Web viewHe turns his back toward the children so that he can’t see them. ... King Herod...

Peter’s PathChallenge Guides

The following instructions will help you lead your group through the different challenges in the Peter’s Path series of lessons. For each activity, read the Scripture as a group and then follow the Instructions. When the activity is over, discuss the Debrief questions with your group. You probably won’t have time to do all the activities, so choose the ones that look like the most fun for the children or that have the best teaching points for your group.

CHALLENGE TIME SCRIPTURE

70x7 5-10 minutes Matt 18:21-22

DESCRIPTIONPeter thought he was being generous when he offered to forgive people seven times, but Jesus requires us to forgive every single time someone hurts or disappoints us. This object lesson helps children to understand that the process of forgiving is not a one-time event.

MATERIALS

Trick candles – the ones that relight after you blow them out (8-12) Something to stick the candles in to make them stand upright (like the foam for artificial plant

arrangement) Lighter Bowl or cup with water in it Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator says, “Sometimes people hurt or disappoint us, and we want to get even with them. But God tells us that we should forgive them every time (70 times 7 times) – even when they hurt us over and over again.”

Light the candles, and invite the children to blow them all out. Because they are trick candles, the flames will reappear. Have the children blow them out again. Repeat this process several times before extinguishing the candles in water. Facilitator says, “The candles represent our heart; the flames represent the hurt or disappointment

we experience when others mistreat us; the act of blowing out the flames represents forgiveness.”

DEBRIEF

1. How are the flames on the candles like the hurt or disappointment we experience when others mistreat us?

2. How is blowing the candles out like forgiveness?3. What is hard about forgiving those that hurt us?4. Why do you think God wants us to do it?5. What could extinguishing the candles in water represent?



Asleep in the Garden 10-15 minutes Mark 14:32-42DESCRIPTION

Peter, James and John kept falling asleep when they were supposed to be praying with Jesus. This game simulates the challenge of “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” in a creative way.

MATERIALS Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator plays “Jesus” for the first round. He turns his back toward the children so that he can’t see them. Everyone else lies down on the floor like they are sleeping. Each person can stand up one time before “Jesus” turns around, but they can only stay standing for

three seconds – ‘one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.’ Then they have to lay down again and ‘go to sleep’ until after “Jesus” has turned around.” If “Jesus” turns around while someone is standing, that person wins and gets to be ‘Jesus’ for the next

round. However, if no one is standing when “Jesus” turns around, he will say, ‘The spirit is willing, but the

flesh is weak,’ and the game starts over. Also, if more than one person is standing when “Jesus” turns around, everyone should keep counting,

‘one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.’ Then, they should lie down. The last person standing wins.

DEBRIEF

1. What did you think of the game?2. Why do you think it was so important to Jesus that Peter, James and John pray with Him?3. Why do you think it was so difficult for them?4. Have you ever found it difficult to do something God wanted you to do? What was it and why?5. How can we do a better job at doing the things God wants us to do?



Burden Buckets 10-15 minutes 1 Peter 5:7

DESCRIPTION

When we carry negative emotions in our heart, it places a burden on our spirit. While we may not feel this burden in the same way we feel the weight of carrying something physically heavy, it still has the potential to exhaust us, to take away our joy and to cause us to lose hope. Children will carry heavy buckets of rocks that help them to understand the weight of carrying negative emotions like bitterness, hatred, fear, guilt, and others.

MATERIALS

2 large buckets with handles. Each bucket should be labeled, “YOUR HEART.” 30 lbs or more of large rocks, each labeled with words like, “Bitterness,” “Hatred,” “Fear,” “Guilt,”

“Sadness,” “Unforgiveness,” “Rage,” “Shame,” “Stress,” “Worry.” Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator says, “Sometimes we carry some heavy burdens in our hearts.” Facilitator says, “Burdens like…” He picks up a rock and reads the label, then puts it into one of the

buckets. He picks up another and does the same but this time into the other bucket. He repeats the process until all the rocks are in the buckets. Facilitator allows children to take turns carrying the buckets (both at one time if possible) to see how

far they can carry them. Facilitator encourages children to empty the buckets and then try carrying them.

