The Four Gospels

This lesson is simply an overview of the four Gospels. You will want to write the four Gospels on the whiteboard or on poster board and then write the facts below as you discuss each one. Be sure to ask lots of questions to keep the children’s attention on what you are teaching. Also, the Parade of the Gospels goes great with this lesson. 

Philip Tells an Ethiopian about Jesus
(Acts 8:26-40)

Begin by asking the class if they have ever been reading the Bible and not understood what they had read. Ask them to give some examples and what they did to try to understand what the passage they read meant. That’s exactly what happened in our story today – someone was reading the scripture and didn’t understand what they were reading and God sent someone at just the right time to help them.An angel from the Lord said to Philip, “Get up, and take the desert road that goes south from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So Philip went.

An Ethiopian man who had come to Jerusalem to worship was on his way home. The man was a eunuch, a high-ranking official in charge of all the treasures of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. As the official rode along in his carriage, he was reading the prophet Isaiah out loud.

The Spirit said to Philip, “Go to that carriage, and stay close to it.”

Philip ran to the carriage and could hear the official reading the prophet Isaiah out loud. Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”

The official answered, “How can I understand unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to sit with him in his carriage.

This was the part of the Scriptures that the official was reading:

“He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
He was like a sheep that is silent
when its wool is cut off.
He didn’t open his mouth.

When he humbled himself,
he was not judged fairly.
Who from his generation
will talk about his life on earth being cut short?” (Isaiah 53:7 &

The official said to Philip, “I would like to know who the prophet is talking about. Is he talking about himself or someone else?” Then Philip spoke. Starting with that passage, Philip told the official the Good News about Jesus.

As they were going along the road, they came to some water. The official said to Philip, “Look, there’s some water. What can keep me from being baptized?”

The official ordered the carriage to stop. He and Philip stepped into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they had stepped out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away. The official joyfully continued on his way and didn’t see Philip again.

Philip found himself in the city of Azotus. He traveled through all the cities and spread the Good News until he came to the city of Caesarea.

The Value of the Bible
(Psalm 119)

The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Psalm 119:72

Write Psalm 119:72 on one side of a poster board. On the other side, write, “A Great Treasure.”

Start the lesson by showing the “A Great Treasure” side of the poster and ask the children to guess the treasure from the following clues:

This treasure is so valuable, people have died for it.

It’s worth millions of dollars to some people.

Most people don’t realize how valuable it is.

You probably have this treasure in your house.

What is it?

Let the class guess the treasure and show the other side of the poster if they guess correctly or after several attempts to get the correct answer.

Ask the children to read the verse with you a few times and then ask them to turn to Psalm 119. Give them time to look it up (you might have to help younger children find the reference). Ask them to follow along as you look at and discuss the following verses. Be sure to ask lots of questions to keep the discussion moving.

God’s Word is valuable because it:

A. Keeps believers from sin – vv. 9-11
B. Gives believers inner strength in times of sadness – v. 28
C. Gives hope to us – vv. 43, 49, 81, 114
D. Offers believers comfort in times of difficulty – vv. 55, 52
E. Gives guidance in our life’s journey – vv. 105, 130, 133
F. Gives peace to believers – v. 165
G. Gives help and encouragement in times of need – v. 18

Close by challenging the children to read their Bibles daily. 

King Johoiakim Burns the Scriptures
(Jeremiah 36:21 - 32)

Start the story by asking the children if they have ever burned a book. How about a Bible? Well, in our story today, we find someone who did just that.It starts when King Johoiakin sent one of his helpers, a man named Jehudi, to get a scroll (like a Bible today) that Jeremiah had written. The scroll was written because God had told Jeremiah to write down certain things to tell the people. A scribe (one who writes things for people) named Baruch had helped Jeremiah write down everything God had told him. 

How to have a Quiet Time
(Hebrews 4:12 – 16)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:12-16

Begin by asking the class if they know what it means to have a Quiet Time. After they answer, explain that a Quiet Time is our time alone with God where we pray, read the Bible and think about God. The verses we read talk about a Quiet Time. They tell us about the Bible, about how Jesus is our high priest which means we can talk to Him and we are to come boldly to Him for forgiveness and when we have a need.

