Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (Ages 6-8)

📖 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

Imagine the day of the Lord, when Jesus will come back, like a surprise visit from a friend who sneaks up on you like a sneaky thief in the night. Just like how you don't know when your friend will ring the doorbell, we don't know the exact day Jesus will return. So, it's important for us to always be ready by being kind, loving, and following God's teachings every day. Just like how you keep your room tidy in case your friend comes over, we should keep our hearts full of love and goodness for when Jesus comes back. Let's be excited and prepared for that special day!

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a playful squirrel named Sammy who loved to collect acorns. One day, Sammy overheard the wise old owl in the forest talking about how the day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night. Curious, Sammy asked what that meant.

The owl explained that just like a sneaky thief surprises you when you least expect it, the day of the Lord would come when people least expected it. Sammy felt a bit scared at first, but then he realized that he needed to be ready by always being kind and doing good deeds, just like how he shared his acorns with his friends.

From that day on, Sammy made sure to be prepared for the unexpected, knowing that being kind and loving to others was the best way to be ready for the day of the Lord, just like the Bible verse says.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for your love and protection. Help us always be ready for the day of the Lord, just like we are prepared for a surprise visit from a friend. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night?
Why do you think it's important for us to be ready for the day of the Lord?
How can we prepare ourselves for the day of the Lord?
What do you think it means to be watchful and ready for Jesus' return?
How can we help others be prepared for the day of the Lord?

Life Application

This verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 teaches us that just like a thief comes unexpectedly in the night, the day of the Lord will also come unexpectedly. For a child aged 6-8, this verse can remind them to always be ready and prepared for Jesus' return by living a life that pleases Him.

They can apply this message in their daily life by being kind and loving towards others, obeying their parents and teachers, and showing gratitude for all the blessings they have. Just like we don't know when a thief will come, we also don't know when Jesus will return, so it's important for children to always be ready by living a life of faith and goodness.

Encourage them to pray, read their Bible, and talk to you or other trusted adults about any questions they have about God and the Bible. This verse can remind them to stay close to Jesus in everything they do, so they will be prepared for His return at any time.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Thief in the Night" surprise craft!

Materials needed:
- Black construction paper
- White crayon or chalk
- Stickers or decorations (optional)
- Scissors
- Glue

Instructions:
1. Cut out a large circle from the black construction paper to represent the night sky.
2. Using the white crayon or chalk, write or draw the verse "For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" in the center of the circle.
3. Decorate the night sky with stickers or other decorations if desired.
4. Fold the circle in half to create a "night" scene.
5. Explain to the child that just like how the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night, this surprise craft also opens up to reveal a hidden message.
6. Encourage the child to share the craft with their family or friends and explain the significance of the verse as they open up the surprise.

Through this craft, children can visually understand the concept of the verse and have a tangible reminder of the message that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When the Lord comes, it'll be quite a sight,
Like a thief in the night, He'll come without a light!
So stay ready and keep your heart right,
For the day of the Lord will come, shining bright!

Songs or Videos

There is a beautiful Christian song called "Thief in the Night" by Third Day that relates to the message of 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Another song you may enjoy is "Thief" by Tenth Avenue North. Both songs help kids understand the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus, just like a thief that comes unexpectedly in the night.

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