Scripture: Acts 4:23-5:11
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn the early church was united and shared everything they had with each other.
- Students will learn God hates lies.
- Students will learn God expects us to be generous with our possessions.
- Students will learn how to use exaggerations and hyperboles.
Guiding Question: How can students learn the meaning behind exaggerations and hyperboles?
Materials: Print ads
Procedure: Review the stories and highlights of the Early Church, Ananias and Sapphira from the scriptures above. Emphasize that the early church was composed of many Christians who were united under the message of Jesus. These Christians embraced each other and shared everything they had with each other. Reinforce what these scriptures say about lying and how God detests lying. Ask the students if they have ever been lied to before and if so, how did it feel. Explain that God does not want us to lie because He wants us to be honest and kind to others. Lying is often secretive and can cause hurt to others. Emphasize that any lie is a sin – no matter how big or small.
Introduce the activity by pointing out that Ananias and Sapphira made it appear as if they were donating the entire proceeds of the sale when they were only donating a portion. It was a lie. In literature and in life people often use exaggeration and hyperbole to make their points seem stronger or their stories more interesting. Throw out a few normal sentences that tell a normal story. Have students give examples of how each sentence could be exaggerated or someone could use hyperbole to make the meaning sound different, more exciting, etc. Give students lots of print ads. Have them look for examples of exaggeration or hyperbole.
Additional Questions: How can students use exaggerations or hyperboles within ads?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students design ads for something mundane like a pencil and use exaggeration or hyperbole to make it sound more exciting.