The Hard Truth Honesty

HONESTY

LESSON SNAPSHOT BOTTOM LINE: God wants us to always tell the truth, even when it hurts.

OBJECTIVE: Kids will understand why we need to be honest at all times.

KEY PASSAGE: 1 Kings 22:1-28. Micaiah prophesies against Ahab.

MEMORY VERSE: “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” - Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)

SUMMARY: It’s not always easy to tell the truth, especially when telling the truth means getting in trouble. But when we are honest about our failures, people will know we are trustworthy and that our faith is real.

SIMPLE PRAYER: Dear God,

Give us the courage to always speak the truth, even when it hurts, so we can be good witnesses for Jesus.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY

MEMORY VERSE “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” - Proverbs 24:26 (NIV, NIrV)

LARGE GROUP: Split the main group in two. See which group can recite the memory verse from memory the loudest.

SMALL GROUP: Have the kids sit in a circle, then walk around them “Duck, Duck, Goose” style. Kids say the next word in the memory verse as you tap them on the head. (K-2nd)

Have the kids practice saying their memory verse, then see who can say it backwards. (3rd-5th)

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY HONESTY

MEMORY VERSE SKIT

“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” - Proverbs 24:26 (NIV, NIrV) HE DONE IT

LARGE GROUP: ITEMS NEEDED: Split the main group in two. See which group can recite the memory verse from memo- Couches, tables, furniture to look like a fancy house ry the loudest. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: 3M, 1F, 3-6 extras SMALL GROUP: Have the kids sit in a circle, then walk around them “Duck, Duck, Goose” style. Kids CHARACTERS: says the next word in the memory verse as you tap them on the head. (K-2nd) Police Detective Pidgeon Mr. Bruce - a rich man Have the kids practice saying their memory verse, then see who can say it backwards. Mrs. Bruce - a rich lady (3rd-5th) Meadows - the butler Other household servants

The Bruces, Meadows, and all the servants are sitting and standing on stage. Detective Pidgeon addresses them all in melodramatic fashion.

PIDGEON: I suppose you’re wondering why you’re all here. I’ve called you here because one of you is a murderer. On April 14, Mr. Benson Brown was shot right here in this drawing room while visiting stately Bruce Manor. Now, after a thorough investiga- tion, I will tell you how it was done - and by whom.

MR. BRUCE: Well hurry along with it, detective. I’m due at the supper club in an hour.

PIDGEON: Relax, Mr. Bruce. You will not miss your supper. When Mr. Brown ar rived on the 13th...

MEADOWS: Okay, enough, all right. You got me. I confess, it was me. I, Meadows, the butler. I--

PIDGEON: Excuse me, Meadows, I was talking.

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH SKIT

MEADOWS: And I’m saving you the trouble. I confess. I shot Mr. Brown. Take me to jail.

MRS. BRUCE: You, Meadows?

MEADOWS: Yes, it was me. I never liked Mr. Brown. He snored, he chewed with his mouth open, he walked across the south lawn where the sign says “Do not walk on the grass.” He was a bad person, and when he beat me in pool that night, I got my gun, came in here and shot him.

PIDGEON: On the 13th, when Mr. Brown arrived, he...

MR. BRUCE: Oh please stop, Inspector. Meadows just confessed. I don’t know why he confessed, but he did.

PIDGEON: But don’t you want to know how?

MEADOWS: I told you, I got my gun and I shot him. Bang! Right where you’re standing.

PIDGEON: What about the motive?

MRS. BRUCE: He told us that too. He snored, he chewed with his mouth open, he walked across the south lawn. He was just a bad person.

MR. BRUCE: He was my friend. Always was. But he did snore loudly.

MEADOWS: There you go, case solved. Arrest me.

PIDGEON: Arrest you?

MR. BROWN: Yes, arrest him. He’s guilty. And he’s also fired.

MEADOWS: I completely understand, sir.

MR. BROWN: Good man.

