January TFF Lesson

This Month's Theme: I will follow Jesus!

Supplies Needed: Bible, cross

Talk About the Words:   Bible, Shepherd, Christian
 
Bible Story:  The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Does you know what this book is called? (Hold up the Bible). This book is called the Bible.  Who gave us this book? God.  Yes, God gave us this book and there are stories about God’s Son Jesus in it.  We are careful with the Bible when we hold it because it is a VERY special book because it is a gift from God!  There are also stories about other people besides Jesus, songs, and poems in the Bible.  The Bible tells us stories about real people like Jesus, Mary (Jesus’ mommy), Joseph (Jesus’ earthly daddy), Moses, and John the Baptist who baptized Jesus.  These stories help us get to know God and Jesus better.

The Bible tells us how to be good.  We read the Bible so that we know how to follow Jesus.  People who follow Jesus are called Christians.  A long time ago, Christians had a “secret hand shake” with other Christians—One Christian drew ½ of a fish in the sand.  If the other person was a Christian, they would draw the 2^nd half of the fish in the sand  Therefore, even today the FISH is a symbol of a Christian.  

A cross (show a cross) also symbolizes a Christian, and many times you will see people wear them around their necks to show they are a Christian. 

Another symbol of a Christian is a sheep.  There is a place in the Bible called Psalms where God is called our “Shepherd” and it refers to us, His followers as His “sheep.” A shepherd watches over his sheep.  The sheep follow in a group and follow their leader, the shepherd, just like we follow God.  The shepherd takes care of the sheep by feeding them and directing them where to go, just like God takes care of us!  God gives us directions too through the Bible and we follow him.

How do you follow Jesus? Do you share your toys?  Do you pray to God?  Do you listen to your parents?  Do you give hugs to your brother or sister?  Do you help people who are hurt?


Questions to Ask Your Child:
1.  Who gave us the Bible? (God)
2. Name a symbol of Christians (sheep, cross, fish)
3. How do you follow Jesus?