During the lesson, the information for you to know is written in regular type, and what we suggest speaking or reading aloud to children is in bold. All resources for this lesson, including the Teacher Guide and Student Page, can be downloaded in a ZIP file by clicking on the following link:
In some lessons you will find "resource articles." These are articles written by experts from around the world to help equip you for your work with children and adolescents. Share them with parents or guardians if you consider it appropriate.
I will ask the Father. And he will give you another friend to help you and to be with you forever.
John 14:16
Have you ever had a friend who would do anything for your good? That type of friend who encouraged you, strengthened you, helped you, and walked alongside you so that you never felt alone? That is who the Holy Spirit is to you. When you become a Christian, the Spirit of God comes to live inside you!
Jesus knew that His disciples would need Someone who would walk with them. And so do we! Think about an area of your life where you need comfort or encouragement. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you what you need. Where do you need to better understand the truth about Jesus or the Father? Ask the Holy Spirit! He is the Spirit of truth! Pray that in these lessons on the Person of the Holy Spirit, His powerful presence would be known by you and your children.
Encourage the families to talk about how friends help them. Ask the children to talk to their families about the ways the Holy Spirit is a Friend who helps us.
Teacher Tip: If possible, email or text the Family Connection Card to the families of your students.
Welcome everyone to class. As the children enter, ask them to name the three Persons of the Trinity.
Let’s play a game. The game is called “Teacher Says.” Everyone stand up, facing me. You need to listen carefully and do what I say only if I say the words, “Teacher says.” If I say, “Teacher says touch your head,” then you will touch your head. If I just say, “Touch your head,” then you will not touch your head. Remember to only do what I say if I ask you with the words “Teacher Says.”
Play the game a few times just for fun. If any children follow your directions when they are not supposed to, they are out of the game. Say the statements quickly so children must respond quickly. Here are some suggested actions, or you can make up your own:.
Our game involved listening to the instructions given. You had to listen carefully to know what to do. The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, is also called a guide, teacher, and friend.
The Holy Spirit does not have a body like you used in our game. However, He is a real person. Just as you can see the effects of the wind blowing, you can see the effects of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life. Let’s learn more about this special friend.
Even though you cannot see the Holy Spirit, He is a real Person. Jesus promises that when someone becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit will come and live in that person. That means that you will have a Friend with you forever!
If children do not offer any ideas, suggest things like a friend helps, comforts, encourages, strengthens, and guides you.
In our game, I guided your actions. In life, the Holy Spirit will guide your actions when you believe and when you listen to Him. Let’s learn more about what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.
Read this verse directly from your Bible.
I will ask the Father. And he will give you another friend to help you and to be with you forever.
John 14:16
The friend Jesus is talking about is the third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit.
It tells us that the Holy Spirit is a friend, He will help us, and He will be with us forever.
Let’s listen to something else Jesus told His disciples:
But what I’m about to tell you is true. It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Friend will not come to help you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7
When Jesus said that He was going away, He meant that He would return to heaven and live there with His Father. That is where He is now. But you do not have to be alone because the Father sent the Holy Spirit to live in those who are believers. The Holy Spirit is your friend. Do you remember when we talked about what friends do for each other? Friends help each other. The Holy Spirit wants to be your friend and He wants to help you.
The verse we just read tells us something important about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to help you. If you are a believer, He will live in you as a close friend. It is important to remember this so let’s say it again and add motions to our words.
As you say, “The Holy Spirit was sent to help me,” move your right hand out to your side, around to the front of you, and place your hand on your heart. Do the same with your left hand as you say, “The Holy Spirit can be my friend.” Let’s try that!
The Holy Spirit was sent to help me—Reach your right hand out to your side, around in front and over your heart.
The Holy Spirit can be my friend—Reach your left hand out to your side, around in front and over your heart.
When I say these sentences, you will repeat them with the motions:
The Holy Spirit was sent to help me—Reach your right hand out to your side, around in front and over your heart.
The Holy Spirit can be my friend—Reach your left hand out to your side, around in front and over your heart.
Jesus told us more about the Holy Spirit. Listen to what He said:
I will send the Friend to you from the Father. He is the Spirit of truth, who comes out from the Father. When the Friend comes to help you, he will be a witness about me.
John 15:26
Jesus knows that life can be hard and filled with sorrow and pain. Life can be very lonely at times. It can be difficult to live in ways that honour God. Jesus knew that you would need a helper. This verse says Jesus sent the Holy Spirit from the Father to help you. When you believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will help you and will be with you forever! The Holy Spirit is a friend. (Lead the children in repeating the sentences and motions they learned.)
Divide the children into groups of 3–4.
Let’s think more about what it means to have help from someone such as a friend. Raise your hand if you have ever needed help with something.
Allow 3–4 children to respond.
Think about a time when friends or others have helped you. Maybe someone helped you carry something, or perhaps a friend did something to make you laugh when you were sad. (Pause for 30 seconds for the children to think about when they have needed help.)
In your groups, take turns telling about a time when someone helped you do something.
Allow the groups 3–4 minutes to share their thoughts. As they talk, walk around the teaching space and listen to the children share.
Great job everyone! It is good when others help us.
The Holy Spirit is a helper and friend who is always close. He is a friend who is unlike any human friend because He is God. He is a perfect friend! The Holy Spirit will only tell you what is right and true. It is important to remember that when the Holy Spirit speaks, it will always agree with what is in the Bible. If what you hear does not agree with the Bible, it is not from God. The Holy Spirit will help you learn about Jesus and God the Father. When you ask for wisdom, comfort, or guidance, He will help you.
It is important to ask for help when you need it. You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you in hard times. You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you when you are afraid. You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be kind and patient. You can ask the Holy Spirit to heal your hurts on the inside. Let’s think about the Holy Spirit being your friend and helper.
Allow 30 seconds for children to think quietly to themselves.
Allow 2–3 children to share. It is okay if the children do not want to share. These are thoughts between the children and God.
Let’s take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit for help. First let’s pause and quiet our hearts and minds so that we can listen to the Holy Spirit. Think about the things you want help with. Then, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Listen quietly to what He may tell you. You may hear a Bible verse or have an idea come to mind.
Pause for 1 minute to allow the children to pray.
Optional: If you are using Student Pages, give each of the children crayons. Then, allow 3 minutes for them to draw pictures of things they want the Holy Spirit to help them with.
This week when you need help, remember to ask the Holy Spirit for help because the Holy Spirit is a friend. (Lead the children in repeating the sentences with motions.)
May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Romans 15:13
As you read the verse, do the following motions with the children. Repeat the memory verse and motions 3 times.
If you are using the Memory Verse poster, show it to the students now.
End class by saying this blessing, based on John 14:16, over the children.
Blessing: May you know the Holy Spirit is your friend. May you know the Holy Spirit is with you forever. May you know the Holy Spirit is your Helper.
Lead the children in singing this quarter’s song if possible.
Life on Life ©2020 David C Cook. Reproducible for home or classroom use only. All other uses require written permission from David C Cook [email protected]. All rights reserved.
