These youth Bible lessons help to explain the concept of “when Jesus comes back”, a difficult one for children to understand. Using ordinary objects that children can relate to helps to teach this concept.

When Jesus Comes Back
When Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago, he was like a flame of a candle. When he comes again He will be like a light bulb.

RELATED SCRIPTURES:
John 11:25, Revelation 22:20

OBJECTS NEEDED:
Candle, matches, lamp without shade, light bulb, extension cord (if you’re not near an outlet), darkness. If your church has a strict fire code an electric candle with a dull flame can be substituted for a real one.

PREPARATION:
Plug in the lamp with the light bulb in it but keep it turned off and out of sight. Close the drapes or blinds so the area is as dark as possible.

LESSON:
Most people say that throughout Jesus’ 3-year ministry, he never traveled more than 30 miles from his hometown. It’s amazing that Jesus is the most well-known figure in human history, and he was also so humble.

Light the match and light the candle. (Keep matches and flame away from children).

The Son of God was born in a manger on a cold and windy night. He was wrapped in rags as his parents had no clothes for him. He drew shepherds and wise men to him as signs and wonders appeared in the skies around Bethlehem. Somehow His light managed to penetrate the dark of a harsh and cold world, much like this candle.

Once his ministry started, he spent most of his time healing the sick of small towns. Word would go out that “the healer” was in town, and so many sick would gather that Jesus would be backed against a wall, barely able to move. Yet, he spoke of love and hope and promises for the future of mankind. The only thing he took for Himself was rest”¦away from the crowds”¦to speak to the Heavenly Father in private prayer.

Even his disciples thought that once Jesus reached Jerusalem for Passover, that he would somehow be crowned King, and he would lead a great army to set Israel free. But Jerusalem turned out to be a different story. There, he was arrested because leaders were jealous of Him. He was whipped and beaten, made to carry a cross while everyone watched, and he was nailed to it and hung in the sun until”¦ he died.

Blow out the candle.

God’s ways are mysterious to us. Sometimes it looks like we’re in horrible circumstances, even that our lives are over. Yet Jesus said very plainly in John 11:25 , “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;”

God’s never breaks his promises. The greatest thing about Christianity is that every story can and will end happily therein. If you’re in a rough patch, or someone you know is in a rough patch, that only means it’s not the last chapter. It’s a suspenseful story that will end well”¦when we all meet in heaven.

As for Jesus? Some people said he died, and that’s the end of the story. But other people, special people, saw him alive. A month or so after his murder five hundred people saw him alive near Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ is alive. He’s in heaven. And someday”¦ he’s coming back. Only this time, in a bigger form”¦

Pick up the light, hit the switch, and hold it up.

He said in Revelation If we’re going to believe in the light of God, we have to believe it in good times and bad. When things get bad, we have to believe He has a bigger plan for us that what we’re thinking of. We have to believe He’s coming back, and in the meantime, everything is in his control.

We need to let His light fill us so we can be his lamps in a dark world. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20. Pray with me.

PS – Need more ideas for your Sunday School class? Check out this free bible game.