Bible Blast

Storytelling Station: “BIBLE BLAST”

Jesus gave me the power to ….

Day 1 BE THANKFUL (Jesus heals 10 lepers)

Day 2 HELP OTHERS (Jesus gives sight to a blind man)

Day 3 BE BRAVE (Jesus gives Peter courage to walk on water)

Day 4 LIVE FOREVER (Jesus dies and comes back to Life)

Bible Blast is a workshop where a group enters the room and are shown a story about God, before being split into even smaller groups for a question and answer discussion.

You can use the videos, find your own or act the videos depending on what you like to do or your available resources. We have provided a video for each of 4 days and a list of questions related to the story for you to ask.

Day 1: Be Thankful

The story is about: Jesus healing 10 lepers

Luke 17:11-19

They were social outcasts, all 10 of them. According to Old Testament law, people infected with leprosy had to live away from their families and friends. So when Jesus passed by on his way to Jerusalem, the men called out in desperation. This was he-the man who had healed people throughout Galilee and even raised a boy from the dead! Surely Jesus could heal them.

Jesus didn't wave his arms or say any special words. He didn't even need to touch them. He simply said, "Go show yourself to the priests." As they went, the men were healed. Wow! In an instant, they had their lives, families, and health back. All 10 were probably eager to hug their kids, kiss their wives and celebrate with friends. But one slipped away, postponing the festivities to go back and thank Jesus. And his wasn't a meek, mumbled "Thank you", The man - a Samaritan who probably wasn't a follower of God - shouted praises to God and threw himself at Jesus' feet. Now that's an attitude of gratitude!

Why is it so hard to maintain a thankful spirit? In the United States, there is even a holiday just to remind us to be thankful! We prod our kids, "What do you say to Grandma for the nice gift?" Most of us have plenty, live in relative safety, and have more than enough to thank God for... everyday. Yet it's easier for us to complain about what we don't have than what we do have. Today, you'll challenge kids to tap into Jesus' power to help them have an attitude of gratitude. You'll encourage them to find countless things to thank God for each day. And you'll teach them to rely on Jesus' power to have a thankful heart.

The video (script): The thankful leper

This is thankful

The faithful leper

This is Jesus (ohayo)

Who is the Son of God and Savior of the world

Jesus did many amazing things while he was on earth

*its true*

One day when traveling to Jerusalem he was going through a village when when 10 men with leprosy came to him

At the time Jesus lived, leprosy was a terrible sickness that can be caught easily

Because of this people with leprosy were sent out far from the places where they lived

They were called unclean and no one went close to them

But when 10 men with leprosy saw Jesus coming

*hi jesus*

They called out to him and said

“Jesus have mercy on us”

Jesus saw them and said go show yourself to the priest

*oh can we go now*

And as they went they were healed and had leprosy no more

*oh woohoo*

When one of them saw that he was healed

He went back to Jesus saying “praise god”

He praised Jesus for what he had done

*uh*

Jesus asked even though I healed 10 men, where are the other 9. Has no one has return to give glory to god except this Samaritan?

*I’ve no idea*

Then Jesus said to the man stand up and go your faith mas healed you

*thank you*

And so the man was healed because he had faith and was grateful to what Jesus had done for him

Doing it yourself? Consider:

Pictures speak louder than words - you could simple read them the story, but you should try to include imagery to engage your audience. Remember, children have short attention spans. If you lose them once, you've lost them all.

Consider setting up decorations and props to enhance the setting. It can be as simple as boxes stacked together like buildings or a painted sheet and a few scattered rock props.

Engagement - Involve the children in your act by quarantining them along with the actors! Use some 'caution' tape to keep them away or place some stickers on them to imitate leprosy and tie them up with the tape so they can't 'infect' others.