DEBRIEF

1. How did it feel to carry those buckets?2. How did you feel when you put the heavy buckets down?3. How did it feel carrying the buckets after you emptied them?4. What do you think happens to our spirits when we carry heavy emotions like these in our hearts?5. How do you think we can empty our buckets (our hearts) of emotions like these?



Fish Tax 10-15 minutes Matthew 17:24-27

DESCRIPTION

Peter was worried about not being able to pay the required tax to the Temple. Jesus knew what was bothering him even before Peter could say anything and told Peter to go fishing, which is what Peter did best. In the mouth of the first fish Peter caught, he found a coin that allowed him to pay the tax for both Jesus and himself. Children will “go fishing” in a pool and try to catch all the fish with coins before they catch too many without coins.

MATERIALS

Fishing poles for each child (dowel rods with string attached and a magnet at the end of the string) Pool with water in it Toy fish with magnets attached (24 total – 8 of which should have coins taped or glued to the bottom) Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Each child gets three chances using their magnet to try to catch a fish with a coin attached. If they catch a fish without a coin attached, they should put it back into the pool. If they catch a fish with a coin, they can pull it out. There are eight (8) fish with coins attached, and the goal is to catch all 8 before the children run out of

turns.

DEBRIEF

1. Have you ever caught a fish with a coin in its mouth?2. Why do you think Jesus had Peter go fishing in order to pay the Temple tax for Peter and himself?3. What was Jesus trying to help Peter understand about who Jesus was?4. What should this experience teach Peter about worrying about things?5. What should we do when we are worried about some problem in our lives?



Get Up! – Get Down! 10-15 minutesActs 5:1-11

Acts 9:32-43

DESCRIPTION

Peter was given miraculous powers by the Holy Spirit after Jesus went to heaven. When Ananias and Sapphira lied about how much money they were giving to the other believers, Peter announced that they would die, and they died immediately! When Peter met Aeneas, a paralyzed man, he told him to get up, and Aeneas was healed! And when the believers were sad because their friend Dorcas (Tabitha) had died, Peter told her to get up, too, and she was raised from the dead!

This game is a little like “Simon Says.” The facilitator will call out one of the four names, and the children have to jump up in the air if it’s either “Aeneas” or “Dorcas” but they have to get down on the ground if it’s either “Ananias” or “Sapphira.” If they move the wrong way, they are out!

MATERIALS Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains the rules of the game:o The facilitator will call out one of the four names, and the children have to jump up in the air if

it’s either “Aeneas” or “Dorcas.”o They have to get down on the ground if it’s either “Ananias” or “Sapphira.”o If they move the wrong way, they are out!o The last person standing wins.o Sometimes the facilitator might try to trick them by using Dorcas’ other name, “Tabitha.”

Have children all start standing, and begin by calling out one of the four names. Allow a few seconds each time for children to respond, but if they move the wrong way, have them

step to the side while the others continue playing. If they are doing really well, try surprising them by calling out “Tabitha!”

DEBRIEF1. Why do you think God gave Peter so much power?2. Do you think people still have that kind of power today? Why or why not?3. If you had that kind of power, how would you use it?



In God’s Hands 15-20 minutes Matt 16:13-20

DESCRIPTIONThis activity is messy, but the children will enjoy it. They will mix cornstarch and water to make a substance that acts as both a solid and a liquid. It will be used to illustrate the difference between Peter when he was in God’s hands and when he was doing his own thing.