How to Start a Quiet Time

A. Plan a time to have your Quiet Time – what’s best for you, morning or maybe before you go to bed?
B. Choose a Bible book to start reading – a small Book like Mark is a good place to begin.
C. Only read a few verses at a time – it’s better to read three or four verses and understand them than reading a chapter that you don’t understand.
D. Take time to think about what you’ve read and what it means to you and your walk with God.
E. Make prayer part of your Quiet Time. Prayer is simply talking to God and allowing Him to talk to us.
F. Don’t worry if you miss a day – just do your Quiet Time the next day.
G. Don’t quit – you will find you will gradually learn to know God better and you begin to look forward to your time alone with God.Close with asking the class to start a daily Quiet Time if they are not having one and to continue if they are already having one. Challenge them to do it just this week and that you’ll talk about how it went next week.  

Timothy Learned God’s Word as a Child
(2 Timothy 3:14-17)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

This lesson is simply an overview of the passage above. You will want to write the four things the Bible is useful for on the whiteboard or on poster board and then write the facts below as you discuss each one. Be sure to ask lots of questions to keep the children’s attention on what you are teaching. 

Training

- The Bible instructs us about God and His Son, Jesus

- The Bible shows us how to live and treat others

 - The Bible tells us how our sin can be forgiven and how to follow Christ as Christians

The Names for God’s Word
(Psalm 119:1-9)

Print each of the names below on a separate sheet of paper along with the Bible reference. Let a child hold each one and discuss each one with the class. Ask questions to keep the discussion going.

Law – Psalm 119:1 – This word is used for God’s Word 220 times in the Old Testament. The Jews called the first five books of the Bible the torah, which means the law. The law really means “teaching or instruction.” God’s Word helps us know how God wants us to live.

Testimony – Psalm 119:2 – This word means “to bear witness.” It appears nine times in Psalm 119 and it implies the testimony of a witness telling what he knows to be true. The Bible is a testimony of God about Himself.

Precepts – Psalm 119:4 – this word always appears in the plural and its twenty-four occurrences are all in Psalms (twenty-one in Psalm 119). The precepts of God are the standards of conduct He has established for us to live by.

Stature – Psalm 119:5 – This word appears 128 in the Bible and comes from the Hebrew verb meaning to “engrave or write.” In Bible times, statutes (or decrees and laws) were engraved on metal or stone so people could read and keep them. God issues statutes for us to obey in His Word.   

Commandment – Psalm 119:6 – This word means “to command or charge.” It’s the same word used in the Ten Commandments and the Bible tells us that if we really love the Lord, we will keep his commandments (1 John 5:2-4).

Jesus and Paul Read God’s Word
(Luke 4:15-22 & Acts 13:14-15)

As you begin the story, ask the children if they know what it means to “set an example.” Is it possible to set a good example? How about a bad example? In today’s story we see how Jesus and Paul set an example for us.Our first example is Jesus. You probably know Jesus did many miracles but maybe you don’t know that Jesus often taught in the synagogues, and everyone praised him as a good teacher. One day Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual he went into the synagogue on the day of worship. He stood up to read the lesson. The attendant gave him the book of the prophet Isaiah.

He opened it and found the place where it read:”The Spirit of the Lord is with me. He has anointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to announce forgiveness to the prisoners of sin and the restoring of sight to the blind, to forgive those who have been shattered by sin, to announce the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Is. 61:1 & 2)

Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue watched him closely. Then he said to them, “This passage came true today when you heard me read it.”All the people spoke well of him. They were amazed to hear the gracious words flowing from his lips. Everyone was very impressed with Jesus and how he read and explained God’s Word.Our second example is Paul. Paul wrote most of the New Testament and was one of the first missionaries in the early church. But did you know that he also taught in the synagogues.One time while Paul and his friend Barnabas were traveling, they arrived in Antioch. On the day of worship they went into the synagogue and sat down.After Paul had read from Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent a message to Paul and Barnabas. The message said, “Brothers, if you have any words of encouragement for the people, feel free to speak.” Paul then spoke to all those in the synagogue and told them about Jesus.

Close the story by asking the follow questions:

1. Jesus and Paul both did the same thing – what was it? (Read God’s word in the synagogue.)
2. What example did they set for us? (They read the scripture.)
3. What do you think this mean for us? (We should read the Bible too.)Finish the story by asking the children what they can do to start reading God’s Word daily if they are not doing it already.

The Old and New Testaments – What’s the Difference?

Have several Bibles of as many different sizes and styles as possible to show the class (be sure they all contain both the Old and New Testaments). Ask the children what the differences in these Bibles are – size, colors, pictures, etc. After they have had time to discuss the Bibles, point out that the Bibles might look different but on the inside they are the same. They contain the Old and New Testaments, the same words and all are called “The Word of God.”

