Daniel 5

Lesson Aim

To understand that God will bring justice in his time.

Hook 1: Large writing

Have the three large words ; Mene, Tekel and Peres put up at the correct time in the story or uncovered. Alternatively use ‘Film Fix’ stuck to the wall and appear to write on the wall with a felt pen. Film Fix is a clear sheet of film which sticks to any surface and allows you to write on it.

Hook 2: Meanings

Have each of the three key words displayed with their meanings either as pictures or objects.

Mene – alongside a calendar

Tekel – alongside some weighing scales

Peres – beside a sword

Hook 3: Balloons

Write each of the three words Meme, Tekel and Peres on a piece of paper and place each piece of paper into a different coloured balloon and inflate the balloon. At the point in the story when the writing appears have a child burst each balloon. Use different coloured balloons in order to ensure that the balloons are burst in the correct order.

Hook 4: Objects

Have a crown for someone to represent King Belshazzar. Dress Daniel with a purple t-shirt and a gold chain. A hand can be made from a rubber glove (inflate and tie a knot in the end or fill it with Polyfilla and allow to dry). Use a sword to represent the invasion by the Medes and the death of Belshazzar.

Hook 5: Questions

Have you ever been allowed to write or paint on a wall? Have you seen other very naughty people write on other people’s walls?  Listen for when writing on a wall come into today’s Bible story?

Application

Explain to the children that God will bring justice to all people in his time. God knows when he will judge each person for their wrong deeds in life and we must be ready for that day. By trusting in Jesus we can have our sins forgiven.  Jesus has taken on himself our punishment when he died at Calvary. Then God will not punish us but will give us a place in heaven.