Lesson #2-14 Isaiah 40:1-11

Sunday, December 8, 2019 Lesson #2-14 rd th 3 -6 Isaiah 40:1-11

Key Verse: “Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5

The Point: We can trust that God will bring us home to God’s kingdom.

Making Connections: Promises Made, Promises Kept

Bible Nuts & Bolts: Exile and Return

Spiritual Practice: Worship

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

 Bible  Whiteboard or mural paper Talk about receiving comfort.  Marker  Comfort items

 Activity Sheet #2-14.A  Internet-connected devices Explore the history of the exile.  Optional: printed maps and timelines, Bibles containing maps and timelines

 Bibles

Use movement to tell the story.

 “Comfort Ye People” and “Every Valley” movements of Handel’s “Messiah” Worship in song.  Music player

 Bible  Strips of paper Share words of comfort with others.  Pens, pencils, or markers  Tape

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

 Bibles  Construction paper Make an art reminder of Isaiah 40:3.  Glue  Paintbrushes  Newspaper  Colored art sand

 Jumbo and mini marshmallows  Pretzel sticks Make snacks that look like sheep.  Plates  Napkins  Optional: oat ring cereal, mini chocolate chips, white frosting, plastic knives

 Bible Book page (found at end of lesson)  Cardstock or plain paper Optional ongoing activity.  Pens or pencils  Markers or crayons  Optional: three-ring binders, hole punch

 None

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Making Connections The Point Last week we heard the story of Josiah finding a We can trust that God will bring us home to scroll. This week brings some of the words of the God’s kingdom. prophet Isaiah. The prophecy at the center of Just like the people of Judah, we also face many trials today’s lesson brought hope and comfort to God’s and tribulations in our lives. There are many events people as God keeps promises made to God’s that make us feel sad, lost, or separated—both from people, even in the midst of difficult times. God and from other people. However, Isaiah’s prophecy remains true for us, too. Although things Story Summary: may change, and times may get tough, God’s Word is Comfort, Comfort My People forever true and God will always be present in our lives. We can take comfort in the fact that our God The text in Isaiah 40:1-11 is familiar to many will triumph and rule forever. people. The prophecy from Isaiah reminds us that God is present and is coming. Sometimes this passage is used in the prophecies that look to the Bible Nuts & Bolts: coming of the Messiah. (In Handel’s composition Exile and Return “Messiah,” several verses of this passage are Today’s story can be placed in the historical narrative featured in the music.) during the time of the Babylonian exile. This exile, also known as the Babylonian captivity, lasted from Today’s text enters the biblical narrative at the approximately 605 BCE until about 539 BCE. During time when God’s people were in captivity away this time, many of God’s people in Judah were from their homeland. It is difficult to leave home banished from their homeland and taken to Babylon. for a place that you barely know; imagine how In Scripture, the texts in several of the prophetic much more difficult it was for God’s people to be books (for example, Isaiah and Jeremiah) brought forcibly taken from their homes by their enemies. words of hope to those who were away from their Isaiah’s prophecy brought comfort to God’s home. people by reminding them that God was near and would be coming to rescue them. The words of Spiritual Practice: Worship this text remind God’s people that God will always We need to hear God’s words of comfort and hope. rule and the freedom given to them when leaving As we come together in worship, many of us are Egypt will always be there. Furthermore, the text dealing with difficult and painful times. We need to reminds God’s people that God’s Word is be reminded that God promises to be with us, and forever—it will never desert them when things that other people are with us as well. In turn, we go change. out from worship to help others through their challenging times.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th)  December 8, 2019

Talk about receiving comfort.

You will need:  Bible  Whiteboard or mural paper  Comfort items

Before class: 1. Gather items that represent comfort, such as stuffed animals, blankets, food, a photo, etc.

During class: 1. Sometimes we go through periods of our lives when we need to be comforted. Maybe something bad happened to us, or maybe we are sad. When that happens, we might turn to something to make us feel better. 2. Show students your chosen object. Tell them about the object: where it comes from and how it comforts you. 3. We all have things that bring us comfort when we need it. What are some of the things that bring you comfort? Let’s make a list. 4. Use the whiteboard or paper and marker to make a list of what might bring comfort to people. 5. Show students the Bible. There are many things that bring comfort to people. Sometimes these things come from this book right here. What is this? [A Bible.] Yes, it is a Bible. The Bible is full of words or stories that can help people when they feel sad or lost or lonely. Today’s story has some words of comfort for God’s people.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Explore the history of the exile.

