Co-Mission Possible_Preliminary

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A WORD OF INTRODUCTION... Greetings…and welcome to your new mission — to reach youth with God’s glorious and transformative gospel of Christ! THE FOCUS: Allow me to share one big idea that is crucial to the success of this program: The true effectiveness of any curriculum does not lie in clever object lessons, clearly laid out lessons, or engaging activities. It begins, first, with the teacher being fed by the Good Shepherd Himself: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock…” (Acts 20:28). Notice the order — take care of yourself spiritually first, and then you’ll be better equipped to care for those entrusted to your care. These lessons are not meant to be formulaic (even I don’t follow my own lessons exactly as they’re presented). They are meant to feed you, to help guide you a little deeper into the text in order to enrich your understanding of the Savior. Then, with what you discover, go and feed your students in a way that suits their particular needs and level of understanding. Here’s how I see the whole process being played out. Allow me to use an illustration: The computer’s desktop holds the “information” of a lesson’s content. That has primarily been developed on this end, though you are strongly encouraged to go through the text of Scripture and add discoveries of your own. The monitor is the “presentation” of that information — what takes place in your class. But what happens if the cord connecting a computer’s desktop doesn’t match the monitor? There is a disconnect. What’s needed is an adapter. That, dear teacher, is you! I have never met your students. I don’t know their backgrounds, their struggles, their heartaches, or their longings. You have a greater understanding of these things. As the “adapter”, you can take in information from these lessons, prayerfully consider what parts are most applicable to your students, think through the most effective way to communicate the message, and then — guided by the Holy Spirit who knows all hearts — pres- ent that material in a way that best suits your unique class of students. That is my prayer — that the little flock entrusted to you will be fed by shepherds who skillfully apply what is found in this resource in ways appropriate for that flock. THE FORMAT: As this curriculum focuses on the Mission of Christ and, by extension, the Co-Mission of His followers, we have incorporated various “Mission Possible” type challenges that earn students and groups points throughout the course of the units. Of course, this is entirely optional. If time limitations or group dynamics make it difficult to include this aspect of the program, then simply forego these activities. Here’s how it works: 1. At the Start of Each Unit: Select groups or teams by drawing numbers (or whatever strategic method you deem best). Have those groups spend two minutes creating a “mission-related” name for their team. When group activities are included in lessons, these will be the groups in which they will work. 2. At the Start of Each Lesson: Each group participates in a quick “Mini-Minute Mis- MINI MINUTE-MISSIONS sion”. Each of these activities are intended to quickly engage all students, provide a FOUND ON PGS 252-253 fun connection to the overall theme of “Co-Mission Possible”, and, in many cases, tie in to the lesson about to be taught. 3. Award points using a simple system, for example: First place: 5 points / Second place: 4 points / Third place: 3 points, etc. You may want to post this data somewhere in your room so teams can keep track. You may also wish to award bonus points for verses memorized. 4. During each “REVIEW MISSION” (every second unit), the total number of all the teams’ points accrued throughout the units can be added to their overall score at the end of the review activity to determine the win- ning team. How you celebrate is up to you! But a word to the wise: It’s always nice to have consolation prizes for the other teams as well! Once again, thank you for agreeing to accept this mission! May the Lord bless you bless your students through you as you embark on this exciting journey! Brian Cretney 2

