus for permission to do? // Leave the man and enter some pigs.
What did the spirits make the pigs do? // Run into the water
How do we know that God’s Son Jesus is on our side? // He died and rose again for us.

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/917Lbs
Resources - https://goo.gl/UvBtAZ

NT 13 Jesus Calms the Storm

Reference: Luke 8:22-25

Story Summary:

     One day, Jesus told his disciples to get in a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As they traveled across the sea, Jesus slept in the boat.

     Suddenly, a storm arose on the the sea. The wind caused great waves that tossed the boat back in forth. They were in great danger and the disciples were worried that they were going to drown. They woke up Jesus and said, “Master! Master! We’re going to drown!”

     Jesus got up and spoke to the waves. “Peace! Be still!” he said. Immediately, the storm stopped. Even the waves were calm. “Where is your faith?” Jesus asked his disciples. When they saw what Jesus did, the disciples were afraid. “Who is this?” they said, “He commands even the wind and waves and they obey him!” 

Big Idea and Motions: Jesus is the God-man: totally God and totally human.

Jesus - form a cross with your forearms

God - point up

Man - flex your muscles

God - point up

Human - pinch the skin of your arm

Verse / Motions: Luke 8:25, ESV - Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?

Who then - hold out your arms and shrug your shoulders

Commands - put a hand on your hip, then wag the index finger of your other hand

Winds - cup your hands around your mouth and blow

Water - make your arm wiggle like a wave

Obey - form an “O” above your head with your arms

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week

What did Jesus tell his disciples to do? // Sail across the water

What was the name of the water called? // The Sea of Galilee

What did Jesus do as they sailed on the water? // Slept in the boat

What happened to the Sea of Galilee as they sailed? // A wild storm came

What was the boat about to do in the storm? // Sink from the waves/storm

When the disciples were scared, what did they do? // Woke up Jesus

What did Jesus say to the storm? // Quiet! Be still!

When Jesus spoke to the storm, what did it do? // It was completely calm immediately

What did the disciples say when Jesus calmed the storm? // Who is this that the wind and waves obey him?

What did Jesus do that showed he was a human like us? // Slept and ate

What did Jesus do in the story that showed he was God? // Made the storm listen to him

Google Docs Links:

Lesson - https://goo.gl/Jd8RMj

Resources - https://goo.gl/LG81zn

NT 12 Jesus Turns Water Into Wine

Reference: John 2:1-11

Story Summary:
     Jesus and his disciples attended a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee. His mother, Mary, was there, as well. But during the celebration, they ran out of wine to drink. Jesus’ mother, Mary, told Jesus that there was no more wine.
     Jesus said, “Why do you bring me into this? My time has not yet come.” He was telling her that it wasn’t the right time for him to show everyone that he was God’s Son.
     Jesus had the party servants fill six jars with water. Then, he had them scoop some out and bring it to the person in charge of the dinner. It had turned into wine! And when the person in charge of the dinner drank it, he said it was the very best wine of all!
     This was Jesus’ very first miracle. And when his disciples saw it, they put their faith in him.

Big Idea and Motions: Jesus’ miracles are signs that show us he’s God.
Jesus’ - form a cross with your forearms
Miracles - hold your hands above your head and wiggle them in celebration
Signs - hold your arm up, palm facing out, pretending it’s a stop sign
Show - pretend to look through binoculars
God - point up

Verse and Motions: John 20:31, ESV - But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God...
Written - pretend to write on one of your palms
You - point to another person
Believe - pretend to grasp a rope with both hands*
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Son - pretend to cradle a baby
God - point up
*This is the ASL sign for faith/trust. Follow this link to watch a video: http://goo.gl/4cHz3

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Where was Jesus at in today’s story? // A wedding.
Who else was there at the wedding? // Jesus’ disciples, his mother Mary.
What did Mary tell Jesus? // They’ve run out of wine.
What did Jesus have the servants do? // Fill six large stone jars with water.
What happened when the servants scooped the water out of the jars? // It had turned into wine.
What did the person in charge of the dinner say about the wine? // It was the best wine.
Who did the disciples put their faith in after seeing Jesus’ miracle? // Jesus
What do the seven miraculous signs in John show us? // Jesus is God’s Son.

