Moses and Elijah Appear With Jesus - Group Digital · Moses and Elijah Appear With Jesus Luke 9:28-36. w Lesson 11 Grades 3 4 114 Lesson What ChiLdren do suppLies easy prep 3 Weaving

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Lesson 11Grades 3 & 4 Winter Quarter

Lesson 11

�Bible Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Key Verse“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Weaving Faith Into Life Kids will thank God for sending Jesus.

Lesson What ChiLdren do suppLies easy prep

1

Getting Started

Mental notes (about 10 min.)Try to remember details about someone’s appearance.

2

Bible Exploration

pray With Me (about 15 min.)Walk through the Bible passage to help them understand what Peter, John, and James saw.

Bible, tapeteacher pack: “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster

Fold the “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster along the dotted lines. The pictures on the back will cover the picture on the front so it can be opened like doors to show the transfiguration.

Hang the “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster where kids can see it, making sure you’ll be able to open and close the poster at the folds when necessary during the activity. Place a small, rolled-up piece of tape between the front and back of the poster to keep it closed.

Bright as Lightning (about 10 min.)Do an experiment to demonstrate Jesus’ transfiguration.

balloons teacher pack: “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster, paper confetti

Scatter the confetti on a table.

Bold text within the lesson is spoken text.

T hird- and fourth-graders are able to relate to Jesus in his role as God’s Son because kids this age love the idea of doing something special with a parent. They’ll probably

understand this lesson best from a perspective of seeing Jesus doing something special with his dad. Kids will love that God’s purpose was fulfilled through his Son. Use this lesson to help kids see the way God loves Jesus as his Son.

Moses and Elijah Appear With Jesus Luke 9:28-36

Lesson 11 Grades 3 & 4Winter Quarter

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Lesson What ChiLdren do suppLies easy prep

3

Weaving Faith

Into Life

he Made his dwelling among us (about 15 min.)Act out jobs to discover how Jesus could make his dwelling among us.

Bibles, flashlight, scissors, copy of the “Occupations” handout (at the end of this lesson)

Cut apart the different occupations from the “Occupations” handout.

God’s son (about 10 min.)Write a letter from God to Jesus.

Bibles, Bible Truth Sleuth, pens

Tear out the Lesson 11 pages from each Bible Truth Sleuth student book.

4

Lasting Impressions

daily Challenges(about 5 min.)Choose a Daily Challenge to apply God’s Word.

Bible Truth Sleuth

Weaving Faith at home(about 2 min.) Talk about how to share what they learned with their families.

Bold text within the lesson is spoken text.

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BIBLe BACKGROUND for Leaders

The Transfiguration

The event described in this passage is often called the Transfiguration. This term comes from the Latin, meaning “to change into another form.” Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transformed physically into a different state of existence, probably assuming qualities like those of the body after resurrection.

Some try to explain away the change in Jesus by saying that the sun was shining on him and through his clothing while he stood at a higher elevation than his disciples. However, such explanations do not do justice to the text. Indeed, Luke describes a shocking change that took place in Jesus before their eyes: His face and clothes were as brilliant as a flash of lightning! Jesus’ earthly body shone with the light and majesty of his heavenly being.

Jesus Talks With Moses and Elijah

Why were Moses and Elijah the ones to appear with Jesus? Commentators suggest various explanations, but a likely one is that Moses represented the law and Elijah represented the prophets. In this way, God demonstrated to the bewildered disciples that the coming death of Jesus fit perfectly with the major elements of the Old Testament.

Hush-Hush

It’s not surprising that the disciples were afraid as the cloud came upon the mountain. After all, this whole experience had been profoundly supernatural. And they may well have remembered that God descended to the top of Mount Sinai in a cloud and that only Moses was allowed to go to the top of the mountain to experience God’s presence.

We might wonder why the disciples kept silent about this wondrous event. The answer is found in Matthew’s account (Matthew 17:1-9). Jesus told them to keep quiet. And after this amazing experience, they were likely inclined to obey whatever Jesus said!

The Jesus Connection

At the Transfiguration, Jesus’ disciples witnessed evidence of a better life awaiting them. Their faithfulness to Christ in the face of hardship would be well worth the struggle. There is nothing more important or rewarding than a relationship with Jesus.

These sleepy disciples almost missed the “glory of Christ” because they were exhausted (just as in the garden of Gethsemane). What in your life is stealing your energy, distracting you from your faith? Pray that God will help you push past the busyness so you can see his glory in your life. You can write your prayer here.

