An object lesson children's story on the theme of 1 John 2:1 "But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."
Teaching how sin separates us from God and it is practically impossible to live perfectly since leaving the garden of Eden and the tree of life. But we are in trouble because we need connection to God to live - but wait.... Jesus to the rescue!
Kids come up for a children challenge
Who knows what this is? [hold up quoits pole]
Today this represents the Tree of Life, or God who gives us life
This ring [hold up quoit ring] represents your life. In order to live you need to connect to God.
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Everyone line up in front of this tree of life. [put stand on one extreme side of the stage]
We're going to take turns trying to put this ring, that represents your life, on the stand.
Let's go [the kids are so close they can literally place the ring on without missing.]
There we go, when humans were living in the Garden of Eden they were so close to God it was easy to connect with him.
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Now, since then sin has come into the world. God hasn't moved away from us, but we have moved away from God.
So we'll leave this tree of life here but we're all going to go over to the other side of the stage and from there try and connect to the tree of life.
Let's try [take turns one at a time but miss because it's so far away]
No, you missed, and have missed out eternal life. Next person try
Because our sins have separated ourselves from God so far it's so much harder to connect to God.
Maybe one day you might actually do it. But you have to keep connecting, over and over for eternity without missing. It’s quite impossible.
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However, the good news is God knew we would move away from him, and knew how hard it would be for us to connect with him, so He sent his son Jesus to help us.
We need a big strong man to help us from the audience.
You'll play the role of Jesus for us.
Now, when Jesus came to earth. He was this far away to, but he did manage to connect with God every single day he was on earth.
So Jesus, we need you, on three, to make the throw and get it on the tree of life. If oyu miss, this whole object lesson fails. So no pressure!
Ok, One.... Two, oh wait! I forgot to mention. we'll do the throw in slow motion so you can review carefully if Jesus really did make the distance perfectly.
Ok One.... Two.....[take ring form Jesus hand] THREE! Here it goes, traveling perfectly all the way and connecting with God.... without even touching the pole on the way down. We'll done Jesus!
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Because Jesus was able to do this, he is able to help us connect.
So you can all have another turn, but THIS time, wherever your throw towards God lands, Jesus can stem pin and place your life on God.
Let's try! [they throw, Jesus picks up the miss and puts it on the pole] YES! Congratulations, you have eternal life!! Who's next...
Another one with eternal life, CONGRATULATIONS!
You know there is only one way you can miss out on eternal life. And that is by not throwing your life towards God. You are free to not throw yourself to God and just hold onto your life, and you are free to even throw it the opposite direction of God, but if you do that, Jesus can't connect you to the one who gives Eternal life.
You only have to throw it the width of a mustard seed towards God, for Jesus to be able to take over and save you. You just have to give your life to Jesus - and you're saved.
We'll done everyone, now you know how to live forever!
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On your way back to your seats I want you to give a big high five to Jesus and say “Thanks Jesus!” into the microphone.
Presentation: Castle Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church - January 24, 2026