Zion Lutheran Church Sixth Grade Bible Curriculum My Name: Zion

Zion Lutheran Church

Sixth Grade Bible Curriculum

My Name: ________________________

Christ Care Prayer

Zion Lutheran Church ELCA

Sunday Morning 8 th Grade Confirmation

Lesson 1

First Class, Overview and getting acquainted

Welcome

Class routine – the Schedule for the Year

Getting acquainted:

Take a moment to answer these questions alone. Then we will share and learn from some others here in class.

Where were you born:__________________

What is your favorite food: _____________________

Who is your favorite band, or what is your favorite tv show right now: ___________

Where do you go to school: ____________________________

What is your favorite sport, activity or hobby:_____________________

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go:___________

Why:_____________________

Other things you want to share about yourself?



Lesson 2

Old Testament Introduction and The Fall

Christ Care Prayer

Welcome

Look at the table of contents in the front of your Bible. How many books are there in the Old Testament? Sometimes the Old Testament is called the First Testament or the Hebrew Bible.

What does 'testament' mean?

The Old Testament is written in Hebrew, a unique and beautiful language. Look at the Hebrew Bibles and your copy of a Hebrew text. Hebrew reads from right to left and from the back of a book to the front.

Originally, the Hebrew language did not use vowels. Write your name using the handouts to find the letters and to see how they are written. Remember the backward direction and write them in all upper case.

Pass around the Old Testament in the original language to look and see the text you will study this year. When do you think this wonderful testament was written, what years? Circle the answers you think are true:

2500-2000 B.C. 2000-1500 B.C. 1500-1000 B.C. l000-500 B.C. 500-1 B.C. 0-150 A.D.

By the way, do you know what ‘B.C.' and ‘A.D.’ stand for, as used above?

Sometimes instead of ‘B.C.’ you see ‘B.C.E.’ and instead of ‘A.D.’ you see ‘C.E.’ . Do you know what they mean?

Let’s go back to the books of the Old Testament. The Bible is a library of different books, and the Old Testament contains several kinds of writing. Christians usually divide the books of the Old Testament into

LAW HISTORY WISDOM PROPHETS

Open to Genesis 1 and 2. These are the two creation stories, both are important even if they are different. Genesis 1 tells of how God spoke and how each day was a moment for creation. Genesis 2 tells of how the Lord God reached down and make

Adam and Eve. In both, God’s love causes God to create life, create you.

From the creation stories, we turn to the first big mistake, and another look at God’s love.

Read Genesis 3:1-7. Who appears in the garden to tempt the two humans?

How does the serpent tempt the humans and what happens?

Read Genesis 3:8-13 what is the image of the Lord God in this text?

Why are the humans hiding?

Because they have disobeyed and eaten of the tree of knowledge, what happens?

We call this "The Fall" in the Church, because Adam and Eve fall from the grace of the Lord God and have to leave the Garden. What follows in verse 14-19 is the curse that the Lord God gives to Adam, Eve, you and me because of their sin.

Read verse 21. Although the humans had sinned and have fallen from the Lord God's garden, what does the Lord God do for the humans?

What do you think this shows?

Finally, read verse 24. Why does the Lord God guard the second tree with a flaming sword?- What would happen if humans could eat of this tree?

Big questions to discuss:

1. Notice in verse 1, the serpent is one of the Lord God's creation. Why did the

Lord God create such a creature?

Some people say the serpent symbolizes evil, what do you think?

2. Why did Eve and Adam eat of the tree?

3. Who tries to pass the blame in verse 12?

4. Which of the curses in verse 14-19 are the worst of them all, for you?

Closing Prayer or Blessing



Lesson 3

Abraham & Sarah

Christ Care Prayer

Review

Genesis 12 begins a new cycle in the Old Testament. We call it the patriarch and matriarch history. It is a family tree that runs from Genesis Chapter 12 through

Chapter 50. Today we begin with Abram and Sarai (eventually renamed Abraham and

Sarah).

If you were asked to leave home and country, how would you have responded?

Has God ever asked anything hard or risky of you?

Read Genesis 12:1-3 There are 4 main promises given to Abram and Sarai after God

4

2.

3. asks them to leave home and country. Write down the 4 promises here:

1.

The first promise is in verse 1, and is very important to nomads (What is a nomad?).

The second promise is harder to figure out, but it is in verse 2 and has to do with family. The third promise is also in verse 2 and is very important to the Hebrew people. The fourth promise is the last part of verse 2 and teaches what Abram and

Sarai will bring to the world.

Genesis is a spiritual family tree. Think about your own family tree, take some time to chart out your family tree here in class. Then, take this home to have your parents help fill in the parts of the tree you may not know about.

Ask about family faith stories. Who influenced your parents’ or grandparents’ faith?


My Family Tree



Lesson 4

Joseph

Christ Care Prayer

Introduction to the Abraham and Sarah Family Tree

What’s so important about a name? What do their names mean?

Who is the dreamer?

What do you know about Joseph?