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/C9w1vk
Resources - https://goo.gl/ZyLj0v

NT 11 The Twelve Disciples

Reference: Luke 6:12-16 , Matthew 9:9, John 1:43-51

Story Summary:
     Jesus had twelve disciples. These were men who followed him around wherever he went and learned from him. The first four of his disciples were fishermen: the brothers Simon and Andrew, and the other brothers, James and John. But Jesus selected eight other men to be his disciples.
     Jesus asked a man named Philip to follow him. When he did, Philip told his friend, Nathanael, they he had found the promised savior from God. But when Nathanael found out Jesus was from Nazareth, he said, "Can anything good come from there?" When Nathanael came to Jesus, Jesus showed Nathanael that he knew who he was, even though he had never seen him before. So Nathanael followed Jesus, too.
     Jesus once saw a man sitting at a tax collector's booth named Levi. Tax collectors were despised back then because they would collect extra money for themselves and become rich. But Jesus asked Levi to follow him and he did.
     In all, Jesus asked twelve different men to be his disciples: Peter, Andrew, James, John,Philip, Nathanael, Matthew, Thomas, Simon, James, Judas, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Big Idea and Motions: A disciple believes the good news and follows Jesus.
Disciple - Hold up the index finger on both hands. Bounce them to the side, as if they’re walking, with one following the other *
Believes - pretend to grab hold of a rope with two hands **
Good news - pretend to read news in something you’re holding and smile
Follows - march in place
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
* This is the ASL Sign for “Disciple.”
** This is the ASL Sign for “Trust”

Verse / Motions: 1 Timothy 1:15, ESV - ...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
Christ Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Came into the world - trace a big circle in the air with your arms
Save - make the baseball “safe” sign
Sinners - two thumbs down
I am - point to yourself with two thumbs
Foremost - hold up 1 finger (since “foremost” means “number one”)

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What special word does the Bible use for students who follow and learn from a rabbi? // Disciple.
What job did Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John have? // They were fishermen.
Who went and told Nathanael that he had found Jesus? // Philip.
What did Nathanael/Bartholomew do when he heard about Jesus? // Made fun of him.
What was Matthew/Levi’s job? What did people think of them? // A tax collector, and people despised them.
Who was the disciple who wouldn’t believe Jesus rose from the dead until he saw him? // Thomas.
How was Jesus different than a regular rabbi? // God’s Son, perfect, spoke God’s Word, died and rose to save us
How many disciples did Jesus have? // Twelve.
What disciple is always listed first? Why? // Peter because he was the leader
What disciple is always listed last? Why? // Judas, because he betrayed Jesus

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/KSdxwE
Resources - https://goo.gl/hc57hR

NT 10 Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Reference: Luke 5:1-11

Story Summary:
     One day, Jesus was teaching by the Sea of Galilee. The crowd was so great that Jesus asked two fishermen if he could stand on their out in the water and teach the crowd. The boat belonged to the brothers, Simon and Andrew. They also worked with two men who were also brothers, James and John.
     When he finished speaking, Jesus asked the men to cast their nets into the water to catch some fish. "Master," the fishermen said, "we've fished all night and caught nothing! But because you say so, we'll let down the nets." When they did, they caught so many fish, their boats began to sink. They needed their partners to come with another boat to hold all the fish.
     When Simon saw this miraculous catch of fish, he said, "Go away from me, Lord. I'm a sinful man!" Simon knew that Jesus couldn't have done such a thing if he was just an ordinary person. Jesus told him to not be afraid. "From now on," Jesus said, "you will catch people." Right then, the four fishermen left their nets and followed Jesus. They became his very first disciples.

