LESSON 5: JESUS SPEAKS WITH THE RELIGIOUS TEACHERS

LESSON 5: JESUS SPEAKS WITH THE RELIGIOUS TEACHERS Large Group Leader Guide Classroom: Brigade  Luke 2:41-52 10/12/2016 Teachers Dig In Dig In to...
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LESSON 5: JESUS SPEAKS WITH THE RELIGIOUS TEACHERS Large Group Leader Guide

Classroom: Brigade

 Luke 2:41-52

10/12/2016

Teachers Dig In Dig In to the Bible Read: Luke 2:41-52 In This Passage: In today's Bible passage, Jesus is 12. He's at the Temple for a festival, and when his family leaves, he stays behind. His parents, Mary and Joseph, realize he's lost and look for him for three days. They finally find him in the Temple, wowing the people there with his wisdom. After he returns home, he continues to grow in wisdom. Bible Point: Jesus is wise. Summary Verse: "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people" (Luke 2:52).

Dig Deeper You'll Be Teaching: Jesus is wise. Kids today have more going on in their lives than ever before. And with all their activities and responsibilities come a lot of choices. While kids may not always know the wisest choice, they can see that Jesus had the wisdom they need even when he was still a child. Encourage kids to turn to Jesus for wisdom. Think About: What's an area of your life where you could use more wisdom? What can you do to turn to Jesus for wisdom?

Dig In to Prayer Kids can make you feel worried and frantic just like Mary and Joseph! Write down the names of kids who cause you to worry—and pray for them specifically to find Jesus' wisdom.

Quick Tip You may be tempted to give kids a reward for positive behaviors, but this provides an extrinsic motivation that will fade. Instead, speak words of affirmation to them, and let them know you see Jesus shining through their lives.

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This Lesson at a Glance

OPENING Kids share about a topic related to the lesson.

Supplies Bible

LOW-ENERGY GAME Kids play a version of Telephone.

CORE BIBLE DISCOVERY Kids experience the Passover festival and look for Jesus.

Supplies

Easy Prep

Bibles inexpensive cone-shaped party hats index cards paper for signs tape

For every 15 kids, you'll need 14 blank index cards and 1 that says "Jesus." Make and hang these signs: my room, school, practicing sports, my friend's house, outside, church, other

CRAFT Kids make sun catchers of Jesus’ wise words.

Supplies

Easy Prep

black construction paper various colors of cellophane (find this with the gift wrap at your local store) black permanent markers scissors clear tape "Wise Words" handouts (1 per child) (download here)

Make a sample of the craft so kids can see what it will look like when it's finished. Cut cellophane into smaller pieces so that kids can work with them.

OBJECT LESSON Kids test the strength of Jesus’ wisdom using folded paper.

Supplies

Easy Prep

2 stacks of books or boxes of roughly

Set up the books or boxes in two

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equal height 3 pieces of paper "Wise Words" handouts (1 per child) (download here) various unbreakable objects such as a plastic cup, a tape dispenser, or an empty soup can (items should each weigh about 1 ounce)

stacks of roughly equal height, about 6 inches apart.

HIGH-ENERGY GAME Kids play Hot and Cold and listen for the wise directions.

Supplies

Easy Prep

Bible index card

Write on an index card, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you" (Luke 6:31).

LIFE APPLICATION WRAP-UP Kids make prayer pockets for wise decisions.

Supplies "Pocket Template" handout (1 per child) (download here) construction paper 3x5-inch index cards pencils scissors tape

*Marked supplies are also used in Core Bible Discovery Let's keep kids safe! You can help by using supplies as instructed for only ages 3+, purchasing childsafe items, and being aware of allergy concerns.

