Start with the story. Then go through each chapter, one lesson at a time. Each lesson has three short checks. Each chapter ends with a review. The unit ends with a wrap-up.
This unit has stories of people who needed help. Hagar was alone in the desert. Moses was far from home. Mary heard surprising news. In each story, the Bible says a messenger from God came close and spoke kindly.
Then come stories about Jesus. He fed hungry people and welcomed children. He sent his friends to all nations. At Pentecost, people heard good news in their own languages. Many readers see an invitation here for every nation.
In this unit you will retell these stories in order. You will learn words like messenger, holy and nation. You will say what each story says. Then you will hear how readers explain it. And you will find ways to help others feel welcome.
When it happened
Step 1
Hagar is sad and runs into the desert (Genesis 16)
Step 2
The Angel of the LORD finds Hagar by a spring
Step 3
Moses watches sheep and sees a burning bush (Exodus 3)
Step 4
God tells Moses he will help his people
Step 5
Gabriel brings Mary good news (Luke 1)
Step 6
Jesus feeds hungry people and welcomes children (Mark 6 and 10)
Step 7
Jesus calms the wind and the waves (Mark 4)
Step 8
Jesus sends his friends to all nations (Matthew 28:19)
Step 9
At Pentecost, people hear in their own languages (Acts 2)
Step 10
A crowd from every nation stands together (Revelation 7:9)
5
Chapter
The Messenger Who Came Close
The Angel of the LORD
Big questionIn the Bible stories, how did God come close to people who needed help?
The story
The Bush That Did Not Burn Up
Moses is watching sheep. Then he sees something new. A bush is on fire, but it stays green.
This story is in the Bible, in a book called Exodus. Moses lives in the dry hills. He takes care of sheep. Each day he walks with them. He finds them grass and water. It is quiet work.
One day Moses looks up. He sees a bush on a hill. The bush has fire in it! But the leaves stay green. The branches do not turn black. The bush keeps burning, and it does not burn up.
Moses walks closer to look. The story says a voice calls from the bush. "Moses, Moses!" Moses answers, "Here I am." The voice tells him to take off his sandals. This place is special, the voice says.
The story says it was God who spoke from the bush. God had heard his people crying in Egypt. God would help them. And God wanted Moses to help too. Moses listened carefully.
Talk about itMoses walked closer to look at something new. What do you do when you see something new?
Section 1
A Messenger in the Desert
5.1
Hagar by the Spring
Main ideaIn Genesis 16, the Angel of the LORD found Hagar in the desert and spoke kindly to her.
This story is in Genesis 16. A woman named Hagar was sad. Life at home was hard for her. So she ran away into the desert. The desert was hot and dry.
Hagar stopped by a spring of water. The story says a special found her there. The Bible calls him the . He asked her, "Where are you going?"
The messenger listened to Hagar. He told her she would have a baby boy. The boy would be named Ishmael. That name means "God hears." The story says God had heard Hagar.
Words to know
messenger
someone who brings words or news from someone else
Angel of the LORD
a special messenger in the Bible stories who speaks for God
Check yourself
1. Where did the messenger find Hagar?
Why: Genesis 16 says the Angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert.
2. What does the name Ishmael mean?
Why: Ishmael means "God hears." The story says God had heard Hagar.
3. What is a messenger?
Why: A messenger brings words or news from someone else.
5.2
The God Who Sees
Main ideaHagar gave God a name that means the God who sees me.
Hagar felt alone in the desert. Then the messenger came. He knew her name. He knew she was sad. He talked with her gently.
Hagar thought about what happened. Then she gave God a . In Genesis 16:13 she calls him "the God who sees me." She felt seen and cared for.
Hagar went back home. Later her baby boy was born. She named him Ishmael, just as the messenger said. The story ends with a promise kept.
Words to know
name
a word that tells who someone is; in the Bible, a name can tell about a person
Check yourself
1. What name did Hagar give God?
Why: In Genesis 16:13, Hagar calls God "the God who sees me."
2. How did Hagar feel before the messenger came?
Why: Hagar ran away because she was sad. In the desert she felt alone.
3. What did Hagar name her baby boy?
Why: She named him Ishmael, just as the messenger said.
