Sin and Forgiveness
Object Lesson for Children's Ministry | by Emmalea ButlerWear a long sleeve white sweat shirt and write offenses of sin labels, tags or the like. Black irregular shaped paper with neon gel marker writing - or chalk. Attach the labels with tape and stick them on the shirt before class. Sins from the PAST go on the back of the shirt - sins that could be happening in the PRESENT on the front.
Explain to the children that the only way we can be clean of our sins is to ask Christ to forgive us. If we do not - we "wear" our sins at all times.
Show that you can put a jacket on top of the shirt - or blanket etc., BUT the sins are still there. Others may not see our sins at first - but they are still there.
Have an assistant help by reading and explaining the SINS as you turn slowly.
Ask the children to raise their hand when they can identify a "sin" for which they have been guilty.
Thank them for their honesty and lead them in a short prayer for each sin that is confessed.
Instruct the child to take any action necessary to right a wrong (going to one they have offended, making restitution, etc.)
Remove the label from the shirt and destroy it.
Point out how much nicer the clean white shirt is looking.
SUMMARIZE:
Carrying the burden of sin can get in the way of others seeing the difference we have with Christ in our hearts.
With unconfessed sin can you feel really clean and close to Jesus?
With unconfessed sin in our lives, can we really be an excellent example of the Christian that Christ wants us to be?
Optional: With a t-shirt transfer and the computer - do an iron-on of 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just ...." and place it on the back of the sweatshirt.
Copyright 2002 Emmalea Butler
ibted@indy.net
Return to the Sermons and Object Lessons page.
You can make a difference!
Your purchases and donations to the site help to distribute our children's ministry resources to churches across the world.
Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More