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OPENING

[5 min]

Welcome

Supplies Bible

Welcome Thank kids for coming. Just for fun, have kids show their goofiest faces to everyone around them. Make announcements. Introduce new kids. Celebrate birthdays by saying "Happy birthday" in a funny voice. Collect the offering. Introduce the Lesson Say: Today we'll learn about a time Jesus amazed his teachers with his wisdom. This helps us see that Jesus is wise. Being wise or having wisdom isn't just knowing the right answers. Wisdom is knowing how to make choices that please God. Share Tell about a person you think is wise. Have kids get in pairs and tell about people they think are wise. Summarize Open a Bible, and say: The Bible isn't an ordinary book; it's God's special book. The Bible is one way God talks to us. God is here right now, ready to talk to you. Pray, thanking Jesus that he's wise.

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LOW-ENERGY GAME

[10 min]

Jumbled Wisdom

Change Words in a Saying Say: Jesus is wise. But sometimes his wisdom is hard to understand. He might tell us to do something that doesn't make sense to us at the time or that we don't want to do. Let's play a game to remember that what Jesus tells us is always wise and right. Have kids form a line. If you have more than 10 kids, form multiple lines. Say: I'm going to whisper to the first person in each line something that Jesus said. That person can change one word in the saying and then whisper the new saying to the next person. Each of you do the same thing until the saying reaches the other end of the line. Choose from one of Jesus' sayings below, and whisper it to the first child in each line. • "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" • "Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." • "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." • "Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." Have children whisper the saying to the next child in line, changing one word each time. Have the last child in each line change one word in the saying and say the new saying for everyone to hear. Talk About It Ask the last child: • What do you think the original saying might have been? After several guesses, have the first child in line say what the original saying was. Play a few rounds, and then have small groups discuss these questions. Ask: • What's wise about the original sayings? • Our wise words from Jesus got mixed up and changed. How could that be like what happens to Jesus' wisdom in our lives? Say: Jesus is wise. We can trust that everything he says is wise. But sometimes, people twist or change Jesus' words! We can always go back to the Bible to see the true wisdom from Jesus.

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CORE BIBLE DISCOVERY

[20 min]

Passover Festival at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

Supplies Bibles inexpensive cone-shaped party hats index cards paper for signs tape

Easy Prep For every 15 kids, you'll need 14 blank index cards and 1 that says "Jesus." Make and hang these signs: my room, school, practicing sports, my friend's house, outside, church, other

What's Wisdom? Say: I know that most of the time we think kids learn things from adults. But I'm guessing you all know some things that you could teach me! What are some things you think you know, or know how to do, that you could teach me? Invite kids to share their ideas. They might suggest that they could teach you how to play a video game or use an app they like, or they might be sharp in a subject at school that they think you might not remember. After you hear some of their ideas, choose one or two of the kids to teach you something. Truly listen and engage with what they share. Ask questions and see what you can learn. Then thank the kids for being willing to teach you something. Say: We might forget that kids can know things that adults don't know. You all are pretty smart! Today we're going to learn about a time that Jesus taught the teachers—and he was still a boy when this happened! But before we dig into that, I have a question. In their small groups, have kids discuss these questions. Ask: • What is wisdom? Or, if I say that someone is wise, what does that mean? Let kids share their thoughts. Say: Some people think that wisdom is being smart. And it's great to be smart! But being wise is more than being smart. Being wise means knowing what's true and knowing what to do. Who is someone you know who is wise? For me… Share about a person you know who you'd say is wise, and explain why you think this person is wise. Then have kids share in their small groups about someone they know who is wise. 6 of 21