Now explain that the Old and New Testaments are different – they are both The Word of God but they have different functions.Here’s how the Old and New Testaments compare:  

Jesus Resists Temptation by Quoting God’s Word
(Matthew 4:1-11)

Introduce the lesson by asking the class what temptation means. Ask if they have ever been tempted to do something that was wrong. Now ask how many of them can quote at least one Bible verse. Explain that we are going to learn how Jesus quoted God’s Word when he was tempted by God’s enemy, the devil.

After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Jesus did not eat anything for 40 days and 40 nights. (This is called a fast.) At the end of that time, he was hungry.The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”Jesus answered, “Scripture says, ‘A person cannot live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks.’” (Deut. 8:3)

Then the devil took him into the holy city and had him stand on the highest part of the temple. He said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, jump! Scripture says, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you. They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock.’” The devil misquoted Psalm 91:11, 12 to try to get Jesus to do something that wasn’t a part of God’s plan. God’s plan was for Jesus to die on the cross for our sin. The devil was tempting Jesus to take a shortcut; if He jumped and landed unhurt, then everyone would know He was truly God’s son. He resisted the easy way and stayed true to God’s plan.Jesus said to him, “Again, Scripture says, ‘Never tempt the Lord your God.’”(Deut. 6:16)

Once more the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms in the world and their glory. The devil said to him, “I will give you all this if you will bow down and worship me.”Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! Scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” (Deut. 6:13)

Then the devil left him, and angels came to take care of him.Close by explaining that just as Jesus used God’s Word to resist temptation, we can too. We need to follow Jesus’ model and learn God’s Word and then use it when we are tempted. God’s Word has power to keep us from sin. It is our offensive weapon (a sword) that we can use to fight off the devil’s attacks. End in prayer by asking God to help us to follow Jesus’ example when we are tempted and resist with God’s Word.   

The 10 Commandments
(Exodus 20:1-21)

Ask the children if they like games. Ask them if it would be fun to play a game without any rules. Everyone could play any way they wished, doing whatever they wanted. Would that really be fun? It might sound like fun at first but it really wouldn’t be any fun at all. Playing a game without rules would result in chaos and no one playing would enjoy it.Explain that’s why so much of the Bible is made up of rules that God wants us to obey. He didn’t give us rules to keep us from enjoying our lives but so we could enjoy life to the fullest. When we obey God’s guidelines for life, we are happy and life is much better. When we ignore or disobey God’s rules, it’s like playing a game without any rules – we don’t enjoy it and our lives become a mess.    

Water – Ephesians 5:25-27. Object needed: a small bottle of water. The Bible is like water in that we must have water to live. We also use water to bathe – it cleans us on the outside. The Bible gives us life and it cleans us – on the inside.

A Sword – . Object needed: small toy sword. The Bible is like a sword in that it is our defense from the devil’s attacks. It provides protection for us and it’s the Christian’s only offensive weapon.

A Lamp - Hebrews 119:105; Proverbs 6:23; 2 Peter 1:19. Object needed: small lamp or flash light. The Bible is like a lamp in that it illumiates the darkness so we can see and not trip and fall. It shows us the corrext way to go.Gold – Psalm 19:10; 119:127. Object needed: gold colored coins or a block of wood spray painted gold. The Bible is like gold in that it is pure, precious and has great value.

Silver – Psalm 12:6. Object needed: silver colored coins or a block of wood spray painted silver. The Bible is like silver in that is precious and has great value.

Milk – 1 Peter 2:2. Object needed: An empty carton of milk (this can be a pint size or smaller). The Bible is like milk in that it gives nourishment. Milk is what a baby drinks to grow and the Bible helps a “baby” Christian to grow in his relationship to God.

Meat – Hebrews 12-14. Object needed: a toy plastic steak or a magazine picture of a steak. The Bible is like meat in that it gives nourishment. As a Christian grows in his relationship with God, he can begin to “eat the meat of the Word.”

Bread – John 6:51. Object needed: a slice of bread, a toy plastic loaf of bread, a magazine picture of bread, etc. The Bible is like bread in that it provides nourishment.

Honey – Psalm 19:10. Object needed: a small jar of honey. The Bible is like honey in that it provides nourishment and is sweet. The Bible is sweet to the believer.

A Hammer – Jeremiah 23:29. Object needed: a small hammer. The Bible is like a hammer in that it builds up the good things in our lives. A hammer can also tear things down and the Bible can tear down the things in our lives that don’t need to be there.

A Fire – Jeremiah 20:9; Luke 24:32. Object needed: matches or the Burning Bible gospel illusion. The Bible is like a fire in that it burns the bad things out of our lives. It also can put a fire (or desire) to do good things in our hearts and minds. 

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