David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Identifying with Jesus

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Materials Needed:

  • Internet access

After students arrive, go around the large group and ask students whom they identify themselves with or to whom they “belong.” Explain that this very likely is their family and extended family, but could also be a friend group at school, a sports team they are a part of, a musical group or drama performance team, etc. To clarify, you may want to describe yourself. (Example: I am Mrs. Ellen Smith, I identify with my husband and children as a part of the Smith family; however, I’m also a violinist and identify that way as a part of the Cleveland, Ohio city orchestra. I’m also a Christian, a neighbor of Sunset Village, and a part of my church community.) Remind students that there are many “identifiers” that make up a person’s identity. Encourage them to think outside of the box, but also, not forget with whom they identify! If students are comfortable, invite a few to introduce themselves in this way.

  • When you think of twins, what picture comes to mind? (Answers will vary. Many will probably say they think of two people who look alike and act alike. Some may mention knowing twins who do not look alike.)
  • What is the difference between a fraternal twin and an identical twin? (Although fraternal twins share the same mom, dad, and birthday, they aren’t identical—they might share some physical features as any sibling would, but they are not mirror images of one another.)

Jarani and Kalani are twin sisters. They are biological siblings but fraternal twins. They are different—so different, in fact, that it is hard for some people to believe they are twins. But the girls don’t define themselves by their differences, rather, they identify with each other through what makes them similar…the fact that they are biological twins and sisters.

Let’s watch the following clip and observe how these girls identify with one another regardless of their differences.
Share this video with your students [0:50]:
Mom hopes rare biracial twins encourage people to ‘love everyone equal’

Ask:

  • How uncommon do you think it is for fraternal twins of biracial parents to look completely different? (It is quite rare; accept all reasonable responses.)
  • What are some ways these girls will be able to identify with one another? (Answers will vary but might include that they share the same family, the same birthday, and possibly the same classes and teachers at school. Since they are always together, it is quite possible they will share the same friends, etc.)

As they grow up, these girls will have the choice to focus on their true identity as twin sisters instead of becoming hung up on their differences. They can choose to embrace their unique sisterhood.

Today we are going to talk about identifying with Someone just as Jarani and Kalani do. Let’s find out more.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

  • Guest speaker (church leader who can speak on your church’s views on baptism)
  • Paper
  • Pens/pencils
  • Optional: Brochures about baptism from your church

Spread the word

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