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Enemies of the Israelites paid money to a sorcerer named Balaam so that he would call a curse on God’s people. The Lord spoke to Balaam, but Balaam did not listen. As Balaam and his donkey travelled along a road, an angel of the Lord blocked the path of the donkey. When Balaam beat the donkey, God miraculously caused it to talk to its owner. Finally, Balaam saw the angel and realized what had happened. He ended up blessing the Israelites instead of cursing them.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 22-24

Outline:

1. King Balak summoned Balaam, but God took control (Numbers 22:1-20)
2. Balaam’s donkey talked (Numbers 22:21-41)
3. Balaam blesses God’s people (Numbers chapters 23-24)

Tips for teaching children:

• Make a donkey puppet
• Explain the importance of words by using a tube of toothpaste as a visual aid. As you talk about kind words, squeeze a little paste out of the tube and onto a plate. Then, share examples of unkind words and squeeze more out. After you have done this a few times, then ask the children to put the paste back into the tube.  Of course, this cannot be done. 
  In the same way, once words have left our mouths, we cannot take them back. The blessing or damage has been done. Be careful about what we say.
• Take the time to specifically and genuinely bless each child with affirming words. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask the class an opening question: Have you said anything that you later regretted? Are there any volunteers to tell your story?
• Words are powerful.  Read James 3:9-10.  Have the class discuss this question: How have you been blessed by what others have said, and how have you been cursed by what others have said? 
• Divide the class into groups of 4. Here’s the challenge: Each group chooses two families/individuals in the church to visit to encourage and pronounce a blessing on them. Each group member should write a note of encouraging words to bless the ones they see. Go visit this family, taking your notes of encouragement. After a brief visit, read the cards to the