The “I AM” Statements of Jesus!
Jesus taught us many great things about how we should live and how we should treat other people. But some of the most important things He spoke were the things he told us about who He was – God himself.
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Jesus Said What? Children's Ministry Curriculum Lesson Overview
Memory Verse:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrew 13:8 (NIrV)
Lessons:
I AM...
Scripture: John 8:42-59, Jesus Claims About Himself
To the people of the Old Testament – Abraham, Joseph, Moses – God was the great “I AM.” When Jesus said, “before Abraham was born, I AM!” he was telling the people that he was God himself – he was with the Father from the beginning of time.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus is our Lord and God.
The Bread of Life
Scripture: John 6:32-42, 60-69, The Bread of Life
After Jesus fed the 5,000, he told the people “I AM the Bread of Life.” Just as we need to eat food for our physical health, we need Jesus for our spiritual health.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus is our source of strength and power.
The Light of the World
Scripture: John 8:12-20, The Light of the World
Light allows us to see and keeps us from stumbling in the dark. Many people in this world live in spiritual darkness because of sin. Jesus is the Light of the World who exposes sin and shows us the good and right way to live.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus brings us out of the darkness.
The Gate for the Sheep
Scripture: John 10:7-10, The Gate for the Sheep
Throughout the Bible, God's people are described as His sheep. Jesus is the Gate. Only through a relationship with Jesus can we enter into the sheep pin and become one of God's people too.
Objective: Kids will learn that through Jesus we can become God's people.
The Good Shepherd
Scripture: John 10:11-18, The Good Shepherd
A shepherd feeds, cares for, and protects his sheep. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. Jesus went so far as to lay down his life for his sheep.
Objective: Kids will learn that Jesus laid down his life for us.
The Resurrection and the Life
Scripture: John 11:17-44, Jesus Raises Lazarus
Jesus performed a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead. He also gave us a great promise when he said: “I AM the resurrection and the life.” He was saying that everyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life.
Objective: Kids will learn that through Jesus we can have eternal life.
The Way, The Truth, and The Life
Scripture: John 14:1-7, The Way to the Father
People get confused thinking there are many different ways to God. BUT Jesus said that the only way to the Father and to life with him in heaven is through Jesus. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and The Life.
Objective: Kids will learn that the only way to heaven is through Jesus.
The Vine
Scripture: John 15:1-17, The Vine and the Branches
The branches of a plant cannot survive unless they are continually connected to the main vine. Jesus is the Vine. To live a holy, fruitful, and happy life, we need to be constantly connected to him.
Objective: Kids will learn that prayer and Bible study help us stay connected to Jesus.