Section 2
The Bush That Kept Burning
5.3
Moses Sees a Bush
Main ideaIn Exodus 3, the Angel of the LORD came to Moses in a bush that burned but did not burn up.
This story is in Exodus 3. Moses was watching sheep near a mountain. The Bible calls the mountain Horeb. It was a quiet day.
The story says the Angel of the LORD came to Moses in a of fire. The fire was in a . The bush burned. But it did not burn up.
Moses said, "I will go and look." He wanted to know why the bush stayed green. Moses was curious. He walked closer.
Words to know
flame
the bright, hot part of a fire
bush
a small plant with many branches, smaller than a tree
Check yourself
1. What was Moses doing when he saw the bush?
Why: Exodus 3 says Moses was taking care of sheep near a mountain.
2. What was strange about the bush?
Why: The story says the bush burned, but it was not burned up.
3. Who came to Moses in the flame, the story says?
Why: Exodus 3:2 says the Angel of the LORD came to Moses in a flame of fire.
5.4
A Special Place
Main ideaThe story says God spoke from the bush and told Moses he would help his people.
Moses came near the bush. The story says God called, "Moses, Moses!" Moses said, "Here I am." He was ready to listen.
God told Moses to take off his sandals. The ground there was . Holy means special and set apart for God. Moses covered his face.
Then God said he had seen his people in Egypt. They were working hard and hurting. God had heard them cry. The story says God would bring them out, and Moses would help.
Words to know
holy
special and set apart for God
Check yourself
1. What did God tell Moses to take off?
Why: In Exodus 3:5, God tells Moses to take off his sandals because the ground is holy.
2. What does holy mean?
Why: Holy means special and set apart for God.
3. Who had God heard crying, the story says?
Why: Exodus 3 says God heard his people crying in Egypt and would help them.
5.5
Who Was the Messenger?
Main ideaIn Exodus 3, the Angel is in the bush and God speaks from the bush. Readers ask who was there.
Read Exodus 3 again. Verse 2 says the Angel of the LORD was in the bush. Verse 4 says God called from the bush. So who was there? People have asked this for a very long time.
Hagar’s story is like this too. In Genesis 16:13, she says she has seen the God who sees her. Some Bible scholars, like Michael Heiser, think the Angel was God himself. God came close so people could him.
Other readers think the Angel was a messenger God sent. He spoke God’s words for God. Both groups read the same story closely.
Words to know
see
to look at something with your eyes
Check yourself
1. Which verse says God called to Moses from the bush?
Why: Exodus 3:4 says God called to Moses from the middle of the bush.
2. Some Bible scholars, like Michael Heiser, think the Angel was who?
Why: Some scholars, like Heiser, think the Angel of the LORD was God himself, coming close in a way people could see.
3. What do some other readers think?
Why: Other readers think the Angel was a messenger sent by God, speaking God's words.
Section 3
Good News, Do Not Be Afraid
5.6
Gabriel Visits Mary
Main ideaIn Luke 1, the angel Gabriel brought Mary good news about a baby named Jesus.
The Bible tells about too. Angels are God’s helpers in heaven. They often carry messages. One angel has a name. His name is . He is in the book of Daniel too.
This story is in Luke 1. Gabriel came to a young woman named Mary. She lived in a town called Nazareth. At first Mary was surprised. Gabriel said, "Do not be afraid."
Then Gabriel told Mary good news. She would have a baby boy. She should name him Jesus. Mary listened. She said yes.
Words to know
angels
God's helpers in heaven in the Bible stories; many bring messages
Gabriel
an angel named in the Bible who brought good news to Mary
Check yourself
1. Which angel came to Mary?
Why: Luke 1 says the angel Gabriel came to Mary in Nazareth.
2. What did Gabriel say first to help Mary?
Why: Gabriel told Mary, "Do not be afraid."
3. What name did Gabriel give for the baby?
Why: Gabriel told Mary to name her son Jesus.
5.7
What Helps Us Feel Safe
Main ideaIn the stories, angels often say "Do not be afraid," and the stories say God is near.
Look back at the stories. Hagar was sad. Moses was surprised. Mary was surprised too. Each time, the messenger was kind and .
In Luke, angels say "Do not be afraid" again and again. The stories say God is near. They say God cares. Many people feel calm when they hear them.
Feeling scared or new is okay. Some things help us feel . A grown-up we trust. A quiet place. A slow, deep breath. You can ask for help.
