VBS 2016 Biblical Content Takes Us Below the Surface to the person only Jesus sees

As kids of all ages submerge into God’s Word, they will discover that a person’s outer appearance that is seen by the world can be very different from the inner person seen by Jesus. In a day when kids, teens, and adults are bombarded with the message that image is everything – it doesn’t matter what is on the inside as long as the outside is picture perfect – we are a society in desperate need of knowing and accepting that it is the inner person that is most important. Each Submerged Bible story will bring out what others (people) saw on the outside, but more importantly what Jesus knew about the person “below the surface.”
Zacchaeus was an outcast (despised tax collector). The woman at the well was an obvious sinner. Nicodemus was a temple-going good man (a not so obvious sinner). The blind man was limited in his abilities but looked upon as either useless or the result of some past sin. The children were seen as not important and annoying. Yet, Jesus valued each person. He loved them and He came to be their Savior. Each person is unique and of value to God.

Christ Connection for the Week:

Jesus taught people that the kingdom of God had come and that salvation is available to all.

 

DAY 1

JESUS SAW ZACCHAEUS

When Jesus entered Jericho, a rich tax collector named Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and told him that He would stay at his house that day. The people in the crowd complained, calling Zacchaeus a sinful man. Jesus saw Zacchaeus for who he really was—a man in need of salvation.

Luke 19:1-10

Today’s Point: Jesus knows who I really am.

Bonus Verse:

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

DAY 2

JESUS SAW THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

As Jesus traveled through Samaria, He sat down at a well to rest. A Samaritan woman, who many knew to be a sinner, came to the well for water. Jesus asked her for a drink and told her many things about her life. When she recognized that Jesus was the promised Messiah, she went back to town to tell everyone. Jesus saw the woman’s true worth and offered her living water.

John 4:1–42

Today’s Point: Jesus knows my worth.

Bonus Verse:

I will praise You 
because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful,
 and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

DAY 3

JESUS SAW NICODEMUS

Nicodemus was a Pharisee or leader of the law. Although he seemed like a person who had all the right answers, he visited Jesus at night to ask questions. Jesus explained that unless someone is reborn, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus must have gotten the point because after Jesus’ crucifixion, Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Jesus saw Nicodemus’ need for a Savior.

John 3:1–21; 19:38–42

Today’s Point: Jesus knows I need a Savior.

Bonus Verse:

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

DAY 4

JESUS SAW A BLIND MAN

Jesus and His disciples passed a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples asked, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus explained that the man was not born blind because of sin, but his healing would bring glory to God. Jesus had compassion for the man and healed him. People saw the blind man’s limitations, but Jesus saw a man with a purpose.

John 9

Today’s Point: Jesus knows my purpose.

Bonus Verse:

For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Philippians 2:13

DAY 5

JESUS SAW THE CHILDREN

Parents brought their children to Jesus, but the disciples tried to turn them away. Jesus told His disciples to allow the children to come to Him. Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who welcome it with child-like acceptance. Jesus loved and accepted the children.

Mark 10:13–16

Today’s Point: Jesus loves and accepts me.

Bonus Verse:

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

PRESCHOOL BIBLE CONTENT

LOBL: Self

God loves me. (B-2s)

I am special to God. (3s–Pre-K)

God has a plan for me. (K)

 

Bible Verse (paraphrase):

God, You know everything about me. Help me do what is right.

Psalm 139:23-24

 

Day 1: Jesus Saw Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-10

Today’s Point: Jesus knows me.

Day 2: Jesus Saw the Woman at the Well

John 4:1-42

Today’s Point: Jesus knows everything about me.

Day 3: Jesus Saw Nicodemus

John 3:1-21; 19:38-42

Today’s Point: Jesus has a plan for me. (3s–K)

                           Jesus loves everyone. (B–2s)

Day 4: Jesus Saw a Blind Man

John 9

Today’s Point: Jesus cares about me.

Day 5: Jesus Saw the Children

Mark 10:13-16

Today’s Point: Jesus loves me.

 

Click here to learn more about

Submerged: Finding Truth Below the Surface

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Click here to check out FREE last-minute training for your preschool and kids VBS leaders. We also have FREE Journey Off the Map specific training available by clicking here.