The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic
From Augustana Lutheran Church
Saint James, Minnesota

Workshops in this lesson set:

Games: Trust game using drawing & variation on freeze tag.

Video: “The Miracles of Jesus.” The Animated Stories from the New Testament.

Science: Two explorations on sight.

Computer: “Life of Christ” CD

Art: make a bed/stretcher

Drama: Enact the story

Cooking: "marvelous mud" and "bubblin’ pool drink".

Storytelling

Lessons for ages 3-Kindergarten: numerous activities.

Memory verse: Luke 5:24 “But now you will see that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” Jesus then said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk home.”

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Father Abraham’s Arcade - Games – Grades 1-4

Objective: Children will learn through games, how important it is to be able to trust, (as the Paralytic & the Blind Beggar did) in Jesus.

Supplies for Game 1: Bible, blindfolds, markers, paper, masking tape.
Supplies for game 2: Bible.

Begin the class-time by reading the Scripture verse on The Blind Beggar. (Luke 18:35-43)

Directions for game 1:
 Have the students form pairs. Give each pair a marker and two pieces of paper.
 Blindfold one person in each pair.
 Explain that the partner without the blindfold will tell his or her blindfolded partner what to draw by giving step-by-step directions.
 Gather the non-blindfolded partners in a huddle and tell them to have their partners draw a house without revealing what the final goal is.
 Have kids switch roles and repeat the process. This time, direct the non-blindfolded partners to help their partners draw a sailboat.
 Repeat the game. This time, have non-blindfolded kids direct their partners to draw a car (and then a shark) while holding the hand of the blindfolded partner to aid in drawing picture. The blindfolded partners should relax their hands so the seeing partners can do the work easily.
 When pairs have finished, ask them to compare pictures.
 Ask: What was it like to draw without being able to see?
 Did you trust the person who was helping you draw? Why or why not?
 How is trusting the person who helped us draw like trusting Jesus? (You have to have faith in them like you would in Jesus, to help you)
 Say: When we put our faith in Jesus and let him lead our lives, we can do whatever God calls us to do. If we get caught up listening to what is going on around us, we can stumble and lose our faith. If we let Jesus guide how we live, we will experience amazing things.

Directions for game 2: Begin the second game by reading the Scripture passage that tells the story of the Paralytic. (Luke 5:17-26) Tell the students that you will be going outside on the front lawn to play the next game. Have them take their jackets with them.
 Choose one volunteer to be the Healer. Designate one-third of your kids to be Paralyzers, and tell the rest of that they are the Paralytics. Explain that the Paralytics are to make it from one end of the field to the other without being tagged by a Paralyzer. If they are tagged, they must freeze. Emphasize that the only way they can move again is to be touched by the Healer. Have the Paralytics go to one end of the field and have the Paralyzers go to the middle.
 After a few rounds, gather kids together. Ask:
 What do think it would be like to really be paralyzed?
 How was the Healer in our game like Jesus?
 What does Jesus do for us beyond healing our sins? (He forgets that we committed them)

Say: In this Scripture, Jesus healed the paralytic by saying, “Your sins are forgiven!” That wasn’t enough for some people. They thought he was saying something he didn’t have the authority to say. So Jesus said, “Get up, take your mat and go home,” and the man did so. Then, the people in the crowd knew Jesus had the authority to heal sins. Jesus can heal your body. But more important, Jesus can heal your heart.

Close with a word of prayer…Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We praise you for all that you have done for us. Help us to always trust in you, and know that you love us always. And all God’s people said…AMEN!

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“Holy” wood & Vine - Movies - Grades 1-4

Objective: To allow the students through the use of movies, to witness the miracles of Jesus, and the faith of those that were touched by the miracles that he performed.

Supplies: This leader guide, the video, “The Miracles of Jesus.” The Animated Stories from the New Testament.

Directions: Begin with the following word of welcome;
Say: “We will be studying the story of healing of the Blind Beggar, and the Paralytic. Our Bible stories are taken from the following verses.

The Blind Beggar (Luke 18:35-43)
“The Faith of One”
In this story, a blind man sitting on the side of the road hears some commotion and asks what is going on. When he discovers that Jesus is passing by, he calls out to him, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Of course, he was shushed by those around him, but he ignored them and called out again, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus hears him and asks that he be brought to him. When Jesus asks him what he wants, the man says, “Lord let me see again.” Jesus then tells him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” The blind man regains his sight and begins to follow Jesus.
This passage is rich and captivating. The blind man, a beggar no less, one many would consider “hopeless,” holds on to a hope and a faith that this man Jesus is the Messiah. He calls him, “Son of David” and “Lord” and he pleas for mercy rather than the obvious, “heal me!” This is a man who knows who can make him whole. His plea to Jesus is for more than sight, it is for mercy, for life that is full, not empty. Jesus gives him his sight, claiming that his faith has saved him. Why saved and not healed? The mercy, the salvation, is that much more important than the sight.
The irony, of course, in this passage is that the one who is blind sees (knows) Jesus more clearly than the Pharisees and teachers around him, who, with their physical sight are blind to the truth of Christ before them.