Turn to Genesis 37: 1-36 for a little drama. Read this as a class, assign the following parts:

Narrator, Joseph, his brothers, a wandering man, Brother Reuben, Brother Judah, and Jacob (his father)

As you read, these questions jump out to be answered:

1. Who is Israel, again?

2 What is important about the fact that Joseph dreams?

3 What does his dream mean?

4 Why does Reuben save him?

5 Who are the Ishmaelites?

6 Why do they tear their garments and sit in sackcloth and ashes?

7 Where does Joseph arrive?

Joseph we a young man when he was carried off to Egypt. Little did he know what

God had in mind for him! Just imagine what God might have in mind for you! Based on Joseph’s story it will include becoming a blessing to your family/friends/coworkers and the world; God will be with you; and God will bring good out of even the

bad stuff.

The story of Joseph in Egypt is very important in the history of the people of Israel.

His story is summarized in two verses: Genesis 50: 20-21. The verses are one of the final conversations Joseph has with his brothers in the book of Genesis. Look up these verses and read them as a class.

Guess what? You all need to memorize these verses for next week. You will need to know who said it, to whom, the verses from memory, and that it is Genesis 50:20-21.

You can use whatever time is left to work on the verses for next week.

Closing prayer or Blessing



Lesson 5

Moses and the Burning Bush

Christ Care Prayer

Review: Do you remember your memory verse from Genesis 50: 20-21? As the book of Genesis comes to a close, Joseph and his family are reunited and it looks like the future is set. With the opening of the book of Exodus trouble develops and a new leader appears and a new story begins.

Moses is the main character for Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The book of

Leviticus is a set of laws for the people of Israel. In the next weeks you will learn the story of Moses and then a brief look at Numbers and Deuteronomy. Take a moment and list everything you can remember about Moses.

Read Exodus 1: 8-9 and answer this question: What happens to the people of Israel?

The Pharaoh is worried because there are more Hebrews (Israelities) living in Egypt than the

Egyptians. The Pharaoh orders all boys born to the Hebrews thrown into the Nile river – a horrible form of population control.

Read Exodus 2: 1-11 to hear the story of how Moses is saved.

1.

How is Moses saved?

2.

Why is he called 'Moses”?

3.

Who becomes his nursemaid and what is interesting about this part of the story?

Read Exodus 3:1-14, which is the call of Moses.

1.

What does the Bible tell us about the call of Moses?

2.

What did you read about the bush?

3.

Who is calling Moses - what name does God give?

4.

Why did the people call out to God for deliverance?

Moses obeys God and does go to the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh is worried, but does not agree to let the Hebrew people (the Israelites) go free. Do you remember what happens next, how the Lord God convinces the Pharaoh to let the people go?

The Ten Plagues are sent to convince the Pharaoh of the awesome power of God.

Look over Exodus 7:8-11:10 and write down the ten plagues, in order:

1 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

Which would be the worst plague for you?

Closing prayer or Blessing



Lesson 6 Reformation Class – Luther and the Bible

Christ Care Prayers

How was your MEA Break?

A little bit about Martin Luther….

A lot more about Martin Luther and the Bible

First, let’s take a look at the Bible as a whole for a minute.

Look at the table of contents in the front of your Bible. How many books are there in the Old Testament? Sometimes the Old Testament is called the First Testament or the Hebrew Bible.

1.

How many books are in the New Testament?

2.

What does 'testament' mean?

The Old Testament is written in Hebrew, a unique and beautiful language. Look at the Hebrew Bibles and your copy of a Hebrew text. Hebrew reads from right to left and from the back of a book to the front.

Originally, the Hebrew language did not use vowels. Write your name using the handouts to find the letters and to see how they are written. Remember the backward direction and write them in all upper case.

Pass around the Old Testament in the original language to look and see the text you will study this year. When do you think this wonderful testament was written, what years? Circle the answers you think are true:

2500-2000 B.C. 2000-1500 B.C. 1500-1000 B.C. l000-500 B.C. 500-1 B.C. 0-150 A.D.

3.

By the way, do you know what ‘B.C.' and ‘A.D.’ stand for, as used above?

4.

Sometimes instead of ‘B.C.’ you see ‘B.C.E.’ and instead of ‘A.D.’ you see ‘C.E.’ .

Do you know what they mean?

Let’s go back to the books of the Old Testament. The Bible is a library of different books, and the Old Testament contains several kinds of writing. Christians usually divide the books of the Old Testament into

LAW HISTORY WISDOM PROPHETS

Let’s turn to the New Testament, these 27 books are divided in to different kinds of writing, too…

Gospel History Letters Prophecy

We should work on memorizing the books of the Bible, it is easy, and a good goal for our class. Let’s set the goal for the end of the year, and part of the end of the year party!


Zion Lutheran Church – ELCA

Lesson 7

God Calls of Samuel

Christ Care and Opening Prayer

Review

We need to pause and learn the story of Samuel’s birth, and get ready to learn about the Kings these next two weeks.

We begin with the call of Samuel. Let’s open to 1 Samuel 3. Verse 19 is the key. -

God was with Samuel. Who else has God been with in the Bible?

