The Mustard Seed Children's Ministry (Mark 4:30-32)) (Mark 4:30-32) 

A Synopsis of the Summer Quarter  (June-August) Children's Sunday School Lessons for 2008.                                    

Take a peek below at what's coming up!

Jesus Is All Sunday School Lessons Sign Up

    What picture do you have of Christ in your mind's eye? Do you see the face painted in the well-known Head of Christ by Warner Sallman or Jesus seated with His disciples in the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci?

    The Bible gives the only true picture of God's Son. We do not see His physical appearance, but we can clearly ascertain who Jesus is and what He is like. Meditate carefully as you study Scripture. As you teach, you are speaking of God Himself, for Jesus is the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

    Our first unit is titled "Images of Christ in Hebrews." It details God's plan for His Son from time past. After speaking to mankind for ages through prophets, visions, dreams, signs, and angels, God sent His only begotten Son to earth Lesson 1: (June 1 Jesus, God’s Son Hebrews 1:1–4, 8–12). Jesus was the proof of God's love for sinful men. He is the only way for fellowship with God.

    Right now Jesus is praying for believers as He is with God the Father Lesson 2: (June 8 Jesus Prays for Us Hebrews 7:20–28). His blood paid for our sin, guaranteeing forgiveness for all who come to Him Lesson 3: (June 15 Jesus forgives Us Hebrews 9:11–18; 10:12–14, 17–18).

    Looking at Jesus helps us live life in a manner that pleases God. He is our Leader, our example Lesson 4: (June 22 Jesus, Our Leader Hebrews 12:1–13).

    Jesus never changes. We can trust Him because He is eternal, always the same Lesson 5: (June 29 Eternal Christ Hebrews 13:1–16).

    The second unit is "Images of Christ in the Gospels." Here we learn who Jesus is by studying what He did on earth.

    The power of God was evidenced as He taught the people day after day Lesson 6: (July 6 Jesus Taught with Power Luke 4:31–37; 20:1–8). No one ever taught with the voice of authority as Christ did. He was God, healing the sick and casting out demons Lesson 7: (July 13 Jesus Healed Mark 1:29–45). Only God could do these miracles.

    Next we see Christ in the role of a humble servant as He washed the dusty feet of His power-seeking disciples Lesson 8: (July 20 Jesus, a Serving Example John 13:1–8, 12–20). He is our example to be humble servants of God to others, even though He truly was the Messiah, the Saviour, the King Lesson 9: (July 27 Jesus Is the Messiah Matthew 16:13–23).

    The third unit is "Images of Christ in Us." Lessons from the book of James should help us conform our lives to reflect the Saviour's image.

    Believers should not just hear the Word of God; they should obey it in their day-to-day lives Lesson 10: (August 3 Obey God's Word James 1:17–27). A specific way to do this is to be kind to all people Lesson 11: (August 10 Honor All People James 2:1–13). Believers should be just in their decisions. They should not favor people who are wealthy or popular, nor should they discredit those who are not.

    The use of our tongues is very important. Christ spoke with wisdom even as a child (Luke 2:52). Impress upon your students the need to speak wisely Lesson 12: (August 17 Speak Wisely James 3:1–10, 13–18). Wisdom comes from knowing God's Word.

    In our own strength, we cannot be like Christ. We need to draw close to God. Only by His power will we be able to live godly lives Lesson 13: (August 24 Live Godly Lives James 4:1–12). Over all of this is prayer—always Lesson 14: (August 31 Pray Always James 5:13–18).

    Do you see how you can reflect the image of Christ yourself? Do you recognize that your young students can picture Jesus and try to be like Him?

    Upon completing each of the first nine lessons, display the main visual aid (pennant, praying hands, cross, and so on) in a prominent place, adding one each week. Use these to review the images of Christ we study.

Prayerfully,

Jeanne Moffitt