This is lesson 9 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 9: The Wise Men

 

Scripture references:

Matthew 2:1-12

Luke 2:1-38

 

Materials:

Bible

White board and markers

Examples of the wise men’s gifts

Pictures or videos of how frankincense and myrrh are harvested and refined

Optional: Bible Costumes

 

Introduction:

Tradition varies from the Biblical account when it comes to the wise men. Most nativity sets, movies, and Christmas carols place the wise men at the stable right after Jesus is born. A simple reading of the events in Matthew and Luke show that they came much later. They came into the house in Bethlehem after Jesus was born and gave gifts to the young Child. The Greek word used here indicated someone of toddler age.

       Mary and Joseph also brought turtledoves for the sacrifice when Jesus was 40 days old. If they had the gold given by the wise men, they could have afforded a lamb.

Activities

 

Hands on Activity 1: At the Theatre

Purpose- To feel immersed in the story and notice details

1.     Set up stations for: The East where the wise men come from, City of Jerusalem, Herod’s Palace, and the house where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus live

2.    Have adults or kids from an older class act out the scenes as you walk the class through the stations. This will bring new interest since the class is used to being the ones acting the stories out.

3.    Pause and discuss the details along the way.

4.    Explain who the wise men were, where they might have come from, when they came, and why they came.

 

Object Lesson 1: Baby Shower

Purpose- To learn the meaning of the wise men’s gifts

1.     Have examples of each gift (essential oils, something made of gold). You can also have examples (or pictures of) things that each item is/was used for.

2.    Show photos or videos of how frankincense and Myrrh are harvested and refined.

3.    Go over the Biblical uses and signifigance.

Gold- currency, royalty- represented Divinity, Jesus is God

Frankincense- perfume, Temple incense- represented the prayers of the people and the role of the priests as mediators, Jesus is our High Priest

Myrrh- perfume, burial spice- represented sacrifice, Jesus came to die for us.