This file is provided for those who want to modify the lessons to suit their timeframe. This is not meant to be used as a printed copy of the teacher guide. Digital copies of the guides are available through Digital Pro (myanswers.com).
Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Day 1 Nugget of Truth and 1 sheet of bright yellow card stock (see Prep)
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape for hanging posters

 At the start of each lesson, you will introduce the kids to different places in Wonder Junction. Today, it’s the chapel and train depot. 
Wonder Junction Chapel and Train Depot (5 minutes)
Prep: Prepare your costumes. Bookmark the Scripture passages in your Bible for the whole lesson. Print and cut out the day 1 nugget of truth. (If you’re in a large room, mount the Day 1 Nugget of Truth on bright yellow painted corrugated cardboard or poster board to make it bigger. Cut out the cardboard or poster board to resemble a large gold nugget [bigger than an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper so the pattern fits]). Hide the nugget somewhere high so it is just visible.
Teacher 1: Well howdy, y’all! I’m ___, and this here is ___. This week, we’re imagining we’re living in the Old West, where we’ll find cowboys, and gold mines, and horses, and towns like Wonder Junction. We’ll meet right here for the high point of our day at High Point Chapel, a mighty important building in town. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point out the chapel.
Teacher 2: You know, the town of Wonder Junction has been here for a while, but there’s never been anything that’s caused such excitement as the newfangled train station and locomotive. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point out where the train depot is. 

A shortened one-person script of the lesson is available to download.
Put all the materials each student needs each day in a zippered baggie. Place a baggie under each chair or have them ready to pass out. 
Think of fun names for yourselves: Cactus Kate, Cowboy Joe, Prospector Pete, Rattlesnake Rachel, or Doc Henry.
The Bible is listed just once daily in the supply list but is used throughout, so keep it handy and marked at the correct passages. 
Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference.
If working as co-teachers, decide daily which parts of the lesson each of you will be responsible for teaching. Both plan to dress in costumes.
Mounting putty or tape is listed just once daily, but will be used whenever you hang up posters. Hang them up as you talk or just hold them up while teaching and hang them up after class.

Teacher 1: I have to admit, that train sure is a wonder to behold. Did you know the train is a new invention in the Old West? It was built to connect both sides of the US of A, the East and the West. Some people started building tracks in the East and others started in the West until they met in the middle, where they nailed in a final gold spike. 
Teacher 2: It took about six years and 100 million dollars to build, but it was worth it! Before this train came along, it could take six months to get here by wagon, but now it takes less than a week! It sure is a wonder!  
Teacher 1: And wow, are people ever riding that train and flocking here to see the wonders of the West. They’re coming for gold, for land, for riches, for opportunities. But you know what? As amazing as those wonders are, they’re nothin’ compared to what we’re gonna be talkin’ about this week—the wonder of Jesus! Have ya heard of Jesus before—Jesus, who is God and God’s Son? Pause for responses.  
Teacher 2: We’re going to be discovering nuggets of truth about Jesus that are mind-blowing! They sure fill me with wonder. Take a peek around the room and see if you can spy a gold nugget somewhere. It’s our first nugget of truth. Do so, and have someone bring it to you, or have them all point to it. Read it slowly with amazement: “The Creator of babies became a baby himself!” That means Jesus created the universe and then came into the universe he created—as a baby. Wow! There sure never has been a more important person ever born, and there never will be.
Teacher 1: Whoa, whoa, hold on a minute. You mean a tiny, helpless, little baby? Like the kind that cry and spit up and need to be fed and changed and cared for? How could the Creator of babies be a baby?
Teacher 2: It’s a wonder, that’s for sure—God became a baby! Let that sink in as we pass out these newspapers, and then we’ll explain more.
Teach It!
Part 1: The Wonder Weekly (10 minutes)

Prophecy Poster
Wonder Weekly newspapers, 1 per person, on tan copy paper
4 sheets of copy paper and tape 
Writing utensils, 1 per person
Optional: hard surfaces like a clipboard, 1 per person

 Prep: Cover each section of the Prophecy Poster with a piece of copy paper. Print the Wonder Weekly newspaper for each child on tan paper to look weathered. Optional: put the newspapers on a hard surface like a clipboard for each person.
Pass out a newspaper and writing utensil to each person. 
Teacher 1: Alrighty, let’s go back to the beginning to figure this out. We just said Jesus was the Creator. How do we know that?
Teacher 2: It says so right here in the good book, the Bible. Point to John 1. And remember, the Bible’s the only book that’s completely perfect and trustworthy because it’s given to us by God. I’m gonna read something from the Bible, and every time I say “the Word,” you say “Jesus.” Here we go. Read John 1:1–3.
Teacher 1: Whoa, so are you saying Jesus created the sun and stars and plants and animals and people?
Teacher 2: Yep! Jesus didn’t start out as a baby. He has existed forever and has always been God. At the beginning of time, he was there creating with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Let’s draw a picture of creation in space one on our Wonder Weekly newspaper. Have kids do so, and continue on while they draw for a minute.
Teacher 1: Jesus created everything from the tiniest bug to the farthest planet. Here are just two of the kabillions of mind-blowing marvels he made:

Print pictures of these things to hold up, or, if you have the capability, show slides. You can add slides to any part of any lesson. 

On the BIG scale, Jesus created all the billions upon billions of stars, including one you’ve heard of—our sun. He made the sun exactly the right size and placed it at exactly the right distance so we wouldn’t be too close and get burnt to a crisp or too far and freeze like popsicles. We call our star the sun, but Jesus knows every star and calls each one in the universe by name (Psalm 147:4). Amazing!
On the SMALL scale, Jesus created the honeybee. You may think of them as buzzing stingers, but they really are a marvel! Their fuzzy bodies collect pollen, which is kind of like valuable gold dust. The bees fly from plant to plant, leaving pollen on each one. They pollinate over 130 types of nuts, fruits, and vegetables that humans enjoy eating. The honeybee is helpful to us! Jesus’ creations are a wonder!
Teacher 2: Well, after Jesus created the universe—then what happened?
Teacher 1: It’s a long, true account you can read about here in this part of the Bible called the Old Testament (show), but basically, people messed up the perfect earth by sinning (not obeying God), and then they started looking for Jesus to come back to earth to save them from the mess. 
Teacher 2: God used prophets to predict when Jesus would come as the Messiah, or King, who would save them. People throughout the Old Testament looked forward to when this King would come. They were so ready for him to arrive! Let’s draw a picture of a crown in space 2. Have kids do so. Teacher 1 continues while they draw.
Teacher 1: Predictions about what will happen in the future are called prophecies. In the Bible, prophecies are promises from God about events in the future. Now, if God promises something, it will happen. Beware of fortune tellers and horoscopes. They are not from God and aren’t accurate at predicting the future. But God is always right 100% of the time because he knows the future and exists outside of time.
Teacher 2: Let’s look at a few Bible prophecies about Jesus coming to earth—the earth he made. All of these prophecies were made hundreds of years before Jesus came. Uncover the prophecy Poster: map. Draw a star by the town of Bethlehem in space 3 as I read this. Have kids do so while you read Micah 5:2. 
Teacher 1: Uncover the prophecy Poster: jesus in a manger. Draw baby Jesus (or a manger) in space 4 while I read this prophecy. Have them do so while you read Isaiah 7:14.
Teacher 2: Uncover the prophecy Poster: Wise men with gifts. Draw a gift in space 5 while I read the next one. Have them do so while you read Psalm 72:10.
Teacher 1: Uncover the prophecy Poster: special star. Draw a special star in space 6 while I read this one. Have them do so while you read Numbers 24:17. 
Teacher 2: So we know they were waiting for Jesus to come to the earth he created, and they thought he would come as a conquering King. They waited a really long time. Have you ever waited for something you really wanted for a really long time? Pause, and if you have time, share a quick story of a time you waited for something.  
Teacher 1: After their long wait, do you think Jesus came and fulfilled all those prophecies? Pause. Yes, he sure did. He promised he would, and he did. He could have come into the world with fireworks, with a huge parade, or with thousands of angels at his side. How would you imagine he could have made his first appearance on earth? Take a couple responses. There never has been and never will be a more important person born than Jesus. Let’s hear more about the most unusual way he came.
Part 2: Wonder of Jesus’ Birth (10 minutes)

Wonder-Filled Birth Poster
4 sheets of copy paper and tape
Chenille stems, 8 per person bundled—4 colors of 2 each

 Prep: Cover each section of the Wonder-Filled Birth Poster with a piece of paper. Make the chenille stems bundles. Students will use two at a time, so it’s fun to have two of the same color for the first round, two of another color for the next round, and so forth for rounds 3 and 4.
Wonder 1: Angel
Teacher 2: The first unusual part of Jesus’ wonder-filled birth is an angel. Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth poster: Angel. Make an angel or something associated with an angel from two of your chenille stems while we talk more about it. Have kids do so as you continue with the following. God sent an angel to earth when he had special messages to deliver. From the Bible, we learn that before Mary was pregnant with Jesus, an angel visited her. Then on a separate visit, the angel visited his earthly dad, Joseph. Here’s what the angel said. Read Luke 1:30–33. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary became pregnant with Jesus.
Teacher 1: Now put yourself in this scenario. Can you imagine if your mom had an angel visit her before she was pregnant with you? Maybe she was just sitting at the kitchen table and all of a sudden—whoosh—an angel appeared! How amazing would that be? Let’s have everyone show right now, without talking, how you think you’d respond if an angel swooped in all of a sudden to talk to you. Do so. Mention that the Bible shares people’s reactions, and they were usually afraid, including what we just read about Mary (verse 30).
Teacher 2: Well, that doesn’t normally just happen—I mean, who has angels visiting before and after their birth? But for Jesus, it did, and it was a wonder! 
Teacher 1: Now, let’s see your angel creations. Have kids hold them up. That angel was just one of many wonders at Jesus’ birth. Let’s hear about another.
Wonder 2: Shepherds with Angels 
Teacher 2: Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth Poster: Shepherds. The next wonder is what happened to some shepherds. Let’s use two more chenille stems to make a shepherd or something associated with a shepherd to remind us of this wonder. Have kids do so while Teacher 1 continues on.
Teacher 1: I want you to imagine yourself there with the shepherds. Think about what you might be seeing, hearing, and feeling as you listen to what happened. Read Luke 2:8–16. What reaction would you have had if you had been there? Show it now. Do so. 
Teacher 2: This was the greatest sound and light show seen by man! Wow! You may want to quickly mention if you’ve ever seen a fireworks show, and how that was nothing compared to this. Or show a slide of it. What a wonder in the heavens! Then the shepherds went quickly to find Jesus. Think about how amazing that was. They found God in the flesh—meaning God took on skin and a body! God had elbows! God had toenails! God had bones! This is God we’re talking about!
Teacher 1: Okay, let’s see your shepherd creations. Have kids hold them up. Cool! But that’s not all. Let’s check out the next wonder.
Wonder 3: Wise Men with Gifts and Special Star
Teacher 2: We talked about this one with the prophecies. Now let’s hear how they came true hundreds of years later. Read Matthew 2:9–11.
Teacher 1: Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth Poster: wise men with gifts/special star. Make something associated with the wise men or the special star while we continue. Have them do so without talking.
Teacher 2: Let’s just think about this for a minute. Who has important wise men showing up after their birth and giving them expensive gifts? Did any show up after you were born? Can you imagine if this happened to you? What would you want them to bring?
Teacher 1: And when do very important men bow down to other people—in particular, a baby?
Teacher 2: And who has a special star just for them in the sky? Okay, let’s see your creations. Have kids hold them up. All these happenings are amazing wonders when you stop to think about them. But that’s not all.
Wonder 4: Jesus Wanting to Come
Teacher 1: Maybe the most amazing wonder of all is Jesus wanting to come. He left heaven to come!
Teacher 2: Can you imagine what that would be like? Heaven—perfect and incredibly beautiful! And then he comes to earth.
Teacher 1: That might be like us leaving a nice home—like a mansion—to go to a dirty, smelly place. Picture that in your mind. And not only that, but he left as a king. Imagine a king with all his riches in a beautiful castle. The king gives all that up and becomes a lowly member of society, no longer recognized as king. Would you want to go from being a king to a poor man? Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth Poster: mansion. Let’s make something associated with a king. Have them do so while Teacher 2 continues on.
Teacher 2: Jesus did that—and he did it because he loves you and knows you need him to save you from your sins. We’ll hear lots more about that this week.

