leaders guide
TEACHING GUIDE
DAY ONE
The Main Point: True Heroes are Good Friends
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Verse of the day: Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you. Ruth 1:17
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Bible Story: Naomi & Ruth (Friendship that goes beyond family)
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Pointing to Christ: Jesus, the true hero, is the good friend
SUMMARY FOR LEADERS
True heroes are good friends, simple enough right? Not really. The friendship of the new humanity is vastly different from that of the world. There may be some aspects that are similar, however, the essence of this new friendship is qualitatively different. In the Book of Ruth, we see a woman who is faithful to her atypical friend, Naomi. Normally, we are friends with people of the same life stage, same cultural background, similar mindset, etc. But Ruth becomes a friend to her mother-in-law. Although children will not understand the dynamics of this relationship, to some degree they understand the tension that exists between relationships that are one step removed (i.e. step mother/dad/sibling).
Basically, Naomi and Ruth have nothing in common other than the fact that they are women and that they have lost a loved one. They are different in life stage, in cultural background, in resourcefulness, and even in their mindset. Yet, Ruth is committed to benefitting Naomi through their friendship. Why? It is because Ruth belongs to the new humanity. She has experienced YAHWEH of Israel. And although she does not know what her future looks like (it didn’t look that good), she promises to be there for Naomi even to death. This historical story SHOULD NOT make us look to ourselves first. But rather, we know that Ruth gives birth to a son named Obed who would father Jesse who would father David. From David would come the Ultimate Friend, Jesus Christ. Her life points to the good friendship of Jesus Christ to people who are not only different from him but also His enemies. It is when we understand this amazing truth that we can begin to be good friends.
READ, EXPLORE, SING, TELL
READ
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Ruth 1:3-18
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Ruth 4:13-21
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John 15:12-15
EXPLORE
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Ruth’s friendship with Naomi eventually led her to meet Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. (A kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need.) Ruth and Boaz are married and generations later from their family comes our redeemer, Jesus. God is always working even when it is not clear at first.
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Sometimes it is difficult to be friends with someone when they have nothing in common with us. We are always trying to make friends with someone asking the question “What can this person do for me, how can this person make MY life better?” Is this a right way of thinking? Why or why not?
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What are qualities of a good friend? (think of Ruth and Jesus)
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Is there someone in your life that needs a good friend?
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In the drama, how was Carter a good friend to Zoe? (Elementary)
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In the drama, how were Aidan, Lily, and Chow Chow good friends to Kat? (Junior)
SING
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Being a good friend is loving someone like Jesus!
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Tell yourself
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Tell a family member
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Tell a friend
TEACHING GUIDE
DAY TWO
The Main Point: True Heroes Have Good Courage
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Verse of the day: David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45
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Bible Story: David fights Goliath
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Pointing to Christ: Jesus gives us the courage to stand up for what is right
SUMMARY FOR LEADERS
Good courage? That sounds weird! Doesn’t courage already connotate positivity? In some sense yes, but in some sense no. There are plenty of people who have courage for things that are meaningless or trivial. But the courage that the new humanity is to have is one that is noble and self-sacrificing. In the story of David and Goliath, David and Goliath both have courage. However, Goliath’s courage is in vain. He confronts YHWH and tantalizes His people. I’m sure the Philistines thought that he was brave and courageous. But in God’s sight, this is NOT courage. It is foolishness. On the other hand, we have David. A young teenager who lacks reputation and physique. He also exhibits courage by challenging Goliath and the entire nation of Philistines. David’s courage is not foolish but rather good and wise because he was concerned for the Name and honor of YHWH. For David, YHWH is the only one who is worthy of risking his life for (and perhaps his sheep). David is consumed by God and nothing will stop him from taking a bold risk. This story of David DOES NOT speak primarily about us. It points to the ultimate Shepherd who has good courage from all eternity and he showed it while on this earth. Jesus confronted the leaders, particularly religious, who took advantage of their role by suppressing the poor and taking whatever they had. He did this, not mainly because he loved them, although he did. He did this because these people were made in the image of God. Even before Jesus thought of us, he was zealous for His Father’s Name. This is good courage. We cannot have this good courage unless our understanding (both mind and heart) of God increases. Only then, can we risk even our lives for His name sake.
READ, EXPLORE, SING, TELL
READ
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1 Samuel 17
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Matthew 10:26-33
EXPLORE
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People thought David was being foolish for thinking he could defeat Goliath who was 9ft tall! However it was Goliath and everyone else that acted foolishly by doubting God. David showed great courage by putting his trust in the living God. When we put out confidence and trust in the wrong thing or person we end up with foolish courage and it always leads to disappointment. Jesus teaches us to have courage when we stand up for what is right for he is with us. Jesus was not afraid to speak against wrongdoers even though it meant he was criticized and persecuted.
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What are some other examples besides David where we see God's courage in action?
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Is there a friend that you know who you can encourage today so that they can overcome their fears? Let's pray for that friend.