Questions to ask the children:

• How would you feel if you were suddenly taken away from your family and friends and people called you unclean?
• Why do you think only one leper came back to thank Jesus?
• How do you think Jesus felt when he had healed 10 lepers and only one thanked him?
• How do you think Jesus feels when we don't thank him for the good things in our lives?
• Which people in your life are you most thankful for and why? - If they have problem answering, suggest family, friends or church members
• What kind of things would you like to do for those you are thankful for? - If they have problems, suggest helping mom and dad with chores or sharing your things with a friend/sibling

Day 2: Help Each Other

The story is about: Jesus healing a blind man

John 9:1-41

The rabbis of Jesus' time associated misfortune with sin. In their eyes, you brought on your bad health (or even your death) by sinning. So when Jesus' followers saw a blind man, they asked Jesus who had sinned - the man or his parents. Jesus set the record straight, explaining that the sinful living didn't cause the man's blindness. He said, "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him." (John 9:3). But the lesson didn't end there. Jesus spit on the ground to make mud. Next, he caked it on the man's eyes. Then Jesus told the man to go wash. When the man obeyed, he could see! Amazing! But when the Pharisees heard of the miracle, they argued about whether it was right for someone to heal on the Sabbath. Rather than celebrate with the man, they turned Jesus' miracle into an angry debate. In fact, they threw the man out of the Temple. Later, Jesus found the man and asked him if he believed in the Son of Man. "Lord I believe," said the man, and he worshiped Jesus.

As adults, we so often want to help when we see a need. But, like the Pharisees, we sometimes put up barriers to lending a hand. "I'm too busy." "I just don't have the money right now." "I don't know how to help." As a VBS volunteer, you're helping in a practical and amazing way. You're also modelling today's Bible Point for kids. And they're watching you! As you show them how you enjoy helping, they too will learn to make a difference in their world. You;ll be their role model to show that even when it's hard or inconvenient, Jesus gives us the power to help others.

The video (script): The blind man

Mercy on me

Please offer me something

Please have mercy on me

This man was born blind

Wait, Rabbi, who’s fault was it, him or his parents that this man was born blind

Neither, it was so the works of the lord may be made visible through him

*Jesus spits on the mud*

*everyone else cranes necks with tense anticipation*

*Jesus cakes mud on the blind man's eyes*

Go wash the cold soil

I can see

Wasn’t he that blind man?

Jesus, thank you!

I was blind, now I see

Doing it yourself? Consider:

Pictures speak louder than words - you could simple read them the story, but you should try to include imagery to engage your audience. Remember, children have short attention spans. If you lose them once, you've lost them all.

Consider setting up decorations and props to enhance the setting. It can be as simple as boxes stacked together like buildings or a painted sheet with people drawn onto a street, like a town center.

Engagement - Involve the children in your act by letting them come closer, or having one of them act as the blind man (This is only applicable if they know how the story goes).

You could consider blindfolding each child as they enter and take it off after everyone has sat down.

Questions to ask the children:

• (If you blindfolded them as they came in) What was it like to be blind when you first came into the room?
• What if you were blind and someone gave you sight, how would you feel about that person?
• How do you think the blind man felt when Jesus placed mud on his eyes? Do we sometimes have to go through icky situations for God to help us?
• Why do we sometimes ignore people who need our help?
• Jesus gives us the? (Power to help others). How can we help others?

Day 3: Be Brave

The story is about: Peter walks on water

Matthew 14:22-33

When Jesus called, "Come, follow me," Peter didn't hesitate to abandon his fishing nets in obedience. As Jesus' disciple, Peter listened to Jesus' teachings, watched Jesus heal the sick, and witnessed Jesus' power over nature. He believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Perhaps that;s why on the stormy Sea of Galilee, when Jesus said, "Come," Peter ventured from the safety of his boat and walked - on top of the water - toward Jesus. The water may have been cold, the waves may have been high, and the wind may have stung his face, but Peter knew that the safest place to be was with Jesus. When Peter got scared and began to sink, "Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him." In the arms of his savior, Peter learned to rely on Jesus for courage.

The disciple Peter is the perfect picture of our humanity and weakness; he reminds us how desperately we need Jesus. Children feel that need just as keenly as adults do. They're familiar with the fear that accompanies life's "storms," whether they're the king with thunder and lightning or more traumatic events such as divorce, death, and bullying. The children at your VBS need to know that in the midst of those hard times, Jesus is calling them to :come". And when children bravely step out in faith, Jesus will be there with open arms, ready to catch them. Today's activities will encourage children to rely on Jesus to help them be brave.

