Lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:2 (Ages 6-8)

📖 2 Corinthians 12:2 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

In this verse, the apostle Paul is talking about a special experience he had where he was taken up to the third heaven by God. The third heaven is like a very special place where God lives. It's not like the sky we see with birds and clouds, but a place where God's presence is very strong.

Paul is saying that he knew someone who had this amazing experience of going to the third heaven, but he wasn't sure if it happened while he was in his body or if it was more like a dream. He says that only God knows for sure.

Sometimes, just like this person in the Bible, we may have experiences that are so special and amazing that we can't fully explain them. But we can trust that God is always with us, watching over us, and sometimes showing us things that are beyond our understanding.

It's like when you have a dream that feels so real and special, even though you may not be able to explain every detail of it. Just like Paul and the person he knew in Christ, we can trust that God's love and presence are always with us, even in moments that feel mysterious or extraordinary.

Kid's Story

Once there was a curious squirrel named Sammy who loved climbing trees. One day, while climbing the tallest tree in the forest, he looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow stretching all the way to the clouds.

Excited, Sammy scampered up higher and higher, until suddenly, he felt like he was floating among the clouds. He couldn't believe his eyes! Was he in the trees or above them? It was a mystery.

As Sammy climbed back down, he realized that just like the man in the Bible who saw amazing things in heaven, sometimes we may experience things that are beyond our understanding. But like the man, we can trust that God knows all things, even when we don't.

From that day on, whenever Sammy looked up at the sky, he remembered that God's wonders are all around us, whether we see them with our eyes or feel them in our hearts.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for showing us amazing things like the man in Christ who saw heaven. Help us to trust that you know all things, even things we don't understand. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Who do you think the man in Christ is that Paul is talking about in this verse?
2. What do you think it means to be caught up to the third heaven?
3. Why do you think Paul says he doesn't know if it was in the body or out of the body?
4. How do you think Paul's experience of being caught up to the third heaven might have changed him?
5. What do you think it means that God knows what happened, even if Paul doesn't fully understand it?

Life Application

This verse from 2 Corinthians 12:2 tells us about a man who had a special experience with God. Even though we might not have the same kind of experience, we can still learn something important from it. We can remember that God is always with us, even when we can't see Him. Just like the man in the verse trusted that God knew what was happening, we can also trust that God knows everything about us and is always taking care of us.

Children aged 6-8 can apply this message in their daily lives by remembering that God is always watching over them, even when they might feel alone or scared. They can talk to God in prayer, knowing that He hears them and cares about what they have to say. When they face challenges at home, school, or with friends, they can remember that God is there to help them and give them strength. By trusting in God's presence and love, children can find peace and courage in any situation.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a simple craft that will help children understand the concept of being caught up to the third heaven. You can have the children make a paper plate mobile to represent the three heavens mentioned in the verse.

Materials needed:
- Paper plate
- Markers or crayons
- String or yarn
- Scissors
- Hole punch

Instructions:
1. Give each child a paper plate and have them divide it into three sections using markers or crayons. Label the sections as the first, second, and third heavens.
2. In the first section, have the children draw or write something that represents the earthly realm where we live.
3. In the second section, ask them to draw or write something that represents the second heaven, which could be the sky and stars.
4. In the third section, let the children draw or write something that represents the third heaven, where God dwells.
5. Once they have finished decorating their paper plates, help them punch a hole at the top of each section.
6. Cut a piece of string or yarn for each section and thread it through the holes, tying a knot at the top of each one.
7. Finally, tie all three pieces of string together at the top to create a hanging mobile that represents the three heavens mentioned in the verse.

Encourage the children to hang up their mobiles at home as a reminder of the different realms and the amazing experience described in 2 Corinthians 12:2.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Christ, a man was taken so high,
To the third heaven, up in the sky.
In body or out, only God knows,
His love for us forever shows!

Songs or Videos

There is a Christian song called "Heaven" by Amber Sky Records that may resonate with kids and help them understand the concept of heaven mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:2. Another song that children might enjoy is "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe, which also explores the idea of heaven and what it might be like. These songs can help children connect to the message of the verse in a musical and engaging way.

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