Words to know
calm
quiet and steady inside
safe
protected and cared for, not in danger
Check yourself
1. What do angels often say in the stories?
Why: In Luke, angels often say, "Do not be afraid."
2. What is one thing that can help you feel safe?
Why: A grown-up you trust can help you feel safe. You can ask for help.
3. How were the messengers in these stories?
Why: With Hagar, Moses and Mary, the messengers were kind and calm.
Chapter review
The Messenger Who Came Close
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1. Which book tells about Moses and the burning bush?
Why: The burning bush story is in Exodus 3.
2. Which book tells about Hagar and the spring?
Why: Hagar's story is in Genesis 16.
3. Which book tells about Gabriel and Mary?
Why: Gabriel's visit to Mary is in Luke 1.
4. What does the Angel of the LORD do in these stories?
Why: In Genesis 16 and Exodus 3, the Angel of the LORD speaks for God and helps.
5. In Exodus 3, who calls to Moses from the bush, the story says?
Why: Exodus 3:4 says God called to Moses from the middle of the bush.
6. Hagar called God a name. What did it mean?
Why: In Genesis 16:13, Hagar calls God "the God who sees me."
Send it to your teacher
6
Chapter
Good News for Every Nation
Jesus and the Nations
Big questionIn the Bible stories, who is invited into God's family?
The story
Hello in a New Language
A new student joins the class. He speaks Spanish. Soon the whole class can say hello to him.
It is Monday at a school in Chicago. A new boy stands at the door. His name is Mateo. He just moved from far away. Mateo speaks Spanish. He knows only a few English words.
The teacher smiles. She says, "Mateo, welcome!" Then she turns to the class. "How do we say hello in Spanish?" Mateo says it softly. "Hola." The class tries it together. "Hola, Mateo!"
At lunch, Ava saves Mateo a seat. She points to her apple. She says, "Apple." Mateo points too. He says, "Manzana." They both laugh. Now each one knows a new word.
By Friday, Mateo has three friends. The class knows five Spanish words. Mateo knows ten new English words. Two languages, one class. Everyone belongs.
Talk about itHow did the class help Mateo feel welcome? What could you do for a new friend?
Section 1
Jesus Helps and Is Strong
6.1
Jesus Helped Hurting People
Main ideaThe Gospels tell how Jesus fed hungry people and welcomed children.
The are four books in the Bible. They tell about Jesus. One story is in Mark 6. A big crowd came to hear Jesus. It got late. The people were hungry.
Jesus’ friends found five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus thanked God. His friends passed out the food. The story says everyone ate and was full.
Another story is in Mark 10. Parents brought their children to Jesus. His friends tried to send them away. Jesus said, "Let the children come to me." He hugged them and them.
Words to know
Gospels
the four books in the Bible that tell about Jesus: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
blessed
said kind, good words over someone and asked God to be good to them
Check yourself
1. How much food did Jesus' friends find in Mark 6?
Why: Mark 6 says there were five loaves of bread and two fish.
2. What did Jesus say about the children in Mark 10?
Why: Jesus said, "Let the children come to me," and he blessed them.
3. What are the Gospels?
Why: The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They tell about Jesus.
6.2
Stronger Than Every Bad Power
Main ideaThe stories say Jesus was stronger than every bad power, even the wind and the waves.
This story is in Mark 4. Jesus and his friends were in a boat. A big wind came. Waves splashed in. His friends were scared. Jesus was asleep.
They woke him up. Jesus spoke to the wind and the sea. He said, "Peace, be still." The wind stopped. The water became calm. His friends asked, "Who is this?"
The Gospels say Jesus was than every bad power. His friends said even the wind and the sea him. That is in Mark 4:41.
Words to know
stronger
having more power than someone or something else
obey
to do what someone says
Check yourself
1. Where were Jesus and his friends when the wind came?
Why: Mark 4 says they were in a boat when the storm came.
2. What did Jesus say to the sea?
Why: The story says Jesus told the sea, "Peace, be still," and it became calm.
3. What did Jesus' friends ask after the storm?
Why: Mark 4:41 says his friends asked who this was, because even the wind and the sea obeyed him.
