Revelation: Jesus Knocks at the Door
Revelation 3:20 – Jesus Knocks at the Door
Scripture Reference: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Objectives:
- Children should understand that Jesus is right near us all the time.
- Children should have an opportunity to sit quietly with the Lord this week, listening for His voice in prayer.
Possible Lesson Plan:
- Open with prayer. This book was also written by John. See pg. 294 in the Children’s Bible Reader.
- Play with the classroom door today. First the teacher should stand outside and knock. What do the children do? Do they ask the teacher to enter? Do they open the door. When the door is opened, have a snack or treat to give. Then reread the verse. Practice again with each student taking turns knocking and the others opening the door. Try a bit of discussion:
Why do we knock?
What would happen if we knocked and no one opened the door?
Does Jesus batter down the door?
How does Jesus “knock” on our doors?
What does He promise if we open the door?
- Review the parable of the wedding feast and of the bridegroom. Sing the song “I cannot come” (Invite Dr. Pat and her guitar if you don’t know it!):
I cannot come to the banquet; don’t bother me now.
I have married a wife; I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum.
Pray hold me excused, I cannot come.
Even these small children can probably remember a time when they were “too busy” for Jesus – wanted to play or watch TV instead of going to church or evening prayers. Let each share such a time.
- Now, replay your door play. The teacher is Jesus. When he knocks on the door, each child in turn can open the door. Ask the child, “Will you come with Jesus to Church today?” or “Will you come to Jesus in prayer today?” or “Will you invite Jesus to bless your food today?” or something similar. Give the child the chance to say, “Yes” to Jesus.
- Make a Jesus Door craft: First copy and have the children color the small icon of Jesus.
Glue the icon of Jesus to a paper plate (gold?) that has a door cut in it, like shutters on a window. The icon can be cut out and glued to a contrasting piece of paper before gluing it to the back of the plate, facing forward.
Copy the three parts of the Scripture verse above. They can be glued to contrasting construction paper or directly to the plate. Finally, a string or picture hanger or adhesive magnet strip will complete the mounting of the project.
- Close with prayer. Have the children work on sitting and listening for Jesus in class and at home in prayer thru the week.