What do you notice about the story?

In the books of 1 and 2 Samuel the story has many parts that we will not be able to cover with our limited time. Brief synopsis will be given for you to read and think about. This is one of those synopsis.

The politics of that day were very difficult. The main enemy of the people of

Israel were the Philistines. In chapter 4 a terrible blow falls on the people of

Israel when the Philistines capture the Ark, but in chapters 5 and 6 the Ark is returned.

1.

Why is the loss of the Ark a terrible blow to the people of Israel?

2.

Take a moment to read chapter 5: 1-4. What does the Ark cause in the hands of the Philistines? The same type of stories follow as the Ark is passed along, finally ending up back with the people of Israel.

Because of Samuel's leadership by the hand of God, he is first called a Judge

(chapter 7). Sometimes he is called a prophet. But by the time chapter 8 opens the people request a king. With a king, Samuel’s role will change from judge/prophet to priest/ advisor.

What is important in chapter 8 is the fact that there is no promise that a king will solve all of the problems of the people. The Lord agrees in verse 22 of

chapter 8 to place a king in Israel - and now a new chapter opens in this great story. Next week we will see that Saul will become Israel’s first king.

Review

Closing Prayer


Lesson 8

David

Christ Care and Opening prayer

Review

We need to pause and learn the complicated story of Saul. What are the main points of the Saul story that you need to remember?

1. The people want a king.

2. Samuel shifts from the judge/prophet to the role of priest/advisor.

3. Saul has a great beginning and then fails to follow the command of

God.

Today we turn our attention to the greatest of the kings - who also has the greatest of stories: David.

Open up your Bibles to 1 Samuel 16. Samuel is upset that things have not worked out with Saul. God reveals that He has chosen a new king to replace Saul. At verse

6 Samuel is looking for the replacement based on appearance, strength and might.

Read verses 6-13 and see how the story unfolds.

1.

Where does God look for leadership? (verse 7)

2.

How is David described?

3.

What is important about the eyes?

In the Hebrew culture of the day, the eyes were the gateway to the soul. If David has beautiful eyes (one translation), what does that tell you about his soul?

Chapter 17 is the story of David and Goliath. Take a moment to put up on the board all of the parts of the story that you remember from Sunday School days.

You can skim over the parts of the story on verses 1-40, and begin reading at verse 41.

4.

How does David come to Goliath?

5.

How does David actually kill him in the lesson?

The key in the story is that David fights along with the presence of God. God is with David. Previously in the story of the people of Israel God was with Moses, then with the people through the Ark.

A shift has happened, once again - God dwells with a person: David. (You can bet that this point will be on the next test!).

6.

What does it mean to you that little and weak defeats big and powerful in this story - with God’s help ?

Review

Closing Blessing or Prayer


Lesson 9

Solomon and the Temple

Christ Care and Opening Prayer

Review:

1. What is interesting about the end of David's life and how they try to keep him warm?

2. What does Solomon ask for in the dream and how is this gift shown in a wonderful story of two mothers and one child?

Today we begin two lessons on a confusing part of the history of Israel. The basic parts of the story will be reviewed, and a map will help the discussion.

We begin with the last part of Solomon's story.

3.

First, where is the Lord dwelling (living) during the kingdoms of Saul and

David? What happened when David tries to build a temple for the Lord?

Guess who finally gets to build the temple? Yes, Solomon.

Skim (look over quickly) 1 Kings 6 - 8.

4.

What do you notice about these chapters? Yes, they are very detailed, exact descriptions on the building of the temple, what it looks like and who provides some of the goods for the temple. Why are the descriptions so clear? What is the writer of 1 Kings trying to communicate?

5.

Now, remember why God did not want to have a temple. What was important about God dwelling in the Ark, in a tent?

With the completion of the temple, what will happen to the faith of the people of

Israel.

6.

How will they understand God and God's presence?

7.

What will happen in the community?

These are important questions, because with Solomon's death (1 Kings 11: 43), a series of kings follow and the whole kingdom begins to break down.

Without getting into great detail, the kingdom divides into the north (Israel) and the south (Judah). One little lesson shows the division and it is the only lesson you will need to remember.

Read 1 Kings 12: 1-24

The tension is between two would be kings: Rehoboam (Solomon's son) and

Jeroboam (a would be king). Confused yet?

Rehoboam takes bad advice in verse 12-15, and in the end (by verse 20) only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin are left to follow the King in Jerusalem. The other

10 tribes keep the name Israel and become the northern kingdom.

Take a look at the map and circle the following stuff (or highlight if you have a highlighter):

1. Jerusalem (the south capitol)

2. Shechem (the north capitol)

3. The dividing line between north and south

With the Kingdom divided and the Temple in the south, faith life and care for the vulnerable begins to fall apart.

Review today’s lesson

Closing Prayer or Blessing.

