Scripture: Leviticus 1-27
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God gave the Israelites many laws.
- Students will learn the Law God gave Moses contain laws not just for religion, but laws that would be the rules for their society as well.
- Students will learn it was impossible for the people to keep all of these laws, so God already had a plan for Jesus to come to earth and die for our sins.
- Students will learn about law enforcement officers’ responsibilities and complete a project to serve them out of thankfulness for their work.
Guiding Question: How do law enforcement officers impact our society?
Materials: Card making supplies, goodie bags, cookies
Procedure: Review the purpose of Leviticus 1-27. Emphasize God’s commands for the scapegoat and sacrifices in chapter 16. Explain that Leviticus lists many detailed laws for the Israelites to follow. Many laws were focused on sacrifice. This was because sacrificing an animal was how the people showed they were sorry for their sins and the people were willing to rely on God. There are laws in our country that are meant to keep us safe and there are also rules in the Bible meant to keep us safe and lead the best Christian life possible. God expects us to obey these laws so that we can follow the right path and make a great impact for His kingdom. God knows that we are not perfect and will make mistakes which is why He sent Jesus to die for our sins to be forgiven. Explain that God gave the penalties for disobeying His laws when He gave Moses the laws for the Israelites. Moses had to make sure these punishments were enforced and punishments given to those who disobeyed them. Today police officers are in charge of making sure laws are followed.
Introduce the service project. Have a law enforcement officer come speak to your class and share their job responsibilities, challenges and dangers they face in age appropriate ways. If possible, use a member of your congregation or the officer who provides security for your church. Have students make cards and cookies or goodie bags the officer can take back to his station and share with other officers.
Additional Questions: How can students serve the needs of law enforcement?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students create a fundraiser to raise money/donations for law enforcement officers’ needs at their station or within their department.