Gospel Opportunity: For believers, God is present to comfort us, teach us, help us. But if you are not part of God’s family, you will not experience his presence in the same comforting way because you don’t have a relationship with him.

Teacher 1: Let’s end with this wonder-filled thought. Jesus is called Immanuel, which means God with us. If you are a Christian, do you realize God will never, ever NOT be with you? 
You can’t see him, but he’s right here. 
He’s with you this very second and every other second of your life, no matter how you’re feeling, what you’re struggling with, or what’s going on in your life. 
For instance, he knows what you’re thinking . . . right now!
He knows what you’ll be doing 7 days, 3 hours, and 32 minutes from now. 
He knows what you’ll be feeling 20 years from now on a Thursday morning. 
He knows you, and it’s impossible for you to get away from him your whole life. 
He’s always with you. So talk to him. He’s Immanuel—“God with us!” 
Teacher 2: Now, before we move on, let’s see your king creations. Have them hold them up, then continue on to the next part. 
Part 3: Animal Pal Review and Game (time varies)

Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Tiny stickers (1220780), 1 per person
Option 1 Game: phone timer and (optional) small prizes
Option 2 Game: Yea and Neigh Cards (1 paper-clipped set on card stock per person), Baby King Letters (2 sets), and small nontransparent bag

 Share the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the map and sticker sets (available to purchase from AnswersVBS.com), one set per person. Each day, the kids will add that day’s animal pal. If you have a large group, don’t put names on them—this makes it faster to pass them out on the following days. Another option is to review daily but to wait until the last day to pass out the map and sticker sets.
Show the day 1 animal pal poster. Let’s take a look at our animal pal poster to remember what we talked about today. Our animal pal is a cougar kitten. What’s her name? Take answers—Tiny. What does her name have to do with Jesus’ birth? Take answers. Jesus came as a tiny baby. What are some things you learned today about the wonder of Jesus’ birth? Take answers. Why does Jesus’ birth matter? Take answers. Discuss the following:
It matters because thinking about the wonder of Jesus can strengthen our faith.
It matters because Jesus came—Immanuel, God with us. That means if you are a child of God, you are never, ever, ever alone again. If you’re lying in bed feeling anxious, Jesus is with you. If you’re having a bad day, Jesus is with you. And he cares. Talk to him!
It also matters because we don’t have to wait or search for someone or something that is the answer. Jesus is the answer! No other religion or person or system is the answer—only Jesus. People try to find happiness in any number of things—sports, hobbies, buying stuff—or in people. Although those things can be good, and God gives us all wonderful good things and people to enjoy, Jesus is the greatest treasure and the one we should live for.
Collect the maps and stickers. If there is time, play a review game. Two options are given below—one that takes just a minute or so, and one that takes a little longer. If playing Option 1, use the questions below. If playing Option 2, use the questions below, converting them to yea (yes) or neigh (no) answers, plus add additional questions you make up if needed.
Option 1: Beat the Clock
Directions: Put 60 seconds on a phone timer. On “Go,” ask a question and have everyone shout out an answer at the same time. As soon as you hear someone say the correct answer, acknowledge it and move to the next question. The goal is to get all ten questions answered correctly before the 60 seconds are up. Remind kids to be quiet when you read the next question or you will have to repeat it, which takes longer. You can play just for fun, or if they beat the clock, you can give everyone a small prize, such as a gold coin or a sticker (both available in the Resource Catalog) or small, individually wrapped candy. To save time, give the prizes to the guides, who can pass them out later. 
Questions
Who is the most important person ever born—past, present, and future? Jesus 
What kind of animal is today’s animal pal? A cougar kitten
Why is she named Tiny? It reminds us that Jesus came as a tiny baby.
Finish the next word of the memory verse: And the Word became ___. Flesh
A prediction that was given hundreds of years before it happened said Jesus would be born in the town of ___. Bethlehem—the place of Jesus’ birth is a wonder.
Another prediction given hundreds of years earlier said kings would come and give Jesus  ___. Gifts—it’s a wonder that kings bowed down to a baby.
It’s a wonder that the Creator became part of his ____. Creation
Name a wonder that happened to Mary before Jesus’ birth. An angel visited her with a special message.
How many amazing gifts were given to Jesus after he was born? Three. Gold (symbolizing Jesus as king), frankincense (symbolizing worshipping Jesus—frankincense was used in worship in the temple), and myrrh (symbolizing Jesus’ death—myrrh was used in burials).
True or false: It matters that Jesus came because we don’t have to keep looking for answers. True. Thinking about the wonders of Jesus can strengthen our faith.
Option 2: Wonder Word Game
Prep: Print on card stock, cut, and paper clip sets of the Yea and Neigh Cards, 1 set per person. Print on card stock two sets (16 letters total) of the Baby King Letters. Cut the letters apart and place all of them in one bag. Teams will all pull from the same bag. Convert the above questions to be answered with either a “Yea” or a “Neigh” (yes or no). Make up additional questions if you think you’ll need more than ten.
Directions: Divide into two teams (girls vs. boys) and give each person a set of YEA AND NEIGH CARDS. Ask a question listed in the Option 1 game above. On the count of three, have everyone show their answer. If most get it right on a team (or all if your class is small), choose a representative to pull a Baby King LETTER from the bag. The goal is to see which team spells “BABY KING” first. If they get a letter they don’t need, they throw it back in the bag. Continue with other questions. If time runs out before a team has completely spelled out the phrase, whichever team has the most letters wins. 
You can play this game any day to review, just change the phrase and the letters that go in the bag (Day 2: Young King; Day 3: Adult King; Day 4: Risen King; Day 5: King of Kings).
Apply It!

The front page of each day’s student guide is a review of today’s lesson. The back page matches this section in the teacher guide. 

 In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the back of the Junior Student Guide and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time. If you send them home, motivate the kids to do them because they are full of good stuff! (The Go and Do sections apply today’s lesson to real life. It’s important!) Have the group guides check with the kids tomorrow to see how they did on them, and consider giving contest bonus points to the groups for their hard work.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose. So decide what you will do and add any items to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time

Theme and Day 1 Memory Verse Posters 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 Today’s Verse: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory . . .  full of grace and truth. John 1:14 
Practice this verse a couple times using the Day 1 Memory Verse Poster as a reference, then try the challenge.
Challenge: Move like a baby while saying the verse. First, roll over and over and over while saying it, then crawl around while saying it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 
Theme Verse: From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113:3
Say the new verse together several times and try the challenge again. Try the theme verse as well.
Part 2: Go and Do
Take a walk and marvel at what Jesus, the Creator, has made. Check out all parts of his creation you see or hear or smell or touch.
Read Psalm 139:7–10. If you believe in Jesus, this is a comfort to know you are never alone. God is with you, as Jesus’ title “Immanuel” means. Brainstorm a list of places Jesus is with you.
Ask an adult who has taken care of babies (maybe even you!) what they needed to do to care for the babies. Isn’t it a wonder to think of the care Jesus would have needed as a baby, yet now he cares for you and the entire universe?
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information! 
Ask yourself these questions: What amazes me about Jesus’ birth? Why does his birth matter? Why is it important to think about the wonder of Jesus?
Part 3: Marvel-ous Moment
End each day with this thought. It’s an important moment, so be sure to allow time for it daily. Cut something else if need be.
Never stop marveling at the creation Jesus made. Here’s an idea to get you started:
When you’re at the beach, think of this: Jesus knows how many grains of sand there are. And he knows where each crab is hiding under that sand. And he knows exactly how many grains of sand and how many crabs will be there in 8 years and 342 days from now.
Now your turn! What can you think of? Keep marveling!
Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Kids of the Old West Poster
Day 2 Nugget of Truth and 1 sheet of bright yellow card stock
Bible 
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Today’s lesson is packed, so keep it moving. Allow 15–20 minutes for Wonder Bingo. 
As we explore this topic, we have looked only to the Bible for our source material. Check out the FAQ page for more info. 
Wonder Junction Schoolhouse (5 minutes or less)
Prep: Bookmark the Bible passages that will be used today. Print and cut out the day 2 nugget of truth. Hide it somewhere so it is just a little visible to everyone.
Teacher 1: Howdy again, partners! Glad to see ya back at Wonder Junction. Yesterday, we talked about the Creator coming to his creation as a baby. It’s a mind-blowing thought to think of God as a baby that cries and needs to be fed and changed and burped. Wow!
Teacher 2: Today, we’re going to talk about Jesus being a kid like you. At one point, he was even the same age you are right now. So he was like you—but also not like you! 
Teacher 1: Kids are kids, all down through history. In fact, kids in the Old West were very much like you in some ways. For instance, what grade are you in school? Take quick responses. Well, many kids in the Old West went to school, too. Their school was often in a one-room schoolhouse like this one that sits right down on Main Street. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point out the schoolhouse. The school is run by Miss Winnie Griggs, Wonder Junction’s schoolteacher, who came out on the train with her trunk full of books and even a globe. 
Teacher 2: But kids’ lives were most likely different in some ways, too. For instance . . .  
Show the kids of the old west Poster. Kids in the Old West had to do lots and lots of work, even from the time they were little toddlers. Jobs they had to do as they grew might include gathering water, mending tools, feeding and taking care of animals, making soap and candles, sewing, washing clothes, and splitting firewood. If they lived in a town like Wonder Junction, they might also have to work at stores or mills or mines. Do you think you would have liked to do any of those?
They had to get up early, even before sunrise, to get it all done. How does that sound to you?
That didn’t leave a lot of time for playing. Hmm, not much playing. Do you like that idea?
Teacher 1: All through history, kids’ lives have been alike in many ways but different in some. There’s one child whose life was unique. He was still a kid, like you, but he was also God! That made for a childhood like no other.
Teacher 2: Let’s find our nugget of truth to hear about this most amazing child ever, Jesus. Does anybody see it? Have someone bring it to you or have them point it out. Read it with wonder: “The Creator of kids was a kid himself at one point. He understands you!”
Teach It!

