Copyright, 1975, International Publication Services, FMB/IMB, of SBC


C46-11 

Student Lessons

No. 1

JESUS AND THE TEACHERS

Jesus liked to go to church. He went with Mary and Joseph every week. He had many friends at church.

One morning he woke up early. It was still dark. But he heard noises in the kitchen. He asked, "Mama, what are you doing?" Mary said, "Jesus, have you forgotten? Today is an important day. We are going to Jerusalem.

Jesus was very happy. He helped to prepare for the trip. They put fruit and bread in baskets. Then they put the loads on the donkey. Soon, they began their trip.

Other friends travelled with them. Many people went to Jerusalem. Mary walked with the women and small children. Jesus and his friends were very happy. They sang songs; they played games; they ran and talked. Joseph and the other fathers walked behind all the families. At night all the people stopped and rested.

The next day, one small boy said, "I see the Temple." It was a tall white building. The top was above all the other buildings. Jesus and his friends were filled with wonder.

Jesus and his family climbed the steps into the temple. They heard the choir singing. They heard the teachers reading the Bible. Jesus stopped and listened to them. He asked questions. The teachers talked with Jesus. They were amazed at Jesus' knowledge. They said, "How does this young boy know so much about God's Word?" Jesus sat and listened to the teachers. He did not know it was time to go home. He did not see Joseph and Mary leave the temple.

When they came looking for him, Jesus was still listening to the teachers. Joseph said, "Come, Jesus, we must go home." So, Jesus left the teachers and went home with Mary and Joseph. He had new friends in the temple. The teachers were Jesus' friends.

Based on Luke 2:40-52

No. 2 PAUL AND HIS FRIEND TIMOTHY

Paul was a preacher. He travelled to many towns. Every Sunday he went to church; he liked to preach.

One day he arrived in the town where Timothy lived. Timothy was a young boy. He liked to go to church. He liked to listen to the preacher. He liked to listen to preacher Paul. Paul told him many things about Jesus.

Timothy's mother invited Paul to their home. She prepared food for him. Paul and Timothy talked and became friends. Timothy asked Paul questions about his work.

Paul talked with Timothy's mother and his grandmother. Paul told them about his friend, Jesus. Soon Paul traveled to another town to preach. He told Timothy that he would return.

When Paul came back, he went to Timothy's house. Timothy was very happy to see his friend. Paul told about his journey to other towns. They talked about their friend, Jesus.

Paul asked, "Would you like to be my helper?" "Yes," Timothy answered, I would like to tell people about Jesus."

Timothy and Paul traveled to many towns. They told many people about Jesus. They told mamas and fathers about Jesus. They told young people about Jesus. They told boys and girls about Jesus.

Timothy was happy that Paul was his friend. He was happy that Paul had told him about Jesus. Paul was a preacher and Timothy was a young boy. Paul loved Timothy; he taught him about Jesus. They were good friends.

Based on Acts 16:1-3

No. 3 PAUL AND LYDIA

Lydia and her friends wanted to go to church. Since there was no building, they walked to the river. They sat in the shade near the river. They sang; they prayed; they worshipped God.

One day the women met to worship. They praised God and sang hymns.

That day four men came to the river. They, too, came to worship. "My name is Paul," one said. "These men are my friends: Luke, Silas and Timothy. We have travelled a long way. We have come to tell you about Jesus, the Son of God."'

Lydia said, "We are happy you have come. We have been asking God to send a preacher. My name is Lydia. These are my friends."

The women listened as Paul preached. He told them about Jesus. He said that Jesus was the friend of everyone. The women were so happy to learn more about Jesus. Lydia accepted Jesus as her Lord.

Based on Acts 16:13-15

No. 4 SAMUEL HELPS IN THE CHURCH

Samuel woke early. He dressed quickly and ate his breakfast. This was an important day. He was going to church. He was very happy. Hannah, his mother, called, "Are you ready, Samuel?

"Yes, I am ready," he answered. "Can we go now?"

They walked for a long time. Samuel was very tired. Finally, they arrived at the church. They went inside. It was very pretty and very big. Samuel was amazed.