Zion Lutheran Church - ELCA

Lesson 10

Overview and Geography of the New Testament

Christ Care

Today we begin a study of the New Testament - the Christian scriptures. The first goal is to understand how the New Testament is set up. Take a moment to open to the New Testament in your Bible and answer these questions:

1. How many books are in the New Testament?

2. How many Gospels are there in the New Testament and what are the names of the writers of each Gospel?

3. What is the fifth book of the New Testament and the writer?

4. How many letters follow and who is the main writer?

5. Who are the other writers of the later letters? (Look for other letters with names)

6. What is the last book of the Bible?

Basically, the Gospels tell the story of Jesus from birth to death and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Book of Acts is the history book that tells the story of the early disciples of Jesus - most importantly Peter and Paul. The letters are all written to early Christian Churches or people, and John’s Revelation is a wild view of the second coming of Jesus.

If you remember those 5 groups: Gospels, Acts (history), Paul = s letters, other letters, and Revelation, you will have a great start on the New Testament.

Now, take a moment and work with a friend to memorize the 27 book of the New

Testament. They are easy if you take them in smaller groups. You need to have these memorized for the end of the year party!

Finally today, turn to the map on the back of the lesson sheet. It will be the map you will use during the lessons on the Gospels. Begin by locating the major points of interest in the life of Jesus:

1. Bethlehem 4. The River Jordan

2. Galilee 5. Jerusalem

3. The Sea of Galilee 6. The Dead Sea



Lesson 11

Mary and Elizabeth

Welcome and Christ Care

Review the maps from last week and the 5 main parts of the New Testament and, of course the books of the New Testament.

This week's lesson: Two angels visit and two births begin the story of Jesus Christ.

1) Read Luke 1: 8 - 20

Who visits Zechariah? What does he promise?

What name does the angel have for the child?

2) Read Luke 1: 26 - 38

Who visits Mary? Who sends the angel?

What do you think the word 'angel' means?

Things to discuss:

1. What reactions did Zechariah and Mary have in the lesson?

2. What problems did Elizabeth and Mary have (age, married or not, customs)?

3. Put yourself in their shoes, how would this sit with your family?

Read Luke 1: 46 - 55

1.

This is Mary's Magnificat (the word comes from the Latin for magnifies).

It talks about how the world will look with the birth of this messiah - this

Christ.

2.

What are some of the characteristics of the new age after this baby?

3.

Are they true today, or do we still wait?



Lesson 12

Jesus is Born

Welcome and Christ Care Prayers

Today we begin a two part conversation on the birth of Jesus. One will be through reading Luke 2, the other through Matthew 1-2.

Let’s start by reading the famous story of Jesus’ birth.

Luke 2: 1 - 20

Do you recognize the story? When do we read this in the Church?

What are your favorite parts of the story? Who tells about the birth?

In Chapters one and two, how many times have the angels appeared?

To discuss:

1.

Do you believe in angels?

2.

If angel means messenger - who are the messengers of God in your life?

3.

Who are you God’s angel (messenger) to?

4.

Why was Jesus born in a stable, and not a palace?

5.

If Jesus would come into our world as a baby - where would he be born?

6.

Who would be his parents? What other parts of the story jumped out at you?

Review: During the week watch for angels - messengers- from God.



Lesson 13

Jesus is Born


Today we continue the two part conversation on the birth of Jesus. Last week we read and talked about Luke 2. Today we turn to Matthew 1-2.

Let’s start by reviewing the famous story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. Who can tell the story in your own words?

So, the main characters of the story are:

1.

When you think of the Christmas story, who is missing in the lesson from

Luke 2?

Open your Bible to Matthew 1: 18 – 2:12, let read this lesson together.

2.

What is different from Luke 2, and what is the same?

3.

Why does Matthew tell the story of the Kings, the Wise Men or Magi, and

Luke does not? What might that tell us about Luke’s audience and Matthew’s audience?

4.

What does it mean that Jesus is Immanuel (or it can be spelled Emanuel, same word)? What does it mean for you that God is always with you?

We are off now for two weeks, so since we have done good work, it’s time for a little party, some food and fun.

Closing Prayer


Lesson 14

Jesus in the Temple


Good to be back, how was your Christmas break? Anyone do something fun? Did you go to any movies?

Let’s review for a moment the Old Testament and New Testament. Before we read, what happens next in Jesus life - after his birth – lets review Matthew’s

Christmas story that will help lead us to the next two events in Jesus’ young life.

Read Matthew 2: 1 - 23

1.

Who is the character in the story that we need to worry about? Why?

2.

Who arrives searching for the child, and how did they find Bethlehem?

3.

Did you note what happens in verse 12? And what is the danger that the angels warn about in verse 13?

To discuss:

1.

Why do you think Herod wanted to destroy the child?

2.

What is the tragedy in the story? Who does Herod kill? We remember these innocents the week after Christmas. Do you think people want to remember these deaths during Christmas?

3.

What does this part of the story tell you about why Jesus has come to the world?

Read Luke 2: 41 - 52

This is the only story about Jesus between his birth and adulthood. It is important for a number of reasons.

1.

Why do they go up to Jerusalem?

2.

What do you remember about the Passover - what does it remember and when is it held?

3.

What do we learn about Jesus from the lesson?

To discuss:

1.