A BRIEF OVERVIEW... YEAR ONE FOCUS: GOD’S RESCUE MISSION Scope: the Divine authority of God’s Word; how Old and New Testament events connect to form the single plot line of God’s redemptive story (see resource below); the arrival and death of Jesus, concluding with how the gospel can change us from the inside out. Essentially, this is a brief survey that spans from Cre- ation to the Cross. Year One is not necessary to complete before starting Year Two as there is enough overlap. YEAR TWO FOCUS: CO-MISSION POSSIBLE! Scope: the life of Jesus as presented in John’s gospel; examining the Mission of Jesus to bring life, light, and love to those broken by sin. Each unit comprises its own “mission”: • MAN, Jesus...who is He really? (Mission 1) • INTERACTIONS of Jesus...not what we’d expect (Mission 2) • STATEMENTS of Jesus. He said...what? (Mission 3) • SUPERNATURAL POWERS of Jesus (Mission 4) • INDESCRIBABLE GIFTS Jesus came to give (Mission 5) • OBVIOUS CHANGES He brought to His followers (Mission 6) • NOW WHAT? Jesus invites us to be a part of this mission, a Co-Mission, to bring His message to others (Mission 7). Lessons will be geared to speak practically into the lives of young people. See the following pages for the Learning Objectives as well as the Scope and Sequence of the YEAR 2 curriculum. 3

4 MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL SKILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL KNOWLEDGE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW: Skills are what the students at this level should be able to do prior to OVERVIEW: Knowledge outcomes are what the children should know moving up to high school. STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO: and understand at the end of fifth or sixth grades depending on M.S.1 Take steps to resolve conflicts biblically whether sixth grade is the end of elementary school or the beginning M.S.2 Share the Gospel with greater detail, using key memory verses along with a of middle. Programs should be prepared to assess these outcomes as a visual aide means of determining program effectiveness and the need for curricu- M.S.3 Memorize Scripture (Appendix A provides a list of verses. Programs can select lum modifications. STUDENTS WILL: from this list as appropriate for their learners or context) M.S.4 Use a concordance and electronic apps to locate Scripture references M.K.1 Begin to understand and articulate the Bible as one story by M.S.5 Access and use basic Bible study tools and methods as a means to accurately seeing the relationship of key Bible stories to The Redemptive Story understand God’s Word M.S.6 Make application of Scripture to daily life M.K.2 Know the key elements of the Redemptive Story: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration MIDDLE SCHOOL DISPOSITIONS M.K.3 Know the person and role of the Holy Spirit (third person of the OVERVIEW: Dispositions are the values, beliefs, and attitudes as demonstrated Trinity) through behaviors and life choices. STUDENTS WILL CHOOSE TO: M.D.1 Accept Christ or acknowledge a time when this was previously done M.K.4 Identify the relationship of Jesus to the Gospel and to one’s M.D. 2 Grow in their relationship to Christ through regular Bible study and prayer personal and present life M.D.3 Obey God’s Word and follow Jesus M.D.4 Practice biblical “one-another’s” in their relationships at home and in the M.K.5 Understand the meaning of the Kingdom