I used this lesson to teach large group Bible Study on Wednesday night to a group of K – 5th graders.
Setting the Stage: The tree graphic for screen can be downloaded here. We made the tree with fabric draped over a riser. The two large pieces of paper on each side of the screen are a partial list of the family lines of Solomon and Nathan.
Lesson:
Download lesson here.
Skit (click to download)
Sunday School or Bible Study Lesson for Kids – Jesus’ Family Tree
Give the definition of a Family Tree, for kids who are unfamiliar.
Say, Today, we’re going to look at Jesus’ family tree, which is listed in several places. We’re going to take a look at the lists found in Matthew 1 and in Luke 3.
Up to a certain point, the lists would have included the same people. They would begin with Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Ruth, and David. Why don’t we let them tell you a little bit about themselves.
Skit: 5 volunteers read their character’s description. (Can be downloaded at kathyahutto.com) Provide simple props. Suggestions: Adam-grass skirt, Noah-inflatable inner tube, Abraham-fake beard, Ruth-basket, David-crown.
Say, It’s at this point that the lists would begin to differ. And I think maybe I know why.
Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews. During His day, the religious leaders would have wanted to prove Him wrong. You can be sure, they checked the records to find out if he had a right to make this claim. In a legal sense, he would have to be in the line of a King.
King David had many children. Two of his sons were Solomon and Nathan.
If you look at this chart (point to the large paper where you’ve listed Solomon and some of his descendents with Joseph listed at the bottom), you can see that Joseph, whom they would have recognized as Jesus’ father, was in the line of David.
In a natural sense, Jesus was not Joseph’s son. He was God’s Son. If you look at this chart (point to the large paper where you’ve listed Nathan and some of his descendents with Mary listed at the bottom), you can see that Jesus’ mother, Mary, was in the line of David as well.
God made doubly sure that Jesus had a right to claim to be King and there was no disputing that!
In addition, the Old Testament prophecies stated Jesus would be in the line of David.
And He certainly is!