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 
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape for posters
Optional: train whistle
Baby doll

 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. Hide the baby doll somewhere so it’s just a little visible to everyone while seated. 
Teacher 1: Well howdy, y’all! It sure is good to meet ya. I’m ___, and this here is ___. This week, we’re going to pretend we’re living in the Old West where we’ll find cowboys, and gold mines, and horses, and old towns like Wonder Junction, where the newfangled train depot and locomotive have just opened. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point out where the train depot is.
Teacher 2: Come on! Let’s get on the train and head to Wonder Junction! Have everyone get up and pretend to do so. Grab pretend luggage, get on board as you say, “All aboard!” Chug around the room (blowing the train whistle if you have one), until you come to a screeching halt at Wonder Junction. End in front of the chapel, where they can sit down. 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.

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.
Consider bringing in a real baby briefly while talking about this.

Teacher 1: Now, I have to admit, that train sure is a wonder to behold! It took about six years and 100 million dollars to build, but it was worth it! Before the train arrived, it could take six months to get here by wagon, but now it takes just a few days.
Teacher 2: And the train isn’t the only wonder. The West is full of wonders, like gold and gems and land and beauty. But you know what? As amazing as the wonders are out here, they’re nothin’ compared to what we’re gonna be talkin’ about this week­—the wonder of Jesus! 
Teacher 1: Have y’all heard of Jesus before—Jesus, who is God and God’s Son? Pause for responses. Let’s first talk about the wonder of Jesus’ birth. Being born has to do with babies. Look around the room and see if you can find a baby doll. Have them do so by either pointing to it while staying seated or by looking around and having someone bring it to you.
Teacher 2: Hold it up for them to see. Our first wonder-filled thought is this: Jesus, who is God, became a baby! Jesus creates babies because he’s the Creator of every person! But then Jesus became a baby himself, the most special baby ever! There’s never been a more important person ever born, and there never will be.
Teacher 1: Whoa, wait a minute. You mean Jesus came as 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! Let that sink in—God became a baby—as we talk more about the wonder of Jesus’ birth.
Teach It!

Wonder-Filled Birth Poster
4 sheets of copy paper and tape
Props: white robe (or something white), stuffed toy sheep, shepherd staff, wise man gift, large star

 Part 1: Wonder of Jesus’ Birth (15–20 minutes)
Prep: Think through your costumes/props ahead of time and have them ready to have the kids put on or hold at the right time. Cover each section of the wonder-filled birth poster with a piece of paper. 
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.
Teacher 1: I’m gonna read something from the Bible, and every time I say “the Word,” you jump up and say “Jesus,” then sit back down. Here we go. Read John 1:1–3.
Teacher 2: Whoa, so are you saying Jesus created the sun and stars and plants and animals and people?
Teacher 1: Yep! Jesus didn’t start out as a baby. He has existed for all of eternity and has always been God. Then when it was time to start creating the universe, Jesus, who is God and God’s Son, was right there creating with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. 
Teacher 2: Jesus made the birds (give a squawk), and the fish (make a goofy fish face), and the horses (slap your hands to your legs to make the sound of a horse’s gallop). He also made people (say hi to each other). When we read the book of Luke (point to your open Bible at the book of Luke), we find that aboout 2,000 years ago, Jesus the Creator came down from heaven to live in his creation. That is a wonder!
Wonder 1: Angel
Teacher 1: Let’s begin at the place when it’s almost time for Jesus to come to earth as a baby. There was an angel involved. Would anyone like to be an angel? Choose someone and have them stand up front until the next direction. 
Teacher 2: Angels are God’s messengers and come from heaven. God sent them to earth to deliver special messages. Jesus’ birth account starts with a visit from an angel. That doesn’t happen every day, does it? We can see Jesus’ birth is going to be different. Let’s put a white robe (or something white) on the angel to remind us of that. Do so. You can briefly chat with the angel while doing so.
Teacher 1: The Bible tells us right here (show Luke 1) that the angel’s name was Gabriel. Address the angel. Angel, what’s your name? Have the angel say “Gabriel.”  Everyone, wave and say, “Hi, Gabriel!” Do so.
Teacher 2: Read Luke 1:28. Angel, can you pretend to greet Mary? Do so. 
Teacher 1: Well, this made Mary afraid. Can you imagine an angel in a room with you? Make a face to show how you might feel. Do so. 
Teacher 2: Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth Poster: ANGEL. The angel told Mary not to be afraid because God had chosen her to give birth to a Son whose name would be Jesus. Now, do angels normally come to our houses and announce that a family will have a baby? Imagine what it would be like if an angel suddenly appeared to your mom before she was pregnant with you. No, this doesn’t normally happen. But it did for Jesus’ birth, and it was a wonder!
Teacher 1: And what the angel said was going to happen did happen, just as he said. Soon after, Mary was pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Teacher 2: She married a man named Joseph, and they traveled to a city called Bethlehem because the government wanted to count how many people lived in each area. 
Teacher 1: While they were there, it was time for Jesus’ birth. Because their family’s home was filled with people, they were given an area in the lower level of the house that sometimes had animals in it. Let’s make an animal sound. Do so. 
Teacher 2: Mary had the baby and laid him in a manger. 
Teacher 1: This wasn’t the nicest place for the King of the world to be born, was it? He could have been born in a palace, or had fireworks, or a big parade. Where would you like to have been placed after you were born? Take a quick response or two. The King of the world was placed in a manger—an animal’s feeding stand.
Wonder 2: Shepherds with Angels
Teacher 2: Let’s have our angel sit down and have a shepherd come up as we listen to the next thing that happened. Choose someone to be a shepherd. Give her the sheep and staff.
Teacher 1: Miss/Mr. Shepherd(ess), do you know what a shepherd does? Take her response. Shepherds take care of sheep, which is hard work. The shepherd has to make sure there’s plenty of grass and water for the sheep. Can you pretend to feed your sheep, Miss Shepherdess? Do so. You may want to have all the kids do this as well as the other directions below instead of just the shepherd up front.
Teacher 2: And the shepherd has to make sure the sheep don’t wander off or get eaten by wild animals. Shepherds can have some pretty exciting times! But I guarantee what I’m about to tell you is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to any shepherd. Everyone, make your best excited face. Do so.
Teacher 1: The Bible tells us on the night Jesus was born, the shepherds nearby were watching over their sheep. Can you watch over your sheep, Miss Shepherdess? Do so. Suddenly, they saw something that scared them. Look scared, Miss Shepherdess! Do so. 
Teacher 2: What do you think it was? Take responses. Yes, it was an angel! The angel said not to be afraid because in the city of David a Savior, Jesus, was born.
Teacher 1: The angel told them they would go and find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (strips of cloth), lying in a manger.
Teacher 2: Then guess what happened next? Uncover the Wonder-Filled Birth Poster: Shepherds. A whole bunch of angels filled the sky, celebrating Jesus’ birth! What a wonder! Everyone, pretend to look up and ooh and aah at a sky full of angels. Do so.
Teacher 1: The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby. Miss Shepherdess, can you lead the way while we join you in walking around the room as we pretend to hurry to Bethlehem? Do so, then have them all sit back down. When they got there, it was just as the angel said. They found baby Jesus in the manger, and they worshipped him.
Teacher 2: Have any of you visited a newborn baby? Was the baby in a hospital? Take responses. I’m sure you didn’t see any angels or a baby in a manger. Does this sound like a normal birth? No! Only Jesus’ birth! What a wonder! 
Wonder 3: Wise Men and Special Star
Teacher 1: Now we need a wise man to come up. Choose someone and continue. Hand him a gift.
Teacher 2: Jesus continued to have unusual, amazing things happen, like wise men with special gifts coming to visit a while after he was born. Let’s say hi to our wise man. Do so. 
Teacher 1: The wise men came because they had been watching for a special star to appear. When they saw it, they followed it to find Jesus. Can you follow me around, Mr. Wise Man? Hold up the star and walk around the room once, leading the wise man (or everyone). Then have them sit down. Uncover the Wonder-Filled birth poster: Wise men with gifts/special star.
Teacher 2: Wow! Jesus even had his own special star in the sky. Do you think there’s ever been a special star for anyone else’s birth? Pause for responses. No! Only Jesus!  
Teacher 1: In fact, the star they saw went before them until it stood over the place where Jesus was. So they came into the house and saw Jesus and his mother, Mary. They fell down and worshipped Jesus and gave him expensive treasures—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It’s a wonder that these important men bowed down to a baby!
Teacher 2: It is! That would be like rich, important strangers showing up at your house after you were born—out of the blue—and giving you expensive gifts. How would you like that? Pause for responses. Can you imagine having a star show up in the sky just for you? Pause for responses.
Teacher 1: It’s incredible if you stop and think about it. Jesus’ birth was different from the very beginning. It wasn’t like any other person’s birth—ever. He had angels. He had shepherds. Later, he had wise men bringing gifts. He even had his own special star!
Teacher 2: His birth was also special because God himself came to earth and was born. He took on skin! He had elbows! He had toenails! 
Teacher 1: And his birth is what people all around the world celebrate every Christmas Day. No one else has a day that’s celebrated like this. Only Jesus! What a wonder!
Teacher 2: Let’s sing “Happy Birthday” to him right now, and then we’ll talk about one more wonder of Jesus’ birth. Do so. 
Wonder 4: Jesus Came!
Teacher 1: Maybe the most amazing wonder of all is Jesus wanting to come. Remember, he was in heaven in a beautiful, perfect place, and he left that for our world.
Teacher 2: Uncover the Wonder-Filled Birth Poster: mansion. That might be like us leaving a nice home—like a mansion—to go to a dirty, smelly place. Picture that in your mind.
Teacher 1: 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 the world, no longer being recognized as the king. Would you want to go from a king to a poor man? Pause.

