Lesson: John 7:2 (Ages 9-11)

📖 John 7:2 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

This Bible verse is talking about a special celebration called the Festival of Shelters that the Jewish people used to have. It was a time when they would build temporary shelters or tents to remember how God took care of them when they were traveling in the desert long ago.

Imagine going on a camping trip with your family, setting up tents, and sleeping under the stars. During this festival, the Jewish people would do something similar to remind themselves of God's protection and provision in the past.

Just like how we might look back at old photos or videos to remember happy times, the Festival of Shelters helped the Jewish people remember and thank God for all the ways He had been with them in their journey through life.

So, this verse reminds us that it's good to take time to remember God's faithfulness and blessings in our lives, just like the Jewish people did during their special festival. It's a time to be grateful and celebrate all the good things God has done for us.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, a curious squirrel named Sammy scurried through the forest, excited to prepare for the annual Acorn Festival. As Sammy chatted with his friends about decorating their tree homes, he overheard a wise owl mentioning the Jewish Festival of Shelters.

Confused, Sammy asked the owl what it meant. The owl explained that just like animals prepare their shelters for winter, the Jewish people celebrated this festival to remember how God protected them during their journey through the desert long ago.

Inspired by this story, Sammy invited all his forest friends to join in building a grand shelter for the upcoming winter. Together, they gathered twigs, leaves, and moss, working side by side in unity.

Through their hard work and cooperation, Sammy and his friends not only learned the importance of preparing for the future but also the joy of coming together as a community.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for the Jewish Festival of Shelters that reminds us of Your faithfulness and protection. Help us to remember that just like You provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, You are always with us, guiding and caring for us. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What do you think the Jewish Festival of Shelters is about?
Why do you think this festival was important to the Jewish people?
How do you think people celebrated the Festival of Shelters in the Bible times?
Do you think festivals are a good way to remember important things about God and our faith?
How can we celebrate and remember important things about God in our lives today?

Life Application

The Jewish Festival of Shelters mentioned in John 7:2 was a time for the Jewish people to remember how God provided for them during their time in the wilderness. Children today can apply the message of this verse by remembering and celebrating how God has provided for them in their lives. This can be done by taking time to thank God for His blessings, spending time with family and friends to celebrate His goodness, and showing gratitude by helping others who may be in need. By doing these things, children can reflect on God's faithfulness and goodness in their lives, just like the Israelites did during the Festival of Shelters.

Craft or Activity

Let's make a mini shelter using popsicle sticks and construction paper to help us remember the message of John 7:2! You can build a small structure with the popsicle sticks and use the construction paper to decorate it like a shelter. As you create your mini shelter, you can talk about how the Jewish Festival of Shelters was a special time when people remembered how God provided for them in the wilderness. This hands-on activity will help you visualize and remember the message of this verse in a fun and creative way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

The Festival of Shelters, oh so dear,
Brings God's people close, year after year!

Songs or Videos

One song that relates to the message of John 7:2 is "My God is So Big" by Go Fish. This fun and uplifting song reminds us of the greatness of God and how He is always with us, just like how Jesus attended the Jewish Festival of Shelters.

Another great song is "Every Move I Make" by Hillsong Kids. This song talks about how we can praise and worship God in everything we do, just as Jesus celebrated the Jewish Festival of Shelters with his followers.

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