The Other Side of No Lesson 4
Script
| Time: 5–10 minutes Supplies Glass jar Water balloon (just slightly larger than the top of your jar) Lighter Small piece of paper Straw Let’s Begin Hold up the empty jar. “This jar represents sin.” Hold up the water balloon. “And this water balloon represents us.” Try placing the balloon into the jar. “Sometimes people say, ‘I just fell into sin. But that’s usually not how it happens. Before sin , comes temptation.” “Temptation is anything that pulls us toward making a choice that goes against God’s way. Being tempted isn’t a sin.“ Use a simple example. “Seeing candy in the checkout line isn’t a sin. Wanting the candy isn’t a sin. Choosing to take it without paying…that’s a sin.” Light the small piece of paper. Drop it into the jar. “This fire represents temptation.” Set the balloon on top of the jar and allow it to be pulled inside. “Temptation pulls on our hearts and we can easily get sucked right in.“ “When we give in, we can feel stuck.” Try pulling the balloon back out. Allow children to notice how difficult it is. “Have you ever tried to fix a mistake all by yourself? Sometimes it feels impossible.” Hold up the straw. “This straw is God’s promise of an escape plan.” Insert the straw and remove the balloon. “God never leaves us stuck. He gives us a way out. Sometimes that’s through prayer, sometimes through His Word, and sometimes through the trusted people He’s placed in our lives.” Ask What’s the difference between temptation and sin? What can we do when we’re tempted? Who are some trusted people God has given us to help? Wrap Up “The next time you’re tempted, pause, pray, and remember that God has already made a way to help you choose His way.” |
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:30–31