The second story of miracles we are studying this month is the story of the Paralytic.
The Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26)
“The Faith of Many”
In this story, a crowd of people surrounds Jesus, as he is teaching and healing. Several men appeared (they must have heard that Jesus was there) carrying their friend, who was paralyzed, on a bed (stretcher). But they were unable to reach Jesus. So they went up on the roof and let him down on his bed through an opening of tiles in the roof (Matthew says they dug through the roof) into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw the faith of these friends, he said to the man, “Your sins are forgiven.” Now that got quite a rise out of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Some nerve Jesus had to forgive sins! They got mad at Jesus and told him that only God could forgive. Jesus told them that as the Son of Man he had the authority to forgive sins on earth. And he could heal, too. He turns to the man whose friends had brought him and said, “Stand up, take your bed and go home.” The man stood and returned home (with his friends) glorifying God.
The most important part of these stories is the great faith of the blind man and that of the friends of the paralytic. Let’s watch now as we see several of the miracles stories that Jesus performed. The movie plays as if Jesus performs these miracles in one or more days. When actually the miracles he performed took place over several years, as he traveled and taught God’s Word. You will only see a short scene on his actually healing the paralytic, and the blind man. This movie is based on a number of different miracles, yet the common theme is the faith of the people that believed that Jesus was truly the Son of Man, and had the power and authority to perform such miracles. (Begin movie).

Close with a word of prayer…Dear Heavenly Father, help us to have faith as deep as that of the people you healed. Give us the assurance that you will always provide for us. Thank you for always keeping your promises, guide us always. And all God’s people said…AMEN!

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The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic
Faith Matter’s Lab - Science – Grades 1-8

Objective: To witness true friendship through the story of The Blind Beggar. To understand why the faith of Bartimaeus, brought about Jesus’ healing.

Supplies: (Project 1) Bible, coated twenty-gauge wire, sharp scissors or wire cutters, pencils or pens, water, several bowls to hold the water, and newspapers or magazines. (Project 2) Bible, several flashlights, a large mirror, candle & matches.

Directions: Welcome the children. Have them share their name with you and one thing that they really enjoyed doing during the past week.

SEEING IS BELIEVING
Exploration element: Use water to simulate the lens of an eye to help kids explore how they can use the light of Christ to “see” God’s plan more clearly.

Preparation: Cut a six-to-seven inch piece of wire for each child. On a table, set out bowls of water and newspaper and magazines. Close all the shutters, blinds, or drapes ahead of time so the room will be dark when the lights are off.

Ask: What do you need in order to see the world around you?
Say: We need our eyes and light to see the world. Let’s do an experiment that will show us how our eyes help us to see God’s world.

Give each child a piece of wire and a pencil, and say: I’d like you to twist one end of your piece of wire around the pencil to make a small, round loop. Demonstrate this, and then help the kids do it. Say: Now bend your piece of wire so you have a nice sharp corner between your loop and the straight part of the wire. The straight part will be your handle. Demonstrate this, and then help the kids do it.
Have the kids dip their wire loops carefully into the bowls of water and then lift out the loops slowly so a drop of water stays in each loop. Have kids hold their wire loops over the newspaper or magazines and look through the “lenses” at the letters. Ask:
 How do the letters look when you see them through the water?

Say: If the drop of water in your loop curves outward, it is a convex lens. This is just like the lenses we have in our eyes, and it makes the letters look bigger. If the drop of water in your loop curves inward, it is a concave lens. It makes the letters look smaller.

Give the kids a few minutes to look at different kinds of type in the magazines and newspapers, and then ask:
 Would we be able to see these things if there wasn’t any light? Explain.

Say: Let’s see what happens when we turn out the lights. Have a child turn out all the lights in the room, and ask:
 Now how well can you see the magazines and newspapers?
 Do your lenses work without light?

Say: Our lenses and the light work together to help us see. We need them both.
Turn the lights back on, and read 1Corinthians 13:12 aloud. Say: This verse tells us we can’t see God’s truth very well by ourselves; we need God’s help. Ask:
 Who do you think can help us see God’s truth more clearly?

Say: God gave us Jesus to help us understand God better. Just as we can see things with our eyes better if we have light, we can best see the way God wants us to live when the light of Jesus helps us see our path. Ask:
 How does Jesus provide the light we need to help us find the right way whenever we need it?
Say: Letting Jesus into your life is like turning on the lights or lighting a fire. Jesus lights up your whole life. And you can see God more clearly with the light Jesus gives you. The better you get to know Jesus, the more you’ll understand God.