Allow about three minutes for sharing in groups, and then ask a few kids to share with the larger group about the person they think is wise. Say: We all know people who are wise, and we can learn from their wisdom. The wisest person I know is Jesus. Jesus is wise. Let's see what the Bible shows us about Jesus and his wisdom. Passover Festival Read Luke 2:41-42 aloud. Say: This tells us that every year Jesus and his parents traveled to Jerusalem to a big festival called Passover. The Passover festival usually lasted eight days. The Passover was a way to remember when God freed his people, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt. On the first Passover, God said that the oldest son in each family would die. But if the Israelites put some lamb's blood on their doors, God would "pass over" their houses and everyone would live. That's what Passover means! This was a huge festival each year. What's the biggest party or festival you've ever been to? Tell about a big party or festival you've been to, and then have kids share about their own experiences in groups or two or three. Say: Let's pretend we're having a big festival here. We need party hats! Bring out the party hats and have everyone put one on—including you! Say: Since this party is going to last eight days, how will we celebrate? Have kids call out ideas for things they might do at a big party and act those out. This might include singing, games, eating, and so on. Have a big pantomime party while everyone wears their hats. Where Is Jesus? Say: What a fun way to remember the Passover festival! Now the festival is over, so it's time to go home. Read Luke 2:43-44. Say: Jesus and his family had to travel over 50 miles to get home—it would take a few days. And these verses let us know that they were traveling with a big group of family and friends. In all the excitement of the festival and the traveling, Jesus' parents didn't realize that he wasn't there! Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Jesus was only 12 at the time, so his parents were panicked. They thought they'd lost Jesus. Have kids tear the pointed tip off of their party hats to create either a viewing scope or a megaphone. Everyone can call for Jesus or look for him through the scopes. Say: Still can't find him? Let's try this. Have kids sit in circles of no more than 15 kids. Give each child an index card, making sure only one child per circle has a card that says "Jesus." Have kids show their cards to the others in their circles so everyone knows where the Jesus card starts. Then have kids put their hands behind their backs and pass the cards around the circle. When you say stop, kids will try to guess where Jesus is. Play a few rounds. 7 of 21

In their small groups, have kids discuss these questions. Ask: • How did you feel when we couldn't find Jesus? • Because they couldn't find Jesus, his parents were really worried. When have you felt afraid or really worried? Say: It took a few days, but they finally found him—at the Temple. Let's see what Jesus was doing at the Temple while his parents worried about him. Read Luke 2:46-47. Say: In those days, teachers taught by asking a lot of questions, and students answered by asking a lot of questions. Jesus is wise, so he asked wise questions and gave wise answers. He amazed the teachers with what he asked and what he said. Ask: • Knowing that Jesus is wise, what's one question you'd like to ask him? Share a question you'd like to ask Jesus, and then have kids call out questions they'd like to ask. Be a good listener, and thank kids for sharing their questions. It's Obvious Say: Let's see what Jesus had to say about all of this. Read Luke 2:48-49. Say: Jesus thought it should be obvious to his parents that he was at the Temple talking about God. Ask: • If your parents couldn't find you, where do you think it should be clear to them that they should look? Have kids look at the signs around the room and go stand by the sign that reflects where they think someone should look for them. Ask kids to stay by that sign and talk to the others at that sign about why it's the obvious place to look for them. If any kids are at a sign alone, have them talk to you about why they like that place. Ask: • What does it show you about Jesus that the Temple was his obvious place to be found? Returning to Nazareth Read Luke 2:51-52. In their small groups, have kids discuss these questions. Ask: • Jesus obeyed his parents. Tell about a time you obeyed your parents. • How did that make you and your parents feel? • Why is it wise to obey your parents? Say: Jesus grew and got older, just like you're doing! And even though he was always wise, he even grew in wisdom. Jesus is wise, and when we grow closer to him, we grow wiser, too!

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CRAFT

[20 min]

Wise Words

Supplies black construction paper various colors of cellophane (find this with the gift wrap at your local store) black permanent markers scissors clear tape "Wise Words" handouts (1 per child) (download here)

Easy Prep Make a sample of the craft so kids can see what it will look like when it's finished. Cut cellophane into smaller pieces so that kids can work with them.