of God, past, present classrooms (see Appendix A: Memory Verse Examples) and in the future M.D.5 Give testimony to God’s working in their lives M.D. 6 Regularly and devotionally study God’s Word M.K.6 Explain the cultural mandate (man’s responsibility to fill, subdue, M.D.7 Choose to act upon or obey scripture in daily life and rule over the earth. Genesis 1:28) and its implications for life today M.D.8 Commit to living a pure life M.D.9 Participate in the stewardship of God’s creation M.K.7 Articulate key aspects of the life of Paul, including his missionary M.D.10 Begin to seek God’s purpose for their life heart for the world as exemplified through his life and teaching M.D.11 Attend and serve others within the church M.K.8 Know the major worldview questions (What is reality and knowledge? What is of value and what is the nature of man?) with a basic answer to each question from a biblical perspective M.K.9 Understand the relationship of prayer to one’s growth in Christ M.K.10 Know the role or purpose of the church in the life of the believer

TABLE OF CONTENTS: WELCOME TO CO-MISSION POSSIBLE! Jesus carried out the ultimate mission in coming to Earth. It was God’s Rescue Mission* — to save sinners from the penalty, power, and, ultimately, the very presence of sin. When He returned to Heaven, He gave His disciples a great commission: “GO into all the world’ to share His powerful life-changing message with all people (Mk 16:15). But He didn’t leave us to do this alone. This commission is also a co-mission! His “GO” is linked with His “LO” —“LO, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Year Two of School Ministries’ middle school curriculum invites students to participate in this M.I.S.S.I.O.N. We examine seven key truths about Jesus as revealed in John’s gospel: Jesus as a Man (and God), His Interactions with people, His startling Statements, His Supernatural miracles, His Indescribable gifts for His children, and the Obvious changes the risen Christ made in His followers’ lives. The final unit is called Now What? Students carefully examine Jesus — what He did and what He calls us to do. MISSION 1 EXIANMTRINOIDNUGCTTHIEONM/AONV:EWRVhoIEiWs H/eS..C.rOeaPlEly, ?SEQUENCE & LEARNING OBJKECEYTIAVPEPSLICATIONS: 2-6 2-6 Jesus didn’t “begin” in Bethlehem. MY STORY: My story began before I did: it started in Heaven, in the heart of God. MISSION 2 MISSION 1 Jesus’ arrivEaXl wAMasInN’tINcoGinTcHidEenMce.AItNw: WashpolainsnHeed..o.ruetaplelyr?fectly. MY WORTH: My worth is determ7ined by the God who went to gr7eat lengths to rescue me. Jesus didnJ’etscuosmdeidton’sta“vbeegthine”pinlanBeett.hHleehceamm.e to save me...from Hell. MY RESPONSE: I must base my9belief on the available evidenc9e, not on my parents’ faith. Jesus’ arrival wasn’t coincidence. It was planned out perfectly. 17 17 Jesus didn’t come to save the planet. He came to save me...from Hell. 31 31 MISSION 2 EXAMINING HIS INTERACTIONS: Not what you’d expect KEY APPLICATIONS: Jesus fllweiatpspahJJEeeefeXdrssdiAuuettssManhbdflleIelNiedtpfsIeipaNeei.enGtfJdreotiHehsftuanIetSbshdTloIieedssNmsieHeTpi.wEnElJAeheRt:VohsAJEueeCfNsasTTiuLielIYsseOm-dHiNMspEHSlIHAeNi:mO:VDNJL.EEeoYJNDse.tuLs.wYush-siMasistIHNyHOoDULuEMY’Dd.B.eLEx.pect HDTROISULASIPNTPE:OSWSINe: THcMaonwEtNcruTasn:tRwJeeesspukosenewdphinoe345gun911rwb“tahedemnthpflirneiesgn”sd(hlsiavfpeaspil)eacnln.edHainesnipnelmaanipes453osa119lprleuretbevidagigwle(osrrotldhit?anseoeumrss!). Jesus Jesus REVJeIEsuWs:wMaIsShSeIOdNthSe1faenedt o2f those who failed Him. Jesus is HUMBLE. 