Moses and Elijah Appear With JesusLuke 9:28-36


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gEtting started

Mental notes

What You’ll Do Welcome kids warmly as they arrive, and ask them how their week went.

Have kids form pairs. Say: One person will be the Studier; the other person will be the Changer. Choose which of these you want to be. Allow a few seconds for kids to decide. Studiers, look carefully at your partner. Study him or her closely for about one minute. Pay attention to as much as you can about your partner. Allow one minute.

Say: Studiers, turn away from your partner and close your eyes for a minute. Changers, now is your time to change something about yourself. Make sure it’s a small change. You don’t want your partner to notice what you changed. You can go to another part of the room if you want so your partner can’t hear you moving around, if that would be helpful.

When all the Changers have modified something about their appearance, have the Studiers turn back around to look at their partners.

Say: Now look at your partner, and try to figure out what’s changed about this person.

Give kids a few moments to study their partners again and to consider what’s changed about them.

Play again, having kids switch roles in their pairs.

Talk With Kids Lead kids in this discussion.

Ask: n How easy or difficult was it to spot the changes that were made? n What are some reasons people’s appearances would change? n In what ways has your appearance changed since you were a baby? Say: In our Bible passage today, we’re going to learn about a time Jesus’ appearance changed in a miraculous way. The change in Jesus’ appearance helped Jesus’ friends understand that JeSuS IS GOd’S SON.

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2 BiBlE exploration

Pray With Me

What You’ll Do Open your Bible to Luke 9:28-36.

Say: Our Bible passage today comes from Luke 9:28-36. Let’s listen to what it says.

Read aloud verse 28. Have kids pretend to climb a mountain. Show them the “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster with the folds closed (without Moses and Elijah). Encourage kids to pay attention to details as they look at the poster.

Say: In today’s Bible passage, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. Peter, John, and James went with Jesus. Peter and his companions became sleepy.

Have kids sit or lie on the floor and pretend to sleep like Peter, John, and James.

Say: Let’s find out what happened next on that mountain, but keep your eyes closed. Try to imagine the scene as I read from the Bible.

Read aloud Luke 9:29-31, and open the “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster to show Jesus standing with Moses and Elijah.

Allow kids to open their eyes and come take a closer look at the poster. Say: Peter, John, and James had been very sleepy. When they were completely awake, they saw Jesus standing with Moses and elijah. Jesus didn’t look the way he usually did. He had been transfigured. That means his physical appearance had changed in a very special way.

Have kids say what they notice that’s different about the poster now. If they need help, ask them what’s different about Jesus or about his friends.

Ask: n What do you think of the two men who appeared with Jesus?

Say: Jesus was standing with Moses and elijah—two men who loved God very much and who had died many years before Jesus was even born.

Have kids sit down and close their eyes again as you read aloud Luke 9:32-36.

Ask kids to open their eyes again and talk with someone beside them about how they know their parents love them.

pray With MeSupplies

Bibletapeteacher pack“Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster

pray With MeEasy Prep

Fold the “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster along the dotted lines. The pictures on the back will cover the picture on the front so it can be opened like doors to show the transfiguration.

Hang the “Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster where kids can see it, making sure you’ll be able to open and close the poster at the folds when necessary during the activity. Place a small, rolled-up piece of tape between the front and back of the poster to keep it closed.


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Say: Our parents say a lot of things about us, but when they call us their sons or daughters, we know they love us and are proud of us. When God said Jesus is his Son, God was saying he loved Jesus very much and that Jesus had a very special purpose.


Ask: n We’ve never seen anything like what happened to Jesus during his

transfiguration. What’s your reaction to hearing about something like this that you’ve never seen?

n Tell about a time you saw something strange. How did you react? How is that reaction like or unlike the way the disciples reacted to seeing Jesus transfigured?

n What does it mean to you that God did all of that just to show that Jesus is his Son?

Say: Jesus’ appearance miraculously changed, which showed his glory and that he was God’s Son. It’s important for us to know that JeSuS IS GOd’S SON because it changes everything for us. Because JeSuS IS GOd’S SON, we can be forgiven of our sins. Jesus is the only one who can save us.

Bright as lightning

What You’ll Do Say: In our Bible passage today, we learned in verse 29 that Jesus’ appearance changed “and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.”

