19/2/12 Sunday before Lent

Theme: Transfiguration

Bible Reading

Mark chapter 9 verses 2-9

Preparation

You need a “brass rubbing” - either a real one or a photograph picture of a rubbing or a brass (does your local church have one you can rub and / or refer to?). You also need to create something to rub in front of the children e.g. cut out a letter or shape from card and stick it on a card base, then cover the whole thing with lining paper stuck down with sticky tape. A volunteer with a wax crayon should be able to make a passable “rubbing” from this.

Introduction

Ask / talk about the hobby of brass rubbing and get a volunteer up to demonstrate. The idea is to emphasise the concept of something that was hidden under the paper suddenly becoming visible and obvious.

The Message

We are going to look at a story when Jesus’ friends had a great surprise, it was an even bigger surprise than you have just had when you saw the rubbing suddenly appear. What kind of things do you think they already knew about Jesus from going around with him (e.g. miracles, great teacher)?

Tell the story of how Peter, James & John accompanied Jesus to the top of Mount Tabor where he suddenly changed in front of their eyes, full of light and power. Then two famous figures from Jewish history came to talk with him – Moses and Elijah. Suddenly the disciples were able to see what had been hidden from them before – how Jesus was God’s Son and filled with the power of God. It was a very special moment for Jesus, but also a special moment for Peter, James & John, It was important that they understood just how special Jesus was, because after this time on the mountain Jesus and his friends started on their journey to Jerusalem – do you remember what was going to happen there?

Song / Prayer

Sing or read the hymn Shine Jesus Shine as a prayer.

(Shine Jesus shine
fill this land with the father’s glory
blaze, Spirit, blaze,
set our hearts on fire!)

Also this week you could follow-up the Transfiguration story by looking at the figures of Moses and Elijah and hearing some of their stories. Moses is remembered as the lawgiver who led the Isrealites to the Promised Land, and Elijah as a great prophet.