A royal official in the town of Capernaum had a son who was dying.  The official travelled to where Jesus was, in Galilee, and begged him to come back with him to heal his son.  Instead of going with him, Jesus told the man to return to Capernaum because his son was healed.

The official “took Jesus at his word” and returned home to find his son well. The fever had gone at the same hour Jesus had said he would live.

We can believe the words of Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 4:46-54

Outline:

1. The official finds Jesus and asks for help (John 4:46-49)
2. Jesus heals the son from afar (John 4:50-51)
3. The official's conversation with his servants (John 4:52-54)

Tips for Teaching:

• Display a map of your region and/or the world. Mark the places where loved ones live (grandparents, cousins, friends, etc.). Pray for each loved one in confidence that God can take care of them even though they are far away. 
• Help children memorise John 20:30-31
• Invite adults to explore the geography of Capernaum, Cana and Jerusalem.  Talk about the distances and travel times between these places.
• Use PowerPoint to display a map while you teach.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Healing of the Nobleman's Son

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

A man who could not walk wanted to be healed by Jesus. When the man’s friends carried him to the house where Jesus was staying, they found the house packed with people wanting to hear Jesus and be healed by him. The friends made their way to the roof and dug a hole to lower their friend down to Jesus. Jesus was impressed by the faith of these men.

First, Jesus did what only God can do – he forgave the man’s sins. Then, Jesus healed the man so he could get up and walk.

Good friends help us follow God.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Mark 2:1-12

Outline:

1. Bringing a friend to Jesus (Mark 2:1-4)
2. The Healing and Controversy (Mark 2:5-12a)
3. People Praised God (Mark 2:12b)

Other verses about friendship and encouragement:

• Proverbs 17:17
• Hebrews 10:25
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Tips for Teaching:

• Learn about houses in the times of Jesus. 
  https://www.jesus-story.net/nazareth-houses/
• Children can use a shoe box or similar to recreate a house.
• Adults could talk about true friendship and how they bring their friends to Jesus.  Choose a friend and begin to pray for them regularly.  

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Man Through the Roof

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and an important Jewish leader and teacher who visited Jesus at night to ask questions.  Among other things, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be “born again” to enter the kingdom of God. Being “born again” means having a new beginning with the Holy Spirit, God and Jesus.

Jesus explained that the physical world is what we see, but the spiritual world is unseen. We do not see the Spirit but we see what he does in the lives of people.

Jesus explains that he is the one God has sent from heaven to earth. 

The conclusion is a commentary on the salvation made possible through Jesus.  Nicodemus came in darkness, but he learned that Jesus is the light of the world.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 3:1-21

Outline:

1. Nicodemus visits Jesus (John 3:1-2))
2. Being born again (John 3:3-8)
3. How Jesus makes this possible (John 3:9-15)
4. Commentary on salvation from God (John 3:16-21)

Tips for Teaching:

• Jesus explained the Spirit as powerful yet invisible like the wind.  Guide children in making wind chimes or mobiles.
• Attach transparent plastic over photos of people.  After looking at the pictures, lift the clear plastic.  Talk about the physical and spiritual part of a person.  We cannot see it but it is there.
• Small children can glue star stickers on black paper when talking about Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night.
• Adults can read John 3:5 with Titus 3:5 and talk about how they relate.
• Adults can share how they see the effects of the Spirit in the lives of others in the class.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in the city of Cana. When the hosts ran out of wine to serve the guests, Mary had total confidence that her son, Jesus, would take care of the situation. He miraculously turned plain water into excellent wine.

The miracles of Jesus were more than just tricks. They were ways to show the power of God and build faith in people.

Bible verses used in this episode:
John 2:1-11

Outline:

1. The wine runs out (John 2:1-2)
2. Water turned to wine (John 2:3-10)
3. The response is belief (John 2:11)

Tips for Teaching:

• Young children can play dress-up for a wedding
• Decorate a goblet as a craft
• Begin a collection of pictures depicting the miracles of Jesus
• Memorise John 20:30-31
• Adults could share a feast together.  Make a point of saving the best food or drink for the last.
• Adults could search for other verses about Mary found in the book of John.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Wedding at Cana 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Followers of Jesus are called disciples. There were many disciples, but early in his ministry, Jesus selected twelve men from the group to be apostles. These men were constantly with Jesus throughout his ministry and were given many special gifts and responsibilities.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 4:18-22 (calling the fishermen)
• Matthew 9:9 (calling Matthew)
• John 1:35-50 (Philip and Nathanael/Bartholomew)
• Matthew 10:1-4 (List of the 12 apostles)

Tips for Teaching:

• Sing the apostle song "Jesus Called Them One by One."
• Descriptions of the apostles vary throughout the gospels.  Some are known by more than one name, and there are duplicate names among the twelve.  Good illustrations can help present this sometimes confusing information to children.  Twelve different pictures with a name and description underneath each one is a great way to do this.  A set of pictures can be downloaded from Bible Fun for Kids.
• Play "follow the leader" or have someone teach the class to do something through demonstration and participation.
• Adults can count how often "follow" is used in the book of Matthew and then talk about what "follow me" means.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Satan tempted Jesus to turn from God's plan and submit to him.  Jesus stood firm in the Word of God and did not give in to temptation.

