Animal Charades

Bible Reading: John 3:1-7, 16

“Okay, kids. We’ll end with a short game of animal charades.” Miss Ellen looked around at her Sunday school class. “Eli, would you like to start? Pretend to be an animal—any kind you want—and we’ll see who is first to guess which animal you’ve chosen. Then that person can pick an animal to imitate.”

Eli nodded and dropped to his hands and knees. He walked a few steps on all fours, then rolled over and panted. “You’re a dog!” Parker shouted.

“That was an easy one.” Eli laughed and got to his feet.

Parker thought for a minute. Then he got down on his stomach and wriggled his way across the floor. “Are you a worm?” someone asked. Parker shook his head. As he crawled along, he rapidly stuck out his tongue several times. “A snake!” called out one of the girls, and it was her turn. After several of the kids had a turn, Miss Ellen announced she would do the final charade.

The kids watched as Miss Ellen began her act. She folded her hands and bowed her head. “You’re a praying mantis,” said Eli.

Miss Ellen shook her head. “Good guess, but I should have told you that this time I’m human, not an animal.” She picked up her Bible and pretended to read. Next, she walked to a chair, sat down, and appeared to be listening to someone. Then she opened and closed her mouth several times. “She’s singing,” whispered someone, and Miss Ellen nodded.

“Yeah. She’s in church,” whispered someone else. Again, Miss Ellen nodded.

Then Leah jumped up. “You’re pretending to be a Christian!” she exclaimed.

“That’s it!” said Miss Ellen. “Now, think about this: Pretending to be something doesn’t make it so. You’re not a dog unless you’re born into the canine family, and you’re not a Christian unless you’re born into God’s family. It doesn’t matter if your parents are Christians or if you go to church every week. The only way to be born into God’s family is by trusting in Jesus as your Savior. Then the Bible says you will be born again—as a child of God!”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Have you been born again? You may pretend to be a Christian. You may act the way you think a Christian should act by reading the Bible, going to church, and even praying. But you’re not a Christian unless you’ve been born again into God’s family by trusting in Jesus. You need the new spiritual life He offers you. Stop pretending and trust Him as your Savior today! (To learn more, click the “Good News! button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
John 3:7 [Jesus said,] “You must be born again.” (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust in Jesus and be born again