Stained-Glass Window Give kids each a sheet of black construction paper, and have them cut out several 2- to 3-inch circles randomly around the paper. Then have them tape different colors of cellophane to the back of the paper, covering the openings. Wise Words Distribute the "Wise Words" handouts. Say: Jesus is wise. He said all the wise words on this page! Let's use his wise words to make sun catchers. Read through the verses together, and then have each child choose a verse that is meaningful to him or her. Share which verse is meaningful to you and why, and then invite kids to share with their small groups which verse they chose and why that verse is 9 of 21

meaningful. Allow several minutes for sharing, and then ask two or three kids to share their thoughts with the entire group. Then move to the next part of this activity. Kids will then each write the verse they chose in small print on one of the cellophane circles that shows through the "window." They can add other verses (or parts of verses) to the other circles as well. Have small groups discuss this question. Ask: • What are some ways you need Jesus to help you be wise? Say: When you hang this in a window, the sunlight will shine through and help you read Jesus' wise words. We don't even know the words Jesus said when he was in the Temple as a boy. But we know he spoke a lot of wise words throughout his life! Jesus is wise.

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OBJECT LESSON

[10 min]

Jesus' Strong Wisdom

Supplies 2 stacks of books or boxes of roughly equal height 3 pieces of paper "Wise Words" handouts (1 per child) (download here) various unbreakable objects such as a plastic cup, a tape dispenser, or an empty soup can (items should each weigh about 1 ounce)

Easy Prep Set up the books or boxes in two stacks of roughly equal height, about 6 inches apart.

Discuss Weak Wisdom Set the three pieces of paper across the two stacks of boxes or books to make a bridge. Say: Jesus is wise. But I'd go even further—Jesus is the wisest person ever. Let's think of some things we hear from others that they think are wise. Have kids share quotes or advice they've heard that are not from the Bible. You may want to prompt them to think of things they've heard online, from songs, movies, books, from friends, or other places they regularly gather information. For each quote or bit of advice shared, place one of the objects on the paper bridge to see if the paper can support it. As you'll quickly see, it does not hold much weight. Say: It seems like the world's wisdom falls apart pretty easily. But I think Jesus' wisdom helps us stand strong! Discuss Jesus' Wisdom Distribute the "Wise Words" handouts, and have kids take turns reading the 11 of 21

wise sayings of Jesus aloud. For each one, ask kids why that advice is wise and invite them all to share their thoughts. After kids have discussed one saying, fold the stack of three pieces of paper the long way, about one inch from the edge. For each discussion, continue making accordion folds about 1 inch apart until the stack resembles the inside of corrugated cardboard. Set the paper back on the stacks of books or boxes. Say: Let's see how Jesus' wisdom holds up. Have kids try putting the various objects on the paper. It should hold strong. Talk About It Have small groups discuss these questions. Ask: • How did you feel watching the paper stay strong the second time? • What did you expect the paper to do when we placed the different objects on it? • What can you do to stand strong on Jesus' wisdom? Say: When we hear things people say, we don't always know whether it's really wise. Sometimes it sounds wise and sometimes it is wise, but it's important that we always compare it to what Jesus said because Jesus knows more than anyone.

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HIGH-ENERGY GAME

[10 min]

Search for Wisdom

Supplies Bible index card

Easy Prep Write on an index card, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you" (Luke 6:31).

Search for a Hidden Card Say: Jesus is wise. One way Jesus helps us know the right thing to do is by putting friends around us to help us. But sometimes it's hard to know which advice is from Jesus and which isn't. Let's play a game to think about how we can recognize Jesus' wisdom. Choose one child to be the Searcher. Have him or her wait outside the room while you give the rest of the children their instructions. Hide the index card you prepared earlier. Instruct the remaining children to give the Searcher "hot" and "cold" directions to find the hidden card. Have all the children give their directions simultaneously. Choose two or three out of every 10 children to give correct directions. Have the rest of the children give incorrect directions. If you have more than 30 kids, don't have more than 30 giving any kind of directions. Bring the Searcher back into the room, and tell him or her to listen to the directions of the other children to find the hidden card. Let the Searcher know that only a few of the kids will be giving the correct directions. The Searcher will need to identify the kids giving bad directions and stop them from talking by tapping each child on the shoulder. Play until the Searcher finds the hidden card, and have him or her read it aloud. If it takes more than a couple of minutes and the child is becoming frustrated, you can tap the children who are giving incorrect instructions and silence their voices so the child who is searching can find the card. Repeat the game a few times with a different child searching each time. Talk About It Have small groups discuss these questions. Ask: • How did it feel to hear such a mix of good and bad advice? • What helped you identify the wise voices? the unwise voices? • When you get advice about your life, what helps you know if it's wise or unwise? Read James 3:17-18. 13 of 21

• According to these verses, how can you describe Jesus' wisdom? Say: Jesus is wise, and he'll help you know what's wise. In our game, it wasn't always easy to know which advice was wise and which wasn't. Ask: • How is that like real life? When you spend time reading the Bible and praying, you can learn to recognize Jesus' wisdom and follow it.