How can we help children prepare to stand up against the attacks of the Devil?

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 4:1-11

Outline:

1. Fasting in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2)
2. Temptations (Matthew 4:3-10)
3. Satan leaves, and angels bring comfort (Matthew 4:11)

Tips for Teaching:

• Verses to remember when we face temptation:
  • Joshua 1:9
  • Psalm 27:1
  • Ephesians 6:10-18
• To help children understand the concept of temptation, place a bowl of sweets or candy in the middle of the table.  Talk about how yummy they are but say that no one is allowed to eat them.  As you continue teaching, refer back to the yummy treats. Perhaps even eat one in front of the children.  Once time has passed then, allow the children to eat the treats.  As you eat, talk about how Satan tries to trick us by making bad things look very good to us. 
  Temptation is either:
  • A desire to do something we should not, or
  • A desire to NOT do something we should do.
• Adults can compare the Old Testament stories of the Israelites in the wilderness with the temptations of Jesus.  Small groups could share how the devil tries to pull us away from God's purposes.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

At the age of 30, Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River by his cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus was not baptised because He needed to repent of wrong but because He wanted to do everything right. He “fulfilled all righteousness”. His heavenly Father was “well pleased.”

God also loves us and is pleased when we obey from the heart.

Bible verses used in this podcast:
Matthew 3:13-17

Outline:

1. Jesus came to be baptised (Matthew 3:13-15)
2. Jesus is baptised (Matthew 3:16a)
3. God's approval (Matthew 3:16b-17)
   
   

Tips for Teaching Children:

1. Before class, contact each parent and ask them to share a specific way they are proud of their son or daughter.  Use the following format: 
   • "_________(child's name), you are my son/daughter, and I love you.  
   • I am so proud of you because ____________
     (list one positive action the child does)." 
2. Then, in class, after you have talked about Matthew 3:17, tell the children that their parents are proud of them like God was proud of his son.  One by one, share what each parent has written.  

Tips for Teaching Adults

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.  Using the same format as with the parents above, adults can share words of genuine affirmation: 
   • "_________(adult's name), you are my brother/sister in Christ.
   • I love you.  
   • I am so proud of you because ____________
     (list one positive action the adult does)." 
2. Distribute cards or writing paper and encourage adults to use this same format to write a note to someone.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
The Baptism of Jesus

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

John fulfilled prophecy by preparing the way for the Messiah.  He preached a convicting message of repentance to the ordinary person as well as to the hypocritical Pharisees of his day. Crowds followed John and showed their true repentance through baptism and a change in how they lived their daily lives.  Hearts were being prepared for the messages Jesus would soon be preaching.

We should have soft hearts that lead us to repent and change our actions.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 3:2-20

Outline:

1. Introducing John, the Prophet (Luke 3:1-6)
2. John's sermons and the people's response (Luke 3:7-14)
3. John points to Jesus (Luke 3:15-17)
4. John's preaching leads to his arrest (Luke 3:18-20)

Tips for Teaching:

• Children:  Help children understand "repentence" using a simple gesture of intertwining fingers of both hands.  Video by Lynne Jackson here.
  • Intertwined (relationship and harmony)
  • Hands apart (out of relationship and separated)
  • Intertwined again ( repented and restored) 
• Children: Make a heart craft.
• Adults: Discuss John's answers to the various groups of people who asked "What should we do?"  Challenge students to share what John's answer would be to them if they asked the same question.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

While visiting the temple in Jerusalem at age twelve, Jesus became separated from his parents and was inadvertently left behind. Upon returning to Jerusalem three days later, his worried parents found him at the temple listening to the teachers and amazing those around him with his understanding.

As Jesus grew, he continued to develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. This is the model for children to grow in today.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 2:40-52

Outline:

1. Jesus the child (Luke 2:40)
2. Passover feast (Luke 2:41-42)
3. Missing child (Luke 2:43-45)
4. In his father's house (Luke 2:46-50)
5. Jesus the young man (Luke 2:51-52)

Tips for Teaching:

• Research life for children in New Testament times (food, chores, games, learning)
• Look online for 3D experiences of the temple so children can experience what it may have been like for Jesus
• Adults could compare and contrast conversations Joseph and Mary would have had on the way to Jerusalem with the conversations they might have had on the way home back to Nazareth at the end of this story.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Boy Jesus Visits the Temple

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

King Herod was the king of the Jews at the time of Jesus' birth.  Herod felt his kingship threatened when Magi came from the East searching for the new king.  Despite Herod's attempts to interfere, the magi found the child king, Jesus, in Bethlehem and paid honour to him with expensive gifts fit for a king. 