Big Idea and Motions: A disciple believes the good news and follows Jesus.
Disciple - Hold up the index finger on both hands. Bounce them to the side, as if they’re walking, with one following the other *
Believes - pretend to grab hold of a rope with two hands**
Good news - pretend to read news in something you’re holding and smile
Follows - march in place
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
* This is the ASL Sign for “Disciple.”
** This is the ASL Sign for “Trust”

Verse / Motions: Mark 1:17, ESV - And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Said - make your hand talk like a puppet
Follow me - march in place and swing your arms
I - point to yourself with two thumbs
Fishers - pretend to cast a fishing rod
Men - flex your muscles

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Who came to see Jesus? // A crowd of people
What did Jesus do with the crowd of people? // Taught them God’s Word.
What were the names of the fishermen in today’s story? // Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
How many fish did Simon and the others catch the night before? // None.
What did Jesus tell Simon to do with his nets? // Throw them over the side of the boat to catch fish.
What happened when they threw their nets over? // They caught tons of fish.
Why did Simon say to Jesus, “I’m sinful! Go away from me!”? // He saw his power, knew he didn’t deserve to be around him.
What did Jesus mean when he said they would be “fishers of men”? // His disciples would go make new disciples.
Who left everything and followed Jesus in today’s story? // Simon, Andrew, James, and John
Can a tax collector or bully become Jesus’ disciple? How do you know? // Yes, because Matthew and Saul did

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/87MRxI
Resources - https://goo.gl/5kkAt7

NT 09 Jesus is Tempted

Reference: Luke 4:1-13

Story Summary:
     After Jesus was baptized, God's Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After Jesus fasted for 40 days, the devil arrived to tempt him.
     The devil told Jesus to take some stones and turn them into bread to eat. But Jesus didn't give in. He said, "God's Word tells us that people don't live on bread alone, but on God's Word."
     The devil then showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He told Jesus he'd place him in charge of all of them, as long as Jesus would bow down and worship him. But Jesus said, "God's Word tells us to only worship the Lord God." Jesus didn't give into the devil's temptation.
     Then the devil took Jesus to the top of the temple. He told Jesus to jump off of it. The devil even twisted a Bible verse to make it sound like God wanted Jesus to jump off of buildings so angels could catch him. But Jesus didn't give in. He said, "God's Word tells us to not put God to test."
     After tempting Jesus the devil left him. God then sent angels to take care of Jesus.

Big Idea and Motions: Jesus was tempted, but he never sinned!
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Tempted - put a sneaky look on your face and make a “Hey, come over here” gesture with your hands
Never - wag your finger “no”
Sinned - two thumbs down

Verse / Motions: Hebrew 2:18, ESV - For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
He - form a cross with your forearms (because “he” is Jesus)
Suffered - wring your hands and look like you’re in agony
Tempted - put a sneaky look on your face and make a “come here” gesture with your hands
Help - reach down and pretend to pull someone up from the ground.
Being tempted - same as above

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Where was Jesus in today’s story? // The desert/wilderness.
What did Jesus not do for 40 days? // Eat.
Who came to tempt Jesus? // The devil.
How many times did the devil tempt Jesus? // Three
What did the devil tell Jesus to do to the stones? // Turn them to bread.
The devil said he’d make Jesus king of the world, if he would...? // Bow down and worship the devil
What did the devil tell Jesus to do at the temple? // Jump off the top, see if God would send angels to catch
When Jesus said, “It is written...”, what did that mean? // He was saying something from the Bible.
Did Jesus ever give into any temptation? // No
What are the things we should remember when we’re tempted? // Jesus will help us, God gives a way out, The Devil will run away if we stand up to him, Jesus died to pay for our sins

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/2WhupS
Resources - https://goo.gl/C4OatP