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LIFE APPLICATION WRAP-UP

[5 min]

A Pocket of Wisdom

Supplies "Pocket Template" handout (1 per child) (download here) construction paper 3x5-inch index cards pencils scissors tape

Make the Pockets Say: Today we learned that Jesus is wise. He wants to share his wisdom with us when we ask him. Give each child an index card. Say: Write or draw about something you need wisdom for right now. Maybe you need to know what to say to a friend you had a fight with. Maybe you need Jesus' wisdom about a decision you're going to make. Have smallgroup leaders share an example from their own lives, and allow time for kids to write or draw what they need wisdom for. Encourage older kids to help younger kids. Say: Whether we pray, read the Bible, or learn from other Christians, Jesus will give us wisdom when we ask. Let's make something to help us remember to keep going to Jesus for wisdom. Give kids each a "Pocket Template" handout. Have them cut slits in the tops of the pockets and then tape the whole template to a piece of construction paper. Say: Store the index card in one of the pockets on your page while you wait for wisdom from Jesus. Ask for Wisdom Say: James 1:5 says that if we ask God for wisdom, he will give it to us. Let's pray for Jesus' wisdom now. Pray: Jesus, we know you're wise and we need your wisdom. We lift up our questions to you. Please help us know what to say and what to do in these situations. Have kids silently talk to Jesus about the things they wrote or drew. Say: This week when you need wisdom from Jesus, write or draw about it on an index card or small paper and store it in the pockets. You can keep praying for wisdom and looking for Jesus' wisdom. Then when you get an answer to something, write it on the back of that index card as a reminder of Jesus' wisdom.

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Thank the children for coming, and tell them you'll be praying that Jesus will give them wisdom.

The Life of Jesus, Lesson 5: Jesus Speaks With the Religious Teachers. Design and base content copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Licensed for use with 1-20 students. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use only.

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LESSON 5: JESUS SPEAKS WITH THE RELIGIOUS TEACHERS Small Group Leader Guide

Classroom: Brigade

 Luke 2:41-52

10/12/2016

Teachers Dig In Dig In to the Bible Read: Luke 2:41-52 In This Passage: In today's Bible passage, Jesus is 12. He's at the Temple for a festival, and when his family leaves, he stays behind. His parents, Mary and Joseph, realize he's lost and look for him for three days. They finally find him in the Temple, wowing the people there with his wisdom. After he returns home, he continues to grow in wisdom. Bible Point: Jesus is wise. Summary Verse: "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people" (Luke 2:52).

Dig Deeper You'll Be Teaching: Jesus is wise. Kids today have more going on in their lives than ever before. And with all their activities and responsibilities come a lot of choices. While kids may not always know the wisest choice, they can see that Jesus had the wisdom they need even when he was still a child. Encourage kids to turn to Jesus for wisdom. Think About: What's an area of your life where you could use more wisdom? What can you do to turn to Jesus for wisdom?

Dig In to Prayer Kids can make you feel worried and frantic just like Mary and Joseph! Write down the names of kids who cause you to worry—and pray for them specifically to find Jesus' wisdom.

Quick Tip You may be tempted to give kids a reward for positive behaviors, but this provides an extrinsic motivation that will fade. Instead, speak words of affirmation to them, and let them know you see Jesus shining through their lives.

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This Lesson at a Glance

TALK-ABOUT VIDEO Kids watch a video and discuss today’s Bible Point.