To ensure no child would take his place, King Herod decreed the death of all boys in the area under the age of two.  But little Jesus was kept safe when his family was directed (through dreams) to go to Egypt until the time of danger had passed.  After this time, Joseph, Mary and Joseph settled in Nazareth.  It was in Nazareth that Jesus spent his childhood.

Jesus is king, and we, too, should give him honour.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 2:1-23

Outline:

1. Wise men seek a king (Matthew 2:1-12)
   -In Jerusalem
   -In Bethlehem
2. Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. Herod's decree to kill baby boys (Matthew 2:16-18)
4. Joseph, Mary and Jesus move to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

Tips for Teaching:

• Guide young children in learning to draw a star.
• Children can use glitter and glue (or any medium) to make a star craft.
• Adults can consider what "valuable gifts" they have offered to their king, Jesus. What gifts have been held back for self?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Wise Men and a Star

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census. While they were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. The angel of the Lord announced the news to shepherds, and they came to worship.

God sent Jesus from heaven to earth in the form of a baby. Thank God for His gift to the world.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 2:1-38

Outline:
1. Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:18-25)
2. Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-5)
3. Angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8-20
4. Jesus presented at the temple (Luke 2:21-35)

Tips for Teaching:
Ask students for Christmas carol selections. Sing together and talk about which carols teach the biblical version of the events surrounding Jesus' birth and which do not.  For example:

• Songs more accurately depicting biblical events might include: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and O Holy Night.
• The following are fun to sing but they do not depict the biblical story: Little Drummer Boy, Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer and any song about Santa Claus.

Teacher Wisdom Concerning Children and Christmas:
Of course the birth of Jesus is the main event of Christmas.  Other traditions and make-believe parts of the holidays are treated differently by different families and cultures.  Teach the truth of Jesus and refer to the Bible as the true record.  At the same time we suggest you respect others and try not to spoil the "imaginary fun" of the season.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: The Birth of Jesus

*Next week's episode: Wise Men and a Star

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

A priest and his wife were well beyond the years when it was possible to give birth to a child. The angel, Gabriel, gave Zechariah the incredible news that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son who would become a great preacher. They were to name the baby John. Elizabeth received a visit from her young cousin, Mary, and these two praised God in their shared joy.  Soon after Mary left, Elizabeth gave birth to John.

Nothing is impossible for God!

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 1:5-80

Outline:
1. News of an "impossible" pregnancy (verses 5-25)
2. Mary visits Elizabeth (verses 26-56)
3. John is born (verses 57-80)

 Tips for Teaching:

• Children: Talk of pregnancies and babies within a young family and their relatives are often familiar to very young children.  Guide small children in playing with baby dolls and expressing love and care.
• Adults: Compare and contrast the responses of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary upon hearing the news of these seemingly impossible pregnancies.  Discuss how we respond when God surprises us.

 Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
 Bible lesson: The Birth of John the Baptist

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

The birth and birthplace of Jesus were prophesied hundreds of years before they eventuated. God promised that these things would happen, and they did. God always keeps His word, and we can always depend on God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Genesis 3:15 
  Eve's descendant will crush Satan 
• Genesis 22:15-18 and Galatians 3:15-16
  Abraham's descendants will bless nations
•  Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18
  Virgin birth 
• Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1
  Born in Bethlehem
• Isaiah 9:6-7
  The Messiah will come!
• Luke 1:31-33 and Matthew 1:18-25
  Angel, Gabriel prophesies a son to Mary and Joseph

Tips for Teaching:

• Use timelines to help children visualise a promise made long ago and then fulfilled after time has passed.
• Conversation starter for adults: Talk about an event in your life that happened many years after it was promised.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Is the Bible, Glitter and Glue Podcast for me?

• Want to learn more about the Bible? 
• Want to be a creative teacher? 
• Enjoy interactive conversation?

In this introduction episode, David and Mary Nelson invite you to join them for good conversation and new perspectives.  Each week they will explore another Bible event and discuss simple and creative ways to share its meaning with children and adults. 

David: (Teacher-Preacher-Scholar)
"I love studying the Bible because it not only helps me understand God, but it helps me understand myself. It helps me understand the world around me and my place in it. It helps me know my place in the story of God."

Mary: (Teacher-Website Author-Seminar Presenter)
"We want to turn to the 'Greatest Teacher' first.  God is Creator, so he is the master of creativity. When I read the Word of God, I'm inspired to be a better teacher."

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org