Note to the Teacher

This lesson focuses on the theme of "Waiting and Listening," inspired by the Transfiguration story in Matthew 17:1-9 and the actions in Exodus 24:12-18. The icebreaker, "Waiting for the Sound," involves students waiting for a sound cue and acting it out. That introduces the theme of waiting in a fun and engaging way. The discussion explores how we can cultivate patience and listen attentively for God's guidance, even when it seems difficult to wait. In the activity, students engage in “Waiting for the Answer,” where they reflect on their personal experiences of waiting on God through art and journaling. They will then share their insights, discussing how to maintain faith and patience during times of waiting.

Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Icebreaker: Wait for the Sound (10 minutes)

Have students stand in a circle. One person will be the "caller" and will say a phrase such as: "I'm waiting for the sound of a bell" or "I'm waiting for a knock on the door."

Everyone waits until the caller claps their hands. The rest of the group must wait for that sound and then find a way to make the sound. For example, if the caller says, "I'm waiting for a knock," the rest of the group can knock on the table or clap.

The caller decides which person is the first to make the sound accurately, and that person will be the next caller.

Bible Reading (5 minutes)

Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17:1-9

Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

Waiting and Listening

What do you think it means to “wait” on God?
Why do you think the disciples had to wait six days to go up the mountain with Jesus? What might God have been teaching them about waiting? Is there a lesson to be learned from this?
How do the two scripture passages (Exodus and Matthew) relate to each other in their portrayal of God's glory being revealed?
What might you say to someone who is struggling to wait and listen for God’s voice? How would you encourage them? How would you help them know there’s a nudge from God or God’s voice rather than something else?
Imagine you are one of the disciples on the mountain. How would you respond after hearing God’s voice and witnessing the Transfiguration? What actions would you take in your life as a result?

Active Learning Activity (20 minutes)

Waiting for the Answer

Provide students with a piece of paper and offer them markers, pens, and any other art supplies.

Ask them to draw or journal about their experience of waiting on God. The prompt is: "What does it look like for you when you’re waiting on God’s voice or answer?”

Next, encourage students to write an answer to the same prompt, incorporating it into their drawing.

After they have finished, give students time to share their reflections with the group and discuss how people can wait with faith and patience.