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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Other verses about friendship and encouragement:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching Children:
Tips for Teaching Adults
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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:
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:
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:
Tips for Teaching:
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?
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