LOOK!

Exploration element: Show kids that just as the pupils of their eyes dilate or contract automatically, kids can choose to automatically trust God even in scary situations.

Open your Bible to the book of Psalms, and let’s have someone read Psalm 27:1 to the group. Say: We all have times in our lives when we are afraid or lonely. But God’s Word reminds us that God is always with us! God will guide us through our lives, and we have nothing to fear.

Have kids form pairs. Say: I’d like for you to look into each other’s eyes, especially looking for a black circle, or the pupil, in the middle. When we’re in normal light, the pupils of our eyes are a certain size to let in just the right amount of light so we can see more clearly. If we’re in bright light, our pupils contract, or get smaller, to keep the light from hurting our eyes. If we turn off the light, our pupils dilate, or get bigger, to let in more light so we can see better.
Turn off the light, and have the kids look at their partners’ eyes again. Ask:
 Do your partner’s eyes look the same? What is happening to his or her pupils?
 Can you still see as clearly as you could with the lights on?
Give each child (or group of children) a small flashlight, and have children stand in front of a mirror (or give each child a hand mirror) Say: Quickly turn on your flashlight and shine it across your face while you look into the mirror. Can you see your pupils change in response to the light? We can’t choose to make our eyes do this; it happens whether we want it to or not. This is called an involuntary action or response; it happens automatically.
In the same way, we can choose to automatically trust God. Whenever we’re feeling lonely or afraid, we can remember that God is always with us. This experiment can remind us that although we can’t always choose the situations we’re in or the way we feel, we can automatically trust God no matter what. We can stop and remind ourselves that we have nothing to fear when God is with us.

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The Computer Mouse - Computer -
Grades 1-8
“The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic”

Objective: To explore through the “Life of Christ” CD, the story of the Paralytic, and to learn what we try to do in our lives to get closer to Jesus.

Supplies: “Life of Christ” CD, Bibles, this leader guide, pencil and paper.

Directions:
Begin by welcoming each student to class. Ask what they did in the past week, etc.
Have the students take the Bibles, turn to Luke 18:35-43, and have a student volunteer read the passage. Then have them turn to Luke 5:17-26, and have another student read that passage.
Tell the students that they will be using a specific part of the ‘Life of Christ’ program to study the story of the Paralytic in more detail.
 Insert “Life of Christ” CD.
 Click on 1st time explorer.
 Click on ‘Meet Professor Newhart’.
 Click on tutorial.
 Enter name of explorer (student).

You will want to get to the program titled, “Faith that Goes through the Roof.” To do that, do the following:
From the main screen (Professor Newhart’s office),
 Click on the box to the right of the desk titled, “King’s Oranges.”
 Next, click on the title, “Ministry with his disciples,”
 Then click on “Faith that Goes through the Roof.” (It’s a different scripture reference-from Mark, but the same story)
 Watch the presentation. There is a pause button at the bottom right of the computer screen, so feel free to use that to stop and ask questions as you go along (this is better to do than waiting until the end and asking all the students at the same time-it gets confusing!) One topic to talk about is why the teachers of the law got upset at Jesus when he told the Paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven.” What’s going on here? (The Pharisees believed that only God had the power to forgive sins)
 The presentation ends by posing the question, “What do you do to try to get closer to Jesus?” At this time turn to a computer that is set up at Microsoft Word. Ask the students to divide into two groups and, working together, to answer this question in a paragraph or two. Encourage them to share situations where they have felt close to Jesus and why (like worship, Sunday school, etc., and any special situations). Make sure the font is big, and type their responses, and print them. Make sure to have the question at the top of the page. You can post these on the bulletin board in the classroom.
 To finish the class, go back to the computers and take the quiz to test and see how much they remember of the story. Close with a prayer like this…Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the love that He gives us, and for all that you do for us. Help us to strengthen our faith in you daily, and share the good news with others. And all God’s people said…AMEN!

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How Great Thou Art - Art – Grades 5-8
The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic

Objective: To witness true friendship through the story of the paralytic. To understand why the faith of friends brought about Jesus’ healing of the paralytic.

Supplies: 1 piece of cloth (9” x 5 ½”) per person (light colors are better), 2 ten inch sticks per person, hot glue gun, fabric markers or paint pens, Bibles.

Directions: Welcome the children. Have them share their name with you and one thing that they really enjoyed doing during the past week.