MATERIALS

Cornstarch (4 oz per child) Water in a cup (1/2 cup per child) Plastic or paper bowls (1 per child) Wet wipes Small ziplock bags (1 per child) Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains that Jesus gave Peter the name, “The Rock” (Cephas), because He wanted Peter to be a strong leader for the church. Unfortunately, most of the time that Jesus was with him, Peter didn’t act like a rock. He wasn’t very firm in his stand for the Lord.

Instruct children to mix cornstarch and water in the bowl. They can work it with their fingers until they can roll it into a ball between their palms.

Have them stop rolling and watch what happens. (The ball will melt in their hands.) They can also try tapping on the liquid in the bowl with their fingers. (The liquid should harden

when they tap it.) Then have them squeeze it in their hands and then let it go.” (It should go from solid to liquid.) Facilitator explains that whenever Peter acted the way God wanted him to, he was right in the middle

of God’s hands. During those times he was solid like a rock.” (Have them roll their liquid into a ball.)

Facilitator explains that when things got scary, Peter fell asleep, then ran away and then denied Jesus three times. During these times, he wasn’t staying in God’s hands; he was doing his own thing. (Have them allow ball to melt.)

Facilitator explains that the best place to be is in the center of God’s hands. When they are done playing with the substance, they can either put it in a cup in the sun to dry or in a

Ziplock back to take home with them. (Be sure to label the bag or the cup with the child’s name)

DEBRIEF1. How can we stay in the center of God’s hands?2. What are some of the things that make it difficult to do these things?



Knock, Knock 10 minutes Acts 12:12-17

DESCRIPTION

This game is a bit of a “Knock, Knock” joke about Peter’s situation when he was released from prison by an angel. Even though the believers had prayed for a miracle, they didn’t really believe one would happen and were surprised when he showed up at their prayer meeting. Children will sit in a circle and try to say the right thing when it becomes their turn. If they say the wrong thing or hesitate, they are out.

MATERIALS Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains the rules of the game:o Everyone sits in a circle.o The facilitator picks someone to start, and that person says, “Knock, knock” to the person on

their right.o The second person says, “Who’s there?”o The first person responds, “It’s Peter?”o The second person turns to the person on their right and says, “It’s Peter!”o This third person will then deny that it’s Peter to the person on their right. For example,

person #3 could turn to person #4 and say, “No it’s not!”o Then the forth person and everyone after them has to turn to the person on their right and

deny that it’s Peter in a different way. For example, person #4 could turn to person #5 and say, “That’s impossible!”

o This continues all the way around until even “Peter” (the first person) denies that it’s him!!!o This starts a new round, and person #2 (who said “Who’s there?” in the first round) now

becomes Peter and turns to the person on their right to say, “Knock, knock.”o This continues until someone hesitates, says the wrong thing or uses the same denial someone

else used in the same round. If they do, that person is out.o The game is over when there are only two people left.

Facilitator starts the game.

DEBRIEF

3. Would you have believed it was Peter at the door? Why or why not?4. Why was it so hard for the “believers” to believe in this situation?5. Have you ever prayed for something and been surprised when God gave you what you asked for?

What happened?



Miraculous Catch 10 minutes Luke 5:1-11

DESCRIPTIONOne of the times that Jesus called Peter to follow Him was after he did a miracle that allowed Peter to catch so many fish that their boats began to sink. Jesus told Peter that from that moment on he would catch men instead of fish. This activity lets children try to catch a “miraculous catch of fish.”

MATERIALS Sheet or large piece of fabric to act as the “net.” Bucket filled with balls Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains the rules of the game:o Everyone will grab around the edges of the sheet. These are all the fishermen, and the sheet or

fabric is their “net.”o The facilitator plays Jesus and has a bucket full of “fish” (balls).o When the facilitator dumps out the “fish,” the “fishermen” should try to catch all of them in the

“net.”o If they are unsuccessful, they can collect the “fish,” put them back in the bucket and try again.

Facilitator pretends to dump the fish several times before actually dumping them and tries to make it a little challenging so that the children have to work together to capture all the fish in the net.