Gospel Opportunity

 Teacher 2: Jesus did that because he loves you and knows you need him. We’ll hear more about that this week. Move behind the puppet stage while Teacher 1 finishes this section.
Teacher 1: But let’s end with this thought before meeting our puppet. Jesus, the most important person to ever be born, 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.
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’s always with you. So talk to him. He’s Immanuel—“God with us!”
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Jesus Is a Treasure (5 minutes or less)

Prophecy Poster 
2 copies of Day 1 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mini shovel and tape
Optional: Old West costume for the puppet

The puppet can be dressed in a a small VBS T-shirt or a mini cowboy hat and little bandana. To make a small T-shirt, print, cut out, and laminate a color copy of the VBS logo and tape it to a baby-sized T-shirt.
If you want to get snazzy, use a quick musical introduction and exit when it’s time for the puppet to come and go.

Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Tape the mini shovel to the puppet’s hand. Dress the puppet in either a VBS T-shirt (see Teaching Tip in the sidebar) or in an Old West costume such as a mini vest and a little bandana.
Each day, the puppet pal will teach part of the lesson or reinforce what the kids just heard. It’s always a favorite, so try to include it even if you have to cut something else. 
Decide which of you will be the puppet and figure out when you need to leave the previous teaching so you will be positioned in time for the start of the puppet pal time.
If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a group guide or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a suitcase with the lid flipped up or just stand and work the puppet. (It’s fine if your lips move. No need to be a ventriloquist.)
You can either use a boy or a girl puppet named Sam (short for Samuel or Samantha). Use a consistent voice for the puppet all week. Speak clearly and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking,” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is the opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come up in the chapel window or from behind a big rock. (See Decorating Decisions.) When the puppet is entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps up, getting higher each time, until the puppet is out and visible. When exiting, turn the puppet toward you and take three steps down until out of sight. 
Teacher:  Okay, now it’s time to meet our puppet, Samuel (Samantha). He (she) likes to be called Sam for short. Let’s all call for him (her) now. Do so.
Puppet: Come up with a mini shovel taped to your hand, acting dejected.
Teacher: Hi there, Sam. Is something wrong? You seem a bit upset.
Puppet: Well, my friend was supposed to go digging for gold treasure with me today at the Wonder Junction Gold Mine, but now he’s too busy.
Teacher: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.
Puppet: Yeah. He promised he’d come.
Teacher: Well, when people make promises, hopefully they keep them. But once in a while, they don’t.
Puppet: That’s terrible!
Teacher: In a perfect world, every person would always keep every promise. But people sometimes make mistakes. It doesn’t mean they don’t care about you.
Puppet: Still, it’s a bummer.
Teacher: It is. But there’s some good news.
Puppet: What? Did you find some gold treasure?
Teacher: No, but in a way, I found a treasure much better than gold. I found the one person who always, always, always, always, always keeps his promises. He’s a treasure.
Puppet: Great! Who is he?
Teacher: Jesus. Jesus never fails. People in this world may let you down, but Jesus never fails. He always keeps his promises.
Puppet: How do you know that?
Teacher: Well, we talked about his birth. All those things that happened had been promised in the Bible long, long before they happened, and they came true as promised. In fact, they were promised hundreds of years earlier, and then they did happen, just as promised! Show each section of the Prophecy Poster as you say the following. For instance, the Bible promised Jesus would be born in a town called Bethlehem, and . . . he was! God promised that Jesus would be born as a baby, and . . . he was! God promised wise men would bring gifts, and . . . they did! God even promised Jesus would have his own special star, and . . . he did! It’s a wonder that all these things actually happened, but they did!
Puppet: Jesus and his Word, the Bible, are promise keepers. And that’s a much better treasure than finding gold.
Teacher: Yes! And Jesus even left the beauty of heaven to come to earth, because he loves me. Now he’s with me—Immanuel, God with us.
Puppet: Jesus really is a wonder, isn’t he?
Teacher: He really is. He’s the treasure of all treasures—better than ___ mention some things and have them come up with several like: Jesus is a better treasure than living in a castle, having all the toys in the world, etc. Always treasure Jesus, Sam. 
Puppet: I will! Well, I think I’m going to try to dig up some gold treasure on my own now, but I’ll remember—Jesus is our true treasure!
Teacher: Okay! Bye for now, Sam! See you tomorrow.
Part 3: Animal Pal Review and Game (time varies)

Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Tiny stickers, 1 per person (1220780)
Option 1: no supplies
Option 2: Yea and Neigh Cards (1 paper-clipped set on card stock per person), Baby King Letters (2 sets), and a small nontransparent bag

 Share the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Tiny stickers (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—passing them out goes faster without names. Or, another option is to review daily but to wait until the last day to pass out the 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. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because thinking on 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. Jesus is right there, and he cares. Talk to him!

