BIBLE EXPLORERS GOSPELS LESSON 24

This is lesson 24 in our journey through the Gospels chronologically. This will likely take 3 years to complete, teaching weekly through the school year. The material is geared for elementary age kids. Each lesson will have a list of Scripture references, materials, introduction, object lessons, and hands on activities. Most lessons can be completed in 1- 1.5 hours. A few may need more than one class time. New lessons will be posted weekly. The posts will not have pictures because I will not be posting pictures of other people’s children. At the end of each school year, a printed version of the curriculum will be made available for purchase. This will include an appendix with printouts, game pieces, and other classroom helps.

Lesson 24: Jesus heals a Demoniac

Scripture references:

Mark 1:21-28

Luke 4:31-37

Materials:

Bible

Subject cards (see appendix)

Bible costumes: optional

Introduction:

Although demon possession will be discussed in this lesson, it is not the focus. The key that the kids should take away from this lesson is the power and authority of Jesus. The word authority is emphasized in both gospel accounts of this event.

Activities

Hands on Activity 1: Authority in knowledge

Purpose- to show the difference in speaking with and without authority on a subject

1.      Split the kids into 2 groups.

2.     Give kids in 1 group each a subject that they would not know much about to talk for 1 min each.

3.     Have the second group talk for 1 min each about something they know a lot about, their choice (remind them to stay appropriate).

4.    Discuss the difference between teaching on something you fully understand and teaching on something you partially understand

5.     Act out the first part of the account while reading Mark 1:21-22 and Luke 4:31-32

Hands on Activity 2: Created Limitations

Purpose- to show the authority of Jesus over His creation

1.      Have the kids brainstorm things that we as human beings have authority over. Discuss the limits of our authority. Example: our own bodies- but not other people, our effect on creation- we can cut the grass down or pull up the weeds but we don’t have control over how fast it grows.

2.     Discuss authority over people: parents and kids, teacher and student, employer and employee, etc. People have free will and there are limits to human authority.

3.     Act out while reading Mark 1:23-28 and Luke 4:33-37

4.    Discuss that the demon had ability to possess the man and control him but Jesus had ultimate authority over the situation. Parents have authority over their kids, and the kids are supposed to obey their parents but still have the free will to disobey. Creation, including demons, must obey the authority of Jesus. God has chosen to give us as human beings the right to disobey, but He still has the ultimate authority.

5.     Be sure to emphasize that believers cannot be possessed.