This is lesson 5 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 5: Announcement to Zacharias

 Scripture references:

Luke 1:5-25

 

Materials:

Bible

Masking Tape

Pictures of Temple/furnishings

Optional: Bible costumes

What are you doing? Cards (will be available in printed version, or make your own)

 

Introduction:

1.    Give an overview of the tribes and the jobs of the Levites.

2.   Discuss the culture of the time and the importance of carrying on the family name.

3.   Introduce Zacharias and Elizabeth and their relationship to Jesus.

 

Scripture references on the Levites:

Origin- Exodus 1:1-7

Duties- Numbers 1: 47-54

Scripture references on the Tabernacle/Temple:

Exodus 25:8-9 (details- 1:10-27:19)

Altar of Incense- Exodus 30:1-10

Note: It is not stated in Luke 1:5-25 what time of year this takes place in. The duties for the altar of incense happened daily.

Activities

 

Object Lesson 1: The Temple and Duties

Purpose- To help the kids picture the setting and background of the story.

1.    Use masking tape to outline the temple on the floor.

2.   Show pictures of Altar of Incense and other furnishings. Use the tape to mark where each piece would have been.

3.   Briefly discuss the role of each piece of furniture and the priest’s responsibilities to care for it.

 

Hands on Activity 1: Act It Out

Purpose- to feel immersed in the story

1.    Act out Zecharias responsibilities and the encounter with the angel in Luke 1:1-5. Have the kids play the roles of Zecharias and Gabriel.

 

Hands on Activity 2: What did you do today?

Purpose- to feel what is like to not be able to speak

1.    Break the kids up into partners.

2.   One child tries to communicate with the rest of the group without speaking. The partner who is unable to speak draws a card without showing it to their partner or the audience. Their partner acts as their translator telling the audience what he is trying to say while trying to figure it out themselves. The translator should try to make it comical.

3.   Each set of partners take turns performing in front of the group. The group tries to guess what the child is trying to say. If you have extra time, have the kids draw what they learned and have them pretend they are unable to speak for the rest of the class time.