Who has been watching over this child in the lessons we have been reading? How does God watch over you?

2.

What is interesting about the contrast between such care for Jesus as a child, and His death on the cross for you and me 33 years later?

3.

Which of these childhood stories is your favorite? Why?

Review:

Again during the week watch for angels - messengers- from God and for ways that

God is watching over and protecting you.



Lesson 15

The Baptism of Jesus

Welcome and Opening Prayer

Review the birth and childhood stories of Jesus. Who helps Jesus in both of the

Gospels? What does 'angel' mean?


1.

Who is John's mother and where did we last hear about her?

2.

How are Mary and John's mother related?

3.

John is out in the wilderness, which is the desert. On the map, where might this desert be?

4.

What is the importance of the desert? Remember the Old Testament time in the wilderness?

5.

In verse 12, what is John talking about with the wheat and chaff?

6.

Does God separate good from bad?

7.

How are we saved from the fire?

To discuss:

1.

How old do you think Jesus is at baptism?

2.

What begins with his baptism?

3.

If you are stumped with that question, look at the Gospels, how many chapters remain? Baptism begins everything.

4.

Do you remember your baptism? How about your baptismal birthday?

5.

What happens in baptism? Check out the Small Catechism.

Read Matthew 3.13 - 17

6.

Where is the river where Jesus is baptized? Find it on the map.

7.

What descends on Jesus after the baptism?

8.

Where in the Bible do we find the dove?

9.

Who speaks at the end of the baptism in verse 17?

10.

Is this the first time that God speaks in the Gospels?

To discuss:

1.

Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

2.

What is important about the river Jordan? This is a hard question, but when was the river crossed in the Old Testament?

3.

How do we understand the Spirit of God, today?

4.

We talk about God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - what does the Holy

Spirit do?

5.

What does the Holy Spirit bring to you and your family?

Remember: No class next week, Martin Luther King Jr break weekend.



Lesson 16

Jesus’ Temptation and He Calls Disciples


Review the birth, childhood and Baptism stories of Jesus in Luke and Matthew. Do you remember where the shepherds and the Wise Men are found - in which gospels? Who cares for Jesus in many of these stories? What is important about where Jesus was born, and where might he be born today? Who speaks after the baptism?

This week's lesson:

1.

Temptation is a hard word to understand, so before the lesson it might be good to talk about it. What is temptation?

2.

Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Can you be tempted to do something good?

3.

Where is the most famous temptation story in the Bible? Think very early.


List the devil's three temptations with Jesus.

1.

2.

3.

What is important about each of these three temptations?

1.

2.

3.

Jesus resists all three. In verse 11, who returns to help Jesus?

To discuss:

1.

Do you believe in the devil? What forms does he take?

2.

What is important about the devil's arrival right after the baptism?

3.

Notice, who drove Jesus into the wilderness in verse 1?

Can you figure out why the Holy Spirit drove Jesus to meet the devil?

4.

Why three temptations?


1.

Who are the first disciples called by Jesus?

2.

What is remarkable about how they respond to the call? Would you just leave everything behind and follow?

3.

How many disciples does Jesus eventually call? Why this number?

To discuss:

1.

What area on the map is Jesus now going to visit for a while (read verse

23)?

2.

Can you find it on your map?

3.

What do you think the word 'disciple' means? Are we disciples today?

4.

What does it mean to follow Jesus, for you?

5.

If we follow Jesus, does that mean that all will be perfect and happy?

6.

Why do people follow?

7.

Beyond the fact that your parents make you come - why are you here at

Church?

Closing prayer and Blessing


Lesson 17

Jesus The Healer


Review last week's lesson.

This week's lesson:

When we think of Jesus’ ministry, we can put it into three main areas:

Jesus is a Healer

Jesus is a Miracle Worker

Jesus is a Teacher

Today we look at this first area, Jesus as a healer. What are the healing stories that you recall?

Read Matthew 8:1-4

1.

Who is the first to speak?

2.

What does he believe Jesus can do?

3.

What does Jesus say to him in verse 4?

4.

Why?


First find Capernaum on your map.

1.

What is a centurion?

2.

Who does he work for and what do the Jews think of them?

3.

In verse 13 Jesus heals the slave. Did he go to the man or touch him?

4.

How did he heal the man?


5.

What does Peter's mother-in-law do after she is healed?

6.

In verse 17 Matthew teaches us something. Who does he quote? Why?

Things to discuss:

1. Why does Jesus heal?

2. What do you find interesting in how Jesus heals?

3. What role does faith have in healing?

4. Do you have any stories from your life of healing today?

5. What types of healing does God give? Is healing only physical?



Lesson 18

Jesus The Miracle Worker


Review the healing of Jesus as he travels from Galilee to Jerusalem.

The second major ministry areas of Jesus are as miracle worker.


1.

If you peek back at verse 27 you will hear a question of the disciples.

They do not know Jesus. Now look at verse 29 - Who knows Jesus?

2.

Why is this important?

3.

Where does Jesus send the demons? Why is this important?

4.

How do the people react to this exorcism?

To discuss:

1.

