Ground Rulz: Week 1

From the inside out

This resource provides you with a lesson plan, a drama script, songs, activities to teach this lesson effectively, with opportunities for the children to be active in the learning process. You will be provided with lesson plans and extra materials for either a "stand alone teaching experience" or if you are teaching this as part of a whole module. Choose the resources that best suit your situation.

Aim: To challenge the children about how we place too much importance on the way we look on the outside rather the person we are on the inside. To teach the children that true friendships test out what real love is.

Bible Text: Mark 12:13-17

Background Notes: Matthew was originally called “Levi”. Before Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple he was a tax collector. Tax collectors were not very popular and were often very crooked in their dealings with ... Show More Matthew was originally called “Levi”. Before Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple he was a tax collector. Tax collectors were not very popular and were often very crooked in their dealings with people. When Matthew met Jesus he changed dramatically inside and his whole life was turned around. Jesus saw something in him that was beyond the outside. It was natural in his excitement that he held a party and invited Jesus to come along. To all Matthew’s friends there was nothing different about Matthew on the outside but there was something very different about Matthew on the inside. This can challenge the children about how we place too much importance on the way we look on the outside rather the person we are on the inside. Not only that, it was not acceptable to the religious people for Jesus to spend time with people like tax collectors, much less be at one of their parties. Jesus never judged people by their occupation, dress, status, money or friends. He looked at everything very differently. Jesus knew that Matthew was really taking a risk bringing Him to his party. It would not have been cool, but Jesus was accepting and they felt comfortable enough to eat with him. What an example to all of us about how to treat people! True friendship means sacrifice and standing by people even when it’s risky.

You Will Need: TEACHING TIME: Pens, Party food and music, Costume for a leader to make them very different (As described in the teaching time), Materials for Pick-a-box - Cardboard, 16 pockets - made out of cardboard, 16 sheets of paper - with the memory verse written on, and 5 “booby” prizes, Dice (Optional), Box or barrel with the title “Ground Rulz” on it. Something that will last for 9 weeks, Paper and pens for the kids to write the answers for the competition, T-Shirts for all children organised and Fabric paint, All that you need to do the Fabric Painting. (Ideas are Provided)