Map Poster
Jesus at the Temple Posters
Israel Maps, 1 per person, on clipboards
Highlighters, 1 per person
Optional: thin markers or colored pencils for each person

 Part 1: Jesus at the Temple (10 minutes)
Prep: Print the Israel maps, 1 per person, and put each one on a hard surface, such as a clipboard. Cut the Jesus at the Temple posters apart. To save time, you may want to put the supplies under their chairs before lesson time starts. If you are having multiple rotations, put that number of maps on a clipboard. For instance, for three rotations, the children in the first rotation will use just the top map, second rotation the next one, and third rotation the bottom one. Before kids leave, have them put everything back under their chairs except the map they used. Everyone needs a highlighter, but you can also give a thin marker for drawing, or they can just use the highlighter for highlighting and drawing. Test the marker and highlighter to make sure it doesn’t soak through to the other maps beneath it.
Pass out the supplies and begin. 
Teacher 1: Let’s start with the town where Jesus was born, which we talked about yesterday. Who sees the name of his birthplace? Bethlehem. Point it out on the map poster. Let’s highlight the word Bethlehem and draw a tiny star there while we continue talking.
  Teacher 2: In the Bible, the book of Matthew says that after Jesus was born, an angel warned Joseph to move to the country of Egypt. They had to get away from King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus. Now, isn’t that crazy that a king wanted to kill a little baby? Because of this, Jesus’ family moved to Egypt for a while. Have any of you ever lived in another country? Take quick responses. His family didn’t go because they wanted to but because Jesus was in danger. He was displaced from his home and was like a refugee while living in Egypt. Can you imagine that? Let’s highlight the word Egypt and draw a pyramid. Point it out on the map poster and draw a pyramid while Teacher 1 continues. 

The word for carpenter (tekton in Hebrew) refers to a craftsman, so Jesus may have worked with wood, metal, and/or stone.

 Teacher 1: After Herod died, Jesus’ family moved back to their home country of Israel in a town called Nazareth. Let’s highlight the word Nazareth and draw a little hammer. Do so. Have any of you ever moved from place to place? Take quick responses. Well, it was here in Nazareth that Jesus grew up. His dad was a carpenter, and he would have learned some carpentry skills from his dad. Have any of you ever tried to make anything out of wood? Take quick responses. It’s pretty cool!
Teacher 2: Jesus would have been a typical boy in many ways, as we’ll talk about more in a bit. The Bible tells us he grew and became strong and full of wisdom. Read Luke 2:40. 
Teacher 1: He, of course, talked throughout his whole childhood, but the Bible records just one sentence from all his growing up years. In fact, it records just one thing he said from the time he was born until he was about 30 years old! This important incident happened when he was 12. How many of you are 12? Show of hands.
  Teacher 2: We’re going to read what happened. You listen and highlight and draw things on your map as we direct you. Do so while Teacher 1 continues.
Teacher 1: Read Luke 2:41–42. Have them highlight the word Jerusalem. Jesus’ parents were devoted Jewish people (also known as Israelites). The Bible tells us they observed the religious festivals, such as the Feast of Passover. This was a time to remember how God had “passed over” the Israelites’ houses to keep them safe when he brought them out of Egypt. The firstborn of the Egyptians were destroyed, but the Israelites, who had lambs’ blood around their doors, were passed over and lived.
Teacher 2: Show the Jesus at the Temple Poster 1. The Feast of Passover was happening in the city of Jerusalem. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus traveled from their home of Nazareth to the temple, which was the center of the Israelites’ faith. This was about 80 miles—a big deal back then. You can make a dotted line with tiny people showing their journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Do so, pointing it out on the map poster, while Teacher 1 continues.
Teacher 1: Read Luke 2:43–45. Have you ever gotten lost or separated from your parents? Take quick responses, and tell a quick personal story if you have one. It’s so scary! Well, Jesus’ parents couldn’t find Jesus for three days! Can you imagine how panicked they must have felt? Imagine if you or your brother or sister got lost for three days!  
Teacher 2: They found Jesus in the temple. Read Luke 2:46–47. Show the Jesus at the Temple poster 2 and have them draw a little temple. And what was he doing there? He was asking the religious teachers questions (he loved to learn!), and he was teaching them things too. A 12-year-old boy was blowing them away with the deep questions he was asking and the wise answers he was giving!

You may want to find and print pictures of the people mentioned here, or show slides of them.

Teacher 1: There have been and still are geniuses on earth, like Mozart, for example. He’s one of the most famous composers ever, but was also a child genius. He was playing music by age 3, composing it by age 5, and touring around playing by age 7. Or how about Akrit Jaswal, a child prodigy from India? He performed his first successful medical surgery when he was just 7 years old! Or Gregory Smith, who was speaking by 7 months old and solving math problems at just over a year old! He graduated from high school when he was 10 and was nominated to win the Nobel Peace Prize when he was 12. 
Teacher 2: As remarkable as those kids are, no child has ever been like Jesus. Jesus is the only one who was fully human and also fully God. He wasn’t part human and part God. He was all human and all God at the same time. That’s kind of impossible to wrap our heads around completely. It’s such a wonder!
Teacher 1: But back to the account. Jesus had been in the temple for three days with the religious leaders when his parents found him after their frantic search. Here’s what they said. Read Luke 2:48. Notice that it says they were astonished. The word astonished is often used when describing interactions with Jesus. 
Teacher 2: Jesus replied: Read Luke 2:49–50. Jesus shows here he already knew his mission in life, even at age 12. He had to be about God’s business. But his parents didn’t understand what he was saying.
Teacher 1: Then: Read Luke 2:51. Submissive means Jesus obeyed his parents and their authority. If we’re Christians, we want to obey Jesus because he shows us that he himself obeyed. Even though we can’t do it perfectly, it should be our heart’s desire. But Jesus always obeyed God’s commands perfectly, which is a wonder!
Teacher 2: And it ends with this, our memory verse: Read Luke 2:52 and have them say it with you. It’s a wonder-filled thought to think of Jesus growing.
Teacher 1: Let’s talk more about him growing in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man as we play Wonder Bingo. 

Wonder Bingo Call Cards and a galvanized bucket or cowboy hat to draw from
Wonder Bingo Cards, 1 per person (different cards), and 25 small items for bingo markers
Optional: clipboard or other hard surface, 1 per person
Optional: small prizes for bingo winners

Part 2: Wonder Bingo (15–20 minutes)
Prep: Print and cut apart the Wonder Bingo Call Cards and put them in a bucket or cowboy hat. Print a variety of the Wonder Bingo cards, one for each person. Gather approximately 25 small items per person to mark the cards (e.g., bingo chips, food items like Honeycomb cereal that looks like wagon wheels, or small pieces of paper). Optional: put the bingo cards on clipboards or a hard surface. If using food, make sure there are no allergies to it. If giving prizes to winners, possibilities include stickers or small, individually wrapped candies, like Rolos (gold nuggets). Again, make sure there are no allergies.
Directions: One at a time, draw the wonder bingo Call cARDS from a bucket or hat and have the students cover that space on their bingo card. Read the comments below for each call card, then continue with another draw. The first person to get five across, down, or diagonally wins. Continue on, playing other rounds, but don’t repeat any of the call cards until all have been drawn and discussed. If you make it through all 25 and still have time, start rapid-fire rounds with just the words and no explanations.
Jesus grew—The Bible says Jesus grew. He didn’t start out in a full-sized, grown-up body. And he wasn’t an adult in a kid’s body. He had to grow. That’s an amazing thought right there to think of God growing up! He went through all the stages of life—baby, toddler, child, teen, and adult—like you’re doing.

You can skip the Wonder Bingo Call Cards and just read the clues and comments in the order given here. Try to get through each one at least once.