Gospel Opportunity

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 those wonderful good things and people to enjoy, the best thing by far is Jesus. He’s the greatest treasure and the one we should live for.
Collect the maps and stickers. If time allows, play a review game. Two options are given below—one that takes just a minute, and one that takes a little longer. If playing Option 1, use the questions below. If playing Option 2, add additional yes (yea) or no (neigh) questions if needed.
Option 1: Yes or No
Continue reviewing with the following questions, and have the kids meow like a cougar kitten if the answer is yes and pretend to sleep if the answer is no.
Yes or no: Our animal pal is named Teeny. No—pretend to sleep like a cougar kitten. It’s Tiny. Tiny reminds us of Jesus coming as a tiny baby.
Yes or no: Jesus’ life started when he was born. No—pretend to sleep like a cougar kitten. Jesus has existed forever—even before he came to earth as a baby.
Yes or no: Jesus is the Creator of the world. Yes—meow.
Yes or no: It’s a wonder that Jesus the Creator became part of his creation. Yes—meow. 
Yes or no: Jesus is not God. No—sleep. Jesus IS God. He is both God and God’s Son.
Yes or no: Jesus’ birth was just like everyone else’s birth. No—sleep. He’s the most important person to ever be born, and his birth was the most special birth ever. He even had wise men bow down to him!
Yes or no: Jesus had angels, shepherds, and an earthquake at the time of his birth. No—sleep. There was no earthquake, but there were angels and shepherds.
Yes or no: Over 2,000 years later, we still celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Yes—meow.
Yes or no: We should be in wonder when we think of Jesus and remember he is the greatest treasure of all. Yes—meow.
Yes or no: It matters that Jesus came to earth. Yes—meow.
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 3, 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 changing 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 Primary 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 section applies 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?
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 every crab is hiding under that sand. And he knows exactly how many grains of sand and 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
Bible 
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 This is a really packed day, so keep it moving. Allow at least 15 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.
Teacher 1: Howdy again, partners! Glad to see ya back at Wonder Junction. Yesterday, we talked about Jesus, the Creator, coming to his creation as a baby. How many of you have had a baby in your house? Pause for nods. Well, after a bit, that newborn baby grows into a little kid, right?
Teacher 2: And kids go to school, right? Sometimes it’s in a school building and sometimes it’s at home, but still, kids are learning!
Teacher 1: What grade are you in school? Pause for responses. Well, in our pretend town of Wonder Junction, some of the kids go to school in the one-room schoolhouse where all grades are together. Miss Winnie Griggs is the teacher. She used to live back East, but she took the train here and arrived with her trunk full of books and papers and even a globe! Show the schoolhouse on the Wonder Junction Poster.
Teacher 2: Kids during Bible times would have been learning too. Jesus himself, even though he was God, was learning things because he was also a kid! Isn’t that a wonder to think about?
Teacher 1: It is a wonder! It’s incredible to think that, at one point, Jesus was the same age you are now. And Jesus was like you in other ways too. For instance, stand up if you like to eat yummy food. Do so. Turn around if you like to play. Do so. Wave your hand if you like to get a nice hug. Do so. Jesus probably would’ve liked those things too.
Teacher 2: But there was one huge difference. Jesus wasn’t just a kid—he is also God! So he had a childhood that was different than any other child’s. Let’s hear more about it!
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: Cut apart the Jesus at the Temple Posters. Print the Israel Maps, 1 per person, and place on a clipboard. To save time, you may want to have 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 they leave, have them put everything back under their chairs except the map they used. Highlighters and/or markers can be on top of each clipboard. 
Pass out the supplies and begin.
Teacher 1: Let’s start with the town where Jesus was born, which we talked about yesterday. It starts with a B. Who sees the name of the place of his birth? Bethlehem. Point to it on the map poster. Let’s highlight the word Bethlehem on your map and draw a little star to symbolize Jesus’ birth there. Kids do so without talking while Teacher 2 continues.
 Teacher 2: In the Bible, the book of Matthew says after Jesus was born, an angel warned Joseph to move to Egypt. They had to get away from King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus. So Jesus lived in another country 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 like a refugee, leaving his country this way and moving to Egypt. Can you imagine that? Let’s find the word Egypt, which starts with an E. Show it on the map poster. Then highlight it and draw a little pyramid. Do so while Teacher 1 continues. 
Teacher 1: After it was safe again, his family moved back to Jesus’ home country of Israel in a town called Nazareth. Let’s find the word Nazareth, which starts with an N. Then highlight it. Do so, showing it on the map poster. Have any of you ever moved from place to place? Take quick responses. Here in Nazareth, Jesus grew up. His dad was a carpenter, and he would have learned carpentry skills from him. Have them draw a little hammer. Have any of you ever tried to make anything out of wood? Take quick responses. It’s pretty cool!

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

 Teacher 2: Jesus would have been a regular boy in many ways, as we will talk more about 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 has 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 time happened when he was 12. How many of you have a brother or sister who is 12? Pause.
  Teacher 2: We’re going to read about it. You listen and highlight/draw things as we direct you. Do so while Teacher 1 continues.
Teacher 1: Read Luke 2:41–42. Show Jerusalem on the map poster and have them highlight the word Jerusalem, then draw a little temple (like a church) while you continue. Jesus’ parents were devoted Jewish people (also known as Israelites). The Bible tells us they celebrated the religious festivals, such as this Feast of Passover.
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 about 80 miles to Jerusalem, where the temple was. You can draw some tiny stick people walking between Nazareth and Jerusalem on your map. Do so 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. What was he doing there? He was asking the religious teachers good questions (he loved to learn!), and they were learning from him too. A 12-year-old boy was blowing them away with the questions he was asking and the wise answers he was giving!
Teacher 1: This is because Jesus wasn’t part human and part God. He was all human and all God at the same time. That’s kind of impossible to understand completely, it’s such a wonder!
Teacher 2: 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, or amazed. The word astonished is often used when describing happenings with Jesus. 
Teacher 1: 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 doing God’s business. But his parents didn’t understand what he was saying.
Teacher 2: 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 he himself obeyed. Even though we don’t obey perfectly, it should be our heart’s desire. But Jesus always obeyed perfectly, which is a wonder!
Teacher 1: 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 2: 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) 
Markers from previous activity or 25 small items (per person) to mark cards
Clipboards, 1 per person
Optional: small prizes for bingo winners

Part 2: Wonder Bingo (15–20 minutes)
Make it a priority to play this for at least 15 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. Either use markers from the previous activity or 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). Put the bingo cards on clipboards or a hard surface. If using food, make sure there are no allergies. 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 mark 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 playing other rounds. (Have students change the color of their marker for each round or clear the small items and begin again.) Do not repeat any of the call cards until all have been drawn and discussed. You can also skip the wonder bingo Call cards and just go in the order written here. 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.
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 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 birthday wouldn’t reveal his true age because he had lived forever in eternity past. Endless birthday candles needed!
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 wouldn’t 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 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, 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. Remember, 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 the Bible, and he taught Jesus about God and life. Joseph isn’t mentioned once Jesus is an adult, so he may have died while Jesus was young. 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. In the Bible, Jesus is called a carpenter in Mark 6:3. What kinds of things might he have learned from his dad?
Nazareth—Jesus grew up in Nazareth. It was a small town, not a big city, and did not have lots 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 exactly 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 showed he already knew his purpose on earth.
Emotions—Jesus had emotions like we do, such as pain, 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. He needed to eat. And he never complained about his food. 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 says many times that he was tired (even exhausted) or sleeping. Now in heaven, he 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 much. He applied himself to learning, which is what we should do as well.
Obeyed—Because Jesus was perfect (sinless), he perfectly obeyed. We saw him obeying his parents at the end of the temple account we just heard (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!
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, Jewish 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 in Egypt. Jesus would have known about the Passover lambs and what they stood for. Did he realize when he was there 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: Puppet Pal—Jesus as a Child (5 minutes)

2 copies of Day 2 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Play food cracker (or some other play food that’s not pizza)
Tape

 Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Get the play food ready with a piece of tape on the back, but don’t tape it on the puppet’s hand yet.
Teacher: Since we’ve been talking about Jesus at age 12, let’s do something silly and call for Samuel (Samantha) 12 times. Do so, counting on your fingers.
Puppet: Come up grumbling and grumpy.
Teacher: What’s the problem, Sam? You don’t seem happy today.
Puppet: I’m not! I’m just sooo hungry. And being hungry makes me grumpy.
Teacher: Well, how about a cracker? Would that help?
Puppet: Oh, yes, thank you! Put it in the puppet’s hand so the tape will stick to it. The puppet nibbles on it while the conversation continues.
Teacher: You know, even though Jesus was completely God, he was also completely human, so he got hungry too.
Puppet: He got hungry like I do?
Teacher: He sure did. Even though he created the food, at times, he got hungry! It’s a wonder!
Puppet: Do you think he ever craved pizza? Boy, would I love a pizza right about now!
Teacher: Pizza wasn’t popular yet, but he definitely would’ve needed to eat something.
Puppet: Well, how about this: Did Jesus ever get tired?
Teacher: Yep. The Bible tells of many times Jesus was tired.
Puppet: Wow. God the Son got tired and hungry. That’s a wonder.
Teacher: And that’s not all. He had feelings like you do. Jesus sometimes got sad and even cried. Of course, he was often happy too.
Puppet: Did he get scared or worried? Sometimes I do when I’m alone in my dark bedroom, and I start thinking about monsters under my bed. Shiver.
Teacher: No, Jesus didn’t get scared or worried. You see, he had feelings like you, but he was perfect—unlike you—so he never got scared or worried. And he never complained or got selfishly mad.
Puppet: That doesn’t sound like me. I get scared and complain a lot.
Teacher: Well, let’s talk about a few ways Jesus was like us because we’re all people and a few ways he wasn’t like us because he was also God. First of all, Jesus had birthdays, like us. 
Puppet: Fun! I wonder what day his birthday was. Mine is February 12.
Teacher: We don’t know. We celebrate it on December 25, Christmas Day, but it may have been a different day. The date doesn’t matter so much, but it’s a wonder to think of God the Son having a birthday!
Puppet: What else?
Teacher: Like some of us, Jesus had brothers and sisters. Kids, do you have any brothers or sisters? Pause for nods.
Puppet: If you do, you have something in common with Jesus!
Teacher: He also came from a poor family. Many people don’t have lots of money.
Puppet: Right. My family can’t do fancy vacations and special trips and stuff like that.
Teacher: That’s true of lots of people. Now here’s a mind-blowing thought that really makes us see how different Jesus was: because he is God, he always obeyed his parents. He never rolled his eyes or had a bad attitude or selfishly took the last piece of pie. Jesus was perfect and always did the right thing. Can you imagine never, ever, ever hitting your brother or being grumpy or fussing about something?
Puppet: No way!
Teacher: It’s a wonder. But the most amazing thing is that although Jesus was a child, he was also King of the whole world. He made the world, including his parents, and yet, he obeyed his parents.
Puppet: Wow, that is crazy amazing!
Teacher: Jesus is a wonder—fully God and fully man. He’s someone to be in awe of and to love and adore.

Gospel Opportunity: You can talk about our need for God (Jesus). Becoming one of his children is the first step to loving, adoring, and obeying him.

Puppet: And obey!
Teacher: Yes, and obey! Well, it’s time to move on, so let’s say goodbye to Sam for now. Talk to the puppet. I think you should go get that pizza you were craving.
Puppet: Pepperoni and double cheese, here I come! Bye!
Part 4: Animal Pal Review and Game (time varies)

Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Junior stickers, 1 per person
Option 1: phone timer and (optional) small prizes
Option 2: 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 put on today’s animal as you discuss the animal pal. 
Our animal pal today is a wolf pup named Junior. What does the name Junior have to do with what we talked about today? Take responses. Junior isn’t an adult yet. In today’s account, Jesus wasn’t an adult yet. He grew up. Notice Junior’s dad in the picture. What does it look like they’re doing together? Howling at the moon. Wolf fathers teach their young pups lots of things, just as Jesus’ father would have taught him lots of things too, including teaching him about God and carpentry. What’s something you learned about Jesus as a child today? Take responses. What amazes you most about Jesus being both God and man? Take responses. 
Why does it matter that Jesus grew up as a child? Take answers. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because Jesus was tempted just like we all are. The difference is he never gave in to temptation and sinned, like we 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 he 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!
If 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
Put 60 seconds on a phone timer. Ask a question and have everyone shout out an answer at the same time. As soon as you hear the correct answer, acknowledge it and move to the next question. The goal is to get all 10 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
What kind of animal is today’s animal pal? A wolf pup
What does his name, Junior, remind us of? Jesus was a child at one point—he didn’t arrive 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 (the same mother but not the same father)
How old was Jesus when he went to the temple in today’s account from Luke 2:42? 12
Jesus was fully God and also fully ___. Man
Did he 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: Divide into two or more teams. Each team needs a set of Head Bandana Cards. Have each child tie a bandana around their forehead, folding it so it’s in the shape of a headband. (Or just skip this and they will hold the card to their forehead.) Put three minutes on the phone timer. Tell them that all the answers have something to do with Jesus’ childhood. 
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 so the rest of the team can see it and give 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!

Day 2 Memory Verse Poster
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the back of the Primary 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
Today’s Verse: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
Practice the 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? How can you know the Bible better?
Jesus knew God’s Word, and he always obeyed God’s Word. Ask someone to read Romans 12:9–21. How can you obey God today?
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 being a child? Do I like to learn about Jesus and God’s Word?
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. But Adam, the first man Jesus created from the dust, wouldn’t have had a belly button!
Now your turn! What’s another marvel you can think of about Jesus as a child? Keep marveling!
Introduce It!
Wonder Junction General Store (5 minutes) 

Wonder Junction Poster
Bible
Old West costumes
Mounting putty or tape

 Prep: Bookmark all Bible passages used in today’s lesson.
Teacher 1: Welcome back, partners! Come on in and sit a spell. I’ve got a question for you. What do you want to be when you grow up? Take a few responses.
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 grown up? I’ll give you some choices and you move to the spot that fits your answer as I point to it. (Or just have them point to a corner if your room doesn’t allow much movement.) Point as you say them—one in each corner of the room. Say them twice at least. The choices are: cowboy or cowgirl, Pony Express rider, general store owner, or gold miner. Okay, move to your spot. Do so, then have them sit back down.
Teacher 1: Well, the owner of the general store is the one that has everything under the sun that you might need. Wonder Junction’s general store owner is Mr. Percy Jones. Good ol’ Percy. He’s got a heart of gold and always wants to help ya 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 material. But as helpful as that can be, it’s nothing compared to all the ways Jesus was able to care for people while he was on earth. Whatever you needed, he could supply it!
Teacher 2: Yes, he can supply it! Which leads to this wonder-filled thought: nothin’ is too hard for Jesus! And I mean nothin’! Now that’s a wonder!
Teacher 1: It sure is! He is the Almighty. He has all power! Let’s see what Jesus said about himself in the Bible. Then we’ll check out different ways he showed his wonder-working power while he lived here on earth.
Teach It!
Part 1: Wonder-Working Power (15 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’ wonder-working power that demonstrate he is God. You may want to have just one person demonstrate or have all do it for fun. The second and third ones 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 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.

Practice a signal for when they should get instantly quiet.

 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 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!

If you have the capability, add in an audio sound effect for thunder for #2.

