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Question of the Day: What would be harder to forgive: someone breaking your phone or tablet, or someone telling everyone one of your big secrets?
Host and Co-host enter. Have the kids already on stage and ready to participate in the game.
Host
Welcome to the Lab! These kids are going to see how many times they can punch the balloon without missing.
Co-host
On your mark, get set, go!
Play optional game music. Have the kids attempt to hit the punch balloon as many times as they can in a row. You can play as many rounds as time allows.
Host
Great job to our winners.
Co-host
What makes that game hard is how fast the balloon comes flying back at your face.
Host
It’s kind of unpredictable, too. It could go left, right, or straight into your nose. It’s a lot like unforgiveness.
Co-host
Really? How?
Host
When you don’t forgive, you try to hurt someone else, but it always comes back and hurts you, too. It’s something Jesus talked about in the Lord’s Prayer.
Co-host
In that case, it must be really important. Let’s stand up and get ready to worship. As you do, tell someone nearby which person in your family is best at saying, “I’m sorry.”
Host and Co-host enter.
Host
Wow, everyone seems pretty angry at the lab.
Co-host
Have you ever gotten that mad at your brother or sister? Have you ever stormed out of the room? What’s the longest you’ve stayed angry at them?
Ask a couple of kids for responses.
Host
Let’s see what Jesus taught us to pray when we feel like this by looking at our Big Point.
The Host and Co-host choose a kid to volunteer.
Co-host
Let’s all say it together: Ask Forgiveness And Forgive! When we pray, we should be quick to ask forgiveness for our own mistakes and forgive others for theirs.
Host
Why do you think Jesus would include that in His model prayer?
Ask kids to respond.
Host
Let me ask you this. Who is more important, me or God? God, of course.
Co-host
Who’s more important between (Famous athlete) or God? Still God.
Host
What about between God and the president? Yep, God is more important.
Co-host
Wait, what about between God and the richest person in the world? God is still more important.
Host
God is the most important of all. Does God forgive us? Are you sure?
Co-host
Look at the Bible in “But God is faithful and fair. If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins.” God does forgive us when we do bad things.
Host
If it’s good enough for God to forgive, and He’s clearly the most important, then should we be just as willing to forgive?
Co-host
Refusing to forgive is like saying I’m more important than God. It’s saying that when people treat me badly, it’s so much worse than when people disobey God.
Host
You can’t really follow God or make Him the number one leader in your life if you don’t follow His example and forgive.
Co-host
Thankfully, when you ask God for forgiveness, He will forgive you. That’s a relief. Let’s see if the crew in the lab will do that.
Host and Co-host enter.
Host
I can’t believe they turned on Herman during that pillow fight.
Co-host
Even Slimey got involved. Everyone is so angry, but no one wants to be the first to let it go.
Host
If they don’t follow Big Point soon, the whole lab might fall apart. Let’s say it again, Ask Forgiveness And Forgive! Let’s choose an assistant to reveal the Big Verse from the Bible.
Host and Co-host choose a kid to volunteer.
The Big Verse comes from Matthew 6:12 (NIrV), “And forgive us our sins, just as we also have forgiven those who sin against us.”
Co-host
There are good reasons why we do that. For one, it’s wise to obey Jesus. But there are some other good things that happen when you ask and give forgiveness.
Host
We asked some friends to help us demonstrate what we mean. I’m going to give each of them a balloon. When I ask you to add some air, blow up the balloon until I say, “Stop.” Then just hold it closed until we ask you to add more.
Co-host
Let’s think about making wrong choices. When you do the wrong thing, do you usually feel bad? Yeah, you feel guilty and ashamed of yourself. Let’s add some air to those balloons.
Host
You can stop for now. The problem is that if you don’t ask God for forgiveness, guilt and shame build up. Blow it up again. (Allow them to blow it up until it’s large) They look ready to pop.
Co-host
When you ask forgiveness, and God forgives you, then His forgiveness allows you to let go of those guilty feelings. Let’s hold the balloons and let the air out.