 Grew (increased) in wisdom—That means Jesus grew spiritually and mentally in knowing how to live a godly life among other people. Just like you, he didn’t know how to read, add and subtract, and care for a home from the time he was a toddler. He didn’t know how to act in public places and respond to challenging situations. He didn’t know the Bible and practical life skills right off the bat. Think about something you’ve learned lately. Well, while Jesus was on earth, he had to learn things too.
Grew (increased) in stature—That means Jesus grew physically. He got taller, bigger, and stronger. He didn’t have superhuman strength just because he was God, because at this time he was also fully human, so he suspended his powers for this period of time and had to grow in stature and strength.
Grew (increased) in favor—Jesus grew in favor with God and with man. This means as he got older, his good reputation also grew.
Wasn’t rich—Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, weren’t rich (Luke 2:22–24; Leviticus 12:8), so Jesus didn’t grow up in a wealthy home. In fact, his home was probably somewhat poor.
Birthdays—Jesus would have had birthdays just like you. I wonder if they celebrated it. The Bible doesn’t tell us. But his birthdays didn’t reveal his true age because he had lived forever in eternity past. Endless candles needed! Nowadays, we celebrate his birthday on December 25. We don’t know if that’s the day he was born, but it’s the day the world celebrates him.
Siblings—Jesus had half brothers and sisters. Four brothers and at least two sisters are mentioned in the Bible. How many brothers and sisters do you have? Pause. Because Jesus was perfect, he would never have treated his siblings badly. Can you imagine being in a house where one of your siblings never, ever said an unkind word or acted poorly toward you? That’s amazing, but do you think his brothers and sisters ever treated him badly? 
Oldest—He was the oldest child in his family. Are any of you the oldest in your family? Pause.
His looks—The Bible doesn’t tell us what he looked like, except that Isaiah 53:2 says he didn’t have any special form or majesty, and that there was no special beauty about him. He probably just looked like an average, ordinary Joe—not someone who would stand out in a crowd. Of course, in heaven, he will be the most stunning ever, but on earth he was just normal.
Parents’ faith—He grew up in a home with parents who had a strong faith. They would have taught him about God and the Scriptures. Jesus had to grow in knowledge. He didn’t know everything during his years on earth because he voluntarily gave up knowing everything at that time. He knew everything before he came to earth, and he knows everything again now that he is back in heaven, but during those years, he did have to learn things. Sometimes, God the Father revealed special things to him, so he knew more than others, but he didn’t know it all during those earthly years. 
Joseph—Jesus’ ultimate Father was God, but his earthly father was a man named Joseph. Joseph was a good man according to Scripture, and he would have taught Jesus about God and life. Joseph isn’t mentioned once Jesus is an adult, so he may have died during Jesus’ childhood or young adult years. That would be hard, wouldn’t it?
Carpenter—Jesus is referred to as the carpenter’s son, so that confirms that Joseph was a carpenter or craftsman. Jesus is also referred to in the Bible as “carpenter” in Mark 6:3. What kinds of things might he have learned from his dad?
Nazareth—As mentioned earlier, Jesus grew up in Nazareth. It was a humble little town—not a big city and not a lot of people. Everyone probably knew each other in Nazareth because of its size. Do you live in a tiny town or a big city?
The name Jesus—This name means “He saves” or “The Lord is salvation.” And that’s true! Jesus did come to save us, and he knew that was his mission even as a child. When he told his mom he had to be about God’s business, that shows Jesus already knew his purpose on earth.
Emotions—Jesus had emotions like we do, such as pain, sadness (it is recorded that he wept with sadness), laughter, and joy. He was different from us, though, because he never had sinful emotions. He never got anxious or unjustly angry. He never would have felt guilty or ashamed because he never did anything wrong. He never would have been envious, bitter, or depressed. Can you imagine never having one unkind thought your whole life or never getting mad for a selfish reason? 
Hungry—Jesus got hungry just like we do, and he needed to eat, but he wouldn’t have gotten “hangry,” meaning hungry and angry. He wouldn’t have complained about his food or had an unhealthy preoccupation with it, but he would have eaten. What do you think he might have eaten? I’m guessing fish, for one! What might he not have eaten? (Oreos! They weren’t invented at that time.)
Sleep—Jesus needed to sleep just like we do. The Bible records numerous times when he was tired (even exhausted) or sleeping. What makes you really tired? In heaven, he now neither slumbers nor sleeps, but keeps constant watch over us.
Listened and learned—Seeing how he answered the religious men at the temple, we know Jesus listened to his teachers and parents through his growing-up years and  learned a lot. He applied himself to learning, which is what we should do as well.
Obeyed—Because Jesus was perfect (sinless), he perfectly obeyed. We see him obeying his parents at the end of this account (Luke 2:51). He would have always obeyed God’s commands—a mind-blowing thought. We can’t perfectly obey, but we should pray and ask God to give us humble hearts that want to obey.

Gospel Opportunity

 Luke 2:51 (read it)—Some say this is one of the verses to marvel at most in all of Scripture. Jesus would never have done one rebellious thing ever! Not one roll of the eyes or one time of complaining or talking back. How different from us. We don’t even make it through one day without doing something sinful, do we?
King of the world—Jesus is the King of the world—the one who made it all—including making his parents—and yet, even as King, he obeyed his imperfect, ordinary, average parents.
Jesus at 12—Religious men marveled at Jesus even at 12 years of age! 
Jesus at 13—The Bible doesn’t talk about what happened to Jesus when he was 13, but nowadays, Hebrew boys go through a ceremony called a bar-mitzvah, which symbolizes them passing into adulthood. Jesus may very well have gone through something similar. How would you feel about being considered an adult at age 13?
Passover lamb—Jesus and his parents went to the Feast of Passover at the temple each year. At that feast, the Passover lamb would be killed and sacrificed. This symbolized the shedding of the lamb’s blood that happened years before to save the Israelites from God’s judgment that was set because of a wicked pharaoh. Jesus would have been aware of the Passover lambs and what they stood for. Did he realize during his visit that he himself would one day be called the Lamb of God who would shed his blood to take away the sin of the world? He was going to live out this very festival he participated in!
Teacher 1: So as you see, the young King Jesus’ childhood was a wonder! 
Part 3: Animal Pal Review and Game (time varies)

Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Junior stickers, 1 per person
Option 1 Game: phone timer and (optional) small prizes
Option 2 Game: Head Bandana Cards, 1 set per team, a phone timer, and (optional) one bandana per person 

 Share the Day 2 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Junior stickers to each person and have them stick on today’s animal as you discuss the animal pal. 
What kind of animal is our animal pal today? Wolf pup. And what’s our wolf pup’s name? Junior. Why do you think our wolf pup is named Junior? Junior is a nickname kids sometimes have. Junior is not an adult yet. In today’s Bible account, Jesus wasn’t an adult yet. Notice Junior’s dad in the picture. What does it look like they’re doing together? Howling. Wolf fathers teach their young pups lots of things, just as Jesus’ earthly father would have taught him many things, including teaching him about God and carpentry. What’s something you learned about Jesus as a child today? Take responses. What is most amazing to you about Jesus being both God and man? Take responses. 
Why does it matter that Jesus was a child? Take answers. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because Jesus was tempted just like you are. The difference is he never gave in to temptation, like you (and all of us) do. You can trust him with your life because he’s perfect.
It matters because Jesus experienced both joy and sadness, happiness and pain, like you do. He gets you! He understands you and cares about you! In fact, he loves you outrageously!
It matters because Jesus obeyed not just outwardly, but inwardly. He freely chose to obey without being forced to. He did it out of love. What an example for us! Think on this: Do I obey? When I do, am I doing it from the heart or just outwardly?
Collect the maps. If you have time, play a review game. Two options are given below—one that takes just a minute or so, and one that takes a little longer.
Option 1: Beat the Clock
See the directions on Day 1.
Sample Questions
What kind of animal is today’s animal pal? A wolf pup
Why is he named Junior? Junior reminds us that Jesus was a child at one point—he didn’t come as a full-grown adult.
Finish the memory verse: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with ___. God and man
What were Jesus’ parents like? Godly, faith-filled, went to the festivals, etc.
Was Jesus rich or poor in material things? Poor
Did Jesus have siblings? Yes—half siblings
How old was Jesus when he went to the temple in the account we talked about today? 12
Jesus was fully God and also fully ___. Man
Did Jesus understand his mission, even at age 12? Yes
Why does it matter that Jesus was a child? He understands you as a child. He cares.
Option 2: Head Bandanas
Prep: Print on card stock and cut apart at least two sets of Head Bandana Cards. Optional: gather a bandana for each child. 
Directions: This game is played kind of like HeadBandz. Divide into two or more teams. Each team needs a set of Head Bandana Cards. Optional: Have each child fold their bandana like a headband and tie it around their forehead. Or they will hold the card to their forehead. Explain that all the answers have something to do with Jesus’ childhood. Put three minutes on the phone timer. 
When play starts, the first person sticks a card (without looking at it) in the top of his bandana or holds it to his forehead while the rest of the team gives clues as to what it is. No part of the word or phrase can be used as a clue. Once the person guesses the correct word on his card, he passes the whole stack of cards (face down) to the next player, who does the same thing. If a player is having trouble guessing, he can swap the card with another one or pass. The winning team is the one who gets the most correct cards in the allotted time.
Apply It!
In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the back of the Junior Student Guide and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time. If you send them home, motivate the kids to do them because they are full of good stuff! Have the group guides check with the kids tomorrow to see how they did on them and consider giving contest bonus points to the groups for their hard work.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose. So decide what you will do and add any items to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time

Day 2 Memory Verse Poster
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 Today’s Verse: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
Practice this verse a couple times using the Day 2 Memory Verse Poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Play the Popcorn Game. Squat and say the first word of the verse. Pop up (“grow”) as you say the next word. Continue squatting and growing through the whole verse. Get taller each time you “grow” up.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25
Try the challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Jesus was taught the Scriptures when he was young like you. Jesus wants you to learn his Word. What questions do you have about God? What book contains the answers? Make a plan to get to know the Bible better.
Read Romans 12:9–21. Make a list of some temptations to sin that you face. For example: Are you tempted to lie? To complain about chores? To say unkind words about someone? To not obey your parents? To put yourself first? To waste time? Now think about temptations Jesus may have faced and marvel that he never sinned. His perfect life is a wonder!
Talk to God (pray) and thank him for sending his Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth as a person, yet still God. Thank him for loving you that much. Thank him for understanding what you go through because he went through it too.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself these questions: What amazes me about Jesus as a child? Why does Jesus’ childhood matter?
Part 3: Marvel-ous Moment
Remember to allow time to end on this important thought.
Never stop marveling that Jesus, even though he was God, was also a child at one point. Here’s an idea to get you started:
Kids have belly buttons, right? But do you think Jesus had a belly button? Yes! He grew as a baby inside Mary and would have needed a belly button to be attached to his umbilical cord. Adam, the first man whom God formed from the dust, wouldn’t have had a belly button, though! 
Now it’s your turn! What’s another marvel you can think of about Jesus as a child?

Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Day 3 Nugget of Truth and 1 sheet of bright yellow card stock
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Wonder Junction General Store (5 minutes) 
Prep: Bookmark all Bible passages used in today’s lesson. Print and cut out the day 3 nugget of truth. Hide it somewhere so it is just a little visible to everyone.
Teacher 1: Welcome back, y’all. I’ve got a question for you. What do you want to be when you grow up? Take a few answers or have them tell their neighbor.
Teacher 2: Now, here’s another question. If you lived in the Old West, what do you think you would have wanted to be when you were a grown-up? I’ll give you some choices and you move to the location that fits your answer as I point to it (or just have them point if you don’t have room to move). The choices are (point as you say them—one in each corner of the room, and one in the middle—say them twice): Cowboy or cowgirl, Pony Express rider, general store owner, rancher, or gold miner. Okay, move to the location. Do so, then have them return to their seats.
Teacher 1: Well, the owner of the general store is the one who has everything under the sun that you may need. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point to the general store. Wonder Junction’s general store owner is Mr. Percy Jones. He’s got a heart of gold and always wants to help folks out. If yer sick, he has medicine. If you need food, he has flour, sugar, and other important food items. If you need clothing, he has fabric and sewing supplies. If you need to build something, he has building materials. But as helpful as that can be, it’s nothin’ compared to all the ways Jesus cared for people while he was on earth. Whatever your need, he could supply it! Let’s find our nugget of truth to learn a wonder-filled thought about Jesus. Then we’ll hear about Jesus’ amazing power when he began his grown-up ministry years around the age of 30. Read the nugget of truth. “If you put all the rulers and kings of the world together from all time, Jesus has more power than all of them combined.”
Teach It!
Part 1: Wonder-Working Power (15–20 minutes)

Wonder-Working Power Poster
4 sheets of copy paper and tape
Towels, 1 or 1 per person
Optional: damp paper towels, 1 or 1 per person
2 flashlights
Pan and spoon
Spray bottle with water