PIDGEON: Why would you do that? Why would you ruin my moment? I was going to reveal you!

MEADOWS: And I saved you the trouble. Now everyone can get on with their night, and you can be the hero.

PIDGEON: But why?? Why did you confess?

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH SKIT SKIT

MEADOWS: And I’m saving you the trouble. I confess. I shot Mr. Brown. Take me to jail. MEADOWS: Because I was always taught never to tell a lie. I should always tell the truth, even if telling the truth hurts me. MRS. BRUCE: You, Meadows? MR. BROWN: How admirable, Meadows. You have inspired me to make a confession MEADOWS: Yes, it was me. I never liked Mr. Brown. He snored, he chewed with his of my own. I stole the Meridian Diamond. mouth open, he walked across the south lawn where the sign says “Do not walk on the grass.” He was a bad person, and when he beat me in pool that night, I got my gun, PIDGEON: The Meridian Diamond? That vanished thirty years ago. came in here and shot him. MR. BROWN: I know. That’s when I stole it. I sold it on the black market, and that’s how PIDGEON: On the 13th, when Mr. Brown arrived, he... I made my fortune.

MR. BRUCE: Oh please stop, Inspector. Meadows just confessed. I don’t know why he MRS. BROWN: Darling, is this true? confessed, but he did. MR. BROWN: Yes, I’m afraid so. PIDGEON: But don’t you want to know how? MRS. BROWN: In that case I better be honest too. I am not the daughter of Baron and MEADOWS: I told you, I got my gun and I shot him. Bang! Right where you’re standing. Baroness von Trapp, (suddenly has a Southern accent) but plain old Janie Lee Hicks from Waxahatchie, Texas, y’all. PIDGEON: What about the motive? MR. BROWN: Well isn’t that interesting? Of course you know that since you lied to me, MRS. BRUCE: He told us that too. He snored, he chewed with his mouth open, he you get nothing of my money. walked across the south lawn. He was just a bad person. MRS. BROWN: It’s okay, sugar booger, I’m just so happy not to have to hide my accent. MR. BRUCE: He was my friend. Always was. But he did snore loudly. PIDGEON: Okay, enough confessing! I’m here to arrest someone for murder. MEADOWS: There you go, case solved. Arrest me. MEADOWS: That’s me. PIDGEON: Arrest you? MR. BROWN: Better arrest me for that diamond too, old chap. I’m as guilty as he is. MR. BROWN: Yes, arrest him. He’s guilty. And he’s also fired. PIDGEON: Fine, come along, both of you. MEADOWS: I completely understand, sir. MRS. BROWN: Take me too, please! MR. BROWN: Good man. PIDGEON: What for? You didn’t do anything. PIDGEON: Why would you do that? Why would you ruin my moment? I was going to reveal you! MRS. BROWN: No, but I could use a lift to the bus station!

MEADOWS: And I saved you the trouble. Now everyone can get on with their night, and All four leave together. The other servants look at each other. you can be the hero. SERVANT 1: I never liked those people anyway. PIDGEON: But why?? Why did you confess? All the servants shake their heads and leave.

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY

OBJECT LESSON OR KIDS SERMON ITEMS NEEDED: A Monopoly board game

How many of you know the game of Monopoly?

Now be honest - how many of you know how to cheat at Monopoly?

There’s something about the game of Monopoly that leads people to try and cheat. What are some of the things you’ve done - or caught others doing - to cheat?

Let the kids share some examples. Have them act out or show how they perform some of these cheats using the game board and pieces.

This demonstration wasn’t to teach you how to cheat at Monopoly. It’s to remind you that sometimes, we lie to protect ourselves. In Monopoly we don’t want to lose. We steal, we hide things, we conceal the truth in order to get ahead. We lie because we don’t want to lose.

All of us have told lies to try and get out of trouble. Those little lies may work, but if you get caught, you end up in even bigger trouble than if you had just admitted the truth. God wants us to be truthful, even if it means getting in trouble. Honest people who admit the truth will have to pay for their mistakes, but in the end they will also strengthen their witness for Jesus.