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In the drama, Zoe showed courage by presenting in front of the Hero Academy panel. She was nervous but overcame her fears. What were some moments in your life when you overcame your own fears? (Elementary)
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In the drama, Kat was scared of the dark but overcame her fears and saved Hero Academy from darkness. What scares you? Do you think you can ask God for help? Pray to Him today. (Junior)
SING
TELL
Having good courage is putting our trust in God!
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Tell yourself that
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Tell a Family Member
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Tell a friend
TEACHING GUIDE
DAY THREE
The Main Point: True Heroes Make Good Choices
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Verse of the day: Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:16b
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Bible Story: Esther risks her life to save her people
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Pointing to Christ: Jesus, the true hero, makes good choices.
SUMMARY FOR LEADERS
In general, “good choices” are decisions that have maximum benefit and lowest risk to the decision maker. However, for those who belong to Jesus, the choices we make revolve around God, His people, the world, and then self. How can this be? This is because a true hero finds all of his/her worth in the truth that they belong to the living God, in what He says about him/her, and have a never-ending bond between God and self.
In the story of Esther, we see a beautiful, obedient, confident and wise woman who makes a choice that could potentially lead to her own demise (high risk). Yet, in the moment of immense stress, she makes a good choice. She risks her life for the sake of God’s people, in obedience to her uncle, using the position that God had given her. She goes against the plan of an evil, racist man and a pompous king. AGAIN, this story should not be first and foremost about us. Let’s face it, we will most likely NOT do what Esther did. But there is one who she points to: Jesus Christ. In the Book of Esther, the name of God is never mentioned, however, the reader can clearly see that God is orchestrating all things for the benefit of His people. In the life of Jesus, from the beginning until the end, God’s plan is clearly voiced by angels and by the Triune God Himself! God is intimately involved in making a wonderful choice for the benefit of His people and for His own glory. Only when this truth is revealed in our minds and hearts can we truly be true heroes who begin to make good choices. And in every decision where His name is at stake, the “Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." Luke 12:12.
READ, EXPLORE, SING, TELL
READ
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Esther 4:12-17
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Luke 12:11-12
EXPLORE
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Esther made a good choice by going to the King even though it might have been dangerous for her to do so. Because of her good choice, her people were saved from being killed.
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One person’s good choice may even save someone’s life. Jesus is a true hero because He made a good choice by giving Himself up to die on the cross for our Sins. The choices we make in our life are powerful and we need to be wise with our decisions. One of the ways we can make good choices is by asking God and the people around us to help us. We have to make choices in our life too! God wants us to make good choices so that we can live a life that glorifies Him.
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Have you ever planted something before? What happens to a plant if you choose to water it every single day? It grows big, tall and healthy! Now, what happens when you choose not to water a plant? It dies!
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Can you list moments where the characters in the drama had to make a difficult choice?
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When was a time that you had to make a difficult choice? What choice did you make? Was it the right choice or the wrong choice ?
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Have you committed your life to Christ?
From Pastor Rick Warren:
No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.
Are you ready? Start with this prayer:
“Dear God, I know when I die I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins toward you.
“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.
“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I ask you to save me from the sins and habits that are messing up my life right now. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. I want to live the rest of my life by your priorities, not my own. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
SING
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You can make good choices with the help of others and God
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Yourself: What good choice can I make today? Even if it’s scary or difficult, there are people who can help. But most importantly, God will strengthen and help me (Isaiah 41:10).
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Family Member: Help your family member to make a good choice.
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Friend: Ask your friend what they would do if they were stuck in a situation like Queen Esther.
TEACHING GUIDE
DAY FOUR
The Main Point: True Heroes ARE Good FORGIVERS
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Verse of the day: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Gen. 50:20
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Bible Story: Joseph forgives his brothers
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Pointing to Christ: Jesus, the true hero, is the good forgiver
SUMMARY FOR LEADERS
Forgiveness is a pillar virtue of the Christian faith. It is the gracious and generous forgiveness of our God that began it all. However, there is a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. In today’s very familiar story, we see Joseph meeting his brothers after enduring many years of imprisonment and servitude all because his brothers hated him. Joseph not only forgives them but because of his brothers’ recognition and repentance over their sins, they are reconciled. Their relationship is restored. This is an amazing foreshadowing of our relationship with the True Hero. He not only forgives our hatred toward him but because He gives us the strength to repent of our sins, we are completely reconciled to God. No longer will we face God’s wrath but rather from that moment of reconciliation, we will forever be recipients of His favor. When God creates his new humanity, true heroes, he will transform them into people who forgive generously. However, reconciliation can only happen if the other party recognizes their fault. There is an unspoken expectation that forgiveness is easy. But if we understand the complexity of God’s image bearers, we will understand that there are wounds that need to be healed, mindsets that need to be changed, and habits that need to be broken. Being good forgivers is a lifelong process which again is led and sustained by God.
READ, EXPLORE, SING, TELL
READ
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Genesis 37:16-28; 45:3-7; 50:15-20
EXPLORE
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Today we learned that Joseph’s brothers left Joseph alone without knowing whether or not he was killed or kept alive. They lied to their own father that Joseph had died. They committed a crime together by lying about the death of their own brother and it seems like they didn’t even feel guilty. Everything they did was out of evil intent and yet somehow years later, God used it for His good purpose (Gen. 50:20).
