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WEEK 5: MEEK ATTITUDE
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
(Matthew 3 & 4)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit
the earth. Matthew 5:5 NIV
To read and discuss the story of Jesus' baptism and temptation.
To define and discuss meekness and its reward.
To challenge students to demonstrate a "gentle strength" attitude
toward God and others.
READ through the lesson and Bible story as early as possible.
PRAY and ask the Holy Spirit to help you prepare and teach.
CHOOSE the activities appropriate for your group. Plan ahead.
GATHER MATERIALS for all classroom activities. Check supplies.
SET UP EARLY. Students need your full attention when they arrive.
Most of all, ENJOY sharing the love of God with your students!
(10-15 min)
(20-25 min)
The concept of meekness seems
to have been altogether lost in
our culture. Or possibly, it was
never found. Whatever the case,
meekness is rare.
Most kids will probably think of a
meek person as a weak person:
the guy with the greasy hair who
is always getting picked on at
school, or the girl who is so shy
she never talks to anyone.
But God rewards those with
meekness, strength under
control. In fact, he offers to let
them inherit the whole earth.
How many of your students have
this kind of inheritance to look
forward to? Why does God think
meekness is so great? Enjoy
discovering the answers today.
PRE-OPENING
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
(Before class)
Mystery Attitude
2-3 index card sets of letters to today's theme
Inheritance Dreams
poster paper, markers
ANNOUNCEMENTS &
SINGING
Salt and Light
Come to Me
"Worship Rock 4" CD and player
visitor, birthday and contest items
OBJECT LESSON
Rocket Ship
a picture of a rocket before take-off
BIBLE VERSE & GAME
(10 min)
Galatians 2:20
Inherit a Nation
an erasable board, two sets of Bible Verse
cards, pencils
(25-35 min)
BIBLE STORY (15 min)
Jesus' Baptism and
Temptation
PRAYER (5 min)
Meek Prayer
Bible, notes, felt pieces
a doormat
Meek Prayer Page
WORKSHEET OPTION
Right or Wrong?
Student Worksheets, pencils, pens
(15-30 min)
CRAFT OPTION
Earth Mobile
one set of earth patterns, ribbon, colored
markers, glue, scissors
GAME OPTION
Overcoming Temptation
paper, pencils
CLEAN UP
Clean Up
helping hands!
REVIEW ACTIVITY
Name that Attitude Game
card sets
(5 min)
NOTE: Refer to the appendices for student handouts, Teaching Resources, and Bible Verse masters.
©1996 Sylvia Foth
Set up well before students
arrive.
Warmly welcome each one to
your class.
Today's lesson is the first to use
one of the Beatitudes as a
memory verse. From now until
the end of the quarter, the verses
of this passage will be used as
themes for your study on
attitudes. Read this passage for
yourself. Study what makes these
attitudes so unique.
MYSTERY ATTITUDE
2-3 sets letters for today's theme word
Invite each student to take a turn trying to unscramble the letters to spell
today's theme. Ask those who figure it out to save answers for opening.
INHERITANCE DREAMS
poster paper, markers
Divide the class into several groups of students. Mount a poster paper
section on different classroom walls. On each, invite groups to draw large
pictures of what they might dream of receiving as great inheritances.
They may pretend their parents are kings or oil sheiks or any other rich
and famous person. Guide them to use their imaginations.
What is your inheritance from God?
Officially welcome everyone,
especially visitors.
Tell kids about the fun
activities planned for today.
Make announcements and
celebrate any birthdays.
"Worship Rock 4" CD and player
birthday, visitor and contest items (optional)
Salt and Light
Come to Me
Hallelu, Praise Ye the Lord (a cappella)
Seek Ye First (a cappella)
ROCKET SHIP
a picture of a rocket before take-off
(draw a simple one, if necessary)
To show that just as a rocket's great power must
be released in a controlled manner to take it to
space, God's power in us must be released in a
meek, controlled way to earn its reward.
Talk with your students about rockets. How do they work? Are they
powerful? How do you know? Does all this power blast off in any
direction it wants? When is the power released? When everything
works together perfectly, what happens to a rocket?
