Opening: 

● Set up an obstacle course with two mirror paths. Divide the students into two teams. One student from each team runs the obstacle
course at a time while the other team members line up along the length of the obstacle course.
● When they’re not running, the members of the opposite team throw soft balls or paper wads at the runner from the side-lines.
● If a student makes it through the obstacle course without being hit, they score a point for their team and return to the side-lines. If they are hit, they go to the side-lines to throw but not run again.
● After each pair runs the course, gather the balls or paper wads again for the next two to run. The game ends when a good representation of children have run the course. The team with the most points wins.
● Afterward, explain that we have to do the right things in life even when it seems difficult. There might be things that get in the way of us doing the right thing. There might be people who try to keep us from doing the right thing, but we have to keep doing what we know is right. 

Bible Story

● Persecution happens to Christians all over the world. Most of us won’t ever face severe persecution. We may lose friends, be teased or bullied, or lose our jobs or get in trouble with our teachers. In some places in the world though, it is actually illegal to be a Christian or to even own a Bible.
● People are killed just because they love Jesus and want other people to love Jesus too. We may see that as a terrible thing, but Jesus says
we are BLESSED when we are persecuted. We receive God’s favour, we can be happy when people tease us, beat us up, steal from us, destroy our stuff, kick us out of school or sports or fire us, call us names, and even kill us because we love Jesus.
● This is another one of those Beatitudes that doesn’t seem like a blessing. How can persecution be a good thing? Well, it helps when we have a right perspective on things. If we are being bullied, beaten and burned at the stake for no good reason, then this would be really sad! But as Christians, we see things differently. We don’t see the pain of persecution. We see the reward of Heaven.
● Here’s a small glimpse of Heaven, from Revelation 21:3-4. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
● And the Bible tells us what we can do about that. When I say go, look up Hebrews 13:3. Go! (Read, or have a student read Hebrews 13:3.) “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” When this verse says remember, it doesn’t just mean 19 spare them a passing thought every now and then. When we remember those who are suffering because of their faith, we should pray for them.
● We should pray for those who are being persecuted. We should also pray for those who persecute us. Matthew 5:44. Go! (Read, or have a student read Matthew 5:44.) “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus wants us to pray for those
who persecute us.
● Be strong in your love for God. Sometimes, people who don’t understand your faith will question you, and mean people might even make jokes. But just remember, you’re making Jesus proud.

Application: 

Are you a bully, confess this to someone you trust and who can guide and pray with you. Are you being bullied, also tell this to an older person who
can help you.