Focus on Jesus
Group Activities

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42

LET'S FOCUS:

Take the children outside at the beginning of class and let each child FOCUS in to some small object using a pair of binoculars. The teacher can have several small objects set up around the designated area on which the children may FOCUS. (Small plastic toys, a painted rock, a children's book.) Ask the children to describe the object on which they have focused. After each child has had a turn, tell them that our Bible story today will help us to learn the importance of our FOCUS in life.

FOCUS PICTURES:

Let each child us a digital camera or smart phone to take a close-up picture of a small object. If possible, project the pictures on a screen and discuss whether the picture is properly focused on the subject. If that is not possible, pass the camera around and let the children view the photo on the camera's viewer.

FOCUS POSTER:

Have the children draw a very small picture of themselves at the side of a sheet of poster board. Next have them cut out a large picture of a Bible and glue it onto the other side of the poster. Title the poster KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON JESUS.

M & M SKIT

- Have children play act out the Bible story while the teacher or another child reads the story. Mary can be sitting at Jesus' feet while Martha prepares the food (at the table the teacher has available for the skit). Let Martha and Jesus SAY their parts of the story.

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

On the chalk board write "Mary knew what was most I__P__R__A__T! She wanted to spend time with __ __ __ __ __. Do you?" Let the children come to the board and fill in one letter until the sentences are completed. Then have the class read the sentences aloud.

FOCUS CHART:

Put a chart on the wall of the classroom. One column can be labeled as IMPORTANT THINGS and the other column can be listed as NOT IMPORTANT. The children will pick a slip of paper from a bag that the teacher has prepared ahead of time. On some slips the teacher will have write something that is IMPORTANT and on other slips the teacher will write something that is NOT IMPORTANT. After the child has drawn a slip of paper out of the bag, he/she will tape the word in the IMPORTANT OR NOT IMPORTANT column.

M & M Snack

- Give out a small package of M & M's as a snack today. Remind the children to think of today's Bible story about Mary and Martha as they eat their snack.