DEBRIEF

1. Why do you think Peter said to Jesus, “Get away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!” after they caught all the fish?

2. What do you think Jesus was trying to teach Peter and the others?3. What did Jesus mean when he said that they would now fish for people?4. Why did the fishermen leave everything (even all the fish that they had just caught) to follow Jesus?5. What would you have done?



Name Change Toss 15 minutes John 1:40-42

DESCRIPTION

Peter wasn’t the only one in Scripture who got a name change. God often changed someone’s name to identify his or her potential, and other people in authority renamed characters for various reasons. This matching game challenges children to select both the old and new names of the Biblical characters and throw a beanbag on each one to earn points.

MATERIALS

4x4 grid made with masking tape (each square should be about 8”x8”) Name cards in random order in the grid (face-up) for the old/new names of each of the following:

o Abram (Exalted Father); Abraham (Father of Many)o Sarai (Argumentative); Sarah (Princess)o Jacob (Deceiver); Israel (He Struggles With God)o Ben-Oni (Son of My Trouble); Benjamin (Son of My Right Hand)o Lo-Ruhamah (Not Loved); Ruhamah (Loved)o Lo-Ammi (Not My People); Ammi (My People)o Simon (Listens and Obeys); Peter (the Rock)o Saul (Prayed For); Paul (Humble)

Beanbags (2) Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator says, “In Bible times, your name was very important. It told what people could expect from you. When God changed your name, it was because He knew your potential.”

Children will take turns throwing the beanbags and trying to hit both the old and new names. If they get both for any person, they can remove the cards, get two points and try again. If they don’t get a match, the next person gets to try. The person with the most points when all the cards have been collected wins.

DEBRIEF

1. How important do you think your name is in today’s times?2. Why do you think Jesus changed Peter’s name from Simon to Peter?3. How do you think it made Peter feel?4. Do you think Peter ever became a “rock” for God? Why or why not?



Paid for You 10-15 minutes Romans 6:23

DESCRIPTION

This object lesson teaches about the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross and helps children to recognize that He did it for all of us – even those of us who choose not to accept His gift. A facilitator will hold two buckets (labeled “SIN”) out at arm’s length – like Jesus on the cross. Children will put rocks inside (representing their sin) so that they can earn a treat.

MATERIALS

Buckets with handles, labeled “SIN” (2) Large rocks (10-20 lbs per bucket – make sure you have enough for each child to put four rocks in) Treats – 2 sets for each child (recommend gummy fruits in individual packages) Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator asks each child to come and collect four of the rocks. Facilitator explains that he (or another adult volunteer) wants to pay for a treat for each of them. Facilitator explains that the volunteer will pay for the treats by holding their rocks in two buckets. Facilitator explains that it will be hard and very painful work, but the volunteer is willing to do it. Allow children to come and trade two rocks rocks for one of the treats. They should put one rock in

each bucket while the volunteer holds them out at arm’s length as much as possible. He should hold the buckets so that the children cannot see the words, “SIN” on the opposite sides yet.

The volunteer should make it obvious that this is difficult and painful. Facilitator asks the children if they are enjoying their treats and points out how much work the

volunteer is doing to earn them for them. Facilitator asks the children to bring their other two rocks to trade for another treat. Hopefully, some children will not want to make the volunteer go through the pain of adding more

rocks. In this case, let them leave their rocks at the front of the room near the volunteer. Give them their treat even if they don’t want to eat it. Tell them it has been paid for and have the volunteer set the buckets down long enough to pick up the rocks and add them to his buckets.

Facilitator asks the volunteer why he is going through this and volunteers expresses love for the children.

Facilitator explains that this demonstration is to show them what Jesus did on the cross. The rocks represent the heavy weight of our sin that Jesus lifted up on the cross. (Turn buckets to show “SIN.”)