The kids will hold the balloons while releasing the air.
Host
When someone hurts you, and you don’t forgive, you fill up with something different. Anger. Let’s blow the balloons up again.
Co-host
Stop. Look at how much air is in those balloons. They could pop. It’s not good to be filled with so much anger. But forgiving others releases that anger. Let the balloons go.
Host
Asking for forgiveness and forgiving is important. Doing both helps you live the kind of life God wants you to live. It’s so much better. Trust me. Let’s stand and worship God.
Optional, play soft instrumental music.
Storyteller
If you have never said, “Yes, I want Jesus to forgive me, be my best friend, and I will follow Him for the rest of my life,” then today is the perfect day to ask forgiveness! I’d like everyone to close your eyes and bow your heads, so no one is distracted.
If you have already said, “Yes” to Jesus, you believe He is alive, and you are His friend and follower, give me a thumbs up. That’s awesome. You can put your hands down. If you’ve never said, “Yes” to Jesus before, and you want to say, “Yes” to Him right now, ask Him to forgive you, and tell Him you want to live your life differently, raise your hand. We’re going to pray all together. Those of you who are already friends and followers of Jesus can join in, too. Repeat after me, and let’s pray...
Dear God,
I know everyone needs a Savior.
Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God.
I believe You died on the cross for my sins,
and God raised You from the dead.
Right now, I say Yes! To You!Yes to You being the leader of my life.I choose to honor you in everything I do.Thank you for being my best friend.Amen.
If you prayed that prayer for the very first time today, then I want you to share that good news with someone. When we break into small groups today, you can join a special small group just for kids who said, “Yes” for the first time. Look for the special sign as we break later.
Host and Co-host enter.
Host
Can you believe that the servant who had been forgiven for so much refused to forgive his fellow servant who owed only a little?
Co-host
That’s how we are when we don’t follow the Big Point, Ask Forgiveness And Forgive!
Host
That would be a great story to share as you do this week’s Big Do. Think of one person in your family that you need to forgive and do it. Then, think of one person you need to ask to forgive you and ask them.
Co-host
As Christians, we receive forgiveness and then give it to others; let’s play a fun game where we do just that.
Host
In this game, your goal is to empty your bucket of candy/ping pong balls into the other teams’ buckets. See who can have the smallest amount left at the end of 60 seconds.
Play optional game music. Set a 60-second timer. Play the game.
Host
Great job to our winners. Let’s gather with our small groups and discuss what we’ve learned today.
Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following.
Is it hard to say you’re sorry when you’ve done something wrong? Why do people have trouble doing that sometimes? Why is it important to tell God you’re sorry? How about other people?
How did the servant in the story disrespect the king’s forgiveness? (By not forgiving the other servant) Do you think God is upset when we refuse to forgive people? Why?
How do you feel when you forgive someone? Can you forgive someone and stay mad at them? Is it okay to forgive, but not hang around with someone who has hurt you? (We can forgive and not try to make someone pay, but we don’t have to hang out with someone who is mean or hurts us)
What is the Big Do?
Play optional game music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question. The first kid to buzz in and correctly answer the question will win a small piece of candy and the opportunity to spin the wheel for a bonus.
Our Big Point says Ask And Forgive!
Forgiveness
For Money
How much did the servant owe the king?
100 bags of gold
10,000 bags of gold
The king could have thrown the servant in jail until the debt was paid.
True
False
What did the king choose to do at first?
Punish
Forgive
The second servant owed the first one a lot of money.
True
False
Matthew 6:12 (NIrV), “And forgive us our , just as we also have forgiven those who sin against us.”
Faults
Sins
What did the first servant do to the servant who owed him money?
Forgave him
Threw him in jail
Why is it important to ask God for forgiveness?
When the king heard what the first servant had done, he punished him severely.
True
False
What is this week’s Big Do?Think of one person in your family that you need to forgive and do it. Then, think of one person you need to ask to forgive you and ask them.