Explain that rockets are incredible inventions. Enormous amounts of
fuel are used to propel rockets from the earth into space. If this fuel
exploded out of control, it would kill the people inside the rocket. It would
be a destructive force. But the fuel is released in just the right way, at just
the right time, to cause the rocket to take off from the launching pad and
fly off into space with the astronauts.
Rockets are a perfect picture of meekness. What is the definition of
meekness? Strength under control. It is not weakness. A meek person is
not a nerd. A meek person is not a loser. A truly meek person has lots of
strength and character inside, but chooses to release it in just the right
way at just the right time. Why learn about meekness? Because it is
important to God.
Thank God that we can live at a time in history when we can
enjoy modern inventions such as rockets. Ask him to help us
learn about how this ancient word, meekness, can help us in
today's real world.
Do you notice the differences in
maturity, ability, size, humor and
personality of your students? Do
your best to enjoy and accept
each one as they come. God
does.
Music Notes Invite teams of students to
each sing louder than the
other in the "Hallelu" song.
Always discuss the meanings
of words and phrases in new
songs.
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an erasable board with verse written out
2 sets Bible Verse Cards (Bible Verse, Week 5)
pencils
(Briefly discuss the verse together.)
(This is one of the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.)
Blessed - This word means happy or fortunate. Do you want to be
happy? Do you want good fortune? All people do. Why do
we want this? It seems to be a God-given desire.
are the meek - A meek person is not weak, scared, puny or foolish. A
meek person is a strong person: in character, in faith in God, in
love for others, in the knowledge of God's word, in the desire to
obey God. A meek person uses all these strengths in a controlled
way, not to be better than others, but to help others and do right.
Is it always easy to be meek?
for they will inherit - God offers a reward for those who practice
meekness. He offers an inheritance.
the earth - God offers to give the earth to those who are meek. This
could mean he gives good things to a person while on earth.
How might meekness help a person get good things in life?
God will also let the meek rule the earth with him later.
Repeat the verse together, with volunteers removing one or
two words after each repetition. Do this until all the cards are
gone and kids repeat the verse from memory. Choose eraser
volunteers in fun ways related to today's verse.
Name a sports star who is meek.
Name a blessing, etc.
INHERIT A NATION
Divide the class into two teams. Give each a scrambled card set
and a pencil. Instruct students to write the name of a different
nation on the back of each card before putting them in order. The
first team to finish, wins.
Would you like to inherit the earth? Why or why not?
Help your students
understand the verse as they
try to memorize it in class.
Blessed are the meek, for they
will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 NIV
When have you found it easy to
show meekness? When has it
been difficult? Share some of
your growing experiences with
your kids, if appropriate
Bible and your lesson notes
a doormat
Jesus, John the Baptist, river,
devil, stones, temple, desert setting
(Read and think about these before class)
Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 4:1-11
To read and discuss the story of Jesus' baptism and temptation.
To define and discuss meekness and its reward.
To challenge students to demonstrate a "gentle strength" attitude
toward God and others.
(Define new words as necessary)
Holy Spirit - another name for the invisible part of God with us
temptation - the opportunity to do wrong
the devil - the worst enemy of God and people
baptism - to be dunked under water in obedience to God
The story outline is designed
to help YOU make the story
come alive for your students.
Main points and discussion
questions are highlighted in
bold, suggested Bible
readings in bold italics.
Choose how YOU will
illustrate the Bible story (invite
students to act it out, use the
items listed at left, arrange felt
pieces, or create a chalkboard
illustration). JUST DO
SOMETHING!
See page ix in the Teacher's
Handbook for hints on using
the felt story pieces.
'( ) * +,
God had planned to save the
people of the earth from their sin
for a long time. He had made
provisions for forgiveness
through the sacrifices
commanded in the laws of
Moses, part of the Old
Testament. But his desire for the
people he created was not that
they would continue to live in their
sinful ways. He wanted to share
his power with them to help them
be holy, as he is holy. Although
Jesus was sent to save us from
our sin, he was also sent to teach
people a new way to live, in
perfect meekness toward God
and man. God did not make it
easy for Jesus to demonstrate
perfection. How many of you
have gone face-to-face in the
desert with the devil after a
40-day fast? But Jesus passed
the test and proved his power to
overcome the worst kind of
temptations. His example
challenges us to follow!