Facilitator explains that Jesus paid for everyone’s sins – even those who didn’t want him to – because He loves us all and because we can’t pay for them ourselves. It was His gift to us.

Only Jesus, who was without sin, has no penalty to pay for Himself. He can pay for us because He doesn’t owe anything. (The volunteer can put the buckets down now.)



Paid for You 10-15 minutes Romans 6:23

DEBRIEF1. Why did Jesus pay for the sins of people who didn’t want to receive His gift to them?2. How do you feel about what Jesus did for you?3. What do you think Jesus wants you to do now that you know what He did for you?



Peter in Prison 10-15 minutes Acts 12:1-11DESCRIPTION

King Herod arrested Peter and put him in prison, but an angel freed him in a miraculous way. Children will play a game of tag that simulates the miracle.

MATERIALS Hula hoops (2 or more, depending on the size of the group) Slips of paper in a cup with the different roles printed on them (guards, angels, Peters). Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains that they are going to play a game of tag. Each child draws a slip of paper from the cup, reads it and keeps it secret. Some slips say “Peter.” Some say “Angel” and some say “Guard.” If they drew “Guard,” they will try to tag all the Peters and take them to a jail cell (one of the hula

hoops). If they drew “Peter,” they will try to stay away from the guards without letting them figure out that

they are a Peter. If they drew “Angel,” they will act normally so that the guards can’t tell that they aren’t Peters. If a Guard tags an Angel, the Angel has to say, “Angel” and count to 30 before moving again. If a Guard tags another Guard, the Guard has to say, “Guard,” and then both are free to keep looking

for Peters. If a Guard tags a Peter, the Peter must step into the hula hoop. He is in prison. An Angel can free a Peter by standing in the jail with him and saying, “Peter, Peter! You should

know! God sent me to let you go!” Then, Peter is free until tagged again. No one can be tagged while in a jail cell. If the Guards tag all the Peters (there are four Peters), the Guards win. Play lasts for three (3) minutes. If even one Peter is out of prison, then the Peters and Angels win.

DEBRIEF4. Why do you think King Herod put Peter in prison?5. Why did God send an angel to free Peter?6. Do you think God still does things like this? Why or why not?



Restored 15 minutesJohn 18:15-18John 18:25-27John 21:15-17

DESCRIPTION

Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. After Jesus rose from the dead, he reinstated Peter to leadership of the church by giving him three opportunities to express his love for Jesus. In this activity, children will try to knock down three cans labeled, “I don’t know him!” with bean bags or balls labeled, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!”

MATERIALS

3 canned foods labeled, “I don’t know him!” 3 bean bags or balls labeled, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!” 3 large buckets to turn upside down and set the cans on (you can use another surface if you have it.) Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains that this game is like the Bible story. Each can is labeled, “I don’t know him!” and represents the three times Peter denied knowing Jesus

after Jesus had been arrested. Each bean bag (or ball) is labeled, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!” and represents the three times

Peter was given a chance to express his love to Jesus after Jesus rose from the dead. Children will take turns throwing three bean bags or balls at the cans from a distance of about ten

(10) feet. In between children, reset the cans for the next child. If the children knock the cans down, it will be like erasing Peter’s denials with his confession of love

for Jesus.

DEBRIEF

1. How do you think Peter felt after denying Jesus three times?2. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” three times?3. How do you think Peter felt after Jesus gave him three chances to confess his love for Jesus?4. Do you believe God forgives you for every bad thing you do? Why or why not?



Simon-Peter Says 15 minutes Acts 3:1-10

DESCRIPTION

After he received the Holy Spirit, Peter was able to do miracles. One time, he healed a man who had been lame since birth. As a result, the man was able to go into the Temple for the first time in his life. (You couldn’t go in if you had something wrong with you.) He was so excited, he went in walking and jumping and praising God! This game is played like “Simon Says,” but there are only three commands – “Walk,” “Jump” and “Praise God.”

