Lesson Overview

Age Group: 7 Years Old (2nd Grade)

Theme: Understanding what it means to follow Jesus through our choices, actions, and heart.

Time Estimate: 45–60 minutes

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

• Explain that "following Jesus" means living and loving the way He did.
• Identify at least three specific ways to follow Jesus in daily life (e.g., being kind, telling the truth, helping others).
• Articulate their own personal commitment to "follow the leader" (Jesus).

Materials Needed

• A blindfold (a scarf or bandana works well)
• Large pieces of paper or cardstock
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Tape
• Music player (to play the song "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus")
• Optional: A Bible or Children’s Bible (Story: Calling of the Disciples - Matthew 4:18-22)

1. Introduction: The Hook (10 minutes)

Activity: Follow the Leader (with a twist)

Start by playing a quick game of "Follow the Leader." Have the student follow you around the room, mimicking your movements (hopping, crawling, waving). Then, switch roles and follow the student.

The Twist: Put a blindfold on the student (or have them close their eyes tightly). Guide them across the room using only your voice. "Take two steps left... reach out your hand... hop once."

Discussion:

• "Was it easier to follow when you could see me, or when you had to listen to my voice?"
• "Following someone means going where they go and doing what they do. Today, we are learning about how we can follow Jesus, even though we follow Him with our hearts and our actions instead of just our feet!"

2. Body: Content & Practice (25 minutes)

I Do: The Big Idea

Explain that when Jesus lived on Earth, He asked people to "Follow Him." He didn't mean they just walked behind Him in a line all day. He meant He wanted them to live like He lived. Jesus loved people who were lonely, He told the truth, He prayed to God, and He helped people who were hurting.

Read (or summarize) Matthew 4:18-22: Talk about how Peter and Andrew left their fishing nets immediately to follow Jesus. They decided He was the best leader to have.

We Do: The "Follow Path" Brainstorm

Ask the student: "If Jesus were walking through our house or your school today, what would He do?" Draw a large heart on a piece of paper. Inside the heart, write down the student’s ideas. Examples might include:

• Sharing toys with a sibling.
• Saying "I'm sorry" when we make a mistake.
• Helping clean up without being asked.
• Being brave when we feel scared.

Interactive Check: Give the student two scenarios. Ask them, "Which choice follows Jesus?"
1. Someone drops their books. Do you laugh, or do you help them pick them up?
2. You break a vase by accident. Do you hide it, or do you tell the truth?

You Do: The "Footprint Trail" Craft

Now, it's time for the student to create their own "Following Path."

1. Have the student trace their own feet on several pieces of paper (4-5 footprints).
2. On each footprint, have them draw or write one way they will follow Jesus this week (e.g., "I will be kind to my sister," "I will pray before bed").
3. Cut out the footprints.
4. Tape the footprints on the floor leading toward a "finish line" (like the front door or a Bible).
5. Have the student walk the path, saying their commitments out loud as they step on each footprint.

3. Conclusion: Closure & Recap (10 minutes)

Summary: Recap the main point: Following Jesus isn't about a physical walk; it's about a "heart walk." When we choose love and kindness, we are walking right behind Him!

Song & Celebration: Play the song "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." Encourage the student to march or dance along the footprint trail they made. If they know the words, sing along together!

Closing Reflection: Ask the student, "Which footprint is the most important one for you to work on tomorrow?"

Assessment (How We Know They Got It)

• Formative: During the "Which choice follows Jesus?" scenario game, did the student correctly identify the "Jesus-like" action?
• Summative: The Footprint Trail. Does each footprint represent a concrete action that reflects the character of Jesus?

Differentiation & Adaptability

• For the Creative/Kinesthetic Learner: Instead of drawing on paper, use sidewalk chalk outside to create a giant "Follow Jesus" obstacle course with different stations for kindness or prayer.
• For the Advanced Learner: Ask them to look up a verse in the Bible (like John 13:34-35) and write it on their "Path" footprints.
• For the Struggling Learner/Writer: Use stickers or pre-cut pictures from magazines to represent following Jesus (e.g., a picture of a friend helping another) rather than writing sentences.

Success Criteria

The lesson is successful if the student can:

1. Say the phrase: "I follow Jesus by [Action]."
2. Complete at least three "Footprints" of action.
3. Understand that following Jesus is a daily choice.