Being honest isn’t always easy, but it shows others that Jesus is real in our hearts. It may cost you a little in the moment, but God can use our honesty to lead others to Christ.

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY HONESTY

OBJECT LESSON OR KIDS SERMON LARGE GROUP GAME ITEMS NEEDED: WHOOPEE CUSHION A Monopoly board game ITEMS NEEDED: How many of you know the game of Monopoly? A couch A whoopee cushion Now be honest - how many of you know how to cheat at Monopoly? INSTRUCTIONS: There’s something about the game of Monopoly that leads people to try and cheat. Set the whoopee cushion under one of the three cushions on the couch. Choose three What are some of the things you’ve done - or caught others doing - to cheat? players for this game. In order of birth date (January 1 to December 31), let the players pick which cushion they will sit on. Have all three sit down at once. Whomever sits on Let the kids share some examples. Have them act out or show how they perform some the whoopee cushion is the winner. of these cheats using the game board and pieces. VARIATION: This demonstration wasn’t to teach you how to cheat at Monopoly. It’s to remind you A balloon is a good, non- latulent alternative to the whoopee cushion. that sometimes, we lie to protect ourselves. In Monopoly we don’t want to lose. We steal, we hide things, we conceal the truth in order to get ahead. We lie because we WHAT'S THE POINT: don’t want to lose. It can be hard to tell the truth, when it makes us look bad. But just like this game once we've made our choice we have to stick with it and be honest about it even if it All of us have told lies to try and get out of trouble. Those little lies may work, but if you embarasses us. get caught, you end up in even bigger trouble than if you had just admitted the truth. God wants us to be truthful, even if it means getting in trouble. Honest people who admit the truth will have to pay for their mistakes, but in the end they will also strengthen their witness for Jesus.

Being honest isn’t always easy, but it shows others that Jesus is real in our hearts. It may cost you a little in the moment, but God can use our honesty to lead others to Christ.

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY

LARGE GROUP LESSON

BOTTOM LINE: God wants us to always tell the truth, even when it hurts.

OBJECTIVE: Kids will understand why we need to be honest at all times.

KEY PASSAGE: 1 Kings 22:1-28. Micaiah prophesies against Ahab.

INTRO: If you did a study of all the lies told every year, the one that would probably come up on top is, “I didn’t do it.” “I didn’t do it” is the natural, gut response that we all have when we are accused of doing something wrong. We say “I didn’t do it” to get out of trouble, to deny responsibility, to clear our names. But “I didn’t do it” usually comes back to haunt us when the truth comes out.

“I didn’t do it” was the first response that a number of baseball players gave when they were accused of taking performance enhancing drugs. “I didn’t do it” was an easy excuse because the players knew there was no test for the drugs they used. But “I didn’t do it” came back to haunt many of these players when other evidence came up that proved they DID do it.

We hear “I didn’t do it” from athletes who cheat, from politicians who break rules, and from celebrities who think they’re above the law. We hear it every day in school, and I bet most kids use it regularly in school.

Sometimes “I didn’t do it” isn’t a lie. Very often, people are telling the truth when they use those words. But “I didn’t do it” is used so frequently by those who did do it, “I didn’t do it” isn’t enough to clear your name. If you want to be a person people believe when you say, “I didn’t do it,” you need to be a person who can also say, “I did it.”

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH LARGE GROUP LESSON

Those are hard words to say, especially if they get you in trouble. But if you can learn to tell the truth, even when it means getting in trouble, you will become a person everyone will trust.

HONESTY Today’s Bible story is about a man who showed great courage in telling the truth. Telling a lie would have been very easy, but this man valued his honest reputation more than the favor of an angry king.

