This is a variation on an old object lesson I taught. This teaching shows kids that only Christ can carry their sins. It’s especially effective for teaching when talking about what happened on the cross. You’ll have to gather a few supplies but you’ll love this object lesson so much that you should probably record it so you can show it again.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Sturdy adult backpack
- Rocks
- Sheets of paper
- Rubber bands
- Markers
- Cross or posterboard with a cross drawn on it
Before class:
- Write the word “SIN” on each sheet of paper. Make it large and dark so people can see it.
- Wrap each rock with a sheet of paper, SIN side out. Keep the paper in place by sliding rubber bands around it.
- Choose volunteers to help you with this object lesson or give each child a rock to hold.
- Tape up your picture of the cross or set a cross up in the teaching area.
- Put on the backpack, leaving the top unzipped so you are ready to teach. (You should sit in a chair while kids put the rocks in.)
Say: Gee, I see a lot of sins out there today. I don’t want to see you carry those sins around. They get heavy don’t they? (Let kids answer.) Suzie (or any child) you look like you are ready to drop that rock. Here come put your rock in my backpack. I will carry it for you. (Suzy will put the rock in the backpack.) Now let’s see how well I stand. (Stand up and smile.) That’s pretty easy. I think I can carry some more sins for you all. Let’s have the next child come leave his sins with me. (Pick another child. Stand up again but don’t smile.) Say, that’s a little heavier but I can keep going. How about…(Keep picking children to bring their rocks up. Each time sit in the chair and allow them to deposit rocks in the backpack. Each time try to get out of the chair.
At the very last, say, I guess I can’t carry everyone’s sins. (Shed the backpack carefully.) The truth is I can’t even carry my owns sins because it separates me from God. Let’s read this verse together. Every one turn to 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Read and discuss the verse. It’s that easy!
Visit Mimi’s blog at Tools for Kids Church.