59 59 REVIEW: MISSIONS 1 and 2 67-69 67-69 MISSION 3 EXAMINING HIS STATEMENTS: Jesus said...what? KEY APPLICATIONS: Jesus to a pEoXpAuMlaIrNmINaGn:H“YIoSuSnTeAeTdEtMo EbNeTreS-:bJoersnu.”s said...what? POPULARITY: Being accepted b7y1God is more important than b7e1ing accepted by people. MISSION 3 Jesus to aJseisnufusltwooampaonp:u“Tlahremmaann: “yYoouu’renelievdingtowbiethreis-nb’toryno.”ur husband.” RELATIONSHIPS: Friends will fa7i3l us, and we will fail friends —73but Jesus never fails. Jesus to anJeasnugsrtyomaosbinoffuml weno:m“Gaon:a“hTehaedmanadnkyiolluh’reer.l..”iving with isn’t yourFhOuRsGbIaVnEdN.”ESS: How is God able79to forgive us? How can we fo7rg9ive others? Jesus to aJbeusnucshtoofaJnewans:g“rEyamt Moby flofesmheann:d“GdorinakheMaydbalnooddk.”ill her...” PEER PRESSURE: Many listener8s7forsake Jesus.“Will you also 8go7 away?” Jesus to thJesruesligtoioausbauuntchhoroiftiJeesw: “sD:e“EstartoyMtyhiflsetsehmapnled...d” rink My blood.” CONFIDENCE: Jesus rose from t9h5e dead just like He said. This 9g5ives us confidence. Jesus to the religious authorities: “Destroy this temple...” 105 105 EXAMINING THE SUPERNATURAL: Jesus’ mighty miracles KEY APPLICATIONS: The SecreEt XMAirMacIlNeI:NJeGsuTsH’ fiErsStUmPiEraRcNleA..T.wUaRsAaLs:eJceresut.s’ mighty miracles OBEDIENCE: The secret to God’1s1b1lessing: “Do whatever He sa1y1s.”1 MISSION 4 MISSION 4The RemoTteheMSireaccrlee:tJMesiuraschlee:aJleesduas’dfiyrisntgmbiorya.c..2le0...mwialessaasweacyre. t. FAITH: Faith is taking God at H1is1W3ord — even when it doesn’1t 1m3ake sense to us. The SmorgTahseboRredmMoirtaeclMe:irJaecsules:fJeedsu1s5htheoaulesdanaddpyeionpglebowyi.t.h.2a0bmoiyl’sesluanwcha.y.AVAILABILITY: God isn’t looking12fo1r amazing superstars but av1a2il1able servants. The PoolsiTdheeMSimracolreg:aJsebsuosrdheMailrsaaclme:aJneswuisthfeadn1e5urtohloougsicaanlddipseeoapsele. with a bDoEyP’sElNuDnAchN.CE: This.“impotent”1m2a9n met the Omnipotent Man1. 29 The Mud MThireacPloeo: Jlesisdues Mgairvaeclseig: hJetstuosahebalilnsdammaannuwsiinthg aspniteuarnodlomguicda.l diseFaEsAeR. OF REJECTION: It cost thi1s3m7an to identify with Christ. B1u3t7He gladly did! The Mud Miracle: Jesus gave sight to a blind man using spit and mud. 143 143 REVIEW: MISSIONS 3 and 4 149-151 149-151 REVIEW: MISSIONS 3 and 4 MISSION 5 TEhXeAGMifItNoINTfEGhHXeiTAsHGMSEiafItNcIroNIiNfifDcGHEeiSTsCHSREaIBcIrANifiBDcLEeES:CGRifItBsAtBooLEw:oGnidftesrftuolofowrownodredrsful for woKrdEsY APPLICATIONS: death te11a55c35hes me about...me 153 MISSION 5The Gift oTf htheeGSipftiroitf the Spirit MY VALUE: What Jesus’ 155 The Gift oTf hSeecGuirfittyof Security 161 MY GUIDE: The work of the Spi1ri6t 1in guiding God’s child from16G9od’s MY SAFETY: The assurance tha1t 6n9othing can separate me love The Gift oTf htheeGSicftriopftutrhees S(PcarirpttOunrees) (Part One) MY MAP: Learning an easy met1h8o1d to help study the Bible, “2108-110-5-1” The Gift oTf htheeGSicftriopftutrhees S(PcarirpttTuwreos) (Part Two) MY TURN: A chance to practise1t8h6is Bible Study Method, “20-11806-5-1” MISSION 6 EXAMININEGXATHMEINOINBGVTIOHUESO: ThBeVIrOisUenS:CThhriestricsheannCgehsrilsitvecshanges lives KEY APPLICATIONS: 189 189 MISSION 6 } }He replaceHdewreoprrlyaicnegdwwitohrrwyoinrgshwipi.th worship. First two lessFoinrstbtywo leWssOoRnSsHbIyP: Who or what do we1w9o3rship? What idols are in my1li9fe3? the teacher, ftohlleowteeadcheFr,AfoILllUoRwEe:dWe can’t change our p2a0s1t, but our response to failure2c0a1n change our future. He replaceHdefraeilpulraecewdithfafiolurgreivwenitehssf.orgiveness. He replaceHdehroeppelalecsesdnehsospweliethsshnaepspsinweistsh. happinessb.y an Indepenbdyeannt IndePpeEnRdSePnEtCTIVE: In every situatio2n0, o9u-r2u2p6lo—ok will determine o2u0r 9o-u2tl2o6ok—. He replaceHdeqrueepsltaicoendinqguwesitthiocnoinnfigdwenitche.confidenceR. esearch ProjReecst;earch PDroOjUecBtT; S: Honest doubts should lPeraodjeucstTROeJseosuursc,ensot away fromPHroimje.ct Resources He replaceHdearnepemlapcetydfiasnhienmg pnteyt fiwsihthinagfnuelltnweitt.h a fumllatneerita. ls promviadteedrials pSrUoCviCdEeSdS: We must properly define success before we can achieve it. MISSION 7 NOW WHNATO?WJOWINHINAGT?THJOEINMIINSSGIOTHNETOM:ISSION TO:MISSION 7 KEY APPLICATIONS: 227 227 GROW HisGcRirOclWe. His circle. GO tell othGeOrst.ell others. MY MISSION: Building the Chu2rc2h9with Jesus in the power of 2th2e9Spirit SHOW ChrSisHtOtoWthCehrwisotrltdo. the world. MY MESSAGE: What the true go2s3p5el is and how to share it wit2h3o5thers MY MOTIVE: Making Jesus visib2l4e3in my life in everything I do243 YEAR-ENDYSEUAMR-MENATDIVSEUAMCMTIAVTITIVYE ACTIVITY 251 251 MINI MINUTE-MISSIONS 252-253 5