We hear the voice of evil in the lesson. How does evil possess us?

2.

Do you believe in possession?

3.

How does evil work in the world?

4.

Who speaks and casts out evil?


1.

What is this lesson called?

2.

It is a miracle, but why? Is it a miracle because of the food produced, or because it reveals the compassion of God? Or both?


1.

What is this lesson called?

2.

Why does Peter want to go out on the water?

3.

What happens to Peter's faith?

4.

In verse 32, we have a key confession. What do the disciples realize?

Things to discuss:

1. Miracles often give faith or show us God. Why do you think Jesus walked on the water to his disciples?

2. What does it tell you about Jesus that demons, wind and all of nature obey him? Is this a comforting image or a little frightening?

3. When you picture Jesus, how do these stories of power impact your thinking?



Lesson 19

Jesus The Teacher


Review the first two areas of Jesus’ ministry. What are they? Have you read any other stories of healing or miracle?

For discussion: What have we learned about Jesus?

1.

How has God come into the world to save us?

2.

God has sent many to call people to believe, why did God have to send His

Son?

This week's lesson:

Return to your maps. Jesus begins a geographic and spiritual journey from his homeland of Galilee to the great city of Jerusalem. With the key, how far in miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem? Why can the journey be called a spiritual pilgrimage, too?

Matthew’s gospel condenses most of Jesus’ teaching into the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5.1-7.29. These 3 chapters contain many of Jesus’ most famous teachings.


1.

Who else has "gone to the mountain" in the Bible?

2.

What did this person receive on the mountain?

3.

Why does Jesus sit down? Why is this important?


4.

How many "blessed" verses exist?

Things to discuss:

1. This is Jesus' Sermon on the Mountain - the most important of all his teachings. Why is it important?

2. Each person in the class can pick a "blessed" phrase. Ask yourself, what is

Jesus teaching in this phrase?

Who does he elevate or call us to think about?

Do you know anyone who lives this "blessed" life?

3. Some have said that the 12 Beatitudes (blessings) describe Jesus most of all, what do you think?

Memory work:

Memorize the beatitude or “blessed” phrase you chose.

Read Matthew 6:9-13 as a close for class.

1.

What are these words?

2.

Remember that they are given in the Sermon on the Mountain that continues to Matthew 8:1.



Lesson 20

Jesus the healer, miracle worker and teacher


You have been working hard! Thank you for your great learning, questions and conversation. Today we are going to pause, have some food and watch a few video clips that draw out what we have been reading and discussing.

All you need to do today is relax, watch the clips, and at the end of each we will pause to talk about what we see and hear.

(If you need to do this lesson at home, after this week I will have the two DVD’s at the front desk with the scene directions for you to check out and watch).

Closing Prayer and Blessing


Lesson 21

Jesus Enters Jerusalem


1.

Review the location of Jerusalem on your maps. What do you remember about this city?

2.

Where is Bethlehem located in relation to Jerusalem?

3.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus is from Nazareth in Galilee, can you find that on the map?

4.

How many miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem?

5.

What are the 3 main ministry areas of Jesus that we have discussed?

This week's lesson:

Today we will study Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and a few events the first days of that week we now call "Holy Week."

Read Matthew 21: 1-11

1.

How many chapters remain in Matthew's Gospel?

2.

What is interesting about the fact that 20 chapters have been used by

Matthew to talk about Jesus' 33 years, and now he will use 8 chapters to talk about one week of Jesus' life?

3.

Why are the people so excited with Jesus entry into Jerusalem?

4.

What do you know about the Messiah and what the Jews expected the

Messiah to do?

Read Matthew 21: 12-13

5.

What is the first thing that Jesus does after riding into Jerusalem?

6.

What is Jesus angry about?

7.

What do you think about Jesus' anger?

8.

Have you ever thought of Jesus as angry?

Read Matthew 21: 23-27 and Matthew 26: 3-5 and 14-16

All of these stories deal with the tension that begins to grow between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day. How do the religious leaders feel about

Jesus?

9.

Why? What are they uptight about with Jesus?

10.

How do they plot to destroy him?

11.

Who will be the betrayer?

To discuss:

1.

What is the main key in these lessons that you want to remember?

Remember: No class next week, spring break!



Lesson 22

The Last Supper and Garden


Review what the key point in the lesson from last week was for you. Why is it important to remember?

This week's lesson:

Today we study the final moments Jesus spends with His disciples and one of the most important gifts that Jesus gives to you and me.

We will spend the morning in Chapter 26. First - how many verses are there in this chapter?

Are there any other chapters that have as many verses?

Why is this important to remember, what is going on here?

Read Matthew 26: 20-30

1.

What did you just read? What is the gift that Jesus gave to the disciples and has been passed on for 2000 years to us?

2.

What is powerful is that Jesus knows Judas will betray him, and yet still breaks bread with him. What else could Jesus have done?

To discuss:

1. What is different in this version of the Last Supper, are the Words the same as what you are familiar with?

2. What meal are they celebrating as Jews on that night? What is important about that meal - what are they remembering as Jews?

