Flipped
The book of Ecclesiastes is the story of Solomon’s search for fulfillment in the same places where people try to find happiness today; material wealth, entertainment, wisdom, knowledge, and other people. No matter what Solomon tried, he never found what he was searching for.
But in the beatitudes, Jesus flips our ideas about happiness and fulfillment upside-down. The word “blessed” means happy. And Jesus reveals that true happiness isn’t found in worldly wealth and experiences, but in eternal hope.
ELEMENTARY LESSONS:
MEMORY VERSE:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20
Lesson 1: True happiness is not found through material wealth.
Synopsis: Solomon searched for true happiness in material riches. He denied himself nothing. He surrounded himself with opulence in an incredible palace. Ultimately, however, none of these things made him happy.
But in the Beatitudes, Jesus associates happiness with imagery of poverty; using the words “hunger” and “thirst” to describe how those in His kingdom who long for His righteousness, are the ones who find ultimate happiness.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20, 2 Chronicles 9:13-29, 1 Kings Chapters 7 & 10, Matthew 5:3,6
Lesson 2: True happiness is not found through entertainment or experiences.
Synopsis: Solomon knew how to have a good time. He threw massive parties that went on for days. He wanted to find out if happiness could be found in entertainment, celebrations, and “foley.” But in the end, Solomon said that it was all meaningless, like trying to chase the wind.
Jesus, however, said that the ones who are truly blessed and genuinely happy, are those who mourn. But aren’t happiness and mourning opposites? Jesus offers us a kind of happiness that endures, even through times of sadness.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2, 1 Kings 8;65-66, Matthew 5:4
Lesson 3: Looking for Happiness in Knowledge & Understanding
Synopsis: Solomon was so smart that people traveled from far away to experience being in the presence of his wisdom. He studied plants and animals, judged difficult situations with wisdom, and led his nation through a time of peace and prosperity. He was a master of many complex subjects, such as architecture, foreign relations, the law, and relationships. He figured out many things, hoping that understanding the nature of God’s creation would bring him the happiness that he desired.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus insisted that seeing God – the source of all wisdom - is not about a full head, but a pure heart. Knowledge & wisdom are good. But to see God’s truth clearly, we need to have hearts that aren’t littered with sin and rebellion.
The deepest wisdom isn’t possessed by the one with a head full of knowledge, but the one whose heart has been purified by Jesus.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, 7, 2 Chronicles 8:1-9:12, Matthew 5:8, John 14:6
Lesson 4: True happiness is not found through other people.
Synopsis: Solomon was a beloved and popular king, and was admired by everyone. Solomon was a confident, proud, authoritative ruler with lots of power. Still, the approval and admiration of others never brought him true happiness.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus associates happiness with meekness and humility. Earthly relationships, popularity, and the approval of others, cannot give us the happiness that Jesus offers.
Meekness is a quality that is associated with those who are shy, gentle, and humble. And although the world may be dominated by strong, charismatic, forceful leaders, in the end, Jesus promises that it will be given over to the meek.
Scripture: 1 Kings 11:1-4, Matthew 5:5, James 4:6
Lesson 5: True happiness is only found in Jesus.
Synopsis: Solomon’s final advise is that we don’t play is safe with life; that we take whatever we’ve got and throw it out there. He concludes by saying that we should fear God, keep His commands, and hope for the best.
While there is some truth to this, it is spoken from a perspective of one who doesn’t know Jesus. Solomon was born hundreds of years before Christ, so his advice falls short of the life, love, and compassion, and forgiveness that Jesus offers those who live His way. Jesus takes life beyond Solomon’s philosophy of, “just do your best and hope things work out.”
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1, 12:9-14, Matthew 5:10-12, John 10:10
PRESCHOOL LESSONS:
Memory Verse:
Bible Story:
Included Each Week: A craft, wiggle-tamer, table time activity, discussion questions, take-home page, and more.