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A Christian Object Lesson - "Image of God"

Use this Christian object lesson to teach how we are not only created in God's image, but our lives should also reflect His image each and every day.

This is an easy Bible children's talk that can be used in Children's Church, as a children's sermon, or for any children's ministry purpose. I used it for a devotion for our Upward Basketball games. It could also be used during Awana council time.

Also, try these other great Bible object lessons!

object lesson image of God

Object Lesson:

Object: Digital camera with photo and a small mirror

Scriptures:   Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female He created them."

2 Cor. 3:18 tells us: "And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us,we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.

Lesson Prep:  Take a digital photo of someone the group knows and could identify in a photograph, but don't show this one until later in the lesson.


Christian Object LEsson:

Step 1: 

The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Ask if anyone knows what an "image" is. Accept varied answers and comment positively on them so kids will continue to participate.

Have the following definition to summarize and clarify the meaning of "image."

The dictionary gives this definition: "a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible."

Take a picture of someone in the group with a digital camera or bring a photo of someone most everyone will recognize like a famous person.

Ask them if the photo or "image" is actually that person. Of course it's not. The image can't speak, think, etc., but it does show a lot about the person and what they are like.

In the same way, we are created in the "image of God." We are NOT God, but created to be like Him and reflect what He is like.

God created us in His image to be perfect, but just like a computer can "warp" or change an image until you can't recognize the person in the photo, so sin warped the image of God in us.

God, however, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to restore God's image in us.

This does not mean we will physically look like God, but our character and actions should begin to look more like He is - good, kind, loving, forgiving, etc.



Step 2:  

Describe the person in the photo you took beforehand to them and ask them to guess who it is from your description. Be vague in your description such as "this person has brown hair, is a girl, & looks friendly."

When I used this Christian object lesson for a children's devotional for our Upward Basketball games, I used my digital camera to take a picture of someone actually in the room.

Then show them the photo & have them point out or name the person in the picture. Ask them how they were able to recognize them so quickly when you showed them the photo.


Christian object lesson Main Points Transition:

Point 1: We can use words to describe Jesus, but if we can show others His image in us, they will be able to recognize Him more easily.


Point 2: How can we do this? We can be mirrors!
mirror

Hold the mirror in three different ways while asking them if they can see their reflection.

1) Hold the mirror facing away from them.

  • When we are not looking to God and learning about Him, we won't be reflecting His image either.

2) Hold the mirror facing them but covered with a piece of paper.

  • There can't be anything between the mirror and our eyes. Others won't see the image of God in us either if there is something between us and Him.

3) Move the mirror all around as they try to look at their image.

  • We need to take time to "be still and know that He is God." We need to daily spend time with Him in prayer & Bible study so that we will become more like Him.

2 Cor. 3:18 tells us:

"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more."

By us reflecting God's image, others will be able to recognize Him. We can use words to describe Jesus, but if others can see an image of Him in us, they will be able to recognize Him more easily.

This Christian object lesson can also be easily divided into two smaller children's Bible talks. Really it's two Christian object lessons in one - one using a digital camera or photo to teach what it means to be created in the image of God and the other using a mirror to teach how we can reflect His image through our Christian lives.

Separately, they were each about five to ten minute short children's talks. Together they could easily be a twenty to thirty minute children's sermon.

Either way, this Christian object lesson takes little or no preparation and the kids (whether they're preschoolers or teens) enjoy it and are better able to understand these Biblical truths.

More Christian object lessons...


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