Show students the doormat. Ask them what it is used for. Invite several
students to demonstrate. Many people think that the word "meekness"
means that a person acts like a doormat for others. Doormat type people
let others hurt them or use them. God does not want us to be doormats,
but he does want us to be meek. His Son gave us the perfect example of
meekness. This is his true story from the Bible, God's Word.
A. Jesus grew up to be a wonderful man.
1. He grew wise, learning God's word at the temple and at home.
2. He grew strong, probably working as a carpenter with his father.
3. He became well-liked. Even teachers were amazed by him.
B. Jesus was baptized by John at the age of 30.
1. John the Baptist was his relative. He baptized people as a
reminder to them that they were leaving their sin behind.
2. Jesus came to John to be baptized in the Jordan River. Had Jesus
ever sinned? Did he have to learn new habits? No!
3. Jesus put his perfection under the control of obedience: meekness
4. After his baptism, the Spirit of God came from heaven like a dove.
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
5. Jesus was ready to do the special work God had for him.
C. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert. (Read Matthew 4:1-2)
1. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He ate no food at all. How
long have you gone without food?
2. People fasted when they needed help from God. Did he need it?
3. After that, Jesus was hungry. Would you be hungry?
D. The devil came to test Jesus.
1. The devil is God's worst enemy. He wanted to trick Jesus into
using his power for the wrong reasons. Could the devil get Jesus
to make a mistake? Jesus was at his weakest.
The Devil's Temptation
Ask lots of questions to get kids
to THINK, like...
Have you ever taken a cookie
from the cookie jar? How about
taking an extra piece of candy?
Or "borrowing" something
from your brother or sister for
a long time? Why did you do
it?
Jesus' Answer
The Lesson
He asked Jesus to turn
stones into bread to take
care of his hunger.
Bible Verse: Man does
not live on bread alone,
but on every word that
comes from the mouth
of God. (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus refused to use
God's power in him for
selfish reasons.
Meekness!
He pointed to the top of the
temple in Jerusalem. He
wanted Jesus to prove he
was God's Son by jumping
off the top and making
angels catch him.
Bible Verse: Do not put Jesus did not need to
the Lord your God to
obey the devil to prove
the test. (Matthew 4:7) he had all the power of
God in him. He was
under perfect control:
meekness!
He told Jesus he would give
him all the kingdoms of the
world and their splendor if
Jesus bowed down and
worshipped him.
He told the devil, "No!"
Bible verse: Worship
the Lord your God, and
serve him only.
(Read Matthew 4:10)
Jesus refused to honor
the devil. The kingdoms
of the world would all be
his when his job was
through. Meekness:
power under control.
In what ways did Jesus show his strength? He knew God's word.
He was smarter than the devil. He did not give in to temptation.
In what ways did Jesus NOT show his strength? Could Jesus
have destroyed the devil? Could Jesus have called angels to
help him? Could Jesus have turned stones to bread?
God helps us against temptation, too, through his Word and Spirit.
! " Meek Prayer Page (Teaching Resources Week 1)
MEEK PRAYER
As a class, make a list on the Prayer Page of times when a kid might
forget to be meek. Ask each student to pray a one sentence prayer
about one item, requesting that God help kids in your class learn to be
meek, as Jesus was.
Ask students to share other requests they have today. Write
these on today's Prayer Page.
Pray for all requests. Thank God for sending Jesus to be a
perfect example of meekness. Ask him to help you and your students
as you practice following Jesus' example this week and always.
When do your kids need help
against temptation? Some may
be tempted to be sassy toward a
younger brother or sister. Others
may be tempted to vandalize
neighborhood property or steal.
Be open to a variety of answers.
Point them all to God's love and
help!
RIGHT OR WRONG?
copies of Student Worksheet, Week 5
pens, pencils, markers
Guide students as they complete the worksheet. Discuss today's lesson.
Choose one or two activity
options to match your kids and
your time.
Continue to teach and love
your students as you enjoy
these activities together.
