Materials
Wrap up several empty boxes in bright wrappers. Try to use boxes that are from items the participants would enjoy such as toys, snacks, etc. If the box obviously looks like object participants like, this object lesson is more effective.
Activity
Give participants a lot of play monopoly money and then hold an auction for the gifts. As you hold up gifts allow the students to try to guess what is wrapped up. (Don’t let them touch the gifts or they will guess the boxes are empty) You might suggest that some of the students can team up to buy an item and pool their money together. After all gifts have been auctioned off, allow everyone to open their gifts. Of course they will all be disappointed that the boxes are empty. Then bring out a treat for everyone.
Debrief
We often spend a lot of time, money, and effort for things we think are going to be so wonderful and when we finally get them we still feel empty and disappointed like these empty boxes. Yet Jesus promises us a gift of eternal life to everyone. We don’t have enough money to pay for it, but he paid for it with his life on a Cross. That’s what Easter is about. That’s what salvation is about. Jesus paid the price so we could have the gift of eternal life. We can try to find enjoyment and happiness in life through all kinds of things, but they can only be found in God.
This object lesson can be adapted for all ages and used as a children’s sermon, a teaching illustration or as an object lesson. Most people at some time or another have spent time, effort and money on things that did not satisfy, that left us feeling empty and maybe even cheated. Only the pursuit of God will bring true fulfillment in life.
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