3. What is important about Communion for you?


1.

Here Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him. What will be the sign of the denial?

2.

Then Jesus goes to the garden - what is the name of the garden?

3.

Jesus is in anguish and what do the disciples do?

4.

The lesson ends with Jesus prepared for the betrayer.

To discuss:

1. Why do you think Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper for the disciples and for us?

2. We believe that Jesus is truly present in, with and under the bread and wine at Communion, that Jesus meets us every week at the Communion rail. If

Jesus shares the cup of forgiveness with Judas, what does that mean for your sins?



Lesson 23

The arrest, trial and death of Jesus


Today we make the turn to the most important part of the Bible, and the very center of why we are here, what faith and Church are all about.

Review the events of Holy Week we have discussed. How does the week begin, what events transpire during the week and where did we leave off last week?

This week's lesson:


How does Judas point out Jesus to the guards who come to arrest him.

What is so terrible about this? What does this sign usually reveal about how we feel about someone?

The disciples want to fight and lash out, but what is Jesus' response?

To discuss:

1. In the end, all the disciples desert him and flee. Why?

What would you have done if you had been there?

Would Jesus have let you do it?

2. What could Jesus have called down to help him, if he had wanted?

Read Matthew 26: 57-75 and 27: 11-26

You may have to read this on your own, it is the record of the trial. List who the main religious leaders and political leaders are that place Jesus on trial.

To discuss:

1.

With the Jews, what is Jesus crime?

2. With Pilate, what does he realize about why Jesus is on trial?

3. What does Pilate do in verse 24 and what does this mean?

Quickly read through Matthew 27: 27-54. We will look at this passage more next week.

1.

For today, what is the first thing that jumps out at you within the crucifixion account?

2.

What is interesting or important to you?

3.

Why is it important?

Closing Prayer and Blessing.

11.

12. more:


Lesson 24

The crucifixion


Review the events of Holy Week that lead up to the crucifixion.


There are many things that happen to Jesus in this account. See how many

8.

9.

10.

6.

7.

3.

4. you can list:

1.

2.

5.

To discuss:

1. Why are they so cruel?

2. Why darkness over the land?

3. Why is the temple curtain torn in two - and why top to bottom?

4. What does Jesus death mean?

5. What does Jesus death mean for you? Why did he die for you?

Closing Prayer and blessing


Lesson 25

The Story of Easter


Let’s pause and review what today is, first, because you already studied it and were ready to celebrate today. What are the events that will unfold this week, can we name some of them by the days of this Holy Week?

Review the power of the crucifixion. What will you always remember about the account?

What chapter in Matthew's Gospel tells about the arrest and trial?

What chapter carries the account of the crucifixion?


On the first day of the week, the eighth day for the Jews (Sunday after the Passover) something wonderful happens.

1.

What do you think about the earthquake and the angels?

2.

Where have we seen the angels before?

3.

Why do they return, what does the word 'angel' mean?

To discuss:

1. In verse 8 they run with fear and great joy - what are they afraid of and why so filled with joy?

2. If you were there, what would your reaction have been?

3. Can you imagine seeing someone who has been raised from the dead - frightening and exciting? Would your faith be changed if you saw

Jesus face to face, risen from the dead?


This is the famous text called 'the Great Commission,' or sending out. There are key things to notice in the lesson - first, what does Jesus tell them to do?

And what is Jesus' final promise?

How does this final promise connect to what we talked about way back at

Christmas when we studied about the three Kings, Magi or Wise Men?

To discuss:

1. On the cross, Jesus dies for your sins and mine. On Easter he is raised from the dead to give us life and salvation. All of this can be hard to understand. What is important about Jesus being raised from the dead for you?

2. When life seems to be going wrong, what does Easter Sunday remind you to consider?

3. What does it mean that you are to go and make disciples?

4. What does it mean for you that Jesus is with you always?

Remember, no class next week it is Easter Sunday, the great morning for worship and celebrating how much God loves you and me!



Lesson 26

Easter and Pentecost


Did you have a good Easter Sunday? What did you enjoy about worship and our great faith life together? Did you get together with family or friends to celebrate? What did you have for food?

Today we review a bit about Easter and what happens right after. It is about

Jesus new life and the birth of the Church. You are a part of the Church, the body of Christ. The Church has been and voice of God’s love, hope, care for the poor and a deep life of faith for over 2000 years – amazing!

This week's lesson:

We have finished the study of Jesus' ministry, life, death and resurrection.

But is that the end of the story? No! Following Good Friday and Easter Sunday is the story of the birth of the Church. We would not be sitting here today if it were not for the Book of Acts and what happens after Jesus dies and is raised.

The Road to Emmaus: Read Luke 24: 13-35

After Easter Sunday, in fact for 40 days after, Jesus appeared to his disciples a number of times. This is one of the most famous stories. Lets read it together.

1.

How did they finally know that it was Jesus? Why did they not recognize him, what do you think?

2.

What is fun and interesting about this lesson, for you?

Ascension: Read Luke 24: 44-53

1.

What is this lesson about? What does Jesus tell them to do in verse 49?