Question of the Day: What would be harder to forgive: someone breaking your phone or tablet, or someone telling everyone one of your big secrets?
Host and Co-host enter. Have the kids already on stage and ready to participate in the game.
Host
Welcome to the Lab! These kids are going to see how many times they can punch the balloon without missing.
Co-host
On your mark, get set, go!
Play optional game music. Have the kids attempt to hit the punch balloon as many times as they can in a row. You can play as many rounds as time allows.
Host
Great job to our winners.
Co-host
What makes that game hard is how fast the balloon comes flying back at your face.
Host
It’s kind of unpredictable, too. It could go left, right, or straight into your nose. It’s a lot like unforgiveness.
Co-host
Really? How?
Host
When you don’t forgive, you try to hurt someone else, but it always comes back and hurts you, too. It’s something Jesus talked about in the Lord’s Prayer.
Co-host
In that case, it must be really important. Let’s stand up and get ready to worship. As you do, tell someone nearby which person in your family is best at saying, “I’m sorry.”
Host and Co-host enter.
Host
Wow, everyone seems pretty angry at the lab.
Co-host
Have you ever gotten that mad at your brother or sister? Have you ever stormed out of the room? What’s the longest you’ve stayed angry at them?
Ask a couple of kids for responses.
Host
Let’s see what Jesus taught us to pray when we feel like this by looking at our Big Point.
The Host and Co-host choose a kid to volunteer.
Co-host
Let’s all say it together: Ask Forgiveness And Forgive! When we pray, we should be quick to ask forgiveness for our own mistakes and forgive others for theirs.
Host
Why do you think Jesus would include that in His model prayer?
Ask kids to respond.
Host
Let me ask you this. Who is more important, me or God? God, of course.
Co-host
Who’s more important between (Famous athlete) or God? Still God.
Host
What about between God and the president? Yep, God is more important.
Co-host
Wait, what about between God and the richest person in the world? God is still more important.
Host
God is the most important of all. Does God forgive us? Are you sure?
Co-host
Look at the Bible in “But God is faithful and fair. If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins.” God does forgive us when we do bad things.
Host
If it’s good enough for God to forgive, and He’s clearly the most important, then should we be just as willing to forgive?
Co-host
Refusing to forgive is like saying I’m more important than God. It’s saying that when people treat me badly, it’s so much worse than when people disobey God.
Host
You can’t really follow God or make Him the number one leader in your life if you don’t follow His example and forgive.
Co-host
Thankfully, when you ask God for forgiveness, He will forgive you. That’s a relief. Let’s see if the crew in the lab will do that.
Host and Co-host enter.
Host
I can’t believe they turned on Herman during that pillow fight.
Co-host
Even Slimey got involved. Everyone is so angry, but no one wants to be the first to let it go.
Host
If they don’t follow Big Point soon, the whole lab might fall apart. Let’s say it again, Ask Forgiveness And Forgive! Let’s choose an assistant to reveal the Big Verse from the Bible.
Host and Co-host choose a kid to volunteer.
The Big Verse comes from Matthew 6:12 (NIrV), “And forgive us our sins, just as we also have forgiven those who sin against us.”
Co-host
There are good reasons why we do that. For one, it’s wise to obey Jesus. But there are some other good things that happen when you ask and give forgiveness.
Host
We asked some friends to help us demonstrate what we mean. I’m going to give each of them a balloon. When I ask you to add some air, blow up the balloon until I say, “Stop.” Then just hold it closed until we ask you to add more.
Co-host
Let’s think about making wrong choices. When you do the wrong thing, do you usually feel bad? Yeah, you feel guilty and ashamed of yourself. Let’s add some air to those balloons.
Host
You can stop for now. The problem is that if you don’t ask God for forgiveness, guilt and shame build up. Blow it up again. (Allow them to blow it up until it’s large) They look ready to pop.
Co-host
When you ask forgiveness, and God forgives you, then His forgiveness allows you to let go of those guilty feelings. Let’s hold the balloons and let the air out.
The kids will hold the balloons while releasing the air.