You will need:  Activity Sheet #2-14.A  Internet-connected devices  Optional: printed maps and timelines, Bibles containing maps and timelines

Before class: 1. Make a copy of Activity Sheet #2-14.A. Practice reading through the story. 2. Print out copies of maps or timelines of the Babylonian exile for students to look at while you tell the story. You can find maps and timelines by searching “Babylonian exile” on Google or by looking at the following links. Some Bibles may also include maps and timelines. 3. http://www.bible-history.com/map_babylonian_captivity/ map_of_the_deportation_of_judah_timeline_of_events.html 4. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/babyloniamap.html

During class: 1. Have you ever heard of the word “exile?” What does that mean? 2. When someone or something is in exile, they are sent away from their homeland by another person or by a decree. Once, a long time ago, God’s people were sent into exile and were away from their home for a very long time. 3. Show students the maps and timelines, and read the story from Activity Sheet #2-14.A. 4. How would you feel if you were exiled? [Sad, upset, scared, lost, etc.] 5. How do you think God’s people felt when they were in exile? [Sad, lost, scared, mad, etc.] 6. Show students the Bible. Can we learn things from the Bible? [Yes!] God’s people were probably sad and lost while they were in exile. They were without their home! Today’s story brought comfort and hope to God’s people while they were in exile.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Use movement to tell the story.

You will need:  Bibles

During class: 1. Give each student a Bible. Help them find Isaiah 40:1-11. 2. Today’s story comes from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet who brought God’s Word to the people. Let’s read the story together first. 3. Read the story as a group. Then, split students into small groups of three or four students each. With your small groups, I want to you read the story again and create a twenty-second dance that tells the story, without using words. 4. Give groups about five minutes to create their dances. Then, invite groups to share their dances with the rest of the class. 5. After concluding the activity, use the following questions to discuss the story:  How could God’s people find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah? [The passage tells them to find comfort, God is coming, God will lead and guide them.]  Why do you think Isaiah said these words of comfort and hope to people? [To remind them that God loves them and is with them, to remind them that they are not alone.] 6. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, God’s people were in exile—they were away from their home in an unfamiliar land. Isaiah’s prophecy brought them hope and comfort during uncertain times because it reminded them that God would always be with them and be on their side.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Worship in song.

You will need:  “Comfort Ye People” and “Every Valley” movements of Handel’s “Messiah”  Music player

Before class: 1. Find copies of the songs from Handel’s Messiah. They are available on You Tube.

During class: 1. Did you know that we can hear the words of today’s story in song? These songs are from a longer piece of music called “Messiah.” These songs were written by the composer Handel. Let’s listen to the songs and see how the lyrics are the same as the words of Isaiah. As we listen, we can quietly worship and praise God through this beautiful music. 2. Play the recordings for the class. 3. After listening, discuss the following questions:  How are the words of the song similar to Isaiah’s prophecy?  How are the words of the song different from Isaiah’s prophecy?  How do the words of these songs bring comfort and hope to people?

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Share words of comfort with others.

You will need:  Bible  Strips of paper  Pens, pencils, or markers  Tape

Before class: 1. Cut sheets of 8 1/2” x 11” paper into strips (about two or three per student). Strips should be 11” long by about 2” wide.

During class: 1. There are times in our lives when we need the comfort of God’s Word. Sometimes others need the comfort of God’s Word, too. One way we share the comfort of God’s Word with others is by telling them what we hear or read in the Bible. 2. Give each student several strips of paper and a Bible. In the Bible, help students find Isaiah 40:8. 3. Let’s read Isaiah 40:8 together. Read the verse. According to this verse, God’s Word will always be there, no matter what happens. Let’s make reminders of this verse for both ourselves and for others. 4. Invite students to write the verse on each of the strips of paper. Give each student a piece of tape and have them tape the strip around their wrist like a bracelet. 5. You may notice that you have more than one strip of paper. This slip of paper is for someone else you know who might need a word of comfort. You can give it to a friend, a family member, or someone else. When you give that person their bracelet, tell them about how Isaiah brought hope to God’s people. By being a friend to someone else, you will help them find comfort through God’s Word.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Make an art reminder of Isaiah 40:3.

You will need:  Bibles  Construction paper  Glue  Paintbrushes  Newspaper  Colored art sand

Before class: 1. This activity is messy. If possible, you may wish to do this activity outdoors or as your last activity so that cleanup is easier.

During class: 1. Read Isaiah 40:3 from a Bible. In this Bible verse, we are reminded that God is coming and will always be with us. Let’s make a reminder of this verse! 2. Place newspaper on your work surface. Give each student a sheet of construction paper and a paintbrush. 3. Invite students to use the glue and sand to make a picture that reminds them of the Bible verse. Students should paint an image with the glue and then sprinkle sand on top of the glue. 4. If you have time, invite students to share their pictures with the rest of the class.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Make snacks that look like sheep.

You will need:  Jumbo and mini marshmallows  Pretzel sticks  Plates  Napkins  Optional: oat ring cereal, mini chocolate chips, white frosting, plastic knives

Before class: 1. Before serving any food, always check with participants or caregivers for students who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary. 2. If desired, students can “glue” things together with the frosting.

During class: 1. In our story today, we hear about God caring for God’s people in the same way that a shepherd cares for his sheep. To help us remember the story, we are going to be creative with our snack. Using these marshmallows and pretzel sticks, you can make yourself a snack. Try to make it look like a sheep. 2. You can have students share their creations before they eat, if desired.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Optional ongoing activity.

You will need:  Bible Book page (found at end of lesson)  Cardstock or plain paper  Pens or pencils  Markers or crayons  Optional: three-ring binders, hole punch

Before class: 1. Make copies of this week’s Bible Book page on cardstock or copy paper for each student.

