Journey Through Time : Week 1

The Plan

This resource provides you with a lesson plan, 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 ask the question “why are we here?”

Bible Text: Luke 15: 11 - 24

Background Notes: The parable of the loving father teaches the fact that God is always waiting for us patiently to accept him. In the beginning of the parable the son asked for his portion of the inheritance, a ... Show More The parable of the loving father teaches the fact that God is always waiting for us patiently to accept him. In the beginning of the parable the son asked for his portion of the inheritance, a portion that he really had no right to until the father was dead. The father gave it to him even though it was highly unusual. The love of the father is incredible. The father gave him the money even knowing that the son would probably waste it. The father willingly allows the son to make mistakes and the father will still be waiting when and if he ever decides to come back. That is the love our heavenly father has for each of us. The son didn’t take long to lose all his money. All he could do was feed pigs and eat their food. This was especially insulting for a Jew, who believed that pigs were unclean. When the son went back willing to be even a servant, the father said “everything I have is yours”. The father gave him a party and gave him his best robe and put a ring on his finger. The father celebrated his coming home. It didn’t matter what wrong he had done in the past. None of that was important; all that mattered was that he had come home. God is like that with every person who comes to him with a repentant heart.

You Will Need: TEACHING TIME: 2 voices – behind the scenes OR two character actors, A puzzle with enough pieces for one piece per child, Lab Books for all children, “Pink” songs (optional depending on the age of kids)