The video (script): Peter walks on water

This is Peter (Ohayooo)

Peter was a disciple who was called by Jesus

Peter saw the miracles of Jesus *wooow*

Peter followed Jesus

Great crowds followed Jesus wherever he went

One day after Jesus did a great miracle

He sent his disciple on a boat across the river

while he stayed and sent the people home

Ciao

Bye

After he sent the people home, Jesus went to the hills by himself pray

Meanwhile, his disciples were in trouble far away from land, where strong winds had risen

And they were fighting those winds

*yaa*

About 3 o’clock in the morning, Jesus came over

Walking on water.

When the discples saw him walk on water, they were terrified

In their fear, they cried out: it’s a ghost

But Jesus spoke to them at once: “don’t be afraid”, he said “take courage. I am here.”

Peter called to him, “lord if it’s really you tell me to come to you, walking on water”

So Jesus said: “yes come”

So Peter went over the boat and walked over to where Jesus was

When he saw the strong wind and the waves he was terrified and started to sink.

“Save me lord, I’m drowning.”

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him

Jesus said you have so “little faith why are you drowning”

When they climbed back to the boat the wind stopped

The disciples worshiped him and said you really are the son of god

Doing it yourself? Consider:

Pictures speak louder than words - you could simple read them the story, but you should try to include imagery to engage your audience. Remember, children have short attention spans. If you lose them once, you've lost them all.

Consider setting up decorations and props to enhance the setting. It can be as simple as a large blue groundsheet for water and a large cardboard boat, or a painted sheet with waves and a boat drawn onto the street.

Engagement - Involve the children in your act by letting them ride in the boat during the story. You could have a few of them shake the boat, imitating the storm.

You could have a box of corn starch mixed with blue coloring and water, which will harden up when hit, allowing you to walk on it, but retaining its liquid properties when you touch it without too much force. Let the children take turns walking over this, as if they are walking on water.

Questions to ask the children:

• How many of you would have been brave like Peter and stepped out onto the water?
• (If you did the walking on water activity) What emotions did you feel while waiting for your turn to "walk on water"?
• How do you think Peter felt when he first stepped out of the boat?
• How do you think he was able to walk on the water?
• Why do you think Peter sank?
• Do you have any fears? What are they?
• How can this story help you the next time you face a scary situation?

Day 4: Live Forever

The story is about: Jesus' Sacrifice

The video (script): The story of Easter

Jesus’ sacrifice

This is Jesus (Ohayo)

Who is the son of God and the savior of the world

While Jesus was on earth he told everyone about god’s love and healed people from their sickness

He did many miracles

and Calmed a storm

He Raised people from the dead

The Jewish rulers and teachers did not like what Jesus was doing. Or how he claimed to be the son of god. and So they made a plan to get him arrested to rid of him once and for all

Judas, One Jesus' disciples was wiling to betray Jesus

*Come here*

And give him over to the religious leaders for some money

Jesus was on the mountain praying and Judas showed the leader where he was

And Jesus was arrested and taken to the rulers of the land so they could decide what to do with him

Jesus was presented for the high council and they asked if he was the messiah, the savior of the Jews

They asked if he was claiming to be the son of god

He said I am

*Asfhasdhipas* (blabbering random sounds in disbelief and anger)

The council was furious And They decided Jesus was guilty and he deserved to die

So they took Jesus before the roman rules Pilate

And he heard the case against Jesus

Pilate didn’t think that did anything wrong

he found him to be innocent

So Pilate said he would punish Jesus and then release him

*Arhhhhhh*

*Eh what*

But the crowed got louder and louder

Crucify him! We want him dead

And because of the pressure of the crowd, Pilate took Jesus over to the roman soldiers to be crucified

Jesus was hurt and spit on, his clothes were taken from him and a crown of thorns was put on his head.

He was beaten so badly that he could barely stand on his own

And then he was forced to carry his cross so far on the map

That he needed help because he could not do it on his own

Once Jesus made it to place he was to be crucified, called the skull

the soldiers around him nailed him to the cross and waited for him to die.