 Wonder-Working Power 2—Power over Nature (Mark 4:35–39): The test churches had everyone do the following together. Have the kids sit close 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 for the wind. Uncover the wonder-working power poster: NATURE. Tell the Bible account, having them make a fierce storm at the appropriate time. Continue and have them get completely still at the right time. Discuss Jesus’ power over nature. What a wonder! Nobody else has power over nature. Only Jesus—he is God the Son!

Gospel Opportunity: We all need forgiveness because we are all sinners. Sin separates us from God.
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. 

 Wonder-Working Power 3—Power over Sin (Mark 2:1–12): Have the kids use their towels again. Explain what it means to be paralyzed and have them lie down, trying not to move at all. Tell the Bible account, uncover the wonder-working power poster: SIN, and have them pick up their “mats” and walk at the appropriate time. Discuss how Jesus forgave the man of his sins. Sin is 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!

Teacher 2 can get behind the puppet stage during #4.

 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 act as if they’re sad. Tell the Bible account and uncover the wonder-working power poster: DEATH. Have the teacher/adult rise at the appropriate time. Discuss how Jesus has power over death. This is another 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.
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 as powerful as Jesus? Has there ever been any military ruler as powerful as Jesus? Has any religious leader ever been as powerful as Jesus? Think about this: leaders of other religions have lived, died . . . and stayed dead. People like Muhammad (who started a religion called 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 came back to life! He’s the only one worthy to trust and follow.

2 copies of Day 3 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard 
Little book and tape

 Part 2: Puppet Pal—All the Books in the World (5 minutes)
Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Tape the little book to the puppet’s hand.
Teacher: Kids, help me call for Samuel (Samantha). On the count of 3, let’s yell, “Sam!” Ready? 1, 2, 3—Sam? Hello? Are you in there? Hello?
Puppet: Come up holding a little book. Oh, hey, everyone!
Teacher: Sam, where’d you get your book?
Puppet: Oh, it’s from the library. It’s about the Old West. Did you know the Old West was also called the Wild West because, well, it was wild out there?
Teacher: I didn’t know that.
Puppet: Did you know there were a lot of cowboys in the Old West? Most of them were young guys who worked on ranches. That would have been cool to have your own horse!
Teacher: Yes, it would.
Puppet: When I finish this book, I’m going to go back for more. There’s a whole row of books about the Old West. Mention a couple titles: Rowdy Rachel’s Lasso Tricks; The Adventures of Mustang the Horse; Cookin’ for Cowboys.
Teacher: Well, now you’ve got me wonderin’. How many books do you think are in that library?
Puppet: In the whole library? I don’t know—100?
Teacher: I bet it’s at least 40,000.
Puppet: That’s sooo many books!
Teacher: And I wonder how many libraries there are in the world.
Puppet: 500?
Teacher: Way more!
Puppet: 1,000?
Teacher: Not even close. It’s more like half a million!
Puppet: Twirl around and get crazy as you say this. That’s crazy! That’s unbelievable! That’s . . . WOW!
Teacher: Yeah, and you know what else? The Bible tells us Jesus did so many amazing things that the world couldn’t even hold all the books that would be written about them!
Puppet: We just talked about him having power to calm the storm, heal Peter’s mother-in-law, and raise people from the dead.
Teacher: That’s just a drop in the bucket of all the wonder-filled things he did. He walked on water . . .
Puppet: Walked on water, did you say? That’s impossible!
Teacher: Not for God the Son! Jesus also fed 5,000 men, plus women and children, with only two fish and five little loaves of bread.
Puppet: That doesn’t even sound like enough for my little family, let alone thousands of people.
Teacher: And the amazing thing is, there were even lots of leftovers! More than what he started out with! 
Puppet: Incredible!
Teacher: I wonder what other amazing things Jesus did that we don’t even know about. We won’t know this side of heaven. 
Puppet: Nothing is too hard for God!
Teacher: That’s right, Sam. Nobody else could do these things. Only Jesus because he’s God. He’s a wonder!
Puppet: He’s mighty!
Teacher: He is! The Bible even calls him the Almighty! We should be completely amazed by him!
Puppet: I’m going to go lie down on my back outside and look up at the clouds. They always remind me of how mighty God is.
Teacher: Great idea! I’ll join you in a bit, but bye for now.
Part 3: Jesus’ Ministry Years (5 minutes)
Teacher 1: Let’s talk a little more about Jesus during his grown-up, ministry years when he was teaching and doing miracles. We’ll ask a true or false question. You choose an answer and do the motion that goes with it, 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: no supplies
Option 2: painter’s tape or masking tape

 Part 4: 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. What’s his name? Take responses—Mighty. Why do you think our bison is named Mighty? Bison are powerful, mighty animals. Jesus is the most powerful, mighty person who ever lived or ever will live. He is called Almighty God. Nothing is too hard for God. What’s something that blew your mind today about Jesus’ power? Take responses. 
Why do Jesus’ ministry years matter (because they do!)? Take answers. Mention the following if they don’t.
It matters because Jesus is powerful enough to calm a storm, so he’s powerful enough to care for you.
It matters because nothing is too hard for Jesus, God the Son. God always knows the best course of action (he can only make perfect choices), so we can trust him.
It matters because he is mighty, yet he cares about the smallest details of your life.
Collect the maps. If time, play a review game. Two options are given below.
Option 1: Yes or No
If the answer is true (yes), have the kids run in place fast. (Bison can run faster than horses!) If it is false (no), have them “plow snow.” (When there’s lots of snow, bison plow it out of the way with their heads.)
Yes or no: Jesus had trouble healing people. No—plow snow. He healed people just by speaking.
Yes or no: Storms obeyed Jesus and got quiet. Yes—run in place. Think about how amazing that is!
Yes or no: If Jesus told a dead person to get up, they would stay dead. No—plow snow. People came back to life! 
Yes or no: There are things that are too hard for Jesus to do. No—plow snow. Nothing is too hard for Jesus—absolutely nothing. Think about how amazing that is!
Yes or no: Jesus has the power to forgive people of their sins. Yes—run in place.
Yes or no: Other religious leaders have come back to life. No—plow snow. They are all still dead. Only Jesus has power over death because Jesus is God.
Yes or no: One name of Jesus is Mighty God. Yes—run in place fast. Isaiah 9:6 says this, and Revelation 1:8 calls him Almighty.
Yes or no: Jesus can calm a storm, and he can care for you. Yes—run in place. He knows and cares about every little detail of your life. He’s always aware of what’s going on with you.
Yes or no: God always knows the best course of action for me. Yes—run in place. He is perfect, and he knows what’s best for each of us.
Yes or no: The memory verse reminds us that every single miracle Jesus did is recorded in the Bible. No—plow snow. According to the verse, the world couldn’t contain all the books that would be written about all his miracles. Have them say the verse together.
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 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 questions, and if the person gets it right, he draws an X or an O on the 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 Primary 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
Tell a friend one of your favorite wonders that Jesus did.
Ask someone to read Mark 6:30–44. Jesus used his power to take care of others. How does he care for 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 your turn! What’s something to marvel at about Jesus’ power? Keep marveling!

Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Wonder Junction Gold Mine (5 minutes) 
Prep: Bookmark all the Scripture verses used in today’s lesson.
Teacher 1: Welcome back, partners. Good to see you again at Wonder Junction! You know, Wonder Junction is a mighty special place, with the train depot, the bank, the school, and of course, this church, which is the high point of our day! I’m so glad we get to learn more about Jesus here at High Point Chapel.
Teacher 2: Hey, have any of you hiked out to the old gold mine? I reckon you haven’t because it’s our pretend mine that’s way over yonder. Point out the gold mine on the Wonder Junction Poster. But let me tell you, that was quite the exciting place a while back. That is, until Carson got stuck down there.
Teacher 1: He went down into the mine that day never suspecting it might be his last trip. It was a beautiful, sunny day up above, but down in the mine, it was dark. Suddenly, there was a cave-in, with rocks trapping him in there. Carson was stuck! In fact, he was stuck down there for three days in a cold, dark, tiny space—all by himself—waiting for someone to rescue him.
Teacher 2: Thankfully, Fearless Abner—that’s what we nicknamed him after this happened—Fearless Abner—he volunteered to make the dangerous trip down into the mine to rescue Carson. Do you think Fearless Abner found him and got him out of there? Whoo-whee, you bet he did! And you better believe there was a lot of celebrating that night! The whole town came out. Carson was lost and in trouble—then he was found! What a rescue!
Teacher 1: Today, we want to tell you about another rescue mission—the most exciting one ever. We’ve got some gold nuggets hidden around to help us do that. This rescue mission has to do with Jesus the Savior, and we find it right here in the Bible. Point to Matthew 27–28 in your open Bible.
Teacher 2: We’ve already talked about how he came to earth as a baby, grew into a man, and lived a perfect, wonder-filled life. Now let’s hear more about his rescue mission.
Teach It!

Nuggets of Truth Poster Set (8 posters total) 
Day 4 Nuggets of Truth Cards, set of 8 per person
Large paper clips, 1 per person
Sunrise Sheets, 1 per person
Clipboards or hard surface, 1 per person
Supply baggies with 1 glue stick and several coloring utensils, 1 per person

 Prep: Cut apart the Nuggets of Truth poster Set. Print the Primary 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, 8 cards per person paper-clipped together in random order. Hide the card sets around the room. Note: Another option for this section is to use gold plastic eggs and follow—Part 1: Truth Hunt Gospel Presentation—in the Pre-Primary Guide, beginning on page 43 of that book.
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 high 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 a bag with supplies and a clipboard with the sunrise sheet.
Teacher 1: We’re gonna look for some gold in these here parts. When I say go, you’re going to start on a truth hunt to find a set of Nuggets of Truth cards that are paper-clipped together. Are y’all ready? On your mark, get set, go! Do so and then have kids return to their seats once they find their set.
Teacher 2: Now on to part 2. Let’s count how many cards you have. Do so, concluding there are eight. Take your eight cards and arrange them on your sunrise sheet in the order you think they should go. You may not know what order they go in, but give it a try! Don’t glue them down—just place them on your sunrise sheet for now.
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 the picture onto your sheet and color it while we talk about it. If you don’t get it completely colored, that’s okay. You can go back later and finish it up. Have them glue on the first picture and color it as you show 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 and everything they needed. They were going to live forever! 
Teacher 2: God told them 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 rule or 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 now. Have them do so as you show 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: 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 was a hard one! It’s the hourglass timepiece to show that people were waiting. Glue it on and color it now. Have them do so as you show the hourglass poster.
Teacher 1: As time moved on, Adam and Eve had children, and they had children, and so on. And all of them 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 people to write about this perfect someone who would come. Those writings are collected into one book we call the Bible. That means long ago they knew a Messiah, a Savior, was going to come, as we talked about earlier this week. In fact, hundreds of years before he came, it was told that he would come.
Nugget Four: Baby in a Manger
Teacher 2: Did the Messiah come? Take responses. Yes, indeedy, he did! Which nugget of truth is next? Take responses. Glue on the baby in the manger and color it. Have them do so as you show the baby in a manger poster.
Teacher 1: This baby was Jesus. He was the long-awaited Savior—the Messiah—the perfect child who came in a wonder-filled way! Remember the angels? Remember the wise men that bowed down to him? Remember the special star? Remember the wonder that Jesus wanted to come?
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 the hammer poster. Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, and he learned carpentry from his dad, Joseph. Can you remember anything we learned about his childhood? Take quick responses. Remember, he was completely God and completely man at the same time. What a wonder!
Nugget Six: Calmed the Sea
Teacher 1: Now which nugget is next? Take responses. Calming the sea is right. Glue it on and color it. Have them do so as you show the calming the sea poster.
Teacher 2: Jesus grew up and began his ministry, teaching and doing miracles, when he was around 30 years old. It only lasted three years, but during that time, he did many mind-blowing things, like calming the sea. Can you remember any other miracles? Take responses. 
Nugget Seven: Cross
Teacher 1: What’s the next nugget card? 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 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 didn’t have to. 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 died to take away our sins so we could have fellowship with God.
Teacher 1: And Jesus did die. He didn’t just faint or go into a coma or fake it. He was completely dead. God the Son had died. The Roman soldiers who put him on the cross didn’t have to break his legs to make him die faster. The Bible says he was already dead. 
Teacher 2: And after Jesus died and came back to life, which we’ll talk about in a moment, his followers’ lives completely changed. They went from being scaredy-cats to being really brave—even willing to risk their lives to tell others about Jesus. Now why would they do that if he hadn’t completely died? Of course, he died! He died because he loves us and took the punishment for our sin by dying on a cross. Move behind the puppet stage.
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’re sinning. God is truth and tells us to be truthful (Ephesians 4:25). When you tell a lie, you’re sinning. You may want to share a quick personal example of a way you sinned even today. Let’s hear more about this with Sam, our puppet pal, and then we’ll finish our last nugget of truth.
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Wild West Bad Guys (5 minutes)

Wild West Bad Guys Poster
Admit, Believe, Forever Receive Posters
2 copies of Day 4 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard 

 Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Cut apart the Admit, Believe, Forever Receive posters.
Teacher: Boys and girls, help me call for Sam. 
Puppet: Come up pretending you’re riding a horse.
Teacher: Hey, Sam, what are ya doing?
Puppet: I’m pretending to ride my horse and catch a bad guy. 
Teacher: What bad guy?
Puppet: There was a bad guy who really lived in the Old West named Billy the Kid.
Teacher: Tell me more . . . 
Puppet: Billy the Kid started out stealing some laundry. He had to go to jail for that.
Teacher: God says not to steal.
Puppet: I know. When he got out of jail, he kept stealing and even killed some people. 
Teacher: Whoa, God says not to kill.
Puppet: He and his gang robbed banks, stagecoaches, and even trains. Other bad guys, like Jesse James and Butch Cassidy, also robbed banks and killed people. 
Teacher: I’ve heard of them. Show the Wild West Bad Guys Poster, pointing to each one of them. Well, that sure is sad to be sooo bad like those guys. But you know what?
Puppet: What?
Teacher: All of us have the same problem Billy the Kid, Jesse James, and Butch Cassidy had. They were sinners, and so are we.
Puppet: Act shocked. But I don’t go around robbing banks and killing people!
Teacher: Thankfully, you don’t! But the Bible says we all sin. Some, like Billy the Kid, sin by robbing and killing. We, on the other hand, may sin by telling a lie or not being kind. But any sin separates us from God and deserves the punishment of death. And each one of us sins. The Bible tells us nobody is born good—not even one of us (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:23). Kids, can you think of a time you’ve sinned? Take responses or have them think about it silently. 
Puppet: I didn’t know everyone sins.
Teacher: Yep! That’s why we need Jesus to save us! Show the admit, believe, forever receive posters during this paragraph. When you understand you sin and you’re sorry for it, you can admit that to God (repent). Tell him you’re sorry. Then tell God you believe Jesus died and rose from the dead to take your punishment. Finally, you can tell God you want to forever receive him and be his child. You’ll still be your parents’ child. But this means you’ll have God as your heavenly Father, and you’ll be part of his family.
Puppet: I hope the kids believe in Jesus and want to be his child!
Teacher: I do too. Turn to the kids. If you want to talk more about becoming a child of God, make sure you talk to your parent or leader or me today. It’s the most important thing ever.
Puppet: Admit you sin, believe in Jesus, and forever receive him. That is the most important thing ever.
Teacher: It sure is! Well, bye, Sam! We’re going to finish our last nugget of truth now. See you tomorrow!
Nugget Eight: Empty Tomb
Teacher 1: Okay, on to our last nugget of truth card. What is it? Take 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? Pause. 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 and is still alive today! 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: Now we’ve completed our sunrise picture, but before we move on, let me mention again that if you’d like to talk more about becoming a child of God right now, or if you have questions, then you can go with ___ to find out more, or talk to your parent or leader today. 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 at the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection, his coming back to life.
Part 3: Wonders Never Cease (2–3 minutes)
Teacher 1: Matthew 27:45 tells us darkness came over the earth for three hours around the time of Jesus’ death. Has the world become all dark when anyone else died? No! Only Jesus!
Teacher 2: Anybody know what an earthquake has to do with Jesus’ death and resurrection? Take responses. There was an earthquake when Jesus died (Matthew 27:51, 54). Then another one when the stone was rolled away from Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:2). 
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, this 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: phone timer and (optional) small prizes
Option 2: Strike-It-Rich Cards
Yellow card stock