Reinforce the theme often.
EARTH MOBILE
one set of Earth Patterns for each
(Teaching Resources, Week 5)
one 12" narrow ribbon
colorful markers
QUICKER CRAFT NOTES
Cut several lengths of ribbon
scissors
at once. Use yarn, if
glue
necessary.
Copy patterns. Gather materials. Make a sample.
1. Give each student two earth patterns. Instruct students to color each of
these neatly with markers. Color every continent a different color or
just blue water and green land masses.
2. Give students a ribbon. Fold this in half. Place glue on the wrong side
of each earth pattern and sandwich around the loose ends of the
folded ribbon. Press together well.
3. Write student names on crafts. Allow to dry before moving.
What did Jesus inherit for his meekness? Read
Philippians 2:8-10!
OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
paper, pencils
Divide the class into groups of 5-6 students. Give each group several
slips of paper. Instruct them to write one very tough kid-style temptation
on each paper. Gather all the papers, mix them up, and let each team
choose one slip. Guide each group to create a skit demonstrating this
problem and showing a kid overcoming the temptation.
Who promises to help you be strong in tough situations?
Jesus promised his Holy Spirit would be with us --a giving us the
power to choose right, not wrong.
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Prepare to send kids home,
helping them gather papers,
coats, Bibles, etc. Send home
Student Worksheet, Week 5.
Leave the room looking as
neat as you found it. Ask kids
to help.
Give any last announcements
or reminders.
Let the kids know how much
you enjoyed them today.
IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME . . .
NAME THAT ATTITUDE GAME
Name That Attitude Cards
(Teaching Resources, Week 5)
Copy and cut apart cards. Invite students to add slips of paper with other
attitudes, if you wish. One student then selects a card, reads it and acts
out the attitude for others to guess. Students who guess which attitude is
being shown may take the next turns.
What kinds of attitudes do you show?
SNOW
When will it snow? How long will the snow last? When is snow fun?
When is it not fun? What is your favorite game to play in the snow? With
whom?
Do any of your students struggle
to read? How can you help? How
will they ever learn about God for
themselves if they cannot read
his Word? Pray about it. Do what
you can.
Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 (NIV)
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Read and think about next week's lesson and Bible story early.
Coordinate with others to gather and prepare unusual items.
You are doing a great job! Keep on loving those kids from your heart.
MEEK ATTITUDE
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation (Matthew 3 & 4)
Blessed are the meek, for they will
inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 NIV
1. The devil wanted Jesus to do wrong. He even used a misquoted Bible verse
to try to get him to throw himself off a tall building. How well do you know your
Bible? Circle the verses which are correct.
Acts 16:31
Believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ and you will be
saved.
OR
Believe in yourself and you will
be saved.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is
unhappiness, but the gift of
God is happiness through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
OR
For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew 7:12
Do to others what you
would have them do to you.
OR
Do whatever you want to others
as long as no one is watching.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world
that he gave the Ten
Commandments that
whoever follows them
exactly shall not perish but
have everlasting life.
OR
For God so loved the world that
he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal
life.
John 13:35
All men will know that you
are my disciples if you know
the scriptures.
OR
All men will know that you are
my disciples, if you love one
another.
2. Meekness is "power under control." List one way you can show meekness in
each of the places listed below:
AT HOME
______________________________________
______________________________________
AT SCHOOL
______________________________________
______________________________________
AT CHURCH
______________________________________
______________________________________
PLAYING WITH FRIENDS_______________________________
______________________________________
© Sylvia Foth 1996
Third & Fourth Grades
LIFE OF CHRIST I (Get an Attitude!)
STUDENT WORKSHEET, WEEK 5
the closing sections of Weeks 5, 7, and 9.
Third & Fourth Grades
Number 2
North America
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© Sylvia Foth 1996
Third & Fourth Grades
LIFE OF CHRIST I (Get an Attitude)
Week 6
I Want to Go to School!
(Fanny Crosby became one of the most famous hymn
writers in Christian history. She was blind.
This is part of her true story.)
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Third & Fourth Grades
LIFE OF CHRIST I (Get an Attitude)
Week 6