While Jesus was hanging on the cross many people shouted to him “if you really are the son of god save yourself from the cross

But Jesus knew he had to die to forgive his people from their sin

At noon darkness came across the whole land

2 hours later, Jesus took his last breath and finally died

At that very moment the curtain of the temple that separate the priest from the most holy place tore

A soldier watching the whole thing Said this man was truly the son of god

A righteous man named Joseph came and placed Jesus' body in a tomb

Three days passed and it seemed that he was no more

But very early on Sunday morning women went to embalm Jesus' body and found that his tomb was empty and that he was no longer there

Don’t be afraid an said and angel. He is not here. he has risen

At this, the women remembered that Jesus had told them that he would rise again

They ran to tell the disciples what they had seen and heard

What oh ah

They couldn’t explain it

Jesus appeared to the disciples and many others and showed them that he was alive and well

He told them that what he did was the only way they we could be forgiven and live with god forever

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son so that everyone who receive him will not perish but have eternal life

Doing it yourself? Consider:

Pictures speak louder than words - you could simple read them the story, but you should try to include imagery to engage your audience. Remember, children have short attention spans. If you lose them once, you've lost them all.

Consider setting up decorations and props to enhance the setting. It can be as simple as a large cut out cross and another cardboard for a cave or having several canvas backgrounds which you can have an assistant switch out during the story (Temple, courtyard, cross, tomb).

Engagement - Involve the children in your act by letting them explore the different sets. Have some act as the soldiers or the people in the crowd shouting crucify him.

Questions to ask the children:

• How do you think Jesus felt as the people demanded his death?
• How would you feel? Would you forgive them?
• Why did Jesus have to die?
• If Jesus' death has saved us, what will happen to us if we accept his salvation?
• What does eternal life mean to you?
• Can anyone have eternal life? How?

Day 5: Tell About God

The story is about: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost

The feast of Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after the Passover, commemorated God's giving his law (The Ten Commandments) on Mount Sinai. How appropriate that God would choose this time to give an even greater gift: his Holy Spirit. As Jesus' followers gathered for celebration, food and prayer, they were surprised by the overwhelming presence of God. With a sudden sound "like the roaring of a mighty windstorm" and something that appeared as tongues of fire, God's Spirit filled the apostles and allowed them to speak in other languages. People from many different countries were suddenly able to hear the message of Jesus' love in their own tongues! Zing! With the Holy Spirit's power, thousands believed in Jesus Christ that day! The reassuring presence and awesome display of the Holy Spirit's power were very real.

Compared to the apostles, the kids at your VBS face different obstacles to sharing their faith. While language was a barrier for the apostles, fear and uncertainty make it hard for kids to tell others about Jesus. You can help them understand that because of the miracle at Pentecost,the Holy Spirit is always with them as a helper and guide. Children will be encouraged to know that God will give them what they need to share his message with anyone. The activities in this lesson will help the kids at your VBS be bold in their faith as they rely on the help of the Holy Spirit to guide them.

Doing it yourself? Consider:

Pictures speak louder than words - you could simple read them the story, but you should try to include imagery to engage your audience. Remember, children have short attention spans. If you lose them once, you've lost them all.

Consider setting up decorations and props to enhance the setting. It can be as simple as a large boxes stacked together and orange crepe paper cut into flame shapes covering a mini torch which you can turn on as you pray.

Engagement - Involve the children in your act by letting them be the ones to 'turn on' the holy spirit's flame as they pray with you.

After 'receiving the Holy Spirit', start "preaching" in a different language then suddenly switch to a language everyone can understand.

Questions to ask the children:

• (If you spoke in another language) Did you understand what I was saying at the start? How did you feel when you couldn't understand?
• Were you able to understand after with the Holy Spirit's power? How did you feel?
• Why is it important to tell others about Jesus?
• Why is it sometimes hard to tell others about Jesus?
• How can the Holy Spirit help you to tell others about Jesus?
• What are some ways you can show and tell others about Jesus?