Wednesday, July 22, 2026

B30 – Peace Be Still (Activity) | Junior Activities

Peace Be Still — Lesson B30 Activity

Kids Ministry · Activity

Peace Be Still

A hands-on “storm jar” activity for Lesson 30: Jesus Calms the Storm

20–25 minutes 2 Timothy 1:7; Matthew 8:23–34; Mark 4:35–5:20; Luke 8:22–39 Junior kids Clear bottles, water & glitter

This week’s story carries us right into a small fishing boat rocked by a sudden, furious storm, then onto a lonely shore where a tormented man meets his Rescuer. In both scenes, fear seems to have the final word—until Jesus speaks. Before opening the Bible together, let kids build a miniature storm of their own and watch what happens when it finally grows still, a picture of the peace Jesus still offers today.

What You’ll Need

Empty clear plastic bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids (one per child, or one per small group)
Water
Blue food coloring
Fine glitter (silver or white works well for “waves”)
A drop of clear glue or dish soap (optional—helps the glitter swirl slowly)
Strong tape, to seal each lid shut

How to Make It

Fill each bottle about three-quarters full with water.
Add a drop or two of blue food coloring and a pinch of glitter.
Twist the lid on tightly, then tape it shut so it won’t come loose.
Give the bottle a hard shake to stir up a “storm”—swirling glitter for wind and waves.
Set the bottle down on a table and watch quietly together as it swirls, then slowly grows calm and still.

Leader Tip

Prepare a few bottles ahead of time so sealed, ready-to-shake jars are on hand if you’re short on time—kids can still take turns shaking one and watching it settle.

Talk About It

What did your storm jar look like right after you shook it?
What happened to it the longer you watched?
How do you think the disciples felt when a real storm hit their boat in the middle of the night?
What did Jesus do and say to make the wind and waves obey Him?
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us God did not give us a spirit of fear. What did He give us instead?
What kinds of “storms”—worries, fears, or hard feelings—do you sometimes carry inside? How can remembering Jesus help calm them?

Big Idea

Jesus has power over every storm we face, whether it’s wind and waves on the sea or fear and worry inside our hearts. Because He is with us, we don’t have to live afraid. Instead, He gives us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:39

This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

B29 – Kingdom Treasure Hunt (Activity) | Junior Activities

Kingdom Treasure Hunt — Lesson B29 Activity

Kids Ministry · Activity

Kingdom Treasure Hunt

A hands-on treasure hunt for Lesson 29: Parables of God’s Kingdom

15–20 minutes Matthew 13:44; Matthew 13:24–52; Mark 4:26–34; Luke 13:18–21 Junior kids Small tokens to hide

This week’s lesson is full of short stories Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven — a mustard seed, a bit of leaven, a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, and a net full of fish. Before digging into the stories together, let kids experience for themselves the joy of the man who stumbled onto hidden treasure and gave up everything to make it his own.

What You’ll Need

10–15 small “treasures” (buttons, wrapped candies, play coins, or plastic gems)
An open area to hide them — a classroom, hall, or yard
A small bag or basket for each child to collect their finds (optional)

How to Play

Before kids arrive, hide the treasures around the room or yard.
Gather the kids and tell them a treasure hunt is about to begin.
Give them a few minutes to search and collect as many treasures as they can find.
Bring everyone back together and let a few kids share how it felt to search and then to find something.
Read Matthew 13:44 together and talk about the big idea below.

Leader Tip

With a larger group, split kids into small teams so everyone gets a chance to find at least one treasure.

Talk About It

How did it feel to search for something hidden, and then to finally find it?
In the parable, what did the man do as soon as he found the treasure in the field?
Why do you think he was willing to sell everything he owned just to buy that field?
What do you think the “treasure” represents in this story?

Big Idea

The kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything else we could own. Like the man who found the treasure, once we discover how valuable knowing Jesus really is, we gladly hold on to Him above everything else.

A man found treasure hidden in a field. He was so overjoyed that he went and sold all he had so he could buy that field.

Matthew 13:44 (paraphrased)

This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

B27 – Alive Again! (Icebreaker) | Junior Activities

Alive Again! — Lesson B27 Icebreaker

Kids Ministry · Icebreaker

Alive Again!

A 5-minute reaction game to kick off Lesson 27: Jesus the Life Giver

5 minutes John 5:28–29 · Matthew 8:5–13; 12:1–32 · Luke 7:1–17 Junior kids No materials needed

In this week's lesson, Jesus shows His power over sickness and even death itself — healing a centurion's servant from a distance, defending life and mercy on the Sabbath, and raising a widow's son back to life in the town of Nain. Before diving into the stories, get kids moving with this quick reaction game about the difference between being full of life and “not yet.”

