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BRIEF ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS
By Mary-Ellen Grisham
JESUS GOES TO A NOISY FESTIVAL
Scripture: John 7:1-44 Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles
Memory Verse: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (Jesus speaking)
Warm-ups: Have the children use noisemakers or child-size cymbals, bells, tambourines, sticks, or drums. Let them make noise and see if the onlookers feel like praying or worshipping. Discuss their feelings.
Simple Story: based on John 7.
Jesus was staying out of Judea and Jerusalem because the Jews were wanting to kill him. When it was time for the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the Jewish holy celebrations, Jesus' brothers urge him to go. He tells them to go to the feast without Him, and then He goes in secret later. Even though the Jews were watching for Him, Jesus goes to the temple and begins to teach, explaining to the people that His teaching comes from God.
The people at the festival had different opinions about Jesus. Some thought he was good; others thought he deceived the people with made-up stories. Some thought he was a prophet or speaker for God; others thought he was the Christ, the promised Messiah or Savior.
On the last day of the Feast, when the animals for sacrifice were making noise and the worship instruments were at their loudest, Jesus waits for a slight break in the noisy worship. Then He speaks to the people in a loud voice. He proclaims that He can give the thirsty living water, which will save their souls. He is promising that His Holy Spirit, the greatest source of truth and comfort, will be with all who believe in him. They can change their many loud worship rituals by choosing true worship pleasing to God.
Special Learning: The Feast of Tabernacles was held in the Fall and celebrated the harvest and the time of living in tents by their Jewish ancestors who wandered in the wilderness before coming to the land God promised them. Sacrifices of grain, fruit and animals were offered each day; and in some periods, people lived in booths for seven days during the feast, which was a reminder of their tent-dwelling ancestors.
Questions: Why was Jesus teaching new ways of worship? Who was the full, perfect, and final sacrifice to replace all others? What is a sacrifice?
Love Actions: Teach someone a simple prayer and show how to honor God by bowing the head and shutting out noise during prayer.
© by Mary-Ellen Grisham
Editor-in-Chief of Eternal Ink
Author of Grace Notes and Home Songs.
This Bible lesson may be used in its entirety, with
credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.
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