Being Like Jesus

Bible Text:

Psalm 119:9-11.

Materials You Need:

Picture of a temple.
10 metres of red cord or rope.
Carpenter's square.
Builder's plumb line.
A cardboard crown.

The Effect:

The carpenter's square and plumb line are used to demonstrate how they ensure a building is built upright and square so that it won't fall down!

Age Group:

Grades 1 - 7 (7 to 14 years).

Theme:

Our bodies are temples of the Lord, so we need to follow Jesus' example to stay in-line with God's Word.

Topic:

Following,Jesus,example.

Building a Temple:

I have a plan for a temple we are going to build today (Show the picture of the temple). Oh dear, it's not the plan. Never mind, I'll build it anyway! I need four children to each bring a chair and place them in a square facing outwards. Thank you.

Now, I want each of you to stand on your chair to that we can to build the temple walls. I will test that you are perfectly vertically upright with my plumb line (Hold the plumb line up against a child). Don't lean at such a crazy angle. The walls need to be straight and upright! (Move the children until you are satisfied). That's better!

Now I four more children to stand in front of the chairs to make a square foundation. We will run this cord through your hands to outline the temple. I'll use my square to make sure you stay in-line and that our temple is square (Hold the square against the cord). Oh dear! You are all at funny angles. Now I'll have to move you until the temple is absolutely square! (Move the standing children until you are satisfied).

There, now our temple is pure and upright. We will finish our Temple of the Lord by placing a crown over your heads. You can all hold it up in the air. That looks perfect. We have made a temple for God. Thank you children for your help. You can sit down again.

We are a Temple:

Buildings are built according to the architect's plans so that all can admire the marvelous finished structure. God also has a plan for each of our lives and the Holy Spirit is building us into people who will serve and please God. We need to remember what 1 Corinthians 5:19 says:

"Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?"

A temple is a place where God is worshipped. How can we grow be a pure temple? (Let the children suggest some ideas). In Psalm 119:9-11, David says:

"How can a young person keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.
I seek you with ALL my heart. Do not let me stray from (obeying) Your commands.
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."

Living, seeking and hiding (memorising) God's Word in our hearts will help us live pure clean lives. The red cord we used on the temple reminds us that we had our sins cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

Jesus is My Example:

Jesus obeyed God and was blessed. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus grew in stature, in wisdom and in favour with God and men. If Jesus is my example, and I do what He did, then I will please God in all I do. Let's remember that God is in charge of our lives. Listen to what Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says:

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow ALL His commands,
All these blessings will come upon you and follow you."

This means I will have God's blessings and favour, and His love, friendship, guidance and power to live right and please Him in all I do and say. What about you? Stay in-line with God's Word and follow Jesus' example by doing what He did.

God bless!