These Bible activities will teach preteens about being thirsty for Jesus, obeying God, and their God-given purpose. Use these Bible-based devotions with middle schoolers in your Sunday school classes or children’s church program.
3 Bible Activities Tailored to Preteens
1. Thirsty
Use this devotion to discuss Jesus’ living water.
You’ll need:
- a Bible,
- oyster crackers,
- paper plates, and
- cups of drinking water.
Give each preteen about 50 oyster crackers on a plate.
Say: You have 60 seconds to eat and swallow all of your oyster crackers without using your hands. Check for understanding. Then have kids try the challenge.
Ask:
- What was this experience like for you? (Refrain from giving them water for at least a few minutes or until a few preteens ask.)
Give kids water, and then read aloud John 4:4-10.
Ask:
- Jesus said his living water will keep us from thirsting. What do you think he means?
Say: Think about being desperately thirsty. Pause. Ask:
- Explain whether you’re desperately thirsty for Jesus’ living water, and why.
- What things do you look to for satisfaction, other than Jesus?
- How can a relationship with Jesus satisfy you like nothing else?
Donna Simcoe
Fort Collins, Colorado
2. Angels Versus Donkeys
Use this devotion to discuss obedience to God.
You’ll need:
- a Bible and
- inflated balloons.
Read aloud Numbers 22:21-27.
Form two groups: the Angels and the Donkeys. Have the Angels and Donkeys stand against opposite walls. Pile balloons in front of the Donkeys. Say: The balloons represent Balaam.
Say: Donkeys, it’s your job to bop “Balaam” past the Angels. Angels, keep Balaam from passing you. Establish a line about 3 feet from the Angels’ wall that the Donkeys can’t cross. Let preteens play for a few minutes. Switch roles, and let kids play again.
