The Transfiguration
Embedded Files
10:00-10:15 - Get to know new kids, entertain early arrivals until lesson begins
Lesson Introduction
Recommended Start Time: 10:15AM - 10:35AMLesson Introduction
Matthew 17:1-9 (This story can also be found in Mark 9:2-8 and Luke 9:28–36)
What is the brightest thing you've ever seen?
Today, we're going to learn about a time when Jesus became as bright as the sun, right in front of some of his disciples' eyes!
For more on the lesson click here!
For more on the lesson click here!
Lesson Continued
Lesson Continued
Story Summary
Story Summary
Jesus took his 3 closest disciples (Peter, James, and John) with him to a high mountain. There is not a lot of detail in this story about what exactly happened, but we know that Jesus' appearance changed in two ways. One, his face was extremely bright (it shone like the sun). Two, his clothes became extremely bright. This is why this is called the "Transfiguration" - "trans" means "change" and "figure" refers to Jesus' body. His body was changed in front of them.
Then, two other men from the Old Testament were seen walking with him: Moses and Elijah. Peter's first reaction was that they should stay there for a long time, so he suggested that they build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah to stay in. Peter's suggestion was interrupted by a bright cloud moving in and voice from heaven saying, "This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!"
Can you imagine what Peter, James, and John were thinking and feeling during this episode? The story says that the 3 of them were terrified and fell on the ground. Jesus came and touched them and told them not to be afraid. When they looked up, only Jesus was there and Moses and Elijah were gone.
Jesus told them not to tell anyone about what happened until after he was raised from the dead (Jesus had just predicted his death and resurrection in the previous chapter, Matthew 16).
Warm Up
Warm Up
What is the brightest thing you've ever seen?
Today, we're going to learn about a time when Jesus became as bright as the sun, right in front of some of his disciples' eyes!
Teach the Story
Teach the Story
Comprehension Questions
Comprehension Questions
Who were the 3 disciples Jesus took up on the mountain with him?
Peter, James, and John
What happened when they were up on the mountain?
Jesus's appearance was changed and his face because as bright as the sun, and his clothes became bright white
Who else appeared with Jesus?
Elijah and Moses
What did Peter want to do when he saw this?
Build 3 tents for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses to stay on the mountain for a while
What happened when Peter was making his suggestion?
A bright cloud came around them and a voice from the cloud began talking
What did the voice say?
This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!
Who was talking?
God himself
What did the disciples do when they heard this?
They became very frightened and fell to the ground
What did Jesus do?
He told them not to be afraid and came and touched them
What did Jesus tell them to do when they came down the mountain?
Not to speak of the episode until after he was raised from the dead
We learn in this story that God sent his Son to the earth. Jesus was God himself. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
Memory Verse
Memory Verse
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
Activities
Activities
Get the details by clicking here!
Directions for #1download pdf below; copy (yellow paper is nice, but they can color it too); cut out blank circles, or copy 2 verse circles per kid; kids color; have paper strips (yellow or orange is good) for them to fold lightly in half and staple (my strips were 5 1/2" long and 1" wide, so I chopped paper in half and then cut it into 1" strips); glue strips to back circle, glue in a yarn hanger string (if desired), and glue the other circle on the frontDirections for #2: same, only the circles are bigger and the 2nd page has the strips already printed for the kids to then color (as desired) and cut apartSupplies: paper (preferably yellow or orange), crayons, stapler, glueNotes: The 2nd one is somewhat bigger, although it looks the same in the picture.Some of the kids wanted to put LOTS of loops around their sun - at least 1 child fit 12 on! (which looked pretty nice, actually), so you might allow
PDF 1PDF 2 for extra loops if you have a creative group!
Craft 2 - Color By Number
Craft 2 - Color By Number
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials needed from the cart:
Crayons
Get the details by clicking here!
Directions
Directions
- Give the kids crayons and have them color by number to reveal a picture
Game 1 - Make A Change Game
Game 1 - Make A Change Game
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials needed from the cart:
None
Get the details by clicking here!
Directions
Directions
Divide students into two groups.
Have each group study the other group. (Pay attention to clothing, jewelry, hair, etc).
Separate groups and have them each choose one person to make a change to their appearance.
The change can be to switch shoes, take their hair down, remove jewelry, etc, but must be noticable!
Get groups back together and have them try and figure out what the change was.
Jesus' transformation was quite obvious and was one of the clearest signs that Jesus is God himself.
Game 2 - Act It Out
Game 2 - Act It Out
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials needed from the cart:
Items
Get the details by clicking here!
Directions
Characters:Directions
Jesus
God’s voice
Moses
Elijah
Disciples (Peter, James, and John)
Props: Flickering lights
Jesus: Let us pray (Lights go on) (Moses and Elijah stand by Jesus)
Moses: Jesus, You must soon die.
Elijah: Yes, You die in Jerusalem
Jesus: I must do this for My people.
James: I am afraid.
John: So am I.
(Disciples fall asleep) (Moses and Elijah walk away)
Peter: Let us make tents for you three.
God: This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.
Jesus: Don’t be afraid.
(All walk off.)
Jesus: Don’t tell anyone what you have seen.
Disciples: We won’t.
Activity 1 - Dance It Out
Activity 1 - Dance It Out
Once you're through the lesson/games use these to fill any remaining time, or the ideas listed below
Materials needed from the cart (varies based on the game you choose):
Christian just dance videos below
If they don't want to play the Christian Just Dance game they can play follow the leader.
Wrap It Up!
**Snacks can be given at this time, if needed**Wrap It Up!
- Come together and sit in a circle to talk about what they learned today. Ask them the same questions that you asked at the beginning of the day. How are their answers different now that they know more? Talk about what they can go home and tell their family. This is also a time they can update their journals (big kids only) or color the pictures (littles).
- Ask if anyone has a prayer request/praise report. Pray over requests.
- Worship time - Have the kids go find a spot to themselves and have some time with God (play the song below for around 3/5 minutes).
Worship
Worship
Energy Release!
Energy Release!
Last Minute Filler Ideas
Last Minute Filler Ideas
- Have them gather around the table and draw a picture or write a letter to their families about what they learned today.
- Play a game of some sort. (If you have the hula hoops, have them join hands in a circle and pass the hula hoop around the circle without breaking their hands)
Page updated
Report abuse