What you'll need

Nothing — just open floor space
One leader to call out the phrases

How to Play

Have kids stand where they can move safely.
Teach the two signals below.
Call out phrases one at a time. Kids react instantly with the matching signal.
Speed up each round to build energy.
After the last phrase, ask the wrap-up question and share the big idea.

Alive

Jump up, arms overhead, shout “Alive!”

Not Yet

Freeze completely still, arms at your sides.

Leader tip

Read the list in any order and mix up your pace — a couple of quick ones in a row keeps kids on their toes.

Call It Out

A puppy running around the yard
Alive
A wilted flower with no water
Not Yet
A soccer team scoring a goal
Alive
A phone with a dead battery
Not Yet
A campfire crackling and glowing
Alive
A radio with no signal, just static
Not Yet
A crowd cheering at a game
Alive
A candle that just burned out
Not Yet
A seed just starting to sprout
Alive
A balloon that lost all its air
Not Yet

Wrap It Up

Ask the group: “What's the difference between something that's ALIVE and full of energy, and something that's NOT YET — still, waiting, or without power?” Let a few kids answer, then share this:

Big idea

A soldier's servant was sick and about to die, and Jesus healed him with just a word — from far away. Jesus even brought a widow's son back to life after he had died. Jesus doesn't just fix things a little bit. He gives full life to people who have none left. Today we'll find out how.

“A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out.”

John 5:28–29 (paraphrased)

This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

B28 – Which Soil Am I? (Icebreaker) | Junior Activities

Which Soil Am I? — Lesson B28 Icebreaker

Kids Ministry · Icebreaker

Which Soil Am I?

A 5–8 minute action game to kick off Lesson 28: Four Kinds of Soil

5–8 minutes Matthew 13:23 · Matthew 12:22–13:23 · Mark 3:20–4:20 · Luke 8:1–15 Junior kids No materials needed

This week Jesus tells a story about a farmer who scatters seed on four kinds of ground — a hard path, rocky soil, thorny ground, and good soil. Before we hear the parable, warm up with this quick action game that gets kids thinking about what helps something grow, and what stops it.

What you'll need

Nothing — just open floor space
One leader to call out the scenarios

How to Play

Have kids stand where they can move safely.
Teach the four poses below.
Call out a scenario. Kids act out the matching pose as fast as they can.
Speed up each round to build energy.
After the last scenario, ask the wrap-up question and share the big idea.

Path

Stomp both feet twice, arms crossed — “Nothing gets in!”

Rocky

Jump up, then flop down like wilting.

Thorny

Squeeze both arms in tight, like being crowded out.

Good Soil

Reach arms up slowly, like a tree growing tall.

Leader tip

Run through the four poses once as practice before you start calling out scenarios, so everyone's ready.

Call It Out

A seed lands where feet walk every day and birds swoop in to eat it
Path
A plant sprouts fast in shallow dirt but the sun scorches it — no roots
Rocky
A seedling grows up right next to weeds that crowd out all its sunlight
Thorny
A seed lands in soft, deep dirt and grows into a tall, healthy plant
Good Soil
Someone hears God's Word, but worries and busyness choke it out
Thorny
Someone hears God's Word, gets excited for a week, then quits when it gets hard
Rocky
Someone hears God's Word and doesn't understand or care at all
Path
Someone hears God's Word, understands it, and it produces real change
Good Soil

Wrap It Up

Ask the group: “Which one of these would you want to be — and why?” Let a few kids answer, then share this:

Big idea

Jesus told a story about a farmer scattering seed on four different kinds of ground. He wasn't just talking about farming — He was talking about how people respond to God's Word. Today we'll find out what makes the difference between soil that produces nothing and soil that produces a harvest.

This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

Thursday, June 25, 2026

B26 – Blessings From Heaven Part 3 | Junior Activities

Lesson B 26 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 3

Words from the Mountain

Fill in the blanks to complete what Jesus said in Matthew 6–7.

Matthew 6–7 Fill in the Blank 8–10 minutes

Use the Word Bank below to fill in each blank. Each word is used once. When you’re done, compare answers with a partner and discuss: does any verse surprise you?

Word Bank

secret daily kingdom worry plank narrow rock forgive

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in .” Matthew 6:3–4
“Give us today our bread.” Matthew 6:11
“For if you other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
“But seek first his and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
“Therefore do not about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
“Enter through the gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the .” Matthew 7:24

Teacher Answer Key — Not for Distribution

Lesson B 26 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 3

Words from the Mountain

Answers with teaching notes for each verse.

Matthew 6–7 (NIV)

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.” Matthew 6:3–4 Jesus calls his followers to give without seeking praise. The reward from God matters more than the approval of people.

“Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 From the Lord’s Prayer — we ask God for what we need today, not hoarding for the future. It reflects trust rather than anxiety.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Forgiveness isn’t optional. Jesus links the forgiveness we receive from God directly to our willingness to forgive others.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 The answer to worry isn’t trying harder — it’s reordering priorities. When God is first, everything else falls into its right place.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 A verse worth memorizing. Jesus doesn’t say hard things won’t come — He says don’t borrow tomorrow’s trouble today.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 One of Jesus’ most vivid word-pictures. The humor makes the point: our own blind spots are usually far bigger than the faults we notice in others.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 Following Jesus is not the path of least resistance. The easy way and the right way are often different — and Jesus is clear about which one He calls us to.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with this challenge: hearing is not enough — it’s doing that makes all the difference. A great closing discussion point.

Closing Thought for the Teacher

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a builder’s challenge: you’ve heard — now what will you do? After completing the activity, ask your students to pick their one favorite verse from the list and explain why it stands out to them. Then close in prayer, asking God to help them put at least one of these words into practice this week.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

B25 – Blessings From Heaven Part 2 | Junior Activities

Lesson B 25 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 2

You Were Heard — Now What?

Match each real-life scenario to the teaching of Jesus it best illustrates.

📖 Matthew 5:9–48 ✏️ Individual / Partner Activity ⏱ 5–7 minutes

Jesus' Teachings — Use This List to Help You

A. Peacemakers → called children of God (v.9)

B. Persecuted for righteousness → great reward in heaven (v.10–12)

C. Salt and light → let your light shine before others (v.13–16)

D. Anger and reconciliation → settle matters quickly (v.21–24)

E. Turn the other cheek → do not resist an evil person (v.39)

F. Love your enemies → pray for those who persecute you (v.44)

Read each scenario. Write the letter of the teaching it best matches on the line provided. Be ready to explain your answer!

Scenario 1

Two girls in Daniela's friend group stopped talking to each other after a misunderstanding, and now everyone is taking sides. Daniela doesn't want to pick a side — she wants them to make up. She quietly talks to each of them separately, helps them see the other's point of view, and eventually gets them together to work it out.

Teaching:

Scenario 2

Noah started bringing his Bible to school to read during free period. A few kids from his class started calling him "preacher boy" and making fun of him in the hallway. His teacher noticed and asked if he wanted to stop. Noah said, "No — I know why I'm doing it."

Teaching:

Scenario 3

The youth group at Priya's church started volunteering at a food pantry every Sunday morning. Priya's neighbor — who isn't religious — noticed what the group was doing and asked why they gave up their Sunday mornings. Priya answered simply: "We want people to know someone cares about them." The neighbor started donating food the following week.

Teaching:

Scenario 4

During a school debate, another student said something rude and untrue about Elijah's opinion in front of the whole class. Elijah felt humiliated. Later that day, the student bumped into him in the hallway — bracing for a fight. Instead, Elijah just said, "We can disagree without being mean about it," and kept walking.

Teaching:

Scenario 5

Grace has a classmate named Brianna who has been unkind to her all year — excluding her from group projects, whispering, rolling her eyes. Grace doesn't like it. But at night before bed, she's started quietly praying for Brianna — not for things to go badly for her, but genuinely asking God to help her.

Teaching:

Scenario 6

Marcus said something harsh to his younger brother during an argument and immediately regretted it. At dinner that night — before anyone else brought it up — Marcus went to his brother and said he was sorry. His brother looked surprised. "I thought you'd just forget about it," he said. Marcus told him, "I didn't want it hanging between us."

Teaching:

✦ Teacher Answer Key — Not for Distribution ✦

Lesson B 25 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 2

You Were Heard — Now What?

Answer key with discussion notes for each scenario.

📖 Matthew 5:9–48

Scenario 1 — Daniela

✓ A — Blessed are the peacemakers (v.9)

Discussion: Jesus doesn't just say "avoid fighting" — He says make peace. Peacemaking is active, not passive. It costs something. Ask kids: is it ever tempting to just stay out of conflict instead of doing the harder work of helping people reconcile?

Scenario 2 — Noah

✓ B — Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness (v.10–12)

Discussion: Jesus says to "rejoice and be glad" when people mock you for doing right — which sounds almost impossible in the moment. Ask kids: have you ever been made fun of for something you believed was right? What kept you going?

Scenario 3 — Priya

✓ C — Salt and light: let your light shine (v.13–16)

Discussion: Jesus says the point of shining isn't to look good — it's so people will "praise your Father in heaven." Priya's group didn't make a show of it; the good deeds spoke. Ask kids: can you think of a time when you noticed someone's faith because of what they did, not what they said?

Scenario 4 — Elijah

✓ E — Turn the other cheek (v.39)

Discussion: "Turn the other cheek" isn't about being a pushover — it's about refusing to let someone else's cruelty determine your response. Ask kids: what's the difference between being a doormat and choosing not to retaliate?