Ask: Do you know what it means to be paralyzed? (To have no feeling or use of the body from the waist down) How does a person become paralyzed? (An accident, injury to spinal cord, or an illness) What are the differences between quadriplegic and paraplegic? (Quadriplegic-is no feeling or use of the body from the neck down/Paraplegic-is no feeling or use of the body from the waist down) What must it be like to be paralyzed? (Difficult to get around-dependent on others for help-teased or stared at) What kinds of things could you do/not do? (Sports, walking, running, write, draw, drive, etc.)
Have the students turn to Luke 5:17-26. Ask a volunteer to read part of the passages, then ask someone else to finish. After they have read the Scripture, ask someone to explain it in their own words.
Next, turn the conversation to friendship. Ask: Do you have friends? (yes) What does it mean to have friends? (To be there for each other-in good times and bad) How were the men in the story a friend to the paralytic? (They were dedicated to their friend-to help him/they went to great lengths to get him in to see Jesus-by lowering him through the roof!) What did Jesus think about them? (He was impressed with their great faith-and healed their friend)
Now talk about faith. What does it mean to have faith? (To believe with all your heart in something or someone) Who in this story showed faith? (The friends of the paralytic-and the paralytic himself showed his faith in his friends) What did Jesus do because of their faith? (He healed the paralytic) What role does faith play in our lives? (It is a part of our everyday lives-in how we trust God, our family, friends, co-workers, government, etc.) How can we show our faith in Jesus to our friends? (By being the kind of person that He wants us to be-talking about matters of faith-loving and trusting others the way Jesus loves and trust us)

Project:
 Give each student a piece of cloth and two sticks. Tell them that they are going to make a bed or a stretcher like the one the paralytic might have been carried on. Instruct them to lay a stick long-ways on each side. You will come around and help them glue the material around each stick so that it makes a better stretcher.
 While the bed/stretcher dries, have the children look in the Bible (Psalms are good) for a short verse they can write on their bed/stretcher with the fabric marker or paint pen. Ask them to think about what they might want a friend to know about God. After they write the verse on the bed/stretcher and allow it to dry, gather together and say a prayer like this…Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son, Jesus. Thank you for his great love for us, and for friends who help us in our faith in Jesus. And all God’s people said…AMEN!

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The Book of Acts - Drama – Grades 5-8
The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic

Objective: To witness true friendship through the story of the paralytic. To understand why the faith of friends brought about Jesus’ healing of the paralytic.

Supplies: This leader guide, copies of the script “Through the Roof”, Bibles.

[Exchange Volunteer notes: The script mentioned in this lesson is not identified by the author. Here is one possibility:
http://home.mchsi.com/~wallestadn/roof.htm
Note that this script is copyright and can not be reproduced here.]

Directions: Welcome the children. Have them share their name with you and one thing that they really enjoyed doing during the past week.

Ask: Do you know what it means to be paralyzed? (To have no feeling or use of the body from the waist down) How does a person become paralyzed? (An accident, injury to spinal cord, or an illness) What are the differences between quadriplegic and paraplegic? (Quadriplegic-is no feeling or use of the body from the neck down/Paraplegic-is no feeling or use of the body from the waist down) What must it be like to be paralyzed? (Difficult to get around-dependant on others for help-teased or stared at) What kinds of things could you do/not do? (Walk, run, is independent, etc.)

Say: Today we will be acting out a skit called “Through the Roof.” Which tells us the story of the Paralytic. Let’s begin by hearing the Scripture passage. Have a student volunteer to read; Luke 5:17-26. After the Scripture has been read, have the students choose which parts they want to be in the skit, have the rest of the students not reading be the audience, and begin the skit. (If the students would like to wear a costume they can choose one out of the boxes)

After the skit, say: The story of the Paralytic is one of great faith. Not only of the Paralytic, but that of his friends. They all had faith in Jesus, that he would heal the man and make him walk again. As well as forgive his sins. This was also an important sign to the Pharisees and teachers of the law in those days, who believed that only God could perform such miracles. This was an opportunity for Jesus to show everyone that he had the authority to do this.

Close with a word of prayer…Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We praise you for all the many blessings you give us. Please help us to remember to always trust in you, and to know how much you love us. And all God’s people said…AMEN!

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Our Daily Bread - Cooking
“The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic”

Objective: The students will discuss the connection between faith and Jesus’ miracles. They will enjoy making and eating ‘marvelous mud’ and ‘bubblin’ pool drink.’

Supplies: (marvelous mud) instant chocolate pudding, ½ c. measuring cup, plastic sandwich bags, a tablespoon, cold milk, drinking straw or plastic spoon. (Bubblin’ pool drink) 7-up, maraschino cherry with stem, a teaspoon, blue-powdered gelatin, clear plastic drinking cups.

Directions for Marvelous Mud: Refer to pages 94-95 in the book Incredible Edible Bible Fun by Nanette Goings. ISBN 0764420011.
Follow the lesson given in the book.

Directions for Bubblin’ Pool Drink: Refer to pages 92-93 in the same book.