Supplies “Sticky Story” teaching video (watch or download here)

DEEPER BIBLE Kids explore whether Jesus showed a lack of wisdom.

Supplies

Easy Prep

Bible cotton balls

Hide a cotton ball for every two kids.

*Marked supplies are also used in Core Bible Discovery Let's keep kids safe! You can help by using supplies as instructed for only ages 3+, purchasing childsafe items, and being aware of allergy concerns.

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TALK-ABOUT VIDEO

[10 min]

Sticky Story

Supplies “Sticky Story” teaching video (watch or download here)

Discuss and Watch “Sticky Story” Say: The Bible tells us about a time that Jesus and his parents were at a celebration, and when it was time to go home, Jesus got left behind. What would you do if you got left behind at church? Here’s what I would do. Tell kids what you would do if you got left behind by your family, and then invite them to get into groups of three and tell what they would do if they got left behind. Say: We might figure out ways to camp out at church or to call our parents to come and get us. But let’s see what Jesus did! Watch “Sticky Story.” Say: Jesus didn’t panic when he got left behind. He hung out in the Temple—which is what church was back then. Ask: • What surprises you about how Jesus responded when he got left behind? Allow several kids to call out their answers to the group. Say: It must have been surprising to Mary and Joseph and the Bible teachers that Jesus knew so much. The Bible tells us he was listening to the teachers and asking questions, and that everyone was amazed at the answers Jesus was giving. Jesus is wise. Ask: • Jesus was only 12 at the time this happened. How do you think he became so wise? Say: The Bible tells us that after this happened, Jesus went home with his parents and that he kept growing—he grew wiser and he grew in size from a boy into a man. When we spend time with Jesus, we can grow in wisdom, too!

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DEEPER BIBLE

[15 min]

Did Jesus Disobey His Parents?

Supplies Bible cotton balls

Easy Prep Hide a cotton ball for every two kids.

Children, Obey! Read Ephesians 6:1. Say: The Bible says obeying your parents is the right thing to do. That's wise. Today we're learning Jesus is wise. But if obeying parents is wise, did Jesus disobey his parents when he was lost? Let's dig into that. Talk to a partner about what you think. Allow time, and then ask kids to tell you what they talked about. Let's see if we can figure out this question with an activity. Blame Game Have each pair look for a cotton ball hidden in your room. Continue until every pair has found a cotton ball. Have partners sit together and come up with reasons their cotton ball was wrong for being lost. Ask several pairs to share their ideas with the entire group. Ask: • What do you think—was the cotton ball wrong for being lost? Explain. Lost and Found Say: You might not have cared that much about a lost cotton ball. But sometimes we lose things that are much more important. Tell kids about a time you lost something valuable to you. Have kids share with their partners about a time they lost something valuable to them. Ask: • How did you feel when you lost that item? Say: Jesus was lost in Jerusalem after the Passover festival. His mother was worried sick. Read Luke 2:48. Ask: • What do you think might've been going through Mary's and Joseph's minds when they lost Jesus? Brainstorm with kids things that Mary and Joseph might've wanted to say to 20 of 21

Jesus when they found him. Say: Imagine how Mary and Joseph might've felt because they'd lost Jesus—the Son of God. The Bible says that Mary and Joseph looked for three days before they found Jesus. Read Luke 2:46-48. God First Say: Let's see what Jesus said to his parents. Read Luke 2:49. Ask: • What do you think Jesus meant? Say: Jesus had one more parent besides Mary and Joseph. In this verse he talked about his Father, God. He was being obedient to God the Father by spending time with him. Read 1 John 3:5. Ask: • How does this verse help you understand whether Jesus was being disobedient to his parents or not? Allow time for discussion. Say: Even though Mary and Joseph were worried about Jesus, he hadn't disobeyed them. It's great that we can dig in to conversations like these and look to the Bible to help us discover the truth about Jesus.

The Life of Jesus, Lesson 5: Jesus Speaks With the Religious Teachers. Design and base content copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Licensed for use with 1-20 students. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use only.

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