CO-MISSION POSSIBLE: SCOPE, SEQUENCE & LEARNING OUTCOMES MISSION 1 EXAMINING THE MAN: Who is He...really? KEY APPLICATIONS: LEARNING OUTCOMES: Jesus didn’t “begin” in Bethlehem. MY STORY: My story began before I did: it started in Heaven, in the heart of God. M.K.1; M.K.2; M.K.3 Jesus’ arrival wasn’t coincidence. It was planned out perfectly. MY WORTH: My worth is determined by the God who went to great lengths to rescue me. M.K.1; M.K.2; M.K.4; M.K.8 Jesus didn’t come to save the planet. He came to save me...from Hell. MY RESPONSE: I must base my belief on the available evidence, not on my parents’ faith. M.K.1; M.K.2; M.K.4; M.D.1 MISSION 2 EXAMINING HIS INTERACTIONS: Not what you’d expect KEY APPLICATIONS: LEARNING OUTCOMES: Jesus flipped tables in the Temple: Jesus is HOLY. HOLINESS: How can we keep our “temples” (lives) clean in a polluted world? M.S.6; M.D.8 MISSION 3 Jesus let a friend die. Jesus is HEAVENLY-MINDED. TRUST: We can trust Jesus when bad things happen. His plans are bigger than ours! M.K.1; M.K.4; M.K.8 Jesus washed the feet of those who failed Him. Jesus is HUMBLE. DISAPPOINTMENT: Responding when friends fail and enemies prevail (so it seems). M.K.9; M.S.1; M.D.3; M.D.4; M.D.7 REVIEW: MISSIONS 1 and 2 KEY APPLICATIONS: LEARNING OUTCOMES: POPULARITY: Being accepted by God is more important than being accepted by people. M.K.2; M.K.4; M.D.1 EXAMINING HIS STATEMENTS: Jesus said...what? RELATIONSHIPS: Friends will fail us, and we will fail friends — but Jesus never fails. M.K.2; M.K.4; M.D.1 Jesus to a popular man: “You need to be re-born.” FORGIVENESS: How is God able to forgive us? How can we forgive others? M.K.2; M.K.4; M.D.1; M.D.4 Jesus to a sinful woman: “The man you’re living with isn’t your husband.” PEER PRESSURE: Many listeners forsake Jesus.“Will you also go away?” M.K.1; M.K.4 Jesus to an angry mob of men: “Go ahead and kill her...” CONFIDENCE: Jesus rose from the dead just like He said. This gives us confidence. M.K.1; M.K.4 Jesus to a bunch of Jews: “Eat My flesh and drink My blood.” Jesus to the religious authorities:“Destroy this temple...” LEARNING OUTCOMES: M.D.3; M.D.7; M.D.10 MISSION 4 EXAMINING THE SUPERNATURAL: Jesus’ mighty miracles KEY APPLICATIONS: M.K.4; M.S.6; M.D.3; M.D.7 The Secret Miracle: Jesus’ first miracle...was a secret. OBEDIENCE: The secret to God’s blessing: “Do whatever He says.” M.K.4; M.S.6 MISSION 5 The Remote Miracle: Jesus healed a dying boy...20 miles away. FAITH: Faith is taking God at His Word — even when it doesn’t make sense to us. M.K.4; M.S.6 The Smorgasbord Miracle: Jesus fed 15 thousand people with a boy’s lunch. AVAILABILITY: God isn’t looking for amazing superstars but available servants. M.K.4; M.S.6; M.D.5 The Poolside Miracle: Jesus heals a man with a neurological disease. DEPENDANCE: This “impotent” man met the Omnipotent Man. The Mud Miracle: Jesus gave sight to a blind man using spit and mud. FEAR OF REJECTION: It cost this man to identify with Christ. But He gladly did! LEARNING OUTCOMES: M.K.1; M.K.2; M.K.4 REVIEW: MISSIONS 3 and 4 KEY APPLICATIONS: M.K.3; M.K.10 MY VALUE: What Jesus’ death teaches me about...me M.S.2; M.S.6; M.D.1; M.D.7 EXAMINING THE INDESCRIBABLE: Gifts too wonderful for words MY GUIDE: The work of the Spirit in guiding God’s child