Lesson 45 - Philip
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? (Acts 8:35-36)
Philip's Call to Go South
Parent Explanation:
God sent an angel to tell Philip to go on a special trip down a desert road. Philip listened and went, ready to help someone.
Questions to Ask:
Where did God tell Philip to go? (Answer: On a road going south to Gaza)
What did Philip do when God spoke to him? (Answer: He went where God told him)
Hand Motions:
Walking Gesture: March in place to show Philip traveling.
Listening Ears: Cup hands around ears, indicating listening carefully.
Activities:
Listening Game: Play a fun game where kids follow directions, like "Simon Says" to practice listening and obeying.
Interactive Question: How do you show you are listening?
Meeting the Ethiopian
Parent Explanation:
Philip saw a man from Ethiopia in a big chariot. God told Philip to go over and stay close to the chariot because the man needed help understanding something he was reading.
Questions to Ask:
Who did Philip meet on the road? (Answer: The Ethiopian official)
What was the Ethiopian doing? (Answer: Reading)
Hand Motions:
Rolling Wheels: Move hands in circles like wheels rolling (chariot).
Pointing Gesture: Point forward, mimicking Philip being directed towards the chariot.
Activities:
Chariot Craft: Create simple chariot crafts using cardboard and coloring materials.
Question: Have you ever helped someone who needed it?
Reading Isaiah Together
Parent Explanation:
The man was confused by what he was reading from the Bible. Philip asked if he could help explain it, and the man was very happy to get help.
Questions to Ask:
What book was the Ethiopian reading? (Answer: Isaiah)
What did Philip do to help? (Answer: He explained the reading)
Hand Motions:
Turning Pages: Pretend to flip through a book.
Talking Hands: Move hands as if explaining something important.
Activities:
Story Time: Read a simple Bible story and discuss it to practice understanding.
Question: What do you do when you don’t understand something?
Explaining the Good News
Parent Explanation:
Philip told the Ethiopian all about Jesus and how He came to love and save us, just like it was promised long ago in the Bible.
Questions to Ask:
Who did Philip tell the Ethiopian about? (Answer: Jesus)
Why is it important to share stories about Jesus? (Discuss spreading good news)
Hand Motions:
Heart Hands: Place hands over heart to signify talking about Jesus’ love.
Spreading Arms Wide: Stretch arms out wide to show sharing the good news to others.
Activities:
Good News Badges: Create badges that say "Jesus Loves You" for kids to wear.
Question: What good thing about Jesus can you tell your friends?
The Ethiopian's Baptism
Parent Explanation:
The Ethiopian was so happy to learn about Jesus that he wanted to be baptized. After Philip baptized him, he went home very happy.
Questions to Ask:
What did the Ethiopian do after learning about Jesus? (Answer: He was baptized)
How did the Ethiopian feel afterwards? (Answer: Very happy)
Hand Motions:
Water Splashing Gesture: Pretend to splash water gently.
Joyful Jumping: Jump up and down to show the Ethiopian’s happiness.
Activities:
Water Play: Use water play to simulate baptism and discuss its meaning.
Favorite Part: What makes you happy about being friends with Jesus?