Summary
Kids discover that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each tell the story of Jesus from a unique point of view, showing that together they form one bright, united story—the Good News. They’ll learn to find Gospel passages and see that the resurrection is recorded in all four books.
Verse
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Action idea:
Action idea:
- When saying “lamp,” have kids hold an imaginary Bible up like a flashlight.
- When saying “light,” swing it to “shine” around them.
- Reinforce that the Bible helps us see God’s truth clearly—just as the four Gospels each shine their own light on Jesus’ life.
Movement: “Verse Hunt Walk” (Expanded)
Set-up:
How to play:
Variation: Have students “collect” four stickers or mini cards (one for each Gospel) as they visit each corner.
- Place a large sign or poster in each corner of the room labeled Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
How to play:
- Play music and have kids walk (or march softly) around the room.
- When the music stops, hold up or call out a Gospel name; kids move quickly to that corner.
- Read a short line or fact about that Gospel—for example:
- Matthew – wrote to show Jesus as King.
- Mark – fast-paced, action-filled, showing Jesus as Servant.
- Luke – careful storyteller, shows Jesus’ compassion.
- John – helps us see Jesus as God’s Son.
Variation: Have students “collect” four stickers or mini cards (one for each Gospel) as they visit each corner.
Lesson: “Four Gospels, One Story” (Expanded)
Introduce the four books:
Demonstration:
Show a shared story:
Point to the verse:
- Show the first pages of each Gospel in an actual Bible. Explain that these four books are like four cameras all filming the same movie—each sees something slightly different, but they all tell about Jesus.
Demonstration:
- On a whiteboard, draw four small open books labeled Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Draw arrows from each to the center where you write “Jesus’ Life, Death, and Resurrection.”
Show a shared story:
- Choose one event—such as the Resurrection (e.g., Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1).
- Read one of them together. Then briefly summarize how each Gospel tells the same event with its own details
Point to the verse:
- Bring back Psalm 119:105: “Each Gospel shines a light on Jesus’ path from a different angle—but all lead us to the same truth.”
Object lesson idea:
Hand a child a “Bible address card” (e.g., Psalm 23:1) and ask, “Can you find this address in your Bible home?”
Hand a child a “Bible address card” (e.g., Psalm 23:1) and ask, “Can you find this address in your Bible home?”
Small Groups: “Find the Resurrection Story” (Expanded)
Set-up:
Goal:
Verses to find:
Steps:
Extension:
- Divide groups so each is assigned one Gospel: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.
Goal:
- Have each group find and bookmark the resurrection story in their Gospel (leaders help younger kids).
Verses to find:
- Matthew 28:1–10
- Mark 16:1–8
- Luke 24:1–12
- John 20:1–18
Steps:
- Use the Bible’s table of contents to find the Gospel.
- Locate the correct chapter and verse.
- Place a bookmark or sticky note there.
- Briefly discuss: “What do you notice is happening here?”
Extension:
- Have each group share one sentence summarizing what happens in their Gospel—then connect the pieces like puzzle parts forming one “Resurrection Story.”
Closer Game: “Gospel Hopscotch” (Expanded)
Set-up:
Play options:
Wrap-up connection: “When we read all four Gospels together, it’s like hopping through the story of Jesus’ life and love from start to finish.”
- Tape four large floor squares (or use carpet tiles/paper) labeled Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
Play options:
- Basic chant: Kids hop through the squares and chant in rhythm:
- “Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — four Gospels tell what Jesus done!”
- Memory mix-up: Remove one square and see if kids notice which Gospel is missing.
- Team relay: Divide into two teams; each team hops down and back while shouting the names in order.
Wrap-up connection: “When we read all four Gospels together, it’s like hopping through the story of Jesus’ life and love from start to finish.”
Closing thought and prayer idea:
Hold a candle, lantern, or flashlight. Say, “Each Gospel shines light on who Jesus is. Together they help us see that Jesus is alive!” Then pray: “Thank You, Lord, for your Word that lights our path and for four Gospels that show us Your Son.”
Hold a candle, lantern, or flashlight. Say, “Each Gospel shines light on who Jesus is. Together they help us see that Jesus is alive!” Then pray: “Thank You, Lord, for your Word that lights our path and for four Gospels that show us Your Son.”