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Parable Palace - Storytelling

Objective: To witness true friendship through the story of the paralytic. To understand why the faith of the friends brought about Jesus’ healing of the paralytic.

Directions: Tell the students that you will be discussing the story of the paralytic.

Begin the class time by asking for a volunteer to read Mark 2:3-4.

Say: Some men came, bringing to him (Jesus) a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.
When the people of Capernaum heard that Jesus was home, so many of them showed up to hear him that they packed the house. People couldn’t even get close to the door. And Jesus taught them God’s Word. Four men were determined to get their friend to Jesus. He could not get up or walk at all, so they carried him on a mat. They wanted to ask Jesus to heal him. When they couldn’t get through the door, they looked for another way. Most houses in that area had flat roofs that could be used as a patio, with stairs on the side of the house that led up to the roof. The roof was probably made of a thick layer of clay. They dug through the roof, and lowered their friend into the presence of Jesus.
Jesus recognized their faith. He told the man, “Your sins are forgiven.” He knew the man had two problems. He couldn’t walk, and he had sins that were not yet forgiven. Jesus had authority to solve both problems, he chose to deal with the sin first. Jesus knew this would upset the teachers of the law.
The teachers of the law had spent their whole lives studying God’s law, telling people what it meant, and how to obey it. They believe that only God could forgive sin, they didn’t even expect the Messiah to have that right.
When Jesus claimed to be able to forgive sin, he was making himself equal to God. They called this blasphemy. To them, this was the worst sin a person could commit. Jesus knew what they were thinking, and so he said to them, Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say “Get up, take your mat and walk?” This was a hard question. They knew that both forgiveness and healing are impossible without God’s help. They also knew that it was easier to say someone’s sins are forgiven, because there would be no way to know whether the sins were forgiven or not. But everyone would be able to see if the man was healed. The teachers couldn’t answer Jesus, but he wanted them to know that he has the authority to do them both. So he told the paralyzed man to get up, take his mat, and go home. And he did! Everyone was amazed! They praised God, because they knew that only God could perform such a miracle.

Here’s something to think about…
The four men would not give up until they got through to Jesus. What do you do to try to get close to Jesus? (Examples: attend worship service, pray, Sunday school, youth groups, etc.)

Questions to ask:
1. When Jesus came to Capernaum there were so many people that…
a) They had to rent a large tent.
b) People had to climb trees to see Jesus.
c) They packed the house so much that people couldn’t get in the door.
c) They gave people tickets to come back later.

2. What two problems did the man lowered through the roof have?
a) He couldn’t talk or hear.
b) He was so sick he couldn’t walk, and he was a sinner.
c) He couldn’t get a good seat, and he was blind.
d) He was afraid of heights, and he was very sick.

3. The house was probably made of…
a) Hay.
b) Clay.
c) Marble.
d) Heavy boulders.

4. The teachers of the law spent most of their time...
a) Studying God’s Word, telling people what it meant and how to obey it.
b) Going to the library.
c) Arguing with each other.
d) Bothering Jesus.

5. The teachers of the law were angry with Jesus this time because…
a) He healed someone on the Sabbath day.
b) He did miracles that they couldn’t do.
c) He said he could forgive sins, which only God can do.
d) He knew the law better than they did.

6. What did Jesus do for the man who couldn’t walk?
a) Healed him so that he could walk.
b) Gave him money so he could go to a doctor.
c) Helped him pay for the damage done to the roof.
d) Gave him pillows so he would be more comfortable on his mat.

Share the following Bible verse in sign language. (See attached sheet)
Psalm 9:1 “I will tell of all the wonderful things God has done.”

Say: When the people of Capernaum witnessed the miracles of Jesus, I am sure that they shared that good news with all the people they knew. We too can share God’s good news with our friends and family.

Close with a prayer like this…Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with the gift of your Son, Jesus. We praise you for all the wonderful things that you have done for us, and we ask your guidance as we share our faith and love for you with others. Watch over us in all we do. And all God’s children said…AMEN!

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Age 3-Kindergarten - The Blind Beggar & The Paralytic - Glory Stories

Objective: To witness true friendship through the story of the paralytic, by understanding why the faith of friends brought about Jesus’ healing of the paralytic. And to reinforce the power of faith, in learning the story of Jesus healing a blind man.

Supplies: This leader guide, and other supplies as listed below.

Directions: Welcome the children. Have them share their name with you and one thing that they really enjoyed doing during the past week.