Ask: n Tell about a time you saw a flash of lightning. What was that experience

like? n How do you picture Jesus’ clothes becoming as bright as a flash of

lightning?

Say: Lightning is electricity. Today let’s make something to help us see the effects of electricity.

Give kids each a balloon, and help kids inflate them and tie them off. When kids have inflated the balloons, have kids rub the balloons on their hair, clothes, or carpet, if available, for approximately 30 seconds. Have kids look at the balloon for signs of a change. Then have them hold the balloons over the paper confetti to see the static from the balloon pick up the pieces of paper confetti.

Bright as LightningSupplies

balloonsteacher pack“Jesus’ Transfiguration” poster

paper confetti

! balloon warningTo avoid choking hazards, be sure to pick up pieces of any broken balloons promptly. Balloons may contain latex.

Bright as LightningEasy Prep

Scatter the confetti on a table.

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Say: Moses and elijah, who had died long before Jesus was even born, also stood with Jesus. Moses was the person God gave the Ten Commandments to on Mount Sinai, and elijah was a prophet of God.


Ask: n What do you think caused the balloon to be able to pick up the confetti? n In what ways did the paper confetti show that there was static electricity

on the balloon? n In what way did the change in Jesus’ appearance help show that he was

God’s Son? n What difference does it make to you to know that Jesus is God’s Son?

Say: You can take home your balloon and some confetti and perform this experiment with your family. Talk about how Jesus was transfigured. Then talk about how God spoke to say that Jesus was his Son. You saw an example of the impact of electricity, and it can help you remember that JeSuS IS GOd’S SON.

3 WEAving FAith into life

he Made his Dwelling Among Us

What You’ll Do Make sure kids each have a Bible. Say: Our Key Verse for today is found in John 1:14. It tells us more about Jesus being God’s Son. Let’s read it together.

Have kids open their Bibles to John 1:14, and together read aloud the verse: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Then have kids repeat the verse.

Have kids stand in a circle. Give each child one of the slips of paper you’ve cut out, including the slip with “The Word (Jesus)” written on it. Make note of who has “The Word (Jesus)” strip. Say: do what your slip of paper tells you to do, and don’t explain it to anyone. even if someone asks you what you’re doing, don’t tell him or her what you’re doing. Have kids pretend to perform the duties of the occupations written on their slips.

Stand to one side with your flashlight. Every few seconds shine the flashlight on the child who has “The Word (Jesus)” slip of paper.

he Made his dwelling among usSupplies

Biblesflashlightscissorscopy of the “Occupations” handout (at the end of this lesson)

he Made his dwelling among usEasy Prep

Cut apart the different occupations from the “Occupations” handout.


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Allow kids to continue acting out their roles. Encourage kids to raise their hands when they’ve figured out everyone’s occupation. If you need to move on for the sake of time, stop the game and have kids each announce what they were doing so kids know what each job was. For example, the child who is a teacher would announce “I’m helping children learn.” If kids don’t identify “The Word (Jesus),” have that child read aloud his or her slip of paper.


Ask: n Who stood out to you in our group, and why? n What clues did you have about who was “the Word” in our group today? n What information helped you see that Jesus was “the Word” in our Key Verse? n How did the person who was “the Word” in our game today dwell, or live,

among us? n How is that like Jesus coming to live on earth with people? n What difference does it make in your life to know who Jesus is?

Say: Jesus had been living with God. In John 1:1, the Bible tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This tells us that Jesus was with God, and was God from the beginning. Then Jesus came to earth to live among people as a human. That’s how “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” JeSuS IS GOd’S SON, and God wanted to show everyone that fact when he changed Jesus’ appearance and sent Moses and elijah to appear with Jesus.

god’s Son

What You’ll Do Distribute pens and the Bible Truth Sleuth pages. Make sure kids have Bibles, and then have kids form trios and turn to the “Dear Jesus” activity.

Say: In your trios, read the following Bible passages that tell about who God said Jesus is. One person will look up and read Matthew 3:16-17, another will look up and read Hebrews 1:1-5, and another person will look up and read 2 Peter 1:16-18. Talk with your group about what you find in the verses you look up. Then use the space on your Bible Truth Sleuth page to write a letter that tells Jesus what his Father thinks about him.

After each group has finished writing, bring kids back together and have them sit in a circle. Have willing children tell the group about the most significant or surprising thing they learned today about Jesus.

