Idolatry! A Nutty Object Lesson based on a container of “Extra Fancy Mixed Nuts.” This object lesson uses the story of King Solomon to show the dangers of listening to the mixed messages thrown at us by society. Solomon listened to his 700 wives and 300 concubines(!), all worshipers of false gods. They led him astray; we need to remain loyal to the one and only true God, our Lord and Savior.
Click the image to watch. Runtime: 4:21
AGE LEVEL: Best for Upper Elementary on up
POINT: Stay focused on Jesus throughout your life.
INSTRUCTIONS: If you are using the suggested Solomon passages, begin by reading or summarizing the 1 Kings 3 passage. Follow that with the object lesson. Then transition to the 1 Kings 11 passage followed, if you wish, by the Activity Page board game.
THE OBJECT LESSON: Idolatry! A Nutty Object Lesson.
The mixed nuts product in the demonstration video came from Costco. The container lists twenty-three nations as sources for the ingredients. If you don’t have a Costco nearby, be sure to find a product with a similar large number of sources.
Read the list of sources to your listeners. Point out that mixed nuts are great, but the mixed messages the world whispers in our ear can lead to disaster if we allow them to divert us from following God. Explain that Solomon in his later years is a case in point. Now read the 1 Kings 11 passage.
Warning: If you are tempted to divide up the nuts as snacks for your listeners, be certain no one is afflicted by allergies to nuts.
MATERIALS NEEDED: For this object lesson we used salted mixed nuts from Costco. If you need a substitute be sure to find
ACTIVITY PAGE: This game can be player by two players, but three or four seem to make it more fun for everyone. Each player needs some sort of small object to jump as a player token. A pencil and paperclip is needed to make the game spinner. Let small groups play, then wrap up by reading and discussing the game’s Make a decision areas (our experience is that kids don’t always read the things they land on!).
Be sure to download the 100% free lesson plan and activity page! Get it HERE.