Begin by reading the story of the paralytic from ‘The Children’s Bible,’ starting at page 326.
The story is titled: “Through the Roof.”
Say: Crowds of people went to see Jesus. They listened to him teach. He even healed the sick people. One day, Jesus was teaching inside a house. So many people came to see him, that the house was full. Four men came with their friend. Their friend could not walk. They had to carry him on a little bed. But they could not get to Jesus. The house was too full. That did not stop them. There were some stairs outside of the house. Up the stairs they went to the roof and made a hole. Then they let their friend down right through the roof, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw the man, he said, “Get up and walk.” The man stood up. He walked home praising God. Everybody else was amazed. They thanked God, too.

Continue the lesson plan with the following activities in any order.

 FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS RHYME

Children will enjoy learning this fun action rhyme about friends. Have children form pairs and face their partners. You may choose a child to be your partner as you teach children the rhyme and motions. Repeat the rhyme several times so children can learn the words and actions.
Once there was a man who couldn’t walk.
(Pat your legs.)
As he sat on his mat, he heard people talk.
(Cup your hand to your ear.)
“Jesus is here! Quick, come see!”
(Motion to come along.)
The poor man said, “Hey, what about me?”
(Point to yourself.)
Just that minute, his friends came by.
(Partners wave to each other.)
“Don’t worry, pal; we won’t pass you by.”
(Partners pat each other’s shoulders.)
Then they picked him up, with his mat and all,
(Partners pretend to lift their friend together)
And carried him high—boy, he sure felt tall!
(Partners walk in place, holding their friend high.)
They got to the house where Jesus taught.
(Partners pretend to set their friend down.)
There were so many people—lots and lots!
(Stand on tiptoe, trying to see.)
They climbed on the roof and made a hole in the tiles.
(Pretend to climb, then make a digging motion.)
They lowered the man. He arrived in style!
(Partners pretend to lower their friend.)
Jesus said to the man on the mat,
(Pretend to look down at a man on the floor.)
“Stand up and walk.” And that was that!
(Partners shake hands.)
The man stood up and sang god’s praise,
(Cup your hands around your mouth.)
And served the Lord for the rest of his days.
(Clap your hands.)

ART PROJECT (The Paralytic)
Styrofoam tray
Supplies: Styrofoam trays, cookie cutters, scissors, thread, pen point.

Directions:
Stamp a Styrofoam tray with a cookie cutter. Cut out imprint. Poke a hole in the top with a pen point. Tie a thread through for hanging.

Options and variations:
1. Decorate with glue and glitter.
2. Glue on fabric pieces, trim, and sequins.
3. Decorate with textured fabric paint.
4. Punch designs in the Styrofoam with a pen point.

The lesson connection:
Healing a man born lame. (Acts 3)
Cut out 2 or more heart shapes. Cut and glue on fabric squares for a quilt-like effect. Hang the hearts on the wall to remember God’s love for you. Ask him to help you love others.

THE MAN AND THE MAT GAME

We all know that children have lots of energy, and this game takes that simple fact into account. Play this game when you teach about how Jesus healed the lame man or any time you discuss Jesus’ miracles.
Have children stand on one side of the room and form pairs. Give each pair a construction paper “mat.” Have partners stand facing each other, holding their mat between them, touching it with only two fingers.
Ask children to listen carefully as you tell the Bible story. Each time they hear the word “mat,” partners should walk to the opposite side of the room, balancing their mat between them. If a mat falls to the ground just have the pair pick it up and resume walking.
Read the following story, pausing to give children time to travel with their mats.

One day, Jesus was teaching lots of people. In a crowd was a man who couldn’t walk. He was sitting on a mat. (Pause)
The man's friends wanted to help him meet Jesus. So they picked up the man and his mat (Pause), and they carried him to the house where Jesus was teaching. But there were so many people; they couldn’t get their friend anywhere near Jesus.
So they set the man down on his mat (Pause) while they thought about what to do.
“I know!” said one of the friends. “We’ll go in through the roof.”
So they picked up the man and his mat (Pause) and slowly began to climb the roof. They climbed and they climbed, and they were very careful not to let go of the mat. (Pause)
Finally they reached the roof. They were so tired they needed a rest. So they set down the man and his mat. (Pause) After a short while, they made a hole in the roof, and they carefully lowered down the man and his mat. (Pause)
Jesus saw how much faith these men had in him. They believed that Jesus could make the man walk again. They knew that Jesus could do anything!
And he can!
Jesus said, “Stand up, and take up your mat.” (Pause) And do you know what happened? The man stood right up, and he picked up his mat! (Pause) Then the man began praising God. How wonderful it is that Jesus can do anything!

ART PROJECT (The Paralytic)
Thank-You Place Mat
Supplies: bright-colored construction paper, old magazines, scissors, glue, and crayons, clear adhesive paper.

Directions:
1. Print the Bible verse—“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” (Psalm 136:1) on the center of the construction paper.
2. Cut pictures out of magazines of the things God gives you. (Examples: food, clothes, people, pets, houses, toys, etc.)
3. Glue the pictures around the words.
4. Cover the construction paper with clear adhesive paper, such as Con-Tact.

