The Fall--Family Devotion with Object Lesson

(A 2 liter bottle and a $20 dollar bill help make an Adam and Eve trap as we learn to beware of temptation and learn about consequences this week with Adam and Eve.)

Weekly Scripture:
Genesis 3

Story:
“The Fall”

Precept:
God wants us to take responsibility for our sins, repent and seek restoration to Him, rather than try to hide our sins.

Finding Christ:
In this chapter, we hear God announce the enmity that will be between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. The seed of the woman is a prophecy of Christ. Through the crucifixion and resurrection, Christ did bruise the serpent on the head.

Live the Lesson:
Prepare an Adam and Eve trap before the devotional time. Take a $20 bill and put it in the middle of a piece of paper. Crush the paper into the shape of a ball around it, adding 2 more sheets to the ball. Make sure to crush this very firmly. Tape around it, making sure there are not edges one could pinch anywhere.

Take a 2 liter bottle and cut the top ¼ of it. Find a very sturdy piece of cardboard or foam and cut a hole in it big enough for the ball only to pass through or a hand, but not a hand wrapped around the ball. Try dropping the ball through to make sure it can clear by itself. Secure the cardboard to the top of the bottle with duct tape or something of that nature until it holds firmly in place.

Now show the children how the ball can pass through the trap and place it in the bottom of the bottle. Tell them this is an Adam and Eve trap. Tell them the piece of cardboard on top represents God’s relationship with us. Explain to them the ball represents temptation and there is a $20 bill in the middle of the ball. Whoever can reach into the trap, wrap their hand around the ball, and remove it without damaging the relationship to God can have the $20! Having seen the ball drop in surely some child will believe they can pull this off.

As they realize it is impossible, explain to them so it is with temptation. You cannot keep focused on temptation without giving in to it and you cannot actually sin without it damaging your relationship with God. Then talk about how to seek God’s restoration.

Memory Verse:
“My sins are not hidden from You.”
Psalm 69:5

Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help me to overcome temptation. If I do sin, please help me to take responsibility and confess my sins to You, that I will repent and be restored to You!

Living the Life:
This week, name the various temptations we come across. Share how to overcome them with the Word. Remind children to take responsibility and not put the blame on others. They should repent and seek restoration.