This lesson is based on the story of the bronze snake lifted up in the wilderness, found in Numbers 21:4-9.
Main Point: Jesus is the cure for our sin and death, just like the bronze snake was a cure for the Israelites who were bitten by snakes.
Lesson Outline:
- Introduction (0:00 – 1:20)
- The teacher asks children if they have ever helped someone who was sick or hurt.
- She explains that helping others feels good and compares it to being a doctor.
- She then introduces the story of the bronze snake by saying that she will pretend to be sick and the children can play doctor and suggest cures.
- Playing Doctor (1:20 – 3:20)
- The teacher pretends to have different illnesses, and the children suggest cures, such as tissues, cough drops, and Band-Aids.
- The teacher then asks what to do if someone is bitten by a snake.
- She explains that people would go to the hospital to get an antidote, an antivenom.
- The Israelites Grumble and Get Snakebites (3:20 – 4:20)
- The teacher explains that the story of the bronze snake is found in the Bible in the book of Numbers.
- She tells the children that the Israelites were complaining about being hungry and bored in the wilderness after they were led out of Egypt by Moses.
- God sends poisonous snakes to punish the Israelites for their complaining.
- The Bronze Snake as a Cure (4:20 – 6:20)
- The teacher explains that the people regretted their complaining and asked Moses to ask God to take away the snakes.
- God tells Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Anyone who looked at the bronze snake after being bitten by a real snake would be healed.
- The teacher explains that the bronze snake is a symbol of Jesus, who was lifted up on the cross to save us from our sins.
- Conclusion (6:20 – 7:37)
- The teacher explains that Jesus is the cure for our sin and death, just like the bronze snake was a cure for the Israelites.
- She says that even though we will still get sick and die in this life, if we believe in Jesus, we will have eternal life with him in heaven.
- The lesson ends with a prayer thanking God for sending Jesus and asking for help to trust in him.
Additional Notes:
- This lesson is appropriate for young children.
- The teacher uses creative teaching methods, such as playing doctor, to engage the children.
- The lesson emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus for salvation.