2.

What are they to wait for?

To discuss:

1.

If you had just witnessed the death of Jesus and his new life, would you follow his instructions?

2.

How would you feel as you waited? Do you consider yourself a patient person?

Luke and Acts: Read Acts 1: 1-5

What is the first book that is mentioned in Acts 1:1? If you need a little clue, read Luke 1: 1-4.

1.

So who is the writer of a Gospel and the Book of Acts?

Pentecost: Read Acts 2: 1-13

What happens? "Pente" is the Greek word for 5 or 50. The Pentecost is the event 50 days after Easter.

1.

What are the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to the disciples in this event?

2.

What do the other people present think has happened to the disciples?

3.

Why is this called the birthday of the Church?

Read Acts 2:14-41

This is the first great sermon of Peter recorded in the Bible. It is also the first 'sermon' in the history of the Church. What does Peter preach?

1.

What would you have said?

2.

Why does Peter simply tell the story of Jesus?



Lesson 27

Saul Converted to Paul


The four Gospels and then the Book of Acts in the New Testament have been our guide for most of this part of the year. Now we turn to the next part of New

Testament to learn about how the good news of God’s love in Jesus spread throughout the world. We make a large jump over many stories in Acts that are very important. Hopefully you will read Chapters 2-7 on your own at home - they read fast. Today we turn our attention to one of the greatest persecutors of the early Christians who became the greatest missionary of the Church.

1.

What is a persecutor?

2.

What is a missionary?

Read Acts 7: 54 - 8: 1

Stephen was an early Christian preacher who was martyred because of his faith. A martyr is someone killed for what they believe.

1.

Do you know of any recent martyrs?

2.

Who was present at Stephen = s death and approved of the killing?

3.

Who was Saul - any notes in your Bibles that can help?

Read Acts 9: 1 - 9

Take a moment to look at the map and find Jerusalem and Damascus - what is the distance?

1.

What happens to Saul on the road to Damascus?

2.

How many days without sight and why is this number important?

To discuss:

1.

How would you react if Jesus appeared to you on the road somewhere?

2.

If you were Saul’s friend, would you have believed his story?

3.

Why did Jesus convert Saul to Christianity?

4.

What could Saul do for Jesus and the Church that no one else could do?

5.

Like Saul, there is or will be something that you can do for the church and for Jesus that no one else will be able to do. What do you think of that?

Read Acts 9: 10 - 19

1.

What plan does the Lord have for Saul? (Read verse 15 again).

To discuss:

1.

God had a difficult call for Ananias. Would you have had the courage to do what God asked?

2.

What might God want you to do for the person you fear most in the world?

3.

Saul is renamed Paul - why?

4.

What is significant about a new name?

5.

Why might you be renamed at some point?

6.

In the early Church, confirmands were given an additional name at their confirmation, why?

7.

What Biblical name would you choose and why?



Lesson 28

Paul’s Journeys and the Final Books of the Bible


Today we wrap up the year. Thank you so much for a fun year of class, conversation, getting to know each other and some fun! Today will be a quick class, and then next week we will have our end of the year party and wrap up. The remainder of the Book of Acts tells about Paul and his 4 major missionary journeys.

Three of the journeys were round trips, the fourth brought him to Rome where he was martyred. What does it mean that he was martyred?

Paul traveled in the Mediterranean basin, to the regions of modern day Turkey and

Greece. We will pause to learn a quick map trick for this part of the world.

Read Romans 1: 1-7

Paul (who was Saul) wrote 9 letters to the Churches he founded throughout the Mediterranean basin. (4 more to people) Each letter has a structure and style that is important to note. How does this letter begin? Compare it to the beginning of 1 Corinthians.

Ancient letter form: Modern letter form:

Opening:

From: Paul ( the writer)

To: _________

Grace and Peace....

Thanksgiving ( a sort of extended greeting)

The body of the letter (usually Paul starts with teaching and then moves on to practical instructions for life.)

Closing

Open to your table of contents in the Bible. Let’s look at all the letters, some are from Paul and others from friends of Paul or from early disciples.

1.

Write down Paul’s Main Letters:

2.

Write down the letters that are from Paul’s friends:

3.

Write down the other letters that are in the New Testament:

4.

There is one book that does not fit in the letter category, which one is it?

It is a fun, wild and complex book. We could spend the year studying Revelation, but without that kind of time we need to look at the very end to learn what the whole book of about.

Read: Revelation 21: 1-5 and then 22: 1-7

Some say Revelation is scary, some say it predicts the end of the world. For us

Christians who do faith in a Lutheran way, we say Revelation is finally a book of comfort, a book about God’s love and care.

1.

When you read these closing verses of the whole Bible, how do they sound to you? Are they about comfort, love and hope? Where did you hear that?

Next week we will gather for the end of the year party, our little memory work and time to share a few highlights of the year with your parents.

Thank you! Closing prayer or blessing

Zion Lutheran Church Sixth Grade Bible Curriculum My Name: Zion

Zion Lutheran Church

Sixth Grade Bible Curriculum

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