 Prep: Cover each section of the Wonder-working power Poster with the copy paper. Get the other supplies ready, including dampening a paper towel for either one person or every person (optional). 
Directions: Four accounts follow, reflecting four categories of Jesus’ power that demonstrate he is God. You may want to have just one person do some of them up front or have all do one or more of them. The second and third accounts work particularly well with everyone. 
Teacher 2: When Jesus was about 30 years old, he chose some men to be his students. He taught them amazing truths, and they were filled with wonder at who Jesus was. 
Teacher 1: One of those incredible truths is that Jesus said he is God. Listen to this amazing statement. Read John 8:58–59. Jesus is saying that he is the “great I am,” which is a title God has used for himself. So Jesus is claiming to be God!  
Teacher 2: Now, if you or I claimed to be God, people would think we were crazy, right? But Jesus showed he is God by doing miracles that only God can do. Let’s take a look at a few of those miracles that show Jesus is who he claimed to be—God the Son.
Wonder-Working Power 1—Power over Sickness and Disease (Mark 1:29–31): Give one child or each child a towel to lie on and (optional) a damp paper towel “cloth.” (One test church with a large group of kids did this as a demo with one child up front.) Without talking, have them lie down as if they’re sick. Ask if they’ve ever had a fever. Discuss what it would be like if their moms came along and said, “Fever, go away right now!” Would it go away? Then have them quietly listen and imagine they are there as you read or paraphrase Mark 1:29–31. Uncover the Wonder-working Power Poster: sickness and have them get up and start silently serving you at the appropriate time. Have them sit down, then discuss how amazing this truly is. Jesus has power to heal sickness and disease, which is a wonder! Nobody else has power over sickness and disease! Only Jesus—he is God the Son!

Practice a signal for when they should instantly get quiet.
If you have the capability, add an audio sound effect for thunder. 

 Wonder-Working Power 2—Power over Nature (Mark 4:35–39): The test churches had everyone do the following together. Have the kids sit together as if in a boat. Turn the lights off, flash the flashlights on and off for lightning, bang a pan for thunder, lightly spray mist for waves crashing, and have kids gently blow to simulate the wind blowing. Have them stop, then tell the Bible account while they quietly listen. Uncover the Wonder-working power poster: Nature. Discuss how amazing this truly is if you stop and think about it. Jesus has power over nature, which is a wonder! Nobody else has power over nature. Only Jesus—he is God the Son!

One test church with a large group of kids in pews had everyone do this but without towels. The kids just got completely still where they were sitting.
Gospel Opportunity: We all need forgiveness because we are all sinners. Sin separates us from God. 

 Wonder-Working Power 3—Power over Sin (Mark 2:1–12):  Have the kids use their towels again. Discuss what it means to be paralyzed and have them lie down, trying not to move or talk. Tell the Bible account, uncovering the wonder-working power poster: sin, and have them pick up their “mats” and walk at the appropriate time. Discuss how amazing this is that Jesus forgave the man of his sins (disobeying God’s commands). What a wonder to be able to forgive sins! Nobody else has power to do that. Only Jesus—he is God the Son!
Wonder-Working Power 4—Power over Death (Mark 5:21–24, 35–42): Using one towel, have a teacher/adult lie down and be still, as if she had died. You can make this a fun challenge by seeing just how still she can be! Have everyone else gather around and silently act as if they’re sad. Tell the Bible account, uncovering the Wonder-working power poster: death, having the teacher/adult rise at the appropriate time. Discuss how amazing this is that Jesus has power over death, which is a wonder! Nobody else has power over death. Only Jesus—he is God the Son! He even had the power to bring himself back to life, as we will hear more about tomorrow.

Find pictures of famous kings, world leaders, and religious leaders such as Muhammad, Joseph Smith, and Buddha.

Teacher 1: As you can see, Jesus’ power is different than anyone else’s power in all of history. Is there any king who has ever lived who is as powerful as Jesus? Is there any military ruler ever as powerful as Jesus? Is there any religious leader ever as powerful as Jesus? 
Teacher 2: Think about this: leaders of other religions have lived, died . . . and stayed dead. People like Muhammad (who started Islam), Joseph Smith (who started Mormonism), and Buddha (who started Buddhism), are all dead in their graves right now. They couldn’t bring themselves back to life. Jesus is the only one who has power over death! He is truly God Almighty and the only one worthy to trust and follow.
Part 2: Jesus’ Ministry Years (5 minutes)
Teacher 1: Let’s talk a little more about Jesus during his grown-up ministry years. We’ll ask a true or false question. You choose an answer and do the motion that goes with it while staying seated. Demonstrate motions. If the answer is true, act like you’re swinging a lasso. If it’s false, pretend you’re riding a horse. 
Question: Jesus got married when he was 28. 
Answer: False. Jesus never got married. According to the Bible, God created marriage between one man and one woman in the beginning. Marriage between a man and woman is blessed by God. And, also according to the Bible, it’s okay to stay single and not get married. Jesus stayed single and never married.
Question: Jesus did not have a home of his own during his ministry years.
Answer: True. (Matthew 8:20)  
Question: Most of the religious leaders respected Jesus.
Answer: False. The Bible records a couple who did, but most did not. (Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 15:3)
Question: The Bible tells us a lot about Jesus when he was a teenager.
Answer: False. 
For the next questions, if the answer is true, put on your cowboy hat. If it’s false, put on your cowboy boots. Demonstrate motions.
Question: Jesus had a lighter shade of skin.
Answer: Probably false. He most likely had a medium-brown shade of skin because he was Jewish and of Middle Eastern descent. But we can’t know for sure. (So don’t count this one.)
Question: Because Jesus is God, he never got tired. 
Answer: False. The Bible often records that he was tired. In his humanity, Jesus needed rest. (John 4:1–6)
Question: Jesus came into existence when he was born.
Answer: False. He doesn’t have a beginning but has always been. He is eternal. (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1–3)
Question: Jesus has power over nature, sickness, sin, disease, and even death.
Answer: True.

Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Mighty stickers, 1 per person
Option 1 Game: phone timer and (optional) small prizes
Option 2 Game: painter’s tape or masking tape

 Part 3: Animal Pal Review and Game (time varies)
Share the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Mighty stickers and have the kids cover today’s animal pal. 
Our animal pal today is a bison. Why do you think he’s our animal pal today? Take responses. His name is Mighty. What does that have to do with Jesus? Take responses. What’s something that blew your mind today about Jesus’ ministry years? Take responses. 
Why do Jesus’ ministry years matter (because they do!)? Take answers. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because he’s powerful enough to calm a storm, so he’s powerful enough to care for you.
It matters because nothing is too hard for him. God always knows the best course of action (he can only make perfect choices), so we can trust him.
It matters because he is almighty, and yet he cares about the smallest details of your life.
Collect the maps. If there is time, play a review game. Two options are given below—one that takes just a minute or so, and one that takes a little longer.
Option 1: Beat the Clock
See the directions on Day 1.
Sample Questions
What kind of animal is today’s animal pal? A bison
Why is he named Mighty? To remind us that Jesus is mighty
Finish the memory verse:  Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the ___. Books that would be written
Name a miracle Jesus did that shows he has power over nature. Creating the universe, calming the storm, walking on water, etc.
Name a miracle Jesus did that shows he has power over sickness and disease. Healing Peter’s mother-in-law, healing the bleeding woman, healing the lepers, etc.
Name a miracle Jesus did that shows he has power over sin. Forgiving the paralyzed man
Name a miracle Jesus did that shows he has power over death. Raising Jairus’ daughter, raising Lazarus, Jesus rising from the dead
Yes or no: Other religious leaders have come back to life. No. Muhammad, Buddha, and all the rest are still dead in their graves. Only Jesus is God, and only Jesus has power over death.
Yes or no: One name of Jesus is Mighty God. Yes—Isaiah 9:6. He is also called Almighty in Revelation 1:8.
Why does it matter that Jesus is almighty and has all power? Answers vary, but because he can calm a storm, he can care for you. This also demonstrates that he is who claims to be—the Messiah—and he has the power to save us from sin.
Option 2: Cowboy Tic-Tac-Toe
Prep: Put painter’s tape or masking tape on the floor in a large tic-tac-toe board.
Directions: Divide into two teams—cowboys vs. cowgirls. Take turns asking review questions. If the team gets it right, someone from the team picks a spot on the board on which to stand. Keep this moving at a quick pace. The winning team is the first to get three people in a row. Play as many rounds as time allows. 
Another option is to play in pairs with paper and writing utensils. Take turns asking review questions, and if the person gets it right, he draws an X or an O on their tic-tac-toe board. First to get three in a row wins. Continue new rounds as time allows.
Apply It!
In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the back of the Junior Student Guide and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time. If you send them home, motivate the kids to do them because they are full of good stuff! Have the group guides check with the kids tomorrow to see how they did on them, and consider giving contest bonus points to the groups for their hard work.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose. So decide what you will do and add any items to your supply list accordingly.  
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time

Day 3 Memory Verse Poster
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 Today’s Verse: Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25
Practice this verse several times using the Day 3 Memory Verse Poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Get an armful of books. Add a book as you say each word, making a tower. Can you make it to the end of the verse before the book tower falls over? All the books in the world can’t tell all the amazing things Jesus has done if they were all written down. 
Tomorrow’s Verse: But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
Try the challenge again using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Go through the book of Mark and count how many times the words astonished, amazed, amazement, or marveled are used. They marveled at Jesus back then, and we should still be marveling!
Read Mark 6:30–44. Jesus used his power to take care of others. How does he take care of you? How can you care for someone else?
Praise God for being mighty—nothing is too hard for him.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information! 
Ask yourself these questions: What amazes me about Jesus’ grown-up years? Why do Jesus’ ministry years matter?
Part 3: Marvel-ous Moment
Remember to allow time to end on this important thought.
Never stop marveling at Jesus’ power. Here’s an idea to get you started:
Jesus has the power to change people’s lives. Nobody is beyond his power—not even the worst thief or meanest person you can think of. He delights to save sinners—like you! 
You may want to quickly share a specific, age-appropriate way Jesus has changed your life.
Now it’s your turn. What’s something to marvel at about Jesus’ power? Keep marveling!
Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Wild West Bad Guys Poster
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
3 sheets of copy paper and tape

 Wonder Junction Jail (5 minutes) 
Prep: Bookmark all the Bible passages used in today’s lesson. Cover each section of the Wild West Bad Guys Poster with copy paper.
Teacher 1: Welcome back, partners! Come in and sit down for a spell. You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about this here jail in town. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point out the jail. Isn’t it just a shame that we need a jail?  
Teacher 2: It sure is. But the Old West was full of bad guys. Have you ever heard of any of these? Uncover each picture on the Wild West Bad Guys poster as you go.
Billy the Kid—The first thing he stole was some laundry. He went to jail, where he escaped by shimmying up a chimney. He continued to steal horses, have gunfights, and kill people. He even made a famous jailbreak.
Jesse James—He and his gang robbed banks, stagecoaches, and even trains. He was famous and loved the publicity about the bad deeds he pulled off.
Butch Cassidy—He was also a train and bank robber who led a gang of criminals called the Wild Bunch. They had a hideout called Robbers’ Roost.
Teacher 1: Did you know that we all have somethin’ in common with Billy the Kid, Jesse James, and Butch Cassidy? I know, I know, that’s shocking to hear, isn’t it, because we aren’t bad guys robbing banks. We’re good people, right?
Teacher 2: Actually, no, we’re not as good as we think we are. Even though we may not rob banks, the Bible tells us we have the same problem Billy the Kid and the others have, and that problem is called sin. Sin is when we don’t obey God. Billy the Kid may have killed people, but according to Jesus, if we hate someone, that’s the same as killing them (Matthew 5:21–22). Butch Cassidy may have robbed banks, but if we take anything that doesn’t belong to us, we, too, are robbers. And the truth of the matter is that just one sin separates us from God. And we all sin. 
Teacher 1: According to the Bible, nobody is born good—not even one of us (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:23). There’s only one who is good, and that’s God. Let’s hear a little more about it as we try to find some gold nuggets.
Teach It!