During class: 1. Hand out Bible Book pages. 2. What are some of the important things we have learned from today’s story? [Answers will vary.] 3. On the bottom of your page, please write one or two important things that you have learned from the story today. In the middle of the page, draw a picture from the story or illustrate one of the important things you’ve learned. Don’t forget to put your name on the back of the page, please! 4. Optional: Collect and three-hole punch the pages, and put them in individual binders for each student to be kept at church until the end of the year. If you wish, you can investigate other options for binding the Bible books through a local print shop at the end of the year instead of using a three-ring binder.

Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th) December 8, 2019

Before ending class, make a point to come together to pray. Use the following or say your own prayer. Allow any students who would like to include a petition to do so at the appropriate time.

Dear God, You gave comfort to your people while they were in exile. Help us remember that you are always with us and bring us comfort when we need it. Amen.

Activity Sheet #2-14.A Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th)  December 8, 2019

Explore the history of the exile.

The Babylonian Exile

Once, a long, long time ago, the people of God took a journey.

It wasn’t a normal journey, though. This journey took God’s people away from their homes and to a new land. They left their homes in Judah and were exiled, or sent away, to Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon. He entered Jerusalem (in Judah) and took the Judean king captive. He destroyed the temple and then began to destroy the city. Nothing was left after King Nebuchadnezzar took control.

The king of Babylon didn’t just destroy Jerusalem. Instead, the Babylonians began to rule over the people of Judah and many of them were sent into captivity in Babylon. This was not an easy time for God’s people! They were forced away from their homes by strangers, by people who forced them to change their lives.

The exile to Babylon lasted for over fifty years! When the exile ended and the people of Judah could return home, many did. Some stayed in Babylon and created their own new communities.

The Babylonian exile lasted for a long time. However, the prophets brought words of hope to God’s people during this time, and eventually the time of captivity was over and people could return to their homeland. The journey was difficult, but the people of Judah survived!

Bible Book Lesson #2-14 (3rd-6th)  December 8, 2019

Isaiah 40:1-11

3rd-6th

Living the Word: Teaching Kids God’s Story Lesson #2-14 Narrative Lectionary, Year 2 (2019-2020) Isaiah 40:1-11

This week the prophet Jeremiah was still looking to the future with hope, even though the destruction and disaster prophesied by Huldah was about to happen (Jeremiah 33:14-18).

This week, Isaiah continues the theme of consolation. The army eventually conquered Jerusalem and its people were sent into exile. Isaiah reminds the people that God still loves them and will restore the city (Isaiah 40:1-11).

Today’s text enters the biblical narrative at the time when God’s people were in captivity away from their homeland. It is difficult to leave home for a place that you barely know; imagine how much more difficult it We can trust that God will bring us home to God’s was for God’s people to be forcibly taken from their kingdom. homes by their enemies. Isaiah’s prophecy brought comfort to God’s people by reminding them that God was near and would be coming to rescue them. The words of this text remind God’s people that God will always rule and the freedom given to them when leaving Egypt will always be there. Exile and Return Today’s story can be placed in the historical narrative during the time of the Babylonian exile. This exile, We need to hear God’s words of comfort and hope. also known as the Babylonian captivity, lasted from As we come together in worship, many of us are approximately 605 BCE until about 539 BCE. dealing with difficult and painful times. We need to During this time, many of God’s people in Judah be reminded that God promises to be with us, and were exiled from their homeland and taken to that other people are with us as well. In turn, we go Babylon. In Scripture, the texts in several of the out from worship to help others through their prophetic books (for example, Isaiah and Jeremiah) challenging times. As a family, listen to selections of brought words of hope to those who were away Handle’s “Messiah” together. from their home.

Next week, we see the prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah are fulfilled as the people return from exile and begin to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. God has kept God’s promise! (Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13).

© 2014-2019 Spirit and Truth Publishing—All Rights Reserved @ HOME Lesson #2-14 Isaiah 40:1-11 Family Discussions Use the questions below or other questions you think of to discuss today’s Scripture reading (listed above) with your family.  In what way does this text teach about the theme of Promises Made, Promises Kept?  What does this scripture have to do with our lives today?  What part of this scripture is the most interesting to you? Why?

Family Devotions As you hear and study these stories each week, consider what God has to say to you and your family. What is God’s message to us? How should we respond?

Sunday—Read Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort my people. Find your favorite comfort object. Explain how it gives you comfort. Monday—Read Isaiah 40:25-31 Eagle’s wings. Search for the song “On Eagle’s Wings” on the Internet, and listen to it as a family. Tuesday—Read Isaiah 49:1-6 The servant’s mission. Light a candle. In what ways are you a light to other people? Wednesday—Read Isaiah 50:4-9 Help comes from God. Share a story about a difficult time that God helped you through. Thursday—Read Isaiah 53:1-9 A suffering servant. This passage predicts the birth of Christ. How does it compare to the image we find in Luke 2? Friday—Read Isaiah 55:1-5 Come to the waters. Enjoy a meal together while you read this text. Saturday—Read Isaiah 55:6-13 God’s word accomplishes its purpose. Draw a picture of what you imagine when you hear these words.