Options and variations:
1. Use it as a place mat to help you remember to thank God for everything.
2. Use it as a poster to hang on your wall.

Lesson connection:
Thanking God for his miracles and the many blessings in our lives.

ROOFTOP SNACK

Few things engage a preschooler’s attention as quickly as the promise of a yummy snack. Your children will pay attention to this fun Bible story because they’ll be listening for directions on how to make their treats.
Set out several bowls of small square cereal as Life or Chex, bagels cut in half, peanut butter, paper plates and plastic knives.
Have children form trios, and give each trio a small jar or bowl of peanut butter. Give each child a bagel half on a paper plate and a plastic knife.
Read the following story rhyme, and lead children in doing the motions. Children will create delicious rooftop snacks that they can enjoy after the story. (You may want to repeat the lines after children perform a lengthy task such as spreading peanut butter.)
As Jesus was teaching in a house one day, (shake your index finger)
A sound above made some people say, (look up and point)
“What’s on the roof? What’s that noise?” (Hold your bagel above your head)
“Nothing,” said others. “Probably just some boys.” (Lower your bagel)
“This roof is strong with lots of mud all over (Spread your bagel with peanut butter)
With lots of tiles to form a cover. (Place the cereal on the peanut butter)
We’re safe under here; there’s nothing to harm us. (Carefully hold your bagel up)
Nothing’s going on that could alarm us.” Lower your bagel)
Little did they know that just that minute (Pretend to look at an imaginary watch)
Some men on the roof made a hole right in it! (Put one finger through the hole in your bagel)
They lowered a friend who couldn’t walk (Wiggle the finger that’s sticking through the bagel)
I’ll tell you, brother, that stopped the talk! (Put your hand over your mouth)
Now, what do you think happened to that man? (Shrug your shoulders)
Jesus said, “Get up, you’re able to stand.” (Stand up)
This man stood up his legs were like new! (Flex your knees)
That’s the end of the story. I’m hungry! Aren’t you? (Rub your tummy)
After the story, offer a quick prayer thanking Jesus for taking care of the man on the mat and for taking care of us. Then invite children to enjoy the rooftop snacks they made during the story. Be sure to have wet washcloths handy for sticky hands.

BLIND BEGGAR ACTIVITIES

Read the story of the Blind Beggar from ‘The Children’s Bible’ on page 438.
The story is titled: “The Blind Beggar.”
Say: He name was Bartimaeus. And he could not see. He could not work like other men did to get money to buy food. So every day, he sat beside the road. He asked people who passed by to give him money. One day he heard a lot of people passing by. “There are so many people,” he said. “What’s going on?” “Jesus is coming,” they told him. Right away Bartimaeus began calling, “Jesus!” The people turned to Bartimaeus. “Shhh!” They said. “Be quiet!” But he shouted even louder, “Jesus! Jesus!” Jesus heard Bartimaeus. He stopped. “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. “Oh Jesus,” said Bartimaeus. “Please make my eyes see!” Then Jesus said, “Your eyes may see, because you believed.” All of a sudden, Bartimeaus could see! He could see all the colors and shapes. He could see all the people. He could see Jesus. He praised God. All the people praised God, too.

JESUS HEALS A BLIND MAN

Children, even very young children, need to hear about Jesus’ healing power. The story of Jesus helping the blind man in Jericho can be a real tool in teaching your children that Jesus really cares about them, just as he cared for the blind man.
This story can also serve as a powerful introduction to the concept of faith and thankfulness. Use these activities to teach the specific Bible story or any time you want to talk about Jesus’ miracles.

Blind Man Rhyme
Children will enjoy reciting this fun rhyme about the blind man Jesus healed in Jericho. Lead the children through the rhyme several times to help them learn the words and actions.
Encourage the children to teach the rhyme to their families. They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realize that they’re rooting the Bible story in their hearts and sharing it with others!
There was a man very long ago (Put your hands on your hips)
His friends all called him Bart. (Give your neighbor a high five)
He begged all day in Jericho. (Cup your hands in front of you)
It was enough to break your heart. (Shake your head sadly)
You see, poor Bart was blind as could be. (Point to your eyes)
He couldn’t see at all. (Put your hands over your eyes)
A man was coming who could make the blind see! (Point down the road)
Bart started to shout and call! (Cup your hands around your mouth)
Bart yelled out, “Have mercy on me!” (Stretch out your arms in front of you)
And Jesus stopped to say (Walk in place, then stop)
“Your faith is strong, I’ll make you see.” Pretend to look through binoculars)
Bart’s eyes were healed right away! (Clap your hands)
But old Bart’s story didn’t end right there. (Shake your head “no”)
That’s not what the Bible says. (Hold your hands like an open book)
For Bart found that Jesus really cares (Put your hands over your heart)
So he followed him all of his days. (Walk in place)

ART PROJECT (THE BLIND BEGGAR)
Praise Paperweight
Supplies: white sand, powdered tempera paint, cups, rice, food coloring, plastic spoons, plastic straws, baby food jars or small covered containers, permanent marker, labels, hot glue gun.

