Week 977 · about 45 minutes
Matthew 16
Matthew 16 · Memory verse Matthew 16:6
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (Matthew 16), the matching word search and answer key (Matthew 16 word search), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a folded cloth
Hold a folded cloth. Read Matthew 16 in about four minutes, stopping at Matthew 16:6: “Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”” Ask, “What does this prop have to do with Matthew 16?” Let two children answer, then say the memory verse together.
Story script
Matthew 16 is a real chapter from the New Testament. It starts, “The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.
Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”” Matthew 16 opens with these words: “The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.” The line to keep is Matthew 16:6: “Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”” Carry the word “jesus” from that verse into the rest of the day.
The line worth learning out loud is Matthew 16:6: “Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.
What happens first in Matthew 16? Then try this: Read “Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.
Group game
Walk the room as if you are moving through Matthew 16. Every time you freeze, a child says one word from Matthew 16:6. The last child says the whole verse.
Craft
On a US Letter sheet, draw one picture from Matthew 16 and write Matthew 16:6 under it. Send it home as tonight’s reminder, not as a decoration contest.
Memory verse
Matthew 16:6
“Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.””
Take-home prayer
Father, thank you for Matthew 16. Help us remember Matthew 16:6 when we wake up, and teach us to notice you in an ordinary night. Amen.