Animal Charades
ANIMAL CHARADES
Read John 3:1-7, 16.
“Okay, kids. We’ll end with a short game of animal charades.” Miss Ellen looked around at her Bible class. “Tom, can you start? Pretend to be an animal, and the first person to guess the animal will go next.”
Tom nodded and dropped to his hands and knees. He crawled a few steps, then panted. “You’re a dog!” Parker shouted quickly. Tom laughed and got to his feet.
Parker thought for a minute. Then he got down on his stomach and wriggled his way across the room. “Are you a worm?” someone asked. Parker shook his head. Then he stuck out his tongue several times. “A snake,” squealed one of the girls. After several of the kids had a turn, Miss Ellen announced that she would do the final charade.
The children watched as Miss Ellen folded her hands and bowed her head. “You’re a praying mantis,” suggested Tom.
Miss Ellen shook her head. “Good guess, but I’m a human.” She picked up her Bible and pretended to read. Next she solemnly walked to a chair, sat down, and appeared to be listening to someone. She made motions as though she were opening a book. She also opened and closed her mouth several times. “She’s in church,” whispered someone. Miss Ellen nodded.
Then Leah jumped up. “You’re pretending to be a Christian!” she exclaimed.
“That’s it,” agreed Miss Ellen. “Think about this: pretending to be something doesn’t make it so. You’re not a dog unless you are born into the canine family, and you’re not a Christian unless you are born into God’s family.” She opened her Bible and read Jesus’ words from the third chapter of John.
“It doesn’t matter if your parents are Christians or if you go to church every week. The only way to be born into God’s family is by trusting in Jesus as your Savior. Then you will be born again—as a child of God!”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been born again? You may act like a Christian, but you’re not one unless you’ve trusted Jesus and have been “born” into His family. Talk to a trusted Christian friend or adult to find out more.
TO MEMORIZE:
Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.”
John 3:5
BE BORN AGAIN.
From the book