Nuggets of Truth Poster Set
Admit, Believe, Forever Receive Poster Set  
Sunrise Sheets (Junior), 1 per person
Day 4 Nuggets of Truth Cards, 1 set of 8 per person
Paper clips, 1 per person
Supply baggies with 1 glue stick and several coloring utensils, 1 per person
Clipboards or hard surface, 1 per person
Phone timer
Optional: small prizes

 Prep: Cut apart the two poster sets. Print the Junior version of the sunrise sheets (see the label at the bottom of the pattern). Attach one sheet to a clipboard for each person. For multiple rotations, put multiple sheets on each clipboard and have each group use the top sheet and leave the others. Place several coloring utensils and one glue stick in a baggie for each person. Save time by placing supplies under chairs before the kids arrive. Print and cut out the day 4 nuggets of truth cards, eight cards per person paper-clipped together in random order. Hide the card sets around the room. Set the phone timer for one minute. Optional: After completing this activity, give out small prizes to anyone who got all eight nuggets of truth in order. Rolos are a good choice to look like gold nuggets. Put some in bags to give to group guides, who will pass them out at the end of the lesson. As always, check for allergies first.
Part 1: Truth Hunt Gospel Presentation (15–20 minutes)

If your space doesn’t allow for hiding sets of nuggets for every child, then hide one bigger set up higher so the kids can search for the pictures without moving by just using their eyes. They can guess which ones come first, second, etc., as you teach and draw each picture in the correct square instead of gluing them on and coloring them.

 Give each person the bag with supplies and the clipboard with the sunrise sheet.
Teacher 1: You’re going to have one minute to find a set of nuggets of truth, then get back to your seat and sit quietly before time is up. Are y’all ready? On your mark, get set, go! Start the phone timer. Call time after one minute (adjust time as needed) and have everyone sit down.
Teacher 2: Okey dokey, good job! Now, take your eight nuggets and arrange them from 1 to 8 on your sunrise sheet in the order you think they go in. You may or may not know their order, but just give it a try! Don’t glue them down—just place them on your sheet from left to right on the sun.
Nugget One: Garden
Teacher 1: Let’s see how you did. Which one do you think comes first? Take responses. The first people in the garden. Glue it down and color it in while we talk about it. If you don’t get finished coloring, that’s okay. You can go back later and finish it up. Have them do so as you show them the Garden Poster.
Teacher 2: Remember Jesus has always existed, even before he created the universe. He created time, the universe, and everything in it. After he created the world, he placed the animals and people in a beautiful, perfect garden called Eden. Jesus is beautiful and perfect and everything he does is good, so his creation was very good. 
Teacher 1: The first two people he made were named Adam and Eve. God gave them a perfect world to live in with everything they needed. They were going to live forever! 
Teacher 2: God gave them one restriction—not to eat from one tree in the garden—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned them if they ate from that tree they would die. Have your parents ever given you a restriction? Pause. Did you obey? Take quick responses. Well, let’s see what Adam and Eve did.
Nugget Two: Snake
Teacher 1: Okay, which nugget do you think comes next? Take responses. That’s it—the snake. Glue it on and color it. Have them do so as you show them the snake Poster. 
Teacher 2: Satan took the form of a snake in the garden and tempted Eve. He got her to doubt God’s warning, and Adam and Eve both ate a piece of fruit from that forbidden tree. When Adam did that, he sinned. As a result, God placed a curse on his creation, and it was no longer very good. 
Teacher 1: Do you remember what sin is? Take responses. It’s when we don’t obey God. Adam and Eve didn’t obey God, and the perfect world wasn’t perfect anymore. God sent them from the garden of Eden so they couldn’t eat from the tree of life, and they began to die. But God promised them that he would one day send someone who would save them (Genesis 3:15) and bring them back into fellowship with him.
Nugget Three: Waiting
Teacher 2: What’s our next nugget of truth? Take responses. This one is hard, but it’s the hourglass timepiece, which shows people were waiting—waiting for a Messiah, a Savior, to come. Glue it on and color it now. Have them do so as you show them the hourglass Poster.  
Teacher 1: As time moved on, Adam and Eve had children, and they had children, and so on, all of whom were born sinners. Adam and Eve’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren began waiting for someone to fix the mess the world was in. Over the next several thousand years, God guided his prophets to write about this perfect someone who would come. Those writings are collected into one book we now call what? Pause for responses: the Old Testament portion of the Bible. Right, the Bible. That means long ago, people knew a Messiah was going to come. We talked about those prophecies earlier this week. 
Nugget Four: Baby in a Manger
Teacher 2: Did the Messiah come? Take responses. Yes, indeed, he did! Which nugget is next? Take responses. You’ve got it! Glue on the baby in the manger and color it. Have them do so as you show them the Baby in a manger Poster.   
Teacher 1: This baby was Jesus. He was the long-awaited Messiah—the perfect child who came in a wonder-filled way! Remember the angels? Remember the wise men? Remember the special star? Remember that Jesus wanted to come? We should never get over the wonder of Jesus!
Nugget Five: Hammer
Teacher 2: What nugget of truth is next? Take responses. Yep, the hammer. Glue it on and color it. Have them do so as you show them the hammer Poster. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man, and he learned carpentry from his dad, Joseph. Remember, he was completely God and completely man at the same time. Amazing! Can you remember anything about his childhood? Take a couple quick responses. 
Nugget Six: Calmed the Sea
Teacher 1: Now which nugget? Take responses. Calming the sea is right. Glue it on and color it. Have them do so as you show them the calming the sea Poster.  
Teacher 2: Jesus grew up and began his ministry when he was around 30 years old. It only lasted three years, but during that time, he did many wondrous miracles, like walking on water, healing blind people, and raising people from the dead. Can you think of any other wonders Jesus did? Take a couple quick responses. The world will never be the same after experiencing his wonder-working power. He’s been gone from earth for around 2,000 years now, but the world has never gotten over him. And it never will!
Nugget Seven: Cross
Teacher 1: Next nugget of truth? Take responses. Yes, the cross. Have any of you gotten all of them right so far? Pause for hands. Okay, glue on this picture and color it. Have them do so as you show them the cross Poster.   
Teacher 2: Most of the religious leaders didn’t like Jesus, even though he was perfect and had never done anything wrong. He said he is God and they didn’t like that. So they had him put to death—death on a cross. Read Matthew 27:32–37, 45, 50. Can you imagine Jesus—who is God—allowing them to put him on a cross? It’s a wonder he chose to do it! He could have called 10,000 angels if he wanted to. But he didn’t. He was obedient to God the Father and fulfilled the perfect plan from eternity past—the Son of God dying to take away our sins so we could have a relationship with God.
Teacher 1: And Jesus did die. He didn’t faint or go into a coma or fake it. He was completely dead. God the Son had died. There are many proofs of this, but here are just two: First, the people who put Jesus on the cross, the Romans, were experts at crucifixion. They often broke the legs of those on the cross to speed up their death, but the Bible says they didn’t break Jesus’ legs because he was already dead (John 19:33).
Teacher 2: And second, after Jesus died and came back to life (which we’ll talk about in a minute), his followers were completely changed. A cowardly bunch of people became a group who was willing to risk even their lives to tell others about Jesus. Why would they be willing to die if it hadn’t really happened? It did happen, and it happened because Jesus loves us so much he took the punishment we deserve.
Teacher 1: God had told Adam that the punishment for sin is death. When we die, we are eternally separated from God forever in a terrible place called hell. Remember we said each of us sins? Whether you realize it or not, you disobey God every day. For example, God says that children are to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). When you disobey your parents, you are sinning. God is truth and tells us to be truthful (Ephesians 4:25). When you tell a lie, you are sinning. You may want to share a personal example of a way you sinned even today.
Teacher 2: You don’t have to rob a bank or kill someone to be separated from God. One sin is enough to separate us from God forever! You see, God is holy, which means he’s perfect and without sin. And that means he can’t allow sinners to live with him. But God had a plan to save us because he loves us so much. That plan was Jesus. That’s why Jesus came! 
Teacher 1: Now, you aren’t automatically saved and going to live with God someday. You have to become part of God’s family for that to happen. If you sincerely want to be part of God’s family and belong to God, then you can!
Teacher 2: Below our sunrise picture, write these letters in the first blanks: A–D–M–I–T. Show the ADMIt poster. If you’re troubled by your sin and want to be part of God’s family, you need to admit to God that you sin by not obeying him at times, and tell him you’re sorry for it. Being sorry for your sin and asking God to help you turn from it is called repenting.
Teacher 1: Next, let’s fill in the blank spaces in the next word to spell BELIEVE. Show the believe poster. Ask yourself: do I believe Jesus died and rose from the dead to pay the punishment for my sin? Do I believe Jesus is the perfect Son of God?
Teacher 2: And finally, let’s fill in the last spaces to spell FOREVER RECEIVE. Show the forever receive poster. If you admit you’re a sinner and want to repent, and you believe Jesus came, died, and rose again to take your sins, you can forever receive him. Ask him to forgive you and make you part of his family. This isn’t done to make life easy, because hard stuff still happens to everyone in this broken world. It’s done because you want to be part of God’s family! And when you do this, you’ll want to obey God’s commands. You won’t follow him perfectly, but God will give you his Holy Spirit to help you. It’s an amazing gift to be part of God’s family.
Nugget Eight: Empty Tomb
Teacher 1: Okay, we’re to our last nugget of truth. What is it? Pause for responses. Of course, it’s the empty tomb! Jesus rose from the dead—the greatest wonder of all! Glue it on and color it. Have them do so as you read Matthew 28:1–8 and show them the empty tomb Poster.
Teacher 2: Do you know anyone who came back to life after they died? We often wish people did, but they don’t. Can you imagine how happy you’d be if someone you loved came back to life on earth? That doesn’t happen, but Jesus did come back to life! He was buried in a tomb after he died, but on the third day, he rose from the dead! Wonder of wonders! And, although we won’t see our loved ones who have died on this earth again, we will see them in heaven if they knew Jesus and we know Jesus! 
Teacher 1: We’ve almost completed our sunrise picture, but before we move on, let me mention that if you’d like to know more about becoming part of God’s family, or you have questions, then now is a good time to go with ___ to find out more. Have a trusted teacher, leader, or pastor who knows how to counsel a child about salvation available, and make sure they go to an area that is not isolated, but in clear sight. Everyone else stays for the rest of the lesson.
Teacher 2: Let’s take a minute to check out some other wonders that happened in regard to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Optional: pass out candy or a small prize to those who got them all right or give to leaders to hand out later.
Part 2: Wonders Never Cease (3 minutes)
Teacher 1: Matthew 27:45 tells us darkness came over the earth for three hours around the time of his death. Has the world become all dark when anyone else has died? No! Only Jesus!
Teacher 2: Anybody know what an earthquake has to do with Jesus’ death and resurrection? Take responses. Yes, there was an earthquake when he died (Matthew 27:51, 54). There was another one when the angel rolled back the stone from his tomb (Matthew 28:2). This was a wonder.
Teacher 1: Did you know some believers in God who had died were raised from the dead after Jesus died (Matthew 27:52–53)? This has never happened before or after.
Teacher 2: As you can see, Jesus’ death wasn’t a normal death. It was filled with wonders! People came out of graves, there were earthquakes and darkness, and Jesus himself came back to life! His resurrection was the wonder of all wonders!

Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Champ stickers, 1 per person
Option 1 Game: phone timer and (optional) small prizes
Option 2 Game: Strike-It-Rich Cards and yellow card stock

Part 3: Animal Pal Review and Game (time varies)
Share the Day 4 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Champ stickers and have the kids add today’s animal pal. 
Our animal pal today is a grizzly bear. What’s his name? Champ. Why do you think he’s named Champ? Champ is a champion. He’s the king of the forest. During cold months, he sleeps in a cave, and in the spring he wakes up and comes out. Jesus is a champion. He died and was put in a tomb (like a cave), but he was not just asleep like Champ. He was dead and came back to life. Nobody else can do that—only Jesus! He’s the ultimate champion. He is the Son of God. 
Why do Jesus’ death and resurrection matter? Take answers. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because his death and resurrection made a way for us to be part of God’s family! We can not only know about Jesus, but we can know him personally! 
It matters because we don’t have to fear eternity. When we become part of God’s family, we can know we will live with Jesus some day!
Collect the maps. If there is time, play a review game. Two options are given below—one that takes just a minute or so, and one that takes a little longer.
Option 1: Beat the Clock
See the directions on Day 1.
Sample Questions
What kind of animal is today’s animal pal? A grizzly bear
Why is he named Champ? To remind us that Jesus is the ultimate champion. He defeated death!
Finish the memory verse: But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life ___. In his name
Yes or no: Every person is a sinner. Yes.
We can become part of God’s family if we truly admit to God we are a sinner, believe in Jesus, and forever ___. Receive him.
Which of these happened when Jesus died—it was a sunny day, there was a blizzard, or there was an earthquake? There was an earthquake.
What happened with the daylight around the time of Jesus’ death? It turned dark all over the land—another wonder.
What happened to the bodies of some dead people who had believed in God? They came out of their graves—another wonder!
What’s the most amazing wonder of all that we talked about today? Jesus rose from the dead. He is God, and he conquered death. It’s a marvel!
Why does it matter that Jesus died and rose again? His death paid the penalty for sin and his resurrection showed that God accepted his payment. He defeated death for all who place their faith and trust in him. 
Option 2: Strike-It-Rich
Prep: Print on yellow card stock and cut apart the Strike-it-Rich cards. Place them in a pile up front, face down, or make smaller piles near each team leader. 
Directions: Remind kids that the greatest treasure is Jesus, as they play Strike-It-Rich. Knowing Jesus is striking it rich! Divide into two or more teams. Choose scorekeepers for each team. Ask review questions. Each team decides on its answer. If correct, they pick a gold/yellow card from the face down pile and receive that many “dollars” (points). Keep this moving at a quick pace. The winning team is the one who gets the most “dollars” by the end of the playing time.
Apply It!
In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the back of the Junior Student Guide and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time. If you send them home, motivate the kids to do them because they are full of good stuff! Have the group guides check with the kids tomorrow to see how they did on them, and consider giving contest bonus points to the groups for their hard work.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose. So decide what you will do and add any items to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time

Day 4 Memory Verse Poster
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 Today’s Verse: But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
Practice the verse several times using the Day 4 Memory Verse Poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Jesus was placed in the tomb, but he didn’t stay there. Let’s try our verse challenge and have words disappear to remind us of this. Write the verse on a dry-erase board, chalkboard, or piece of paper. Say the whole verse, then erase a word. Say it again, and then erase another word. Continue until all the words are gone and you know the verse well.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
Try the challenge again with tomorrow’s verse. Then try saying all the week’s verses learned thus far.
Part 2: Go and Do
While we were sinners, God loved us and sent his Son. Say today’s Bible verse. Have you admitted your sin, believed in Jesus as your Savior, and forever received the gift of eternal life?
Tell a friend about Jesus and the wonder of his death and resurrection.
Thank God for sending his only Son to be the Savior of the world.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information! 
Ask yourself these questions: What amazes me about Jesus’ death and resurrection? Why does Jesus’ death and resurrection matter?
Part 3: Marvel-ous Moment
Remember to allow time to end on this important thought.
Never stop marveling at Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here’s an idea to get you started:
Can you imagine walking through a cemetery and seeing people come out of their graves, alive and well? That’s not normal, but one time, it did happen. People did come out of their graves and come back to life—when Jesus died! 
Now it’s your turn. What’s something else you can marvel at about Jesus’ death and resurrection? Never stop marveling!
Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Day 5 Nugget of Truth and 1 sheet of bright yellow card stock
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Wonder Junction Gold Mine and Bank (5 minutes or less) 
Prep: Bookmark all Bible passages used in today’s lesson. Print and cut out the day 5 nugget of truth. Hide it somewhere so it is just visible to everyone.
Teacher 1: Well, good to see ya, partners, on our last day at Wonder Junction. Yesterday, we were finding some gold nuggets as we talked about the wonder of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Anyone remember a nugget of truth? Take responses for a minute as review, and then move on.
Teacher 2: Speaking of gold nuggets, let’s talk a little about gold mining here in Wonder Junction. The gold mine is up in the hills over yonder. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point out the gold mine. Ever since the first gold was found at Sutter’s Mill back in 1848, miners have been flocking out West to strike it rich, including coming to this mine here in Wonder Junction. And with the railroad running now, it’s easier than ever for them to get here. 
Teacher 1: Actually, people from all over the world have come to seek their fortune—from South America, Australia, New Zealand—even China!
Teacher 2: If a miner finds gold or silver, he can use it to buy things or turn it in at the Wonder Junction bank (point to the bank on the poster). Mr. Daly is the head of the bank. He can put the gold into the vault and exchange it for some bank notes, which are like money.   
Teacher 1: But it’s not only the miners who can make money. Others have come, too, and doubled or tripled or even quadrupled their savings by starting businesses, investing in railroads, stores, or even laundromats! Many have used their talents well and made much more than they started with. Today, we’ll be talking about how to wisely use the resources God has given us as we wait for Jesus to return.
Teacher 2: Because Jesus is going to return to earth! Did you know that? We’ve talked about him coming the first time as a baby, and living, dying, and coming back to life. But then what happens? Let’s find one last gold nugget to get a clue. Does anybody see it? Have someone bring it to you or have them point it out. Read it with wonder: “Jesus, who came as a baby King, will return again as the King of kings!” Not everyone recognized baby Jesus as the King of the world the first time, but everyone will when he returns! Let’s pick it up after Jesus rose from the dead and see what happens next.
Teach It!
Part 1: Jesus’ Return (5 minutes)

Jesus Returning Poster

 Teacher 1: The Bible tells us here in Acts 1 (point to it) that after Jesus rose from the dead and showed himself to different people, he went back to heaven in a cloud. Fold the Jesus Returning Poster in half, showing only the first picture. Imagine standing there watching as you listen to Acts 1:8–11. Read the verses. What a wonder that was!
Teacher 2: So Jesus went up in a cloud and is in heaven now. He continues to be both fully God and fully man in heaven—forever. What do you think he’s doing up there? Take responses. Currently, he represents us to God and is praying and getting things ready for his children to live with him someday (John 14:1–3; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1–2). Then at some point, Jesus will come back down to earth the same way he went up, which will be an incredible wonder! It will be bright, loud, and glorious! Show the second picture on the Jesus Returning Poster. 
Teacher 1: Matthew describes it like this. Read Matthew 24:27, 30. This hasn’t and won’t happen with anyone else. It’s a wonder when you stop and think about it. 
Teacher 2: But here’s a question for you: When do you think it will be? Take responses.
Teacher 1: The Bible tells us nobody knows the day or hour it will happen (Matthew 24:36). When someone says Jesus is going to return at a certain time, that means they either don’t know the truth, or they aren’t telling the truth. The Bible says only God the Father knows.
Teacher 2: But because God is a promise keeper, we know it will happen! Just like people waited for him the first time, and he came as a baby, people are waiting for his second coming when he will come as the King of kings. He always keeps his promises. He said he will return, so he will. 

