Influencers

Today the word “influencer” is usually reserved for describing notable social media figures. An influencer is someone who has caught the attention of many people, and truly wields influence over what their followers do, eat, buy, and think. God puts some people in our lives so that they can influence us, and others, so that we can influence them, as we are influenced by Jesus.  

ELEMENTARY LESSONS:

MEMORY VERSE:  

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

Lesson 1: John’s Disciples Follow Jesus

Synopsis: Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist had a following of disciples. When John told two of them that Jesus was God’s chosen One, they immediately left John, and began following Jesus instead. The story plays out with a bit of humor when Jesus turns to these two guys who are suddenly trailing Him and asks, “What do you want?” These two disciples did something commendable. They deliberately chose who they would be influenced by. First, they chose to learn under John’s influence. Then they chose the influence of Jesus. We live in a world that is full of influences. And we must be intentional about the people and the things that we allow to influence our hearts and minds.
Scripture: John 1:29-31,34-39, Hebrews 13:7

Lesson 2: Jesus Teaches His Disciples How to Pray

Synopsis: This lesson focuses on the story around the Lord’s Prayer. Luke recorded a beautiful example of Jesus influencing His disciples by example. The disciples frequently saw Him praying. One day they asked Him, “Teach us how to pray like you do.” He taught them to pray, and assured them of God’s goodness. Just as Jesus influenced His disciples, other Christ-followers have been placed in our lives, so that we can be influenced by them. We learn not only from their words, but also by their actions.
Scripture: Luke 11:1-4, 11-13, Hebrews 10:24, 12:14-15

Lesson 3: Jesus Sends the Disciples

Synopsis: Jesus sent out His disciples, explaining that many of those that they were sent to would be resistant, hostile, and violent. Obviously, Jesus sent the disciples out to influence them; not the other way around. We are called to be “in the world but not of the world,” as we influence others with God’s love and kindness, without being corrupted by the world.
Scripture: Matt 10:7, 16-23, Col 4:5, Jas 1:27

Lesson 4: Jesus Influences Zacchaeus

Synopsis: Jesus changed the hated tax collector’s life. But Luke doesn’t tell us anything about what He actually said to Zacchaeus. We know nothing about their conversation. We only know that Zacchaeus spent time with Jesus, and that Jesus’ influence upon the tax collector was monumental and life-giving. And His influence still is. Connection with Jesus compels us toward change. As we grow closer to Him, He influences us in the direction of righteousness, love and good deeds.
Scripture: Luke 19:1-9, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, John 15:5

Lesson 5: The Great Commission

Synopsis: Jesus gave His disciples, and us, the Great Commission before His ascension. This final command is about influencing the world for Jesus. Both John 13:34-35, and 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 draw a clean connection between the way we influence one another, and the way we influence the world around us.
Scripture: Matt 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 13:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

PRESCHOOL LESSONS:

Memory Verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
Bible Story: How Jesus Led His Disciples - John 1:35-50; Luke 11:1-4, 11-13; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
Included Each Week: A craft, wiggle-tamer, table time activity, discussion questions, take-home page, and more.

Lesson 1: 

Creative Teaching Method: Storytelling with Props
This Week’s Focus: Jesus calls us to follow Him.

 
Lesson 2:

Creative Teaching Method: Storytelling with Pictures
This Week’s Focus: Jesus teaches us how to live.

 
Lesson 3: 

Creative Teaching Method: Storytelling with Interactive Roleplay
This Week’s Focus: Jesus wants us to tell others about him.

 
Lesson 4: 

Creative Teaching Method: Storytelling with Questions Only
This Week’s Focus: Being with Jesus made disciples more like Him.

Lesson 5: 

Creative Teaching Method: Storytelling with a Tussled Tale
This Week’s Focus: Being with Jesus changes our hearts to be more like Him.