Scenario 5 — Grace

✓ F — Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you (v.44)

Discussion: Jesus says even people who don't follow God love those who love them back — that's nothing remarkable. What's different is loving someone who is unkind. Ask kids: is it possible to pray for someone you're still upset with? How might praying for someone change the way you feel about them?

Scenario 6 — Marcus

✓ D — Anger and reconciliation: settle matters quickly (v.21–24)

Discussion: Jesus connects anger and broken relationships to something so serious that He says to leave your offering at the altar and go reconcile first. Marcus didn't wait for his brother to bring it up — he initiated. Ask kids: why is it so hard to be the one to apologize first, even when you know you should?

Closing Thought for the Teacher

Wrap up by pointing out that these six scenarios all require something costly — initiating peace, enduring mockery, resisting retaliation, praying for people who hurt you. Jesus isn't describing an easy life. He's describing a transformed one. None of the kids in these scenarios did the easy thing. That's the point. Encourage your students: which of these teachings do you most need to practice this week — and what would it actually look like?

Thursday, June 11, 2026

B24 - Blessons from Heaven Part 1

Which Beatitude Is It? — Lesson B 24 Print Version

The Beatitudes — Use this list to help you

Poor in spirit → kingdom of heaven (v.3)

Hunger for righteousness → shall be filled (v.6)

Those who mourn → shall be comforted (v.4)

The merciful → shall obtain mercy (v.7)

The meek → shall inherit the earth (v.5)

Pure in heart → shall see God (v.8)

Read each scenario. Write the letter of the Beatitude it best matches on the line provided. Be ready to explain your answer!

Scenario 1

Jordan used to think he had everything figured out — good grades, lots of friends, never really needed anyone's help. But after going through a really hard year, he realizes how much he's been relying on himself instead of God. Now when he prays, it's different. He actually means it.

Beatitude:

Scenario 2

Mia's best friend moved away, and she cries about it more than she thinks she should. She also feels sad when she sees people being mean to each other at school and nobody does anything about it. Sometimes the world just feels heavy to her.

Beatitude:

Scenario 3

Caleb is one of the best players on the team — everyone knows it, including him. But instead of showing off, he quietly encourages the kids who are struggling. When he wins, he doesn't make a big deal of it. His coach says he has more self-control than players twice his age.

Beatitude:

Scenario 4

Every time Leah sees something unfair — a kid being left out, a lie going unchallenged, someone being treated badly — it bothers her deeply. She can't just let it go. She genuinely wants things to be right, and it frustrates her when they're not.

Beatitude:

Scenario 5

Marcus's friend spread a rumor about him that wasn't true. Marcus was hurt — really hurt. But when his friend came to apologize, Marcus didn't bring it back up or hold it over him. He just said, "We're good," and meant it.

Beatitude:

Scenario 6

Sofia acts the same whether or not anyone is watching. She's not kind because she wants to look good — she's kind because she actually cares. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not. What you see is what you get, and what you get is someone genuinely trying to follow God.

Beatitude:

Scenario 1 — Jordan

✓ A — Blessed are the poor in spirit (v.3)

Discussion: "Poor in spirit" doesn't mean weak or sad — it means recognizing your need for God. Jordan moved from self-sufficiency to honest dependence. Ask kids: is it hard to admit you need help? Why?

Scenario 2 — Mia

✓ B — Blessed are those who mourn (v.4)

Discussion: Mourning isn't just about death — it includes grieving over loss, injustice, and the brokenness of the world. Jesus says those people won't be left alone. Ask kids: what kinds of things make you feel sad about the world?

Scenario 3 — Caleb

✓ C — Blessed are the meek (v.5)

Discussion: Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness. Caleb is talented but chooses not to flaunt it — that's strength under control. Ask kids: can you think of someone who is strong AND humble at the same time?

Scenario 4 — Leah

✓ D — Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness (v.6)

Discussion: Jesus uses hunger and thirst — the strongest physical cravings — to describe how much we should want justice and goodness. Ask kids: is there something wrong in your world that bothers you the way Leah is bothered?

Scenario 5 — Marcus

✓ E — Blessed are the merciful (v.7)

Discussion: Mercy means giving grace to someone who doesn't necessarily deserve it — just like God does for us. Ask kids: has someone ever forgiven you when they didn't have to? How did that feel?

Scenario 6 — Sofia

✓ F — Blessed are the pure in heart (v.8)

Discussion: A pure heart isn't a perfect heart — it's a sincere one. No hidden motives, no performance. Ask kids: is it easy or hard to be the same person in private as you are in public?

Closing Thought for the Teacher

Wrap up by pointing out that none of these kids are perfect — they're just responding to ordinary situations in ways that reflect God's character. The Beatitudes aren't a checklist; they're a description of a heart being shaped by God. Encourage your students: which of these do you most want to grow in this week?