Gospel Opportunity

Teacher 1: And when Jesus comes back, all those who believe in him will live with him forever in the new heavens and new earth. Have you talked to God about becoming a follower of Jesus, a believer? This is a good place to review the gospel.
Teacher 2: The timing of Jesus’ return could be days or years or lifetimes from now. We don’t know. But in the meantime, you have great purpose while you’re here because if you’re a child of God, you have an important mission.
Teacher 1: Believers aren’t supposed to laze around waiting. Between the time Jesus left earth and the time he returns again, believers are to be working for their King. Of course, working for God doesn’t get us to heaven, but it’s what we should want to do as believers, to be productive and useful to our King, because he has given his life to save us. And he promised to reward those who are faithful to him.
Teacher 2: So what do you think the mission is? In other words, what should we be doing? Take responses. In a nutshell, our mission is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36–40). We need to grow in our love for God, living for him, obeying his Word, sharing him with others, and loving and caring for people. There are so many ways we can do this. It’s exciting to be a Christian and have a mission!
Teacher 1: During his time on earth, Jesus told several parables, which are stories with a spiritual meaning. These teach us how to use our lives wisely for God. Let’s act one out now!
Part 2: Parable of the Talents (10–15 minutes)

Parable of the Talents Poster
Square Post-it notes, at least 9
3 money pouches
15 total coins

 Prep: Gather three money pouches. A Day 5 craft in the Craft Guide is a money pouch, so check with the craft leaders for extras or bring in something of your own. Fake gold coins can be fun to use for coins. Cover each square of the Parable of the Talents poster with a Post-it note.
Teacher 1: We’re going to need three volunteers to play the three servants, and one person to be the master. The master can be a leader. Choose four people and have them come up front. Teacher 2 will facilitate the acting. Teacher 1 is the narrator as scripted here. Alrighty, here we go. Read Matthew 25:14–15. 
Teacher 2: Have the master tell the “servants” he’s going on a journey. Explain that one talent would be worth about $600,000 in today’s money. Have the master give the first one a bag and have everyone count to five as the master puts the five coins in the bag. Do the same with Servant 2, counting out 2 coins, and the same with Servant 3, counting out 1 coin.
The master should go away after this.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:16.
Teacher 2: Talk with Servant 1 and ask what he’s going to do to make more money. Then instruct Servant 1 to go do it. He or she can go to the side.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:17.
Teacher 2: Do the same with Servant 2 as you did with Servant 1.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:18.
Teacher 2: Instruct Servant 3 to dig a hole and hide his money.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:19.
Teacher 2: Have the master come back and call the three servants over to settle accounts.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:20. 
Teacher 2: Have the master act this out with Servant 1.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:21. 
Teacher 2: Instruct the master and kids to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” to Servant 1.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:22. 
Teacher 2: Have the master act this out with Servant 2.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:23. 
Teacher 2: Instruct the master and kids to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” to Servant 2.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:24–25. 
Teacher 2: Have the master act this out with Servant 3.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:26–27. 
Teacher 2: Instruct the master to more or less repeat this to Servant 3. 
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:28. 
Teacher 2: Have the master do so.
Teacher 1: Read Matthew 25:29, then tell them that’s the end. Volunteers should go back to their seats.
Teacher 2: Hold up the Parable of the Talents Poster and go over it as a quick summary, asking questions and having kids put up the right number of fingers for the first six boxes, and thumbs-up or thumbs-down for the last three boxes. Take the Post-it notes away each time to see if they were right.
Teacher 1: God has given each of us gifts and talents that are unique to us. Our talents aren’t necessarily money, like we read about in Matthew 25, but are abilities we have to serve the Lord. If you are a child of God, you need to live for his glory, which means that you live all of life in awe of who Jesus is and what he’s done for you and obey his commands. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13. 
Teacher 2: Listen to some practical commands that Jesus has given us. Read or paraphrase Romans 12:9–21. Discuss briefly. 
Teacher 1: Do you love to bake and cook? Allow answers. How can you bake and cook to the glory of God and use those abilities to share the love of Jesus with others? Allow discussion. Do you like playing a sport? Allow answers. How can you use the time spent playing your sport to share the love of Jesus with others? Allow discussion. What are things you’re good at or like to do? Allow answers. How can you live to bring God glory in school, at home, or wherever you are? Allow answers. Live actively and faithfully, focusing on bringing Jesus glory by loving him and others. 
Part 3: Animal Pal Review (a couple minutes)

Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Mission stickers, 1 per person

 Share the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster to summarize today’s teaching. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Mission stickers and have kids add today’s animal pal. They can take them home today. 
Our animal pal today is a horse. What’s his name? Take responses. Why do you think he’s named Mission? Take responses. Circuit riders came to towns in the Old West to share the good news of Jesus. They would ride on their horses from town to town to tell people about Jesus and to care for people’s spiritual needs. They were on a mission, and we should be too!
Why does Jesus’ return matter? Take answers. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because Jesus will come back, so we should live expecting his return and investing the abilities and talents he has given us in furthering his kingdom until then.
It matters because Jesus left us with a mission to care for others and share the gospel.  That’s the good news that Jesus offers salvation through his death and resurrection to all who repent and believe in him.
It matters because it gives us purpose. We all have interests, abilities, and talents God has given us to use in some way for him. The possibilities of how you can serve God are endless!
Part 4: Double or Nothing Game (10–15 minutes)

Coin Cards (or play coins), 30 per team 
Silver and Gold Signs, 1 set per person
5 wooden or paper bowls or metal pails, 1 per team plus one up front
Real coin to flip

 Prep: Print on yellow paper and cut apart the COIN cards. (Play coins can be used instead.) You will need 30 per team. Print the Silver and Gold Signs on gray and yellow card stock and cut out one of each per person. 
Directions: Divide into two teams—girls and boys—and give each person one of each Silver and Gold Signs. Place 15 coin Cards in each team’s bowl/pail and an extra 15 from each team up front in a bowl/pail. Choose someone to be the keeper of the extras at the front. To start the game, ask a question. When you say to hold them up, players choose either the gold sign for true or the silver sign for false. If most people on a team get it right (or all if you have a small class), you will flip a real coin. If it’s heads, they get another coin card from up front to add to their team’s coin bag. If it’s tails, they get two coin cards to add to their team bowl/pail. If they get it wrong, they lose a coin and must give it to the coin keeper. The goal is to see which team can double their money first (or who has the most when time runs out). You can play more than one round if you have time. If you are short on time, skip to the last couple of questions before you finish.
True or false: On the first day, when we talked about Jesus coming as a baby, our animal pal was named Junior. False—Tiny the cougar kitten. To get their coin have them tell you what Tiny reminds us of. Tiny reminds us Jesus came as a tiny baby.
True or false: One wonder that occurred in connection with Jesus’ birth was an earthquake. False—wonders included angels announcing his birth, wise men bringing gifts a bit later, a special star appearing and leading them, and Jesus wanting to come. Have them name at least two wonders to get their coin.
True or false: The first day’s memory verse was about Jesus putting on flesh and coming to live among us. True—And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14. Have them recite it with you to get their coin.
True or false: One reason it matters that Jesus came to earth is it means God is with us. Believers are never alone. True. Jesus is Immanuel. This is comforting for believers.
True or false: On the second day, we talked about Jesus as a child. Our animal pal Junior reminded us that Jesus learned things as a child from his father. True.
True or false: Jesus was part human and part God. False. Have them tell what is accurate to get their coin. He was fully God and fully man at the same time.
True or false: Our second day’s memory verse reminds us that Jesus had to grow in wisdom. True—Jesus increased (grew) in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52. Have them recite it with you to get their coin.
True or false: One reason it matters that Jesus was a kid is he was tempted just as you are, but he never gave in. He understands what you’re going through. True.  
True or false: On the third day, we talked about Jesus’ mighty power. The animal pal was a wolf pup. False—it was Mighty the bison. Have them explain the connection with Mighty to get their coin. Mighty reminds us that Jesus had mighty power.
True or false: Jesus has power over many things. All the ones we talked about were sin, sickness, disease, and death. False. Have them share the missing one to get their coin. We also talked about power over nature.
True or false: A specific example of Jesus’ power is him calming the sea. True.
True or false: Our Day 3 memory verse reminds us all the books in the world couldn’t contain all the miracles Jesus did. True. Have them recite John 21:25 with you to get their coin.
True or false: One reason it matters that Jesus is almighty is that because he’s powerful enough to calm a storm, he’s powerful enough to care for you. True.
True or false: On the fourth day, we talked about Jesus dying and coming back to life. The animal pal that day was a prairie dog. False—Champ the grizzly bear. Have them explain the connection with Champ to get their coin. Champ reminds us Jesus is the champion over all, including death.
True or false: Jesus just fainted on the cross. False—he was completely dead. The Romans, who were experts at crucifixion, didn’t break his legs because he was already dead.
True or false: One wonder that occurred in connection with Jesus’ death and resurrection was it got really, really bright. False—it got completely dark. There was also an earthquake, people coming back to life, and Jesus himself rising from the dead.
True or false: To be part of God’s family, you have to admit, believe, and work hard. False—forever receive. There are no good works that we can do to overcome the sin that separates us from God. We can only repent of our sin and place our trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. 
True or false: The Day 4 memory verse reminds us if you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, you may have life in his name. True. Have them recite John 20:31 with you to get their coin.
True or false: One reason it matters that Jesus died and came back to life is we can fear what lies ahead. False. You don’t have to fear death and eternity if you’re a child of God.
True or false: Today, we talked about Jesus coming back some day. He will come back in the same way he left. True. Have them tell how he will come back to get their coin (in the clouds).
True or false: We know the exact time Jesus is coming back. It’s in the summer. False. No one knows except God the Father.
True or false: One reason it matters that Jesus is coming back again is because we should live to please him. True. We’re here for God and his glory. We have great purpose!
True or false: Today’s memory verse reminds us that we should do God’s will while we are here on earth. True. Have them recite Matthew 6:10 with you to get their coin.
True or false: We should never get over the wonder of Jesus. True.
Apply It!
In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the Junior Student Guide and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose. So decide what you will do and add any items to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time

Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Follow-up Bible study and/or bookmarks

 Today’s Verse: Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
You may want to show the follow-up Bible study or bookmarks that are available if you plan to give these out.
Practice the verse several times, using the Day 5 Memory Verse Poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Let’s deliver the good news of Jesus like Pony Express riders, who delivered the mail as fast as possible. Write the verse on an envelope, then put it upside down on a paper plate. Walk across the room as fast as possible while saying the verse. Don’t hold the envelope. Try to “deliver” the verse back to the start before the envelope falls off. If it falls off or you forget the verse, start over until you can deliver it successfully.
Part 2: Go and Do
God made you on purpose for a purpose with your own special abilities and talents. What do you like to do—draw, do math, build things, sing, bake, talk to others? How can you use what God has given you to please Jesus?
How can you fulfill the mission to tell others about Jesus? Make a list of people who need to hear about the salvation God offers through Jesus. Pray for them and look for opportunities to share the gospel with them. 
Ask God to help you live in wonder of him and to live your life for his glory.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!  
Ask yourself this question: I’ve marveled at Jesus. Now, how can I live for his glory?
Part 3: Marvel-ous Moment
Remember to allow time to end on this important thought.
Never stop marveling that Jesus will return as the King of kings. Here’s an idea to get you started:
Jesus, who wore a crown of thorns (thorns are the result of the curse God placed on his creation after Adam sinned), will wear a crown of gold! Jesus, who was in a tomb, will be on a throne! Jesus, who was rejected and disrespected, will be ruler over everyone and everything. 
Now it’s your turn! What’s something to marvel at about Jesus being the King of kings? 
Never get used to Jesus. Never stop marveling!