READ: LARGE GROUP LESSON Read 1 Kings 22:1-28

BOTTOM LINE: MAIN POINT: God wants us to always tell the truth, even when it hurts. When you stand before an angry king like Ahab, you don’t want to be the bearer of bad news. Ahab was as wicked a king as you’ll find in the Old Testament. He hunted down OBJECTIVE: and killed many of God’s prophets for telling the truth. It’s not surprising most of the Kids will understand why we need to be honest at all times. prophets in his court told the king what he wanted to hear instead of the truth.

KEY PASSAGE: Micaiah had a reputation for honesty. We know this because Ahab complains about 1 Kings 22:1-28. Micaiah prophesies against Ahab. how Micaiah never says anything nice to him! Micaiah spoke the truth because he feared God more than Ahab. God had entrusted Micaiah with a calling to speak the INTRO: truth and call Israel back to God. He valued his reputation before God more than he val- If you did a study of all the lies told every year, the one that would probably come up on ued protecting himself from trouble. That’s the kind of courage we need to tell the truth, top is, “I didn’t do it.” “I didn’t do it” is the natural, gut response that we all have when even when it costs us something. we are accused of doing something wrong. We say “I didn’t do it” to get out of trouble, to deny responsibility, to clear our names. But “I didn’t do it” usually comes back to DRIVE IT HOME: haunt us when the truth comes out. Admitting the truth isn’t easy for anyone, kid or grown-up. Our natural reaction is to protect ourselves. It might have been an accident when your baseball went through your “I didn’t do it” was the first response that a number of baseball players gave when they Mom’s favorite lamp, but it’s still your responsibility. Are you going to cover it up and lie, were accused of taking performance enhancing drugs. “I didn’t do it” was an easy ex- or are you going to be honest and truthful? cuse because the players knew there was no test for the drugs they used. But “I didn’t do it” came back to haunt many of these players when other evidence came up that Being honest means you’re going to have to pay for what you did. Maybe you get proved they DID do it. banned from playing ball for a while. Maybe you have to use your allowance to fix or re- place that lamp. But in the long run, your parents will see you as a trustworthy person. We hear “I didn’t do it” from athletes who cheat, from politicians who break rules, and They’ll know that when you tell them something, you are being truthful. You’ll gain trust from celebrities who think they’re above the law. We hear it every day in school, and I with them, with others, and with God. bet most kids use it regularly in school. An honest reputation is a rare and valuable thing. It will help you in your education and Sometimes “I didn’t do it” isn’t a lie. Very often, people are telling the truth when they in your future career. More important, it will show others that Jesus is really in your use those words. But “I didn’t do it” is used so frequently by those who did do it, “I didn’t heart. Yes, it may cost you a little along the way when you have to pay for something do it” isn’t enough to clear your name. If you want to be a person people believe when you messed up, but in the end, your honest reputation will show others that your faith in you say, “I didn’t do it,” you need to be a person who can also say, “I did it.” God is no lie. Just like Micaiah, God will use you to point others to Christ.

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH LARGE GROUP LESSON

It’s not easy saying, “I did it.” It’s not easy to tell the truth when it means getting in trouble. But telling the truth is what will set you apart from the world. Show your parents, teachers, and friends that your faith is real. Be honest. Be truthful, no matter what the cost. God is looking for people like Micaiah to share the truth about Jesus.

