Andrew decides to help Peter
key words
biblical reference
John 1:35-42
lesson objective
To help the children learn that they can influence other people to make good decisions.
memory verse
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV*).
prepare yourself to teach
All people are likely to be influenced, whether by friends, family, media or ideologies, among many others. Children this age are easily influenced. For that reason, they need help to recognize and evaluate the influences that surround them.
For example, it is good that they learn to appreciate the influence of their parents, the Bible and their Christian friends. On the other hand, they must avoid the negative influences that come from the television, their non-Christian friends, and any anti-Christian cultures in which they live.
When elementary children learn to identify good influences, it is easier for them to make correct decisions.
biblical commentary
In John 1:35-42 the ministry of John the Baptist was to prepare the hearts of the people to listen to the message of the Messiah. His testimony, “Behold the Lamb of God!” was enough for two of his disciples (Andrew and John) to follow Jesus. Andrew decided to follow Jesus and influence his brother Simon, declaring to him, “We have found the Messiah!”
Andrew’s influence on his brother Simon began to produce a profound change in the life of this disciple.
When Jesus saw Simon, he said, “You are Simon, son of Jonah; you shall be called Cephas - that is, Peter” (v. 42). The Beacon Bible Commentary notes: “Jesus saw Peter not only as he was, but as he could be through the transforming grace of God.” Jesus knew that God could transform Simon into Cephas (or “Peter” in Greek), which translated is “rock”.
introduce the lesson
Bright ideas
You will need to help the children make figures of light bulbs for this activity. They can draw a light bulb on cardboard or heavy construction paper. Then cut it out. Ask the children, as you read the following statements, to raise their lights when they think it is a wise decision. Talk about the reason why each decision mentioned is or is not wise. Make additional clarifications if necessary.
• Invite your neighbor to your group. (It is wise because we must influence others to come to church.)
• Be nice when playing with your brothers and sisters. (It is wise because it pleases Jesus and your parents.)
• Join your classmates in making a joke about the teacher. (It is not wise; we should not let our friends influence us to do wrong.)
• Help your parents clean the house. (It is wise; it is an excellent decision to be helpful.)
• Join your friends in making fun of a child at school. (It is not wise to follow the influence of others to treat people badly.)
• Talk during the worship service. (It is not wise, because in that way one does not worship God or pay attention to the service.)
• Be kind to your neighbor. (It is wise because we follow the example of Jesus.)
• Teach your younger sibling to treat animals well. (It is wise because Jesus likes us to help others behave well.)
teach the lesson
The disciples follow Jesus
“Look, there it is!” said John the Baptist. “He is the Lamb of God of whom I spoke.”
John was very excited! He had told Andrew and his friend about Jesus. Now suddenly, Jesus was there, in front of them.
“Let’s go with him!” Andrew told his friend.
Andrew and his friend followed Jesus.
After a while, Jesus turned around and saw them.
“What do you want?” Jesus asked them.
“Teacher, please tell us where you live,” they said.
“Follow me and I will show you,” Jesus answered.
Andrew and his friend went with Jesus to the place where he was staying. There they spent the rest of the day talking.
When the two men left, Andrew was very excited.
“He really is the Christ, the Messiah!” exclaimed Andrew. “I have to find my brother Simon to tell him this good news.”
Andrew quickly ran to his boat, which was on the Sea of Galilee. Since they were fishermen, Simon was busy preparing the nets for another day of work.
When Andrew saw him, he said, “Simon, I have very good news. We met the Christ, the Messiah!”
“What are you talking about?” Simon asked. “Are you sure?”
“It is true!” said Andrew. “I saw him; his name is Jesus. Come with me. I will take you to where he is and you will see that he is the Messiah.”
Simon ran after Andrew to find that man his brother was talking about. Finally, they arrived at the place where Jesus was staying.
Andrew took Simon to Jesus. Upon seeing him, Jesus said to him, “Your name is Simon, but from now on you will be called Peter.” And, from that day on, Peter and Jesus were good friends. Jesus saw Peter not only as he was, but as he could be through the transforming grace of God.
connect the lesson
Andrew’s decision helps Peter
Hand out Student Activity Sheet #162-A and #162-B. Provide scissors and glue. Instruct them to cut out the boxes with the figures at the bottom of Student Activity Sheet #162-A and paste the figures in the blank boxes, following the sequence of the story. As they work, review the story, and ask questions about the Bible story to reinforce learning.
Then, go to Student Activity Sheet #162-B and read each of the sentences together. Discuss which situations represent good or bad influences.
Instruct them to circle the pictures that represent positive influences, and to mark with an X those that represent negative influences.
practice the memory verse
To study the verse of the unit, cut strips of poster board, and on each strip write some words of the verse to memorize. Tape them on the wall or on the blackboard, so that, after repeating the verse several times, you can put them in different order so that your children can point out the correct order.
wrap-up
Pray
Conclude by guiding the children in prayer, asking God to help all of you exert a good influence wherever you are.
Encourage
Form some groups or ask volunteers to put away the materials they used and pick up trash.
Then, sing songs of praise to encourage them.
Invite
Say goodbye, and do not forget to invite the children to the next meeting. Remind them that it is good to also invite friends.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™