Say: God was very pleased with Jesus. Sometimes parents will tell their children that they are proud of them or pleased with them.

God’s sonSupplies

BiblesBible Truth Sleuthpens

God’s sonEasy Prep

Tear out the Lesson 11 pages from each Bible Truth Sleuth student book.

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Ask: n What does it mean to you to know that God is proud of his Son, Jesus? n What are some ways you hope God is proud of you? n In what ways do you think Jesus can help you please God? Say: God showed the disciples something amazing because he wanted people to know he was pleased with his Son, Jesus. It’s important for us to know that JeSuS IS GOd’S SON. Jesus pleased his dad, and he can help us please God, too. The letters we wrote can help us realize how amazing Jesus is. Let’s let him into our hearts and all areas of our lives.

4 lASting impressions

Daily Challenges

What You’ll Do Say: Let’s consider this week what it means that JeSuS IS GOd’S SON as we do our daily Challenges.

Have kids find this week’s Daily Challenges on their Bible Truth Sleuth pages and choose one to do this week. They can choose one or more of these three options: n Go on a walk with God through your house, or your yard if it’s nice out.

While you’re walking, talk about what God and Jesus did together in the Bible passage you learned today.

n draw or paint a picture of what you think Jesus looked like when he appeared to Peter, John, and James. Thank Jesus for the way he shows himself to you.

n Write a letter to God, thanking God for his Son, Jesus.

Make sure you choose a Daily Challenge as well, and tell the kids what you chose. Kids will be more inclined to follow through on their commitments when they see you doing the same.


Ask: n What’s a practical way you’re going to do your daily Challenge? Include a

time, a place, and other ideas.

daily Challenges Supplies

Bible Truth Sleuth


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Say: God showed that JeSuS IS GOd’S SON when he changed Jesus’ appearance on top of the mountain. Let’s be thankful for God sending Jesus by following through on our daily Challenges this week.

Weaving Faith at homeEncourage kids to talk with their parents about the Daily Challenges they chose and what they learned about God’s Son. Kids can also do the activities in the “HomeConnect” section of their Bible Truth Sleuth pages with their families.

Talk to your Director about emailing the FREE FamilyConnect to all your church’s families. Available at group.com/digital.

Have kids form pairs. In pairs, have kids lean back to back against one another. As kids lean, encourage them to pray together that they’d be able to lean on Jesus and thank him for being God’s Son. When kids are done praying, help them stand back up again.

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! ok to copy

Occupations

Teacher—Go around the room trying to instruct other people and teach them important information.

Mathematician—Pretend to solve difficult math problems. Say lots of numbers out loud. Pretend to write math problems.

Scientist—Talk about important scientific discoveries and pretend to work in a lab.

Fireman—Pretend to put out fires and save people’s lives.

News Reporter—Tell about the things that are happening in the world.

doctor—Try to ask other people how they’re doing. Discuss health and offer medical advice.

dog Walker—Pretend you’re walking a large group of dogs around the room. Pretend to give them treats and tell them to heel.

Game Show Host—Pretend to host a game show. Use a loud, excited voice and try to get people to take part in your game show.

Construction Worker—Pretend you’re building a house or skyscraper. Ask people to pass you tools. Make the sound effects of the tools you use.

Artist—Pretend to paint beautiful pictures.

Zookeeper—Take care of the animals in your zoo. Pretend to feed the elephants, lions, and bears.

Tightrope Walker—Pretend to walk a tightrope. Keep your balance! Don’t fall!

Skydiver—Pretend you’re falling through the sky. You’re doing amazing, death-defying feats!

Photographer—Move around the room pretending to snap pictures of people.

Fashion designer—Pretend to design clothes for people. Be very glamorous as you discuss fabrics and style.

Weatherman—Make predictions for the weather. Pretend you can see evidence of new weather patterns.

Rancher/Farmer—Pretend to take care of your farm, whether you’re raising animals or vegetables.

Garbage Man—Pretend to go around collecting trash and keeping the world a clean place.

The Word (Jesus)—Walk around the room and offer to help people in their tasks. Be very loving and compassionate.

editor—Walk around rewording everything people say.

Documents

Moses and Elijah Appear With Jesus - Group Digital · Moses and Elijah Appear With Jesus Luke 9:28-36. w Lesson 11 Grades 3 4 114 Lesson What ChiLdren do suppLies easy prep 3 Weaving