NT 08 The Baptism of Jesus

Reference: Matthew 3:13-17

Story Summary:
     John the Baptist preached in the wilderness. He told the people to repent of their sins and be baptized. One day, Jesus came to John and asked to be baptized.
     John couldn't believe this. "I shouldn't baptize you," he said. "In fact, I need to be baptized by you!" But Jesus told John that it was important for him to be baptized, to fulfill all the righteous and good things God wanted him to do. So, John agreed to baptize Jesus.
     When John brought Jesus out of the water, the heavens opened. The Spirit of God came down from heaven and rested on Jesus' shoulders like a dove. And God the Father spoke from heaven, "This is my Son; I am very pleased with him."
     All of the other people John had baptized were sinners who needed to repent of the times they had disobeyed God. But Jesus never sinned, so he didn't have anything to repent of. But Jesus was baptized because he came to save us. And to save us, he needed to do two things. He needed to obey God perfectly in our place and die to pay the punishment for our sins.

Big Idea and Motions: Jesus came to obey perfectly and die for sinners.
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Obey - form an O with your arms above your head
Perfectly - make the A-Okay sign with the thumb and index finger of one hand
Die - cross your forearms in an X over your chest and tip your head forward
Sinners - two thumbs down

Verse / Motions: 1 Timothy 1:15, ESV - ...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
Christ Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Came into - gesture with your arm like you’re waving someone over
Save - make the baseball “safe” sign
Sinners - two thumbs down
I am - point to yourself with two thumbs
Foremost - hold up 1 finger (since “foremost” means “number one”)

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Who did Jesus go to in today’s story? // John the Baptist
What did Jesus ask John to do? // Baptize him
What did John say to Jesus when he asked to be baptized? // I can’t baptize you; you should baptize me
What did Jesus say after John said ‘No.”? // It’s the right thing to do; it’s part of God’s holy plan
What did the heavens do when Jesus was baptized? // They opened
What did the Holy Spirit do when Jesus was baptized? // Came down and rested on him like a dove
What did God the Father say when Jesus was baptized? // This is my Son, I love him, I’m pleased with him
Did Jesus need to repent of his sins or be forgiven? Why or why not? // No, because he never sinned
What special word means that God is three persons in one? // Trinity
Who are the three persons who are God? // The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/j71BqI
Resources - https://goo.gl/iXqST3

NT 07 John the Baptist

Reference: Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8

Story Summary:
     Before John was born, an angel told his father that he would be a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. Hundreds of years before John was born, the prophets Isaiah and Malachi wrote about John, that he would be God's messenger, who would prepare the way for the Lord.
     When John grew, he lived in the wilderness and people came to hear him preach. He wore camel-skin clothes, and ate locusts and honey. When John preached, he told the people to repent, or turn from, their sins. When they did, he would baptize them in the Jordan River, dipping them under the water and bringing them out again.
     One time when John was preaching, he said that someone greater than him was going to come, someone who was so great that he wouldn't be worthy of untying his shoes. That person was Jesus, God's Son, who came to earth to die for our sins.
     Because John baptized so many people, we call him John the Baptist. He was a messenger who helped prepare the way for Jesus by telling people to repent of their sins.

Big Idea and Motions: Repent of your sins and be baptized.
Repent - take a step in one direction, pivot your feet and turn around
Sins - two thumbs down
Baptized - pretend to take hold of a person’s body, dunk them under the water, and bring them back up

Verse / Motions: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV - Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day...
Christ Died - form a cross with your forearms
Sins - two thumbs down
Scriptures - pretend to open a book
Buried - pretend to dig with a shovel
Rose - gesture upward with both palms
Third - hold up three fingers

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
Where did John preach? // In the wilderness.
What did John wear? // Camel-hair clothes.
What did John eat? // Honey and locusts.
What did John tell the people to do? // Repent, be baptized.
What did John say God would do if people repented? // Forgive their sins.
What does it mean to be baptized? // Dunked under water in God’s name.
What special name do we give to John? Why? // John the Baptist, because he baptized people
What does baptism show us? // Our sins have been washed away, Jesus died and rose again for our sins.
Who is baptism for? // People who’ve repented of their sins and believe in Jesus.
What does baptism show us? // Our sins have been washed away, we’ve died and risen with Jesus

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/w00CLX
Resources - http://goo.gl/aQzML5