Part 4: 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. 
What kind of animal is our animal pal today? A grizzly bear. And what’s our grizzly bear’s name? Champ. Champ is short for champion. Why is our bear named Champ? He’s a champion, king of the forest. During cold months, he sleeps in a cave, and in the spring, he comes out. Jesus is a champion. He was put in a tomb (like a cave). Jesus was dead and came back to life. Nobody else can do that. Jesus is the ultimate champion, the Son of God. 
Why does 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! That means 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!
If 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 2.
Questions
What kind of animal is today’s animal pal? A grizzly bear
What does the name Champ remind us of? 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
You can become part of God’s family if you truly admit to God you are a sinner, believe in Jesus, and then forever ___. Receive him as your Savior
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.
Why does it matter that Jesus died and rose again? His death paid the punishment for sin, and he defeated death for all who repent of their sin and 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 or make smaller piles near each team leader. 
Directions: Remind kids as they play Strike-It-Rich, that the greatest treasure is Jesus. 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!

Day 4 Memory Verse Poster
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 In the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the back of the Primary 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 the items to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time
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: Make a gold nugget by crumpling a yellow piece of paper. Find a spoon. Put the nugget on the spoon and walk across the room, saying your verse the whole way. If the nugget falls off before you finish the verse, start over. Can you make it the whole way through the verse before it falls off?
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.
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?
Thank God for sending his only Son to be the Savior of the world.
Tell a friend about Jesus and the wonder of his death and resurrection.
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:
Imagine walking through a cemetery and seeing people come out of their graves, alive and well! That’s not normal, but people did come back to life—when Jesus died!
Now your turn! What’s something else you can marvel at about Jesus’ death and resurrection? Never stop marveling!
Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Day 4 Nuggets of Truth Poster Set 
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Wonder Junction Bank (5 minutes or less) 
Prep: Bookmark all Bible passages used in today’s lesson.
Teacher 1: Well, here we are, partners, on our last day at Wonder Junction. It sure has been a mighty fine time, hasn’t it? Yesterday, we were looking for nuggets of truth. Anyone remember any of those nuggets? Take responses and show a few of the Nuggets of truth posters as review, then move on.
Teacher 2: Gold nuggets come from the gold mine. And when miners find gold, guess where they take it to keep it safe? To the bank, of course, where Mr. Daly, the banker, weighs it and puts it in the vault for safekeeping.
Teacher 1: Finding gold is one way to make money out West. But there are other ways too! Some people run the store, or own a laundromat, or start a railroad. People use their talents well and make more money than when they began.
Teacher 2: Today, we’ll be talking about how to wisely use what God has given us as we wait for Jesus to come back.
Teacher 1: Because, guess what? Jesus is going to come back! Did you know that? He came the first time as a baby, then lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and rose again. He will come again as the King of kings. Let’s talk more about what happened after Jesus died and rose again.
Teach It!

Jesus Returning Poster
Parable of the Talents Poster
4 play action figures, preferably people-type dolls, such as Ken dolls
Small desk or table
Optional: Bible-time costumes for the action figures
15 real or play coins or pony beads
Square Post-it notes, at least 9

 Part 1: Jesus’ Return and the Parable of the Talents (10 minutes)
Prep: Cover each square of the Parable of the Talents Poster with a Post-it note. Optional: Dress the action figure dolls in Bible-time costumes. Set up a small desk or table at the front to use as a stage for the action figures. 
Teacher 1: Let’s look in the Bible to see what happened. Fold the Jesus Returning Poster in half, showing the first picture. Imagine standing there as you listen to Acts 1:8–11. Read the verses. What a wonder that was! Jesus went back up to heaven in a cloud! Let’s say, “Whoosh!” Do so.
Teacher 2: That’s where Jesus is now. He continues to be both fully God and fully man in heaven—forever. 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. We don’t know when, but we do know how. Read Matthew 24:27, 30. If someone says they know exactly when he will come back, they aren’t telling the truth, because the Bible says nobody knows except God the Father (Matthew 24:36). 

Gospel Opportunity: Are you ready?
If you have a large class or large space, you may want to act this out instead of using the action figures.
Answers in Genesis, the producer of Answers VBS programs, is a non-denominational ministry and doesn’t hold to a specific end-times position. As you have time, feel free to share your church’s position on end times.  

 Teacher 1: But the Bible does tells us how. He’ll come back to earth just like he went up—in a cloud! Let’s stand up and say, “Whoosh!” (Jesus went up!) Now sit back down (Jesus will come back). Do so. Show the second picture on the Jesus Returning Poster. What a wonder that will be! The Bible says it will be like lightning—fast and bright. And it will happen, because Jesus promised he will return, and he always keeps his promises.
Teacher 2: While we’re waiting for him to come back, what should we be busy doing? Well, the Bible leaves us some clues. Let’s talk about one we can find right here in the Bible. Point to Matthew 25:14–29. We’re going to need some action figures to help us out. Bring out the action figures and place them on the desk or table.  
Beginning here, you can either continue to go back and forth between Teacher 1 and 2 as written, or have Teacher 1 do the talking and Bible reading, and Teacher 2 work the action figures and interact with the kids.
Teacher 1: Jesus told a story about a man going on a journey and leaving his servants in charge of his stuff. Before he leaves, he calls his servants together. We’ll pretend this is the man who’s leaving and these are his servants. Hold up the action figure man, then the three servants, one at a time—Servant 1, Servant 2, and Servant 3. Place each doll on the table in a sitting position, if possible.
Teacher 2: The man gives one servant five coins. Let’s count out five coins. With kids counting, stack five coins near Servant 1. He gives another servant two coins. Let’s count. Stack two coins near Servant 2. And he gives the other servant one coin. Place one coin beside the Servant 3 doll. 
Teacher 1: Then the man goes away. Let’s say bye to the man as he leaves on his journey. They say bye as you walk the man out of sight.
Teacher 2: While he’s gone, Servant 1 gets busy. Make Servant 1 look busy. He works hard and gets five more coins. Let’s count out five more. Have kids count as you put five more coins in his pile.
Teacher 1: Servant 2 gets busy also. Make Servant 2 look busy. And he earns two more coins. Let’s count them. Have kids count as you put two more coins in his pile.
Teacher 2: What do you think happens with Servant 3? Do you think he works hard and gets one more coin? Pause for responses.
Teacher 1: Actually, he digs in the ground and buries his master’s money. Pretend to do so with Servant 3. He doesn’t work hard to double it.
Teacher 2: Now, after a long time, the master comes back. Here he comes! Let’s say hi! They say hi as you walk the master back into the scene.
Teacher 1: He calls the first servant (come over), and Servant 1 tells him he was given five coins, and he has made five more. The master says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Let’s say that together. Do so, and make the action figure jump around happily.
Teacher 2: Next, the master calls Servant 2 (come over), and Servant 2 says he was given two coins and has made two more. The master says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Let’s say that together again. Do so, and have the action figure jump around happily.
Teacher 1: Finally, Servant 3 comes to the master (do so) and tells him he was given one coin, which he buried. Do you think the master was happy about that? Pause for responses. 
Teacher 2: No! The master tells him he should have at least put it in the bank where it could have made a little more money. The master takes the one coin from him and gives it to Servant 1. Servant 1 was faithful with what his master gave him. Servant 3 was not. Take the coin and put it in Servant 1’s pile, then get behind the puppet stage during the next paragraph.
Teacher 1: Hold up the parable of the talents poster and go over it as a quick summary, asking questions and having them 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.
Part 2: Puppet Pal—On a Mission (5 minutes)