M.S.5; M.S.4; M.S.6; M.D.2; M.D.6; M.D.7 The Gift of His Sacrifice MY SAFETY: The assurance that nothing can separate me from God’s love M.S.5; M.S.4; M.S.6; M.D.2;M.D.6; M.D.7 The Gift of the Spirit MY MAP: Learning an easy method to help study the Bible, “20-10-5-1” The Gift of Security MY TURN: A chance to practise this Bible Study Method, “20-10-5-1” LEARNING OUTCOMES: The Gift of the Scriptures (Part One) M.K.9; M.S.6; M.D.10 (Overarching focus on M.D.1) The Gift of the Scriptures (Part Two) M.D.8; M.D.2 (Overarching focus on M.D.1) M.K.4; M.S.4, M.S.5; M.S.6 ( M.D.1) MISSION 6 EXAMINING THE OBVIOUS: The risen Christ changes lives KEY APPLICATIONS: M.K.4; M.S.4, M.S.5; M.S.6 ( M.D.1) WORSHIP: Who or what do we worship? What idols are in my life? M.K.4; M.S.4, M.S.5; M.S.6 ( M.D.1) He replaced worrying with worship. First two lessons by FAILURE: We can’t change our past, but our response to failure can change our future. He replaced failure with forgiveness. PERSPECTIVE: In every situation, our uplook will determine our outlook. LEARNING OUTCOMES: He replaced hopelessness with happiness. } the teacher, followed DOUBTS: Honest doubts should lead us TO Jesus, not away from Him. M.S.2; M.K.7; M.K.8; M.D.10 He replaced questioning with confidence. by an Independent SUCCESS: We must properly define success before we can achieve it. M.S.2; M.K.8; M.D.5; M.D.10 M.S.2; M.K.8; M.D.5; M.D.10 Research Project; He replaced an empty fishing net with a full net. materials provided MISSION 7 NOW WHAT? JOINING THE MISSION TO: KEY APPLICATIONS: GROW His circle. MY MISSION: Building the Church with Jesus in the power of the Spirit GO tell others. MY MESSAGE: What the true gospel is and how to share it with others SHOW Christ to the world. MY MOTIVE: Making Jesus visible in my life in everything I do YEAR-END SUMMATIVE ACTIVITY

MISSION ONE: THE MAN, JESUS... WHO IS HE REALLY? 7

NOTE TO TEACHER: It’s highly recommended that you begin with an orientation day (as outlined below). This is a nice, gentle way to ease students into the program. If you do, jump in the next lesson at “TRANSITION’. If time doesn’t allow for this orientation lesson, a modified version of this activity ap- pears in the Opener of Mission 1, Lesson 1 (M1 L1). ORIENTATION DAY: Welcome to the Mission! The purpose of today is to get to know each other a little and to get to know our “MISSION” this year. I’ll explain more about that in a few mi- nutes... So, to begin: 1. Encourage students to participate in a short get-to-know-you activity: • Pair up students and give them 5 minutes to learn 3 interesting facts about the other person • Come back together, serve up some Neapolitan ice cream (the ice cream will be revisited in tomorrow’s lesson) and give each person a minute to share what they learned about their partner 2. Extend: “Now we are going to take a few minutes to share what we know about someone else — Jesus. Don’t stress over this though: We won’t be shar- ing this with the class. This is just a good opportunity for you to gear your mind up for the journey we’re about to embark on: Learning about Jesus! It also helps me to understand where you may be at in your faith journey”. • Have students complete “What do you know about Jesus?” in their student guide. 3. Explain what the theme of our year is going to be: Co-Mission Possible. Either watch the video at everydaypublications.org > media > Co-Mission Possible Resources > INTRO. Or explain the overview yourself using the script on the “Additional Teacher Notes” page. Closing: I can’t wait to see you next time! We will be officially starting our first unit called: Ex- amining the MAN — Who is Jesus...Really? We’ll be getting our information from one of Jesus’ closest disciples. I challenge you to see if you can find out who I’m talking about (and why!). Close in Prayer.