He saw Eli, the pastor. Eli was an old man with a kind face. Hannah said, "Pastor Eli, this is my son, Samuel. He helps me at home. He wants to help in the church now.

Eli took Samuel's hand and greeted him. He said, "I am happy you have come, Samuel. You will help me do many things."

Samuel asked, "What can I do?"

Eli looked around. He said, "I need someone to clean the benches. The lamps must be cleaned. You can put oil in them. You can open the big doors every morning."

Samuel said, "I will do all these things. I will be a good helper. You are my friend, and I want to work with you."

And truly, Samuel was a good helper.

Based on I Samuel 1-3

No. 5 JESUS TEACHES ABOUT GOD'S CARE

Jesus sat on a large rock on the mountain. Many people sat near him. Others stood nearby. The people came to hear Jesus teach about God. Mothers and fathers came to hear him. Boys and girls also came. Many had travelled a long way to hear Jesus.

Jesus said, "God loves you. God sent me to tell you that he loves you. He will take care of you. He wants you to be happy."

Jesus talked to the mothers and fathers. He said, "Do not worry about food or water; do not worry about clothes."

"God helps you to have food. He sends rain and sunshine. God cares for all people."

Jesus looked at the sky. He saw birds flying. The people looked at the sky and saw the birds. Jesus said, "Listen to the birds. They are singing. They have nests; they can find food. God takes care of them; but you are more important to God than the birds. God takes care of you also."

Jesus looked at the mountain. He saw many flowers. There were red flowers, yellow flowers and white flowers. He said, "The flowers are very pretty. God made them. He takes care of them. God loves you more than flowers. He will take care of you."

Jesus looked at the people. He said, "God understands you need food. He will help you to grow food. He knows you need clothes. He will take care of you. Trust God to help you in everything."

The people were happy. The children were happy. They knew that God loved them. They knew that God would take care of them. Jesus told them this was true.

Based on Matthew 6:25-34

No. 6 JACOB'S JOURNEY

"Jacob, Jacob," Isaac called his son. "I want you to go on a trip. I want you to visit your relative, Laban."

Laban lived in another village. The trip would take many days.

Jacob prepared to go. He put on his shoes. His mother cooked food for him. When he was ready, his father prayed that God would protect him.

Jacob began his trip. At first he walked quickly. The sun became very hot. Soon he was tired. He rested for a time. He are some bread. Again Jacob began walking. The sun was setting. It was soon dark. He saw the first star, then another and another. It was very dark.

"I will sleep here," Jacob said to himself. He saw a good place to sleep. He slept on the grass. He used a stone as a pillow.

As he lay, he looked at the heavens. He saw the stars and the moon. He heard noises of the night-time. He was soon asleep.

When he was asleep, he had a dream. In the dream, God spoke to him. God said, "Jacob, I am here with you. I will protect you. I will always be with you."

Jacob awoke. He looked around. But no one was there. He saw only the stars and the moon. He did not hear anyone.

"God is with me in this place," he said. "He will be with me wherever I go. I am not afraid. God cares for me."

Based on Genesis 28

No. 7 THE BIG STORM

Jesus was very tired. He wanted to rest. He had been teaching all day. He was near the Sea of Galilee. "Let us go to the other side", he said. He and his disciples got into a boat. Jesus sat in the back. Soon he was asleep.

A cold wind began to blow. The stars and moon could not be seen. It was very dark.

The wind was very strong. The ship was rolling (tossing) about in the lake.

The friends of Jesus tried to row to the shore. The wind was too strong. The men were afraid. The storm was very bad.

Water came into the boat. The men knew that soon the boat would be filled with water. "What is Jesus doing?" they asked. Jesus was asleep. The wind had not awakened him.

"Jesus, Jesus," they called. "The boat is filling with water. Can you help us?"

Jesus woke up. He saw the water in the boat. He heard the wind. He felt the cold rain on his face. He raised his hand and said, "Be quiet." Immediately the wind stopped blowing. The moon and stars could be seen. The clouds were gone. It was a still, quiet night.