Directions:
Pour sand into cups. Mix powdered tempera paint with sand to color it. Spoon a little sand at a time into the jar, until full. Use a spoon tip or straw to vary the pattern on the side of the glass. Tighten lid. (Option: glue the lid with a hot glue gun) Write a Bible verse or phrase around the glass jar with a permanent marker.

Options and variations:
1. Mix wet tempera and sand. Allow several days to dry.
2. Substitute salt for sand. Mix with crushed chalk for color.
3. Substitute rice colored with food coloring. Spread in flat pan to dry.
4. Paint the lid with spray or acrylic paint, or cover with paper, cardboard, or fabric.
5. Attach a note to the neck of the jar with a ribbon.

Lesson Connection:
Jesus gives sight to a blind man. (Mark 10)
Use bright colors inside the jar. Write words of praise to God around the side of the jar.

“FEELY” BAG ACTIVITY

Bartimaeus was blind. He could not see anything. But he could hear. He listened carefully to know what was happening. Blind people also use their hands to feel things in order to tell what they are. Play this game to guess what things are without seeing them.

Supplies:
A grocery bag or other bag you can’t see through, small items such as; piece of fruit, toy, sock, comb, ball, spoon, and scarf or towel to use as a blindfold.

Directions:
1. Have someone choose the items and put them in the bag.
2. Put on the blindfold or close your eyes tight.
3. Reach in the bag and feel an item. Tell what you think it is.
4. Pull it out to see if you are right.

WHERE IS JESUS?

Teach children the following simple song to remind them of Jesus’ healing power. Tell them to pretend that they are Bartimaeus. During the first verse, have the children cover their eyes with one hand and reach out with the other hand as if searching for Jesus. During the second verse, have them uncover their eyes and clap along with the beat. Sing the song to the tune of “Frere Jacques.”

Where is Jesus?
Where is Jesus?
I can’t see.
I can’t see.
Jesus can do anything.
Jesus can do anything.
He’ll make me see.
He’ll make me see.

Now here’s Jesus.
Now here’s Jesus.
I can see!
I can see!
Jesus can do anything.
Jesus can do anything.
He healed me.
He healed me.

ART PROJECT (The Blind Beggar)
Seeing Eyes
Supplies: construction paper, crayons, markers, or pencils, tape, glue, Bible sticker.

Directions:
Each child will need one sheet of construction paper, folded in half crosswise, a strip of construction paper about 1 ½ x 9” and two strips about 2 ½ x 1”.
On the front of the folded sheet of construction paper, the child should draw a face, and color it. Cut out the eyes. On the back of the picture, have the child tape short strips of paper to form holders on each side of the eyes. Then slip the 9-inch strip through these holders. Back on the front side of the picture, they are to draw closed eyes on the strip under the cut-out eyes, move the strip to the left or the right and draw in opened eyes on the strip. By moving the strip, they can open or close the eyes on their picture.
Write “Open my Eyes,” on the front of the picture and inside write, “that I may see Wondrous things from Your law,” and the Scripture reference- (Psalm 119:18) Paste the Bible sticker inside the picture.

Close with a prayer like this…Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of you Son, Jesus, and the many miracles he performed on earth. Strengthen our faith, and let us be a witness to your good works each and every day. And all God’s children said…AMEN!


Exchange Volunteer added summary at top of lesson and bolding for readability, and removed copyright material.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Luanne Payne,

Is there a recipe for "Marvelous Mud" from "Incredible Edible Bible Fun"? The book is out of print. Thanks.

Moved Reply:

Marvelous Mud
Instant chocolate pudding
1/2 mesuring cup
Resealable plastic sandwich bag
Cold milk
a tablespoon
Drinking Straw or plastic spoon

Measure and pour 3 tablespoons of pudding mixinto the resealable sandwich bag. add 1/2 cup of icy cold milk.
Release the excess air from the bag.then seal tightly. Shake and squish the ingredients to compleatly mix your choclaty mus. Open the bag slightly and poke in a drinking staw or plastic spoon, Sip or scoop you edible mud.
Thie is from the book you Mentioned.
Do you need the lesson?
Blessings
askemcat

Moved Reply:

Thanks for providing the recipe Georgie, but you can not provide the lesson because doing so would violate copyright laws. It was ok, however, to provide the recipe.
--Carol