Section 2
Good News in Every Language
6.3
Go to All Nations
Main ideaIn Matthew 28:19, Jesus sent his friends to all nations.
This is near the end of the book of Matthew. Jesus met his friends on a mountain. He had a big job for them.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told them to go to all . Not just one land. Not just one people. All of them. They should teach people and welcome them.
Think back to Babel in Genesis 11. The people spread out then. They became many nations. Now Jesus sent his friends to every one of them.
Words to know
nations
big groups of people, each with their own land and often their own language
Check yourself
1. Where did Jesus send his friends in Matthew 28:19?
Why: In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told his friends to go to all nations.
2. Which story told how people spread out into many nations?
Why: At Babel in Genesis 11, people were spread out into many nations.
3. What is a nation?
Why: A nation is a big group of people. It has its own land and often its own language.
6.4
Pentecost: Many Languages
Main ideaAt Pentecost, people from many lands heard the good news in their own languages.
This story is in Acts 2. Jesus’ friends were together in Jerusalem. It was a holiday called . People had come from many lands.
The story says a sound came like a strong wind. Something like little flames rested on each friend. Then the friends began to speak in other .
A crowd came running. The visitors were amazed. Each one heard the friends in their own language! They heard about God’s great works.
Words to know
Pentecost
a Jewish harvest holiday, Shavuot in Hebrew; in Acts 2, the day Jesus' friends spoke in many languages
languages
the different sets of words people use to talk, like English and Spanish
Check yourself
1. Which book tells the Pentecost story?
Why: The Pentecost story is in Acts 2.
2. What rested on each friend, the story says?
Why: Acts 2 says something like little flames rested on each of them.
3. Why was the crowd amazed?
Why: Each visitor heard the friends speaking in their own language.
6.5
Babel Turned Around
Main ideaMany readers see Pentecost as Babel turned around: languages bring people together.
Remember Babel? In Genesis 11, God mixed up the people’s languages. They could not understand each other. They spread out over the earth.
Put the two stories side by side. At Babel, many languages sent people apart. At Pentecost, many languages brought people together. Some Bible scholars, like Michael Heiser, see Pentecost as the of Babel.
Other readers say Pentecost is mostly about God’s Spirit. The Spirit came to Jesus’ friends. Both readings look closely at Acts 2.
Words to know
opposite
as different as can be, like up and down
Check yourself
1. Some Bible scholars, like Heiser, see Pentecost as the opposite of what?
Why: At Babel, languages sent people apart. At Pentecost, languages brought them together.
2. At Babel, what did the many languages do?
Why: At Babel, people could not understand each other, so they spread apart.
3. About how many people joined at Pentecost, Acts 2:41 says?
Why: Acts 2:41 says about 3,000 people joined that day.
Section 3
Everyone Invited Home
6.6
A Crowd From Every Nation
Main ideaRevelation 7:9 pictures a huge crowd from every nation and language, all together.
The last book in the Bible is . It is full of pictures in words. One picture is in Revelation 7:9.
John, the writer, sees a huge crowd. It is so big no one can count it. The people come from every nation. They speak every language. They all stand together before God.
The people wear white clothes. They hold palm branches, like at a happy parade. Many readers see this as the end of the big story. Every nation is invited home to God’s family.
Words to know
Revelation
the last book in the Bible; it uses word pictures about the future
Check yourself
1. Which book has the huge crowd from every nation?
Why: Revelation 7:9 pictures the huge crowd from every nation.
2. What did the people in the crowd hold?
Why: Revelation 7:9 says they held palm branches.
3. How big was the crowd?
Why: The story says the crowd was so big that no one could count it.
6.7
Making Room for Others
Main ideaThe stories invite everyone in, and we can welcome people who are new or different.
Look at the stories in this chapter. Jesus fed hungry people. He welcomed children. At Pentecost, every language was heard. In Revelation, every nation is together.
Many Christians read these stories as an invitation. Everyone is in God’s family, they say. Revelation 7:9 paints this picture.
You can make room for others. Learn how to say hello in a new language. Save a seat. Share a toy. Say someone’s name kindly. Small things help a lot.
Words to know
welcome
to greet someone gladly and help them feel they belong
Check yourself
1. What is one way to welcome a new friend?
Why: Saving a seat helps a new friend feel they belong.
2. What does welcome mean?
Why: To welcome is to greet someone gladly and help them feel they belong.
