The best gifts are personal gifts, things that show someone we really know them and care about them. The gifts the wise men brought did not seem like gifts for a baby, but they were perfect for the King of Kings! In this series, little ones will learn what the gifts of the wise men were and discover what the gift of Jesus means for us.
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Wise Guys Lessons Overview:
MEMORY VERSE:
“They asked, “‘Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose. Now we have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:2 (NIrV)
LESSONS:
Week 1: Jesus the King
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, The Magi Visit Jesus
Kings loved gold. The more gold a king possessed, the more powerful He appeared to be in the eyes of the world. The magi came looking for a newborn king, which is why they brought gold to the baby Jesus.
Objective: Little ones will learn gold is a gift for a king, and Jesus is King of Kings.
Week 2: Jesus the Son of God
Scripture: Exodus 30:1-10, The Altar of Incense
Frankincense is no monster. It is a fragrant spice that gives off smoke when burned, and it is symbolic of the presence of God. The magi brought frankincense to the baby Jesus to acknowledge that He is the Son of God.
Objective: Little ones will learn that frankincense represents God’s presence.
Week 3: Jesus the Savior
Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13, Jesus Anointed with Perfume
Myrrh was a perfume often used to cover up smells – like that of the dead. Many years later Jesus had perfume poured on Him by a grateful woman. It was a sacrifice of love that symbolized His coming death on the cross to save us from sin.
Objective: Little ones will learn that myrrh represents Jesus’ death on the cross.
Week 4: Jesus the Gift
Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-9, The Birth of Jesus Predicted
If the magi gave Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh, what gift did they receive in return? The gift of salvation only comes from Jesus. They knew the gift was coming because of the ancient prophecies, and they received it with joy.
Objective: Little ones will learn that God gave Jesus to be our Savior.
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