Lesson 1: Jesus prays for his friends.
Passage: John 17 - Jesus prays and speaks to God about his mission and his followers. First, he asks the Father to glorify him so that he can glorify God and give eternal life to those who believe. Then, he prays for his disciples, asking God to protect them, keep them unified, and set them apart in the truth as they continue his work in the world. Finally, he prays for all future believers, desiring that they would be united in love, just as he and the Father are one, so that the world may know God’s love.
Big Idea: Jesus prays for us.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Hokey Pokey — Activity Leader
Singing and doing the actions to the song Hokey Pokey.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are starting something brand new. We’re going to be learning all about the Easter Story from our favourite Nana Alex!
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What are some things you like to pray for? Do you pray for your friends and family? Do you feel close to God when you pray?
Why do you think Jesus prayed for his friends?
Jesus’ prayed that we would love each other. How can we show love to our family and friends?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus prayed for you?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and praying for us. Help us to be kind, love others, and remember that you are always with us. And help us to remember that we can pray and talk to you about anything because you listen to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Jesus Praying Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will glue the pre-cut parts of the picture onto their paper and colour.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Floor is Lava — Activity Leader
Kids will play “Floor is Lava” using floor dots.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are starting a brand new series on the story of Easter! What are some of your favourite things about Easter?
Well, we’re going to be learning all about the Easter story from our favourite Nana Alex. Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Why do you think Jesus prayed for his friends before he went to the cross? What were some of the things he prayed for? (for God to take care of them, for them to be filled with God’s love and united as one)
What are some ways that God protects us today, just like Jesus prayed?
What do you think it means that Jesus wants all of his followers to be united as one? Is it like being on the same team and looking out for each other? How can we do that?
How does it feel to know that Jesus prayed for you even before you were born? Who are some people that you can pray for?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear Jesus, thank you for praying for us and for teaching us how to love one another. Please help us to be kind, work together, and share your love with others. And help us remember that we can pray to you whenever we want because you’re always listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Jesus Praying Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will glue the pre-cut parts of the picture onto their paper and colour. They can also use pieces of cardboard on the backs of each piece to make them appear 3D.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Balloon Cup Stacking — Activity Leader
Kids will each get a balloon and will challenge one another to see who can create the biggest stack of cups using the air from the balloon in a minute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL72wsNmdy8
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are starting a brand new series on the Easter Story.
What are some things you and your family do the celebrate Easter?
What do you think the Easter story is all about?
Before we watch our video, let’s read the passage together.
Read: John 17 (you can split this up in sections and have different kids read)
Now let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
One of the things that Jesus prayed for was unity among all believers. Why do you think it’s important for Christians to be united?
How does knowing that Jesus prayed for you personally change the way you see your faith?
Jesus also wanted his followers to show God’s love to the world. How can we do that in our daily lives?
Who are some people that pray for you? And who are some people that you pray for?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear Jesus, thank you for praying for your disciples and for everyone who would come to believe in you. Help us to grow in faith, stay strong in truth, and show your love to others. May we be united as your followers and bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Jesus Praying Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will cut out and colour the pieces, glue them onto cardboard and onto the background to make the image appear 3D.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Who are some people that you like to pray for?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus prayed for you?
What are some ways that we can love our family and friends like Jesus wants us to?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think Jesus prayed for his disciples and us?
Jesus asked God to protect his followers. What are some ways God takes care of us today?
Jesus also asked God to help us love one another. What are some ways that we can show love and kindness to others?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
How do you think Jesus’ prayer in the story show his love for us?
One of the things Jesus prayed for was unity among his followers. What do you think unity looks like in your life (at school, church, home, etc.)?
Jesus also prayed for God to protect his followers. What are some ways God protects and takes care of us?
Who are some people you can remember to pray for each day?