3. How do many Christians read these stories?
Why: Many Christians read these stories as an invitation. Everyone is welcome, they say.
Chapter review
Good News for Every Nation
0 / 6
1. Where did Jesus send his friends in Matthew 28:19?
Why: In Matthew 28:19, Jesus sent his friends to all nations.
2. What happened at Pentecost in Acts 2?
Why: At Pentecost, people from many lands heard the friends in their own languages.
3. Which two stories are both about many languages?
Why: Genesis 11 (Babel) and Acts 2 (Pentecost) are both about many languages.
4. In Mark 4, what did the wind and waves do when Jesus spoke?
Why: Mark 4 says the wind stopped and there was a great calm.
5. Revelation 7:9 shows people from where?
Why: Revelation 7:9 pictures a crowd from every nation and language.
6. What did Jesus do for the children in Mark 10?
Why: Jesus said to let the children come, and he blessed them.
Send it to your teacher
★
Unit wrap-up
Everyone Invited Home
Twelve words, twelve meanings
0 / 8
Tap a word, then tap its meaning. A right pair locks in green.
Words
Meanings
Unit test
Fifteen questions across the unit
0 / 10
1. Who met the Angel of the LORD by a spring in the desert?
Why: Genesis 16 tells how the Angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring.
2. What did Moses see in Exodus 3?
Why: Exodus 3 says Moses saw a bush that burned but was not burned up.
3. Some Bible scholars, like Michael Heiser, think the Angel of the LORD was who?
Why: Some scholars, like Heiser, think the Angel of the LORD was God himself, coming close so people could see.
4. Which angel brought good news to Mary?
Why: Luke 1 says the angel Gabriel came to Mary.
5. What do angels often say in the stories?
Why: In Luke, angels often say, "Do not be afraid."
6. What does holy mean?
Why: Holy means special and set apart for God, like the ground by the bush.
7. In Matthew 28:19, where did Jesus send his friends?
Why: Jesus sent his friends to all nations.
8. At Pentecost, how did the visitors hear the good news?
Why: Acts 2 says each visitor heard in their own language.
9. Pentecost is often compared with which story?
Why: At Babel, languages sent people apart. Many readers see Pentecost bringing them together.
10. What does Revelation 7:9 picture?
Why: Revelation 7:9 pictures a crowd from every nation and language, standing together.
Send it to your teacher
Spiral review
Five questions from earlier units
0 / 5
1. (Unit 2) What did Noah build?
Why: Genesis 6 says Noah built an ark, a big wooden boat.
2. (Unit 1) Where were very old copies of Bible books found?
Why: The Dead Sea Scrolls are very old copies of Bible books. They were found in caves near the Dead Sea.
3. (Unit 2) What does 1 Enoch say the sons of God in Genesis 6 were?
Why: 1 Enoch says they were heavenly ones. It calls them the Watchers.
4. (Unit 1) In Job 38:7, what did the sons of God do when the world was made?
Why: Job 38:7 says the sons of God shouted for joy.
5. (Unit 2) Which old book calls the heavenly ones Watchers?
Why: 1 Enoch calls the heavenly ones from Genesis 6 the Watchers.
Send it to your teacher
Write it
Pick two stories: Hagar (Genesis 16), Moses (Exodus 3), or Pentecost (Acts 2). Draw or tell what happened. Who came close? Who was welcomed? Say what the story says, then one way readers explain it.
Name the book, like Genesis or Acts.
Tell the story in order: first, next, last.
Say "the story says" or "some readers think."
Use one unit word, like messenger, holy or nation.
0 wordsSaved on this device as you type.
Practice rooms
Rooms already on the site that belong to this unit — cards, quizzes, a lab.
Every lesson keeps its own three checks; a lesson is ticked when all three are right. Chapter reviews, the unit test and its spiral review (five questions from earlier units in this band) score on the page. When the site is connected to your sheet, or the link carries ?dest=, each one also has a Send box: the first-try score, the standards, the supports used, the attempt number and the minutes go to your sheet as an IEP data point.
Print this page for a paper copy of the readings, the sources, the words and the questions; the answers print as dashed boxes under each question.
Fact-check notes for this course live in the handoff: quotes marked (paraphrased) were set that way on purpose.