Host
When someone hurts you, and you don’t forgive, you fill up with something different. Anger. Let’s blow the balloons up again.
Co-host
Stop. Look at how much air is in those balloons. They could pop. It’s not good to be filled with so much anger. But forgiving others releases that anger. Let the balloons go.
Host
Asking for forgiveness and forgiving is important. Doing both helps you live the kind of life God wants you to live. It’s so much better. Trust me. Let’s stand and worship God.
Optional, play soft instrumental music.
Storyteller
If you have never said, “Yes, I want Jesus to forgive me, be my best friend, and I will follow Him for the rest of my life,” then today is the perfect day to ask forgiveness! I’d like everyone to close your eyes and bow your heads, so no one is distracted.
If you have already said, “Yes” to Jesus, you believe He is alive, and you are His friend and follower, give me a thumbs up. That’s awesome. You can put your hands down. If you’ve never said, “Yes” to Jesus before, and you want to say, “Yes” to Him right now, ask Him to forgive you, and tell Him you want to live your life differently, raise your hand. We’re going to pray all together. Those of you who are already friends and followers of Jesus can join in, too. Repeat after me, and let’s pray...
Dear God,
I know everyone needs a Savior.
Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God.
I believe You died on the cross for my sins,
and God raised You from the dead.
Right now, I say Yes! To You!Yes to You being the leader of my life.I choose to honor you in everything I do.Thank you for being my best friend.Amen.
If you prayed that prayer for the very first time today, then I want you to share that good news with someone. When we break into small groups today, you can join a special small group just for kids who said, “Yes” for the first time. Look for the special sign as we break later.
Host and Co-host enter.
Host
Can you believe that the servant who had been forgiven for so much refused to forgive his fellow servant who owed only a little?
Co-host
That’s how we are when we don’t follow the Big Point, Ask Forgiveness And Forgive!
Host
That would be a great story to share as you do this week’s Big Do. Think of one person in your family that you need to forgive and do it. Then, think of one person you need to ask to forgive you and ask them.
Co-host
As Christians, we receive forgiveness and then give it to others; let’s play a fun game where we do just that.
Host
In this game, your goal is to empty your bucket of candy/ping pong balls into the other teams’ buckets. See who can have the smallest amount left at the end of 60 seconds.
Play optional game music. Set a 60-second timer. Play the game.
Host
Great job to our winners. Let’s gather with our small groups and discuss what we’ve learned today.
Gather the kids into small groups and discuss the following.
Is it hard to say you’re sorry when you’ve done something wrong? Why do people have trouble doing that sometimes? Why is it important to tell God you’re sorry? How about other people?
How did the servant in the story disrespect the king’s forgiveness? (By not forgiving the other servant) Do you think God is upset when we refuse to forgive people? Why?
How do you feel when you forgive someone? Can you forgive someone and stay mad at them? Is it okay to forgive, but not hang around with someone who has hurt you? (We can forgive and not try to make someone pay, but we don’t have to hang out with someone who is mean or hurts us)
What is the Big Do?
Play optional game music. Choose two kids from the audience to come on stage and answer the question. The first kid to buzz in and correctly answer the question will win a small piece of candy and the opportunity to spin the wheel for a bonus.
Our Big Point says Ask And Forgive!
Forgiveness
For Money
How much did the servant owe the king?
100 bags of gold
10,000 bags of gold
The king could have thrown the servant in jail until the debt was paid.
True
False
What did the king choose to do at first?
Punish
Forgive
The second servant owed the first one a lot of money.
True
False
Matthew 6:12 (NIrV), “And forgive us our , just as we also have forgiven those who sin against us.”
Faults
Sins
What did the first servant do to the servant who owed him money?
Forgave him
Threw him in jail
Why is it important to ask God for forgiveness?
When the king heard what the first servant had done, he punished him severely.
True
False
What is this week’s Big Do?Think of one person in your family that you need to forgive and do it. Then, think of one person you need to ask to forgive you and ask them.
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