Teaching Plan
Connect
Connect activities get learners ready to learn. Choose one or two of the activities below to introduce this week's lesson.
Fun: Draw Your Own Emojis
(5-8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will draw their own emojis in response to various situations.
Provide each learner with three pieces of paper and a pen/pencil.
Discussion: Facing the Unknown
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss aspects of facing unknown circumstances.
Life and Times: Drop Him
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss what it means to trust.
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Relational: Missing Out
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will share times in their lives when they embraced an opportunity that scared them.
Explore
Explore activities lead learners to study Scripture. Teach the Key Study to focus on the Biblical Truth. If you choose, support the Key Study with one or two of the following activities.
Interactive Core Study: (un)EXPECTED
(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will study Luke 1:26-38 to examine how Mary responded to God’s choice of her as the mother of the Messiah.
Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner. Also provide paper, a dry erase board, and markers.
Master Teacher Core Study: (un)EXPECTED
(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will study Luke 1:26-38 to examine how Mary responded to God’s choice of her as the mother of the Messiah.
Print one copy of the Master Teacher Outline for your use. Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner.
Context Study: Greater than John the Baptist
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss the similarities and differences between the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Closer Look: What’s In a Name
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will explore the importance of Jesus’ Davidic ancestry.
Comparative Study: Joseph’s Response
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will examine Joseph’s reaction to the news of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:18-25.
Transform
Choose one or two Transform activities to challenge learners to live differently. Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit ultimately brings about change, so help students draw near to Him.
Discoverers: Trust vs. Hope
(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will consider the difference between trusting in God and hoping in Him.
Owners: Messianic Impact
(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will consider what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah in their lives.
Provide paper and pens for each learner.
Servants: The Why
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will evaluate why they serve Jesus.
Provide index cards or paper and pens.
Shepherds: The Next Response
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will consider how to disciple others to the next step of obedience.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Take Home Activity
The Take Home Activity gives families the opportunity to study the biblical passage together and discuss how each member of the family might apply the truths from the lesson to his or her life.
Family Devotion
(10-15 minutes at home, easy set-up)
Distribute copies of the Family Devotion to students and encourage them to share the devotion with their family.