MATERIALS Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

The game is played like “Simon Says.” Everyone starts on the ground, except the facilitator, who calls out the commands. If the leader says, “Simon-Peter says, ‘Walk!” everyone should get to their feet and walk in place. If the leader says, “Simon-Peter says, ‘Jump!” everyone should jump in place. If the leader says, “Simon-Peter says, “Praise God!” everyone should put their hands in the air and

shout, “Halleluiah!” If anyone does the wrong motion, they are out. If anyone hesitates too long, they are out. If anyone follows a command that isn’t preceded by “Simon-Peter Says,” they are out. The facilitator can trick them at times by saying, “Simon says…” If anyone makes the motion, they are

out, because this game is “Simon-Peter Says,” not “Simon Says.” When there is only one person left, he/she gets to be the leader. Play several rounds.

DEBRIEF1. How do you think the man’s life changed when he was able to walk?2. Do you think healings like this still happen today? Why or why not?3. Why doesn’t God heal everyone who is sick or hurt?



Yes, No, Wait 20 minutes 1 Peter 3:12

DESCRIPTION

Peter says that God is attentive to (really pays attention to) our prayers, but sometimes we don’t get the answer we expect or want and sometimes we don’t get any answer at all. It’s helpful to know that God always answers prayer with one of three answers, Yes, No or Wait. When He says yes, we can move ahead. When He says no, we should take a step back and reconsider what we are asking. If God doesn’t want us to have it, it either isn’t good for us or doesn’t fit with His bigger plan. When God doesn’t seem to answer, He is most likely saying that we should wait. He wants to grant us our request, but it’s not time yet. This board game will illustrate principles of prayer.

MATERIALS

Gameboard (1) Something small to use as game pieces (like coins, beads or beans – one per person) “Yes, No, Wait” dice (1) Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Everyone starts with their game piece on the START space. The facilitator selects someone to go first (maybe the youngest or the one with the closest birthday). The player rolls the “Yes, No, Wait” dice.

o She should first read the “prayer” on the space where she is currently at (if there is one).o If she rolls a “Yes,” she should move ahead 3 spaces.o If she rolls a “No,” she should move back 2 spaces.o If she rolls a “Wait,” she should stay where she is at.

After the player rolls and makes their move, play passes to the person on their right. This continues until someone advances enough spaces to reach “God’s Will For Your Life” and

becomes the winner. It’s okay if they get to move more spaces than they need to win. They just need at least enough to reach the end space.

The facilitator may want to ask the debrief questions while the game is being played to save time.

DEBRIEF

1. Why does God sometimes say “No” to our prayers?2. What should we do when He says, “No?”3. Why does God sometimes say “Wait” to our prayers?4. What should we do when He says, “Wait?”



Walking On Water 15 minutes John 6:16-24DESCRIPTION

Peter bravely trusted Jesus and walked on water while the rest of the disciples stayed in the safety of the boat.

MATERIALS

Pool filled with a mixture of cornstarch and water. (8lbs of cornstarch for every gallon of water) Water hose for clean up Towels for drying off Bible

INSTRUCTIONS

Facilitator explains that everyone is going to get a chance to see what it is like to walk on water. Allow children to put their hands in the water to see that it really is a liquid. Have them pound on it with their fists to see that it turns to a solid under pressure. Facilitator explains that Peter was a brave “water walker” and asks if any of them are feeling brave

enough to be a “water walker like him.” Allow them to take turns running across, jumping on or even doing cartwheels across the water.

Quick steps work best.

DEBRIEF

1. Why do you think Jesus allowed Peter to walk on water?2. Why did Peter start to sink?3. Would you have asked to walk on water if you had been there? Why or why not?4. What kinds of things can you do today that require you to be really brave in order to do them?

Web viewHe turns his back toward the children so that he can’t see them. ... King Herod...

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Transcript of Web viewHe turns his back toward the children so that he can’t see them. ... King Herod...