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Jesus Stirred People’s Hearts by Dear Lord, please help the children’s hearts to be stirred when they learn what ancient prophets foretold about Jesus, just like the disciples on the Emmaus road were stirred. Choose any of these learning activities that fit the children's ages and needs. Children may like to copy or to colour the picture on the last page of this study. 1.
Let an older child or
teacher read, or tell by memory, a story of Burning Hearts from Luke
24:13-35. ·
Explain that Jesus told two men what the Bible
foretold about Him; they felt such joy that it was like fire in their
hearts. God told His ancient prophets what would happen in the future.
Jesus talks with two travelers on a road to
Emmaus. · Pose these queries [The answers appear after each question.]: 1. Did the two men recognize Jesus when they first saw him? [See verse 16] 2. Why did the two men look so sad? [Verse 20. Jesus had died. ] 3. What did the men say about Jesus? [19-23] 4. What did Jesus say about their sorrow? [26] 5. What did Jesus explain to the two men? [27] 6. When did the men finally recognize Jesus? [30-31] 2. Dramatize the story of the disciples walking to Emmaus, from Luke 24:13-35. · Arrange with the worship leader to have the children present brief drama or parts of it. · Use your teaching time with the children to prepare the drama. · Let older children help the younger ones to prepare. ·
Let older children or adults portray… ·
Let younger children play the parts of Narrator: Tell the first part of the story from
Luke 24:13-27. Then say, Cleopas
(Speak to Companion
as you walk.) “I feel so sad because Jesus died! Jesus “Sirs, what are you talking about as you walk?” Companion “Jesus has died. He was a powerful prophet. Jesus
“Do you not understand?
He had to suffer and die. Narrator
“Jesus quoted
scriptures that foretold Jesu’ work, Psalmists (Psalm 22:2, 8, 17-18): “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “All who see me sneer at me. They mock me with their lips, they wag their heads.” “They say, ‘Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him’.” “A band of evildoers has encompassed me. They pierced my hands and my feet.” “I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me.” “They divide my garments among them. For my clothing they cast lots.” Narrator
Tell the second part of the story from Luke
24:28-35.Then say, Cleopas (Speak to Jesus.) “Friend, it is late. Walk no farther. Stay here with us.” Jesus
“Let me break the bread. Thank you God for this food.” Cleopas
Rise up and run to
Apostles. Shout, Companion “Let’s go tell his disciples!” Apostles: (Some
say) “Yes, it is true.” Narrator: Thank everyone who helped with the drama. 3. If the children dramatize this story for the adults, then: · Let them also ask the adults the questions that are listed above, under #1. · Ask: What are other examples of times that God fills our hearts with joy when we hear about Jesus and his resurrection? (Let the children give examples.) 4. Draw pictures of fire inside a heart. Let the
children show their pictures to the adults during worship and explain
that Jesus fills our hearts with joy because he is not dead; he is
alive and his Spirit lives within us forever.
5. Memorize Ezekiel 36:25-26 (let younger children learn only verse 26): 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.” 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” 6. Let an older child pray: “Dear Lord, our hearts burn with joy when we remember your resurrection. You did not stay dead. You are alive! You live in us and give life to us. We yearn to see you with our eyes and live with you forever. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” More detailed drama to act out Jesus and the
two disciples on the way to Emmaus, 12 minutes:
 Jesus walked and talked with two men on a road to Emmaus, explaining to them the Scriptures. |