Preliminary Draft MISSION 1: THE MAN, JESUS: WHO HE REALLY IS LESSON 1: JESUS DIDN’T “BEGIN” IN BETHLEHEM! KEY TEXT: John 1:1-5  MEMORY VERSES: 2 Tim 1:9, 10 CURRICULUM: M.K.1 Begin to understand and articulate the Bible as one M1 L1 NOTES story by seeing the relationship of key Bible stories to The Re- demptive Story.; M.K.2 Know the key elements of the Redemptive Story; M.K.3 Know the person and role of the Holy Spirit BIG IDEA: We will think about Jesus’ PRE-EXISTENCE in eternity past:  [1: John records only the Jesus is a real Person who lived long before time even began. number of men who were present, so the actual APPLICATION: My story began before I did: It started in Heaven, in the heart of God. number is much larger. See the same account in PREPARE: 1. For the opening activity, get supplies for a Neapolitan ice Matthew 14:21 where we cream snack. 2. If showing the video, set up in advance. read of women and children also being present. If most OPENER: 1. Welcome students and participate in a short get-to-know- of those men had a wife you activity: Pair up students and give them 5 minutes to learn and children, there could well have been 10 to 20 3 interesting facts about the other person. Come back together, serve up some Nea- thousand people. John also records in 21:25 that Jesus politan ice cream (the ice cream will be revisited later) and give each person a minute performed so many miracles that the world could not to share what they learned about their partner. 2. Activity: Now we are going to take contain all the books that could be written to describe a few minutes to share what we know about someone else — Jesus. Don’t stress over them. But for now, let’s just use “5,000”.] this though: We won’t be sharing this with the class. This is just a good opportunity [2: In selecting these three for such special occasions, for you to gear your mind up for the journey we’re about to embark on: Learning Jesus was not playing favorites. In fact, God says about Jesus! It also helps me to understand where you may be at in your faith journey. that “favoritism” is a sin (James 2:9). Jesus was likely Have students complete “What do you know about Jesus?” in their student guide. 3. preparing these three for the leadership roles they Bring It Back for the next part of the lesson... would have in the early days of the Church after Jesus TRANSITION: One of the best ways we can get to know Jesus is by consult- returned to Heaven.] ing someone who actually knew Him very well. I know just the man! His name is John, and we are going to learn about Jesus from John’s writings. Why John? [Draw circles like the diagram to the right to show that John was]: A. One of 5,000 people1 who witnessed Jesus’ miracles (Jn 6:8-12) B. One of 500 eyewitnesses who saw Jesus after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:4-6) C. One of 12 disciples who followed Jesus for 3.5 years (Mk 3:14; Lk 6:12-16) D. One of 3 disciples who were invited to accompany Jesus on special occasions2: ▪ When Jesus was transfigured (Mk 9:2, 3) JOHN was... ▪ When Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead (Lk 8:49–56) ▪ When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26:36–38) …1 of over 5,000… 6:36-38
…1 of over 500… E. John was called…“the disciple whom Jesus loved”. See John 13:23; 19:26; g? …1 of 12… 21:7; 21:20. Interestingly, while John is mentioned about 30 times in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he never refers to himself by name in the D …1 of 3… EVENTS gospel that he himself wrote. Instead, he uses this phrase, “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, which shows his great bond with Jesus. In pride, I The John once asked to sit next to Jesus in a place of prominence in His disciple coming Kingdom. So Jesus had to teach John a lesson in humility. When S whom Jesus… John wrote this gospel 50 or 60 years later, we see by John’s omission of his own name that he had learned this lesson. C I P L S: SP ECIA RESU PEO E LES (3. 5L LES SSES D EYE S) C I YR WIT S I P R R ECTION N E E P L TO SEE JESUS’ MIR A C 9