Jesus' friends were not afraid. They were amazed. They recognized that Jesus was the Son of God.

Based on Mark 4:35-41

No. 8 WHEN CAPTAIN NAAMAN WAS SICK

Captain Naaman was the leader of a big army. He had much power, but he was a sick man. He had sores on his arms and on his legs. He had sores all over his body.

Naaman had a slave girl in his house. She helped his wife with the work. The slave girl knew that Naaman was sick.

Naaman's wife said, "My husband is very sick. The doctors can not help him."

"God can help him," the slave girl said. "If Naaman could go to the prophet Elisha, he would help him. Elisha lives in Samaria. He would ask God to heal Naaman."

Naaman's wife went quickly to her husband. She told him what the slave girl had said. Naaman answered, "I will go to Samaria. I will see Elisha. Perhaps he will be able to help me."

Naaman's helpers brought his horse. He quickly began his trip to Samaria.

Elisha heard that Naaman was coming to Samaria. He knew that Naaman was a sick man. Elisha sent his servant to tell Naaman what to do.

"Tell Naaman to go to the Jordan River. Tell him to bathe in the river seven times. And God will make him well," Elisha said.

The servant went to Naaman. He told him what Elisha said. "No," Naaman said, "I will not bathe in that river. I will return home."

Naaman and his helpers started to return home. They came to the Jordan River. One of the helpers said to Naaman, "The prophet Elisha has told you an easy thing to do. Bathe in the river seven times. That is not hard."

So, Naaman went into the river. He bathed one time, two times, three, four, five, six. Then he bathed a seventh time. The sores were all gone. His skin was smooth. God had healed Naaman. The slave girl helped her master by telling him about the prophet.

Based on 2 Kings 5:1-19

No. 9 GOOD FOOD FOR DANIEL

The King of Babylon wanted special helpers. He wanted strong helpers. He wanted wise helpers. One day the king called his servant. He said, "Choose the best boys in the country. Bring them to live in my house. I want my helpers to be big and strong. Feed them well, and give them drinks."'

One youth, named Daniel, was chosen to serve the king. His three friends were also chosen. They lived in the house of the king.

At mealtime the servant brought food to the boys. Daniel looked at the food he was given. He looked at the drink. Daniel said to the servant, "We cannot eat this food. This food and drink are not good for use. Please let us eat vegetables. Can we have water rather than wine?"

The servant was angry. "The king told me to give you good food and drink. You must eat this or the king will be angry."

Daniel said, "Let us eat vegetables and water for ten days. You will see that we are stronger than the other boys."

Every day Daniel and his friends ate vegetables. Every day they drank water. Ten days passed.

Daniel and his friends stood before the king's servant. The servant said, "You and your friends are very healthy. You are stronger than the other boys. You skin is smooth. Vegetables and water make boys grow. You will be good helpers for the king."

Based on Daniel I

No. 10 HOW THE WALL WAS BUILT

One day a friend came to see Nehemiah.

Do you remember the walls that surround Jerusalem? Do you remember the big gates that kept our enemies outside?" he asked.

"Yes, I remember." Nehemiah said.

"Now the gates are burned and the wall has been broken down," the friend said. "Enemies come into the city every day."

Nehemiah was sad. He asked God for help. One day Nehemiah was with the king. "Why are you sad, Nehemiah? What is troubling you?" the king asked.

"The walls of Jerusalem are broken, also the gates," Nehemiah told the king. "It is not good for this to happen."

"What do you want to do?" the king asked.

"I want to build again the walls and gates. I need money to buy rock and materials," Nehemiah said.

"I will give you money but you will not be able to build it yourself," the king said.

"I will find people to help me," said Nehemiah.

Nehemiah hurried to Jerusalem. He asked, "Who will help me to build the walls and repair the gates?"

"I will help," one man answered.

Another said, 'I will help, too. I can work."

Soon many people began to build the walls. Sometimes the men became very tired. They wanted to leave the work. But Nehemiah encouraged them to go on with the work. "We cannot finish the work if some leave," Nehemiah said. "We must all work even if we are tired."