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God forgives us even when we don’t deserve to be forgiven. He sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross, to pay the price, for our sins.
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When we put our faith in Jesus, we can be fully forgiven of all our sins and also have the power to forgive others like Joseph did!
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Forgiveness is hard, especially when we are hurt and angry. That is why we need God to help us forgive those around us. Joseph needed God! And You do too!
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Fill a cup with water and put a few drops of food coloring or dirt inside. The water is all dirty now, this is kind of what our heart looks like when it is filled with sin and unforgiveness.
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Now take the dirty cup of water and put it under running water. The running water is God’s love that needs to be poured into our lives. We need God’s love to pour into our lives for us to forgive others. Now after keeping the cup under running water, is your water still dirty?
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This is what God’s love does, he gives us the power and strength to forgive others and cleans our hearts of all the dirt and sin we may have been living with.
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Did Joseph’s brothers deserve to be forgiven? Why do you think Joseph forgave his brothers?
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Is there someone in your life that you haven't forgiven? What steps can you take to forgiveness today?
SING
TELL
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True forgiveness can happen through Jesus.
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Yourself: True forgiveness can be hard. Sometimes, it’s hard to forgive even ourselves when we mess up. This is why it’s important to remember that it can only happen with God’s help (Colossians 1:14). Jesus has already forgiven you so therefore you can also forgive others.
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Family Member: Forgiving your own family member.
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Friend: Prayer is any important part of forgiveness. We can confess and pray to God for forgiveness. We can also pray for our friends who might have a hard time being forgiven or giving forgiveness to someone else. James 5:16, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
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TEACHING GUIDE
DAY FIVE
The Main Point: True Heroes Do Good Works
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Verse of the day: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11, 18
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Bible Story: Death and Resurrection (John 11)
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Pointing to Christ: Jesus, the true hero, does good work
SUMMARY FOR LEADERS
What is the good work prepared by God? Is it mission work? Is it evangelism? Is it serving for Sunday worship? Yes and no. Not only does it pertain to “church” events but it is also for all other areas of life (i.e. school, work, family, community). In all domains of life, we are to bring life.
In this last passage, Jesus is interacting with his friends as they are experiencing the death of a loved one. Death is a scary concept to many children and for many adults. This is because it is the result of sin. This is the consequence of humanity choosing to rebel against God. Anything and anyone separated from God will experience death. Death isn’t just a moment when your heart stops beating but it can be the loss that’s felt on a day to day basis (i.e. when friendships are broken, when parents divorce, when we face rejection, when we experience racism, when we cause others harm, etc). All of this culminates in the end of life.
In today’s story, we see such death in Lazarus and his family. There is mourning, doubt, anger, and sadness. All of this Jesus approaches and brings life. He rebukes death and experiences the sting of it. He is not immune to this death. But by his power he brings Lazarus back to life. Can you imagine the emotions felt at that moment? Fear, shock, joy. Lazarus’ death was only temporary. Even if Lazarus dies a second time, he will be raised again. But in a way that is qualitatively different than the first time. Lazarus will never experience death ever again. This is guaranteed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus does the ultimate good work of laying down his life for his sheep. But, he picks it back up again! Who else can do that? Only Jesus. His good work is to die and to bring life. Those who are part of this new humanity will also live likewise. Of course, we can’t resurrect the dead but we can bring life in all that we do by reflecting the One who is the resurrection and the life. Remember, we are people who are first and foremost, receiving a kingdom. When this truth is realized in our hearts and mind, then we can become true heroes who expand the kingdom of God on this earth.
READ, EXPLORE, SING, TELL
READ
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John 11:1-4, 38-44
EXPLORE
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What movie did you watch recently that had a crazy plot twist at the end?
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Sometimes we have to wait until the end to find out the real truth. Lazarus’ death may have surprised his sisters, Mary and Martha. His sudden death caused overwhelming grief. Jesus, on the other hand, wasn’t surprised by Lazarus’ death. In fact, Jesus knew that this had to happen for God to be glorified (John 11:4).
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Fortunately for believers, we don’t have to wait until the end to find the real truth. We already know the Gospel truth so we can patiently wait for God to keep His promises (because He always does) and trust in His plans.
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Let’s think about Lazarus’ death. What did his death prove? Was Lazarus’ death necessary?
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The Bible promises us that everyone is guaranteed one thing--death. Because of Sin, we are all doomed to die. Lazarus’ death and miraculous resurrection proves that only through Jesus we can have new life.
SING
TELL
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Jesus is our true hero because of His good works!
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Yourself: True heroes demonstrate good work. THE ultimate good work was done on that cross at calvary. Jesus conquered death by coming back to life (resurrection). What does this mean for me? It means that whoever puts their faith in Jesus, they can have eternal life with (Romans 10:9-10). With new life, we can also do good works to bring glory to God.
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Family Member: Tell a family member that does not know Jesus about His good work.
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Friend: Ask a believing friend to demonstrate good works with you to someone that may not know Jesus.