CLOSE WITH A SIMPLE PRAYER: Dear God,

Give us the courage to always speak the truth, even when it hurts, so we can be good witnesses for Jesus.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION (K-2ND) ICEBREAKER: What’s the worst thing you ever broke around the house? MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITY Proverbs 24:26 Have the kids sit in a circle, then walk around them “Duck, Duck, Goose” style. Kids say the next word in the memory verse as you tap them on the head. SMALL GROUP GAME/ACTIVITY Have the kids act out the story of Micaiah as you re-read the story to them. Assign roles to each child and give them cues when to act. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Read 2 Kings 22:1-28 Who was Micaiah? What did Ahab ask his prophets? Why did all the other prophets lie? Why did Micaiah tell the truth? Why should we always tell the truth even if it gets us in trouble? SIMPLE PRAYER Dear God, Forgive us for the times when we lie to protect ourselves. Teach us to be honest in all things so we may be a better witness for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION (3-5TH) ICEBREAKER What’s the worst thing you ever broke around the house? MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITY Proverbs 24:26 Have the kids practice saying their memory verse, then see who can say it backwards. SMALL GROUP GAME/ACTIVITY Have the kids act out the story of Micaiah as you re-read the story to them. Assign roles to each child and give them cues when to act. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 2 Kings 22:1-28 Why did the false prophets tell Ahab what he wanted to hear? Why did Micaiah tell Ahab what God said? What are some things we lie about to get out of trouble? Why is it important to always tell the truth? How can telling the truth make us better witnesses for Jesus? SIMPLE PRAYER Dear God, Forgive us for the times when we lie to protect ourselves. Teach us to be honest in all things so we may be a better witness for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH HONESTY

POWERPOINT REVIEW GAME Ahab was a A. good king B. wicked king* C. prophet

Ahab wanted ______to go to war with him. A. Jehoshaphat* B. Micaiah C. Elijah

Ahab didn’t like Micaiah because he A. wasn’t a Jew B. didn’t tell Ahab what he wanted to hear* C. was a lousy dinner guest

Micaiah told Ahab that if he went into battle A. his side would win B. he would die C. A and B*

Telling the truth even when it gets us in trouble can A. never do us any good B. ruin our reputation C. make us better witnesses for Jesus*

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH 5 Simple Ways You Can Make This Lesson Stick With Your Kids

THIS WEEK’S LESSON: THE HARD TRUTH

IN THE CAR: Ask your child what they learned about this week on the drive home: Today we talked about telling the truth, even if it costs us something. No one likes to get in trouble, but when we’ve done something wrong, the right thing to do is tell the truth. Telling the truth, even when it costs us, will enhance our witness for Jesus and make us trustworthy people.

HANGING OUT: Make this week’s lesson real: Look for a teachable moment this week with the kids. When something happens around the house, encourage them to come clean. Don’t take away consequences, but make it a real life opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. If you’re the one who messes up this week - be sure that YOU do the same!

AT DINNER: Here are some great discussion starters: - Who was Micaiah, and how did he show courage telling the truth? - Can you remember a time you wanted to (or did) lie to get out of trouble? - How can telling on yourself and admitting the truth make people think better of you in the long run?

AT BEDTIME: Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” - Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)

PARENT TIME: What you need to know: Sometimes telling the truth takes great courage. When your kids are in that position this week, make it safe for them to admit their mistakes. Offer correction and give them a way to make things right. And if you find yourself in their shoes, be quick to admit your mistake and make amends to set an example for them.

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH ESTY ESTY HON HON “An on honest answer is like a kiss “An on honest answer is like a kiss - Proverbs 24:26 5 Simple Ways You Can Make This Lesson Stick With Your Kids - Proverbs 24:26 the lips.” the lips.”

THIS WEEK’S LESSON: THE HARD TRUTH

“An on honest answer is like a kiss “An on honest answer is like a kiss AT DINNER: Here are some great discussion starters: - Who was Micaiah, and how did he show courage telling the truth?

- Can you remember a time you wanted to (or did) lie to get out of trouble? - Proverbs 24:26 - Proverbs 24:26 - How can telling on yourself and admitting the truth make people think better of you in the long run? the lips.” the lips.”

AT BEDTIME: Quiz your child on this week’s memory verse: “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” - Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)

HONESTY: THE HARD TRUTH

When Truth Hurts Being honest, no matter what the cost.

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ACROSS DOWN

1 Jehoshaphat was 2 Ahab was king of ____ of Judah this country 3 Micaiah's occupation 4 Micaiah was not 5 The false prophets afraid to tell the _____ to Ahab ______because they were afraid 6 King _____ was a wicked king

When Truth Hurts Being honest, no matter what the cost.

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