The people worked ten days. They worked twenty days and even fifty days. Finally after fifty-two days the work was finished.

They looked at the walls and gates. They were very happy. They had worked very hard. Nehemiah said, "Thank you all. We have built the wall and the gates because everyone worked together."

Based on Nehemiah 1:1-6:16

No. 11 A BOYS LUNCH

One day a little boy was walking on the road. He had a basket in his hand. His food was in the basket.

The boy saw a crowd of people. He saw fathers and mothers. He saw boys and girls, also. They were all listening to Jesus. Jesus was teaching them about God's love.

The boy saw Jesus sitting on a rock. He sat down and listened to Jesus. He soon felt hungry. He remembered the food in his basket. He took out the food.

Then, he heard Jesus talking to his helper, Philip. "The people are hungry," Jesus said. "We can not send them home without food. We must feed them."

Philip said, "There are many people here. We cannot buy food enough for everyone."

The boy thought about the food he had. It was only enough for one person. But he could share it with Jesus. He ran to Andrew, one of the helpers. He said, "I will share my food. I have bread and fish."

Andrew laughed a little. He saw that the bread and fish were enough for only one small boy. But he took the food to Jesus. He said, "Jesus, this boy has some food. He has bread and fish. But this is not enough for all these people."

Jesus told him, "Tell the people to sit down." He took the bread and fish. He prayed, "Thank you, God, for this bread and fish."

Jesus divided the food. He told his helpers to give everyone some food.

Everyone ate as much as he wanted. Finally the helpers gathered up the food that was left.

The boy ran home. He was very happy. He had shared his food with Jesus. Jesus had fed many people with it.

Based on Matthew 14:15-21; John 6:1-13

No. 12 DAVID AND THE CRIPPLED MAN

King David was sitting in his big house. He remembered when he was a youth. He had a friend whose name was Jonathan. They hunted together. They sang together. They were friends.

King David called his servants. He asked, "Where are the family of Jonathan? Can you help me find them?"

One servant said, "Jonathan had one son. He was hurt when he was a little boy. Now he is lame. His name is Mephibosheth."

"Where does he live?" David asked.

"He doesn't have a house of his own. He lives with a friend," the servant said.

"Bring Mephibosheth to me. I want to help him," David replied.

The servant went to Mephibosheth and his family. He brought them to see the king. David saw that Mephibosheth was lame in both feet.

"Don't be afraid," David said. "Your father and I were friends. He helped me many times. I want to be your friend. I want to be kind to you."

When Mephibosheth heard David, he was no longer afraid.

David said, "Come and live with me. Bring your family with you. You can eat with me every day."

"Thank you, King David. I am happy that you are my friend. I am happy that you are kind."

Based on 2 Samuel 9

No. 13 THE GOOD SAMARITAN

One day a man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He had walked a long way. Soon it would be dark, so he walked faster. He knew that the road was not safe. He had been told that robbers were often hiding in the rocks. As he hurried along, some men jumped from behind a large rock. They beat the traveler. They took his money and clothes. They left him on the road.

He was wounded and almost dead. He heard someone walking. He thought, "Someone is coming. This man will help me." But the man did not stop. He walked quickly past. He was a priest. He had work to do in Jericho.

After some time the wounded man heard someone else coming. He said to himself, "Someone is coming. He will surely help me." But this man did not stop. He was afraid he would be robbed. He walked on the other side of the road.

It was dark. The wounded man heard, "Klip, klop, klip, klop." It sounded like a donkey. "Maybe someone will help me," he thought.

The wounded man heard a voice, "I will help you." The stranger stopped. He put medicine on the wounds of the hurt man. He tied up the cuts.

Then the man from Samaria put the wounded man on his donkey. They went to a hotel. There they rested and ate some food.

The next morning, the man from Samaria had to continue his trip. He gave the hotel keeper orders. He told him to care for the wounded man until he was well. He left money to pay for the help.

Based on Luke 10:30-37