2 copies of Day 5 Puppet Script
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Mini gold miner’s pan
Tape

 Prep: Make a mini gold miner’s pan. Use either a mini tart pan from a snack pie or just fashion a pan out of foil. Attach it to the puppet’s hand.
Teacher: Let’s call for Sam so we can talk a little more about this. Do so, and have Sam come up. Hey, what are you up to, Sam?
Puppet: I’m on a mission.
Teacher: What kind of mission?
Puppet: Well, the other day, I was going to dig for gold, but it didn’t work out, so today I decided to pan for gold instead. 
Teacher: Have you ever found any gold nuggets?
Puppet: Yes! I have three from my last try at panning for gold. I’m hoping with some hard work, I can find three more.
Teacher: That sounds so much like our Bible account. A master left his servants with some coins. Two of the servants used their time wisely to gain more, but one servant didn’t.
Puppet: I want to be like the ones who gained more!
Teacher: For sure! What God is saying is that while we’re waiting for Jesus to come back, his children should be using their time and talents wisely and working hard for him. We need to live for his glory, which means we marvel at who he is and what he’s done for us. 
Puppet: What are some ways we can do that?
Teacher: Well, I like to say our mission is to know, grow, and go.
Puppet: What’s that mean?
Teacher: The first part of our mission is to get to know God. We can become part of his family by believing in Jesus and then learn more about him from the Bible.
Puppet: Know Jesus. We talked about that yesterday when we said we can admit, believe, and forever receive. 
Teacher: That’s right, Sam. I hope everyone here is a child of God.
Puppet: Well, what does the grow part mean, then? Should I grow taller to please God?
Teacher: No, it means to grow in your love for Jesus and all the things Jesus loves.
Puppet: What does Jesus love?
Teacher: Well, he loves people—all people—so we should love them too. Jesus wants us to love one another. And Jesus loves it when we love and obey him.
Puppet: Get to know him, grow to love and obey him, and then go. What does the go mean?  
Teacher: He wants you to go and live for his glory. Tell others that Jesus came to save them from their sins. Show others you care, just like Jesus did when he was here. Jesus isn’t on earth right now, but you are. Let your life show others how wonderful Jesus is! You could say we’re the hands and feet of Jesus. We get to use our talents and abilities for God!
Puppet: When I think of what a wonder Jesus is, I want everyone to know about him and that he’s amazing!
Teacher: Loving!
Puppet: Kind!
Teacher: He’s the Creator!
Puppet: Immanuel!
Teacher: Carpenter!
Puppet: Almighty!
Teacher: Savior!
Puppet: King of kings!
Teacher: Let’s get out there and care and share the good news that Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe in him. Let’s remember our mission and use our days wisely for him. 
Puppet: I will! Know, grow, and go. That’s our mission! I won’t forget. Well, speaking of going, I’m actually going to go right now to tell my friend Charley about Jesus. Thanks for sharing so many special memories with me this week at Wonder Junction!
Teacher: It’s been a great week! Yee-haw! Bye, Sam! So partners, let’s talk about this for a minute. Do any of you love to bake and cook? Pause for show of hands. How can you bake and cook to the glory of God and use those abilities to share the love of Jesus with others? Take quick responses. Do any of you like playing a sport? Pause for show of hands. How can you use the time spent playing your sport to share the love of Jesus with others? Take quick responses. What are things you’re good at or like to do? How can you live to bring God glory in school or home or wherever you are? Take quick responses. Let’s remember to live like Jesus matters, for God’s glory!
Part 3: Double or Nothing Review 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 1 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, we talked about our animal pal that was named Junior. False—Tiny the cougar kitten. Have kids tell you what Tiny reminds us of to get their coin. Tiny reminds us Jesus came as a tiny baby.
True or false: One wonder that occurred in connection with Jesus’ birth was a volcano. False—wonders included angels announcing his birth; wise men following a special star, bringing gifts, and bowing down to him; and Jesus wanting to come.
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 kids 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. Belivers are never alone. True. Jesus is Immanuel. This is comforting to God’s children.
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 man and part God. False—have them tell you what’s wrong with that 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 to sin. 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—have them tell you what it was to get their coin. It was Mighty the bison. Mighty reminds us that Jesus had mighty power.
True or false: Jesus has power over nature, sin, sickness, disease, and death. True.
True or false: An example of Jesus’ power is him calming the sea. True. Even nature obeys Jesus.
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. Recite John 21:25 together 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—have them tell what it was to get their coin. It was Champ the grizzly bear. 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 the sky 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—have them finish the saying to get their coin—forever receive.
True or false: The Day 4 memory verse reminds us that if you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, you may have life in his name. True. Recite John 20:31 together to get their coin.
True or false: One reason it matters that Jesus died and came back to life is we can continue to live in fear of what lies ahead. False. You don’t have to fear death and eternity if you are 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 him and 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. Recite Matthew 6:10 together to get their coin.
True or false: We should never get over the wonder of Jesus. True.
Part 4: Animal Pal (5 minutes or less)

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 these 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 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 using the talents and abilities he has given us for his glory. 
It matters because Jesus gave us a mission to care for others and share the gospel, which is the good news that Jesus offers salvation to all who admit their sin, believe in him, and forever receive him as Savior.
It matters because we have a purpose. We all have interests, abilities, and talents God has given us to use in some way for him. The possibilities are endless of how you can serve God!
Apply It!
I
Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Follow-up Bible study and/or bookmarks

n the remaining class time, complete one or more of the following ideas. These are also on the Primary 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 the items to your supply list accordingly.
Part 1: Gold Mine Memory Time
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: Get ready to gallop! Start at one side of the room and gallop across the room. Can you say the verse perfectly before reaching the other side?
Part 2: Go and Do
God made you on purpose for a purpose with your own 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 live your life for his glory.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information! 
Ask yourself this question: I’ve marveled at Jesus this week. Now, how can I live for his glory?
Part 3: Marvel-ous Moment 
Note: 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 were 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 your turn! What’s something to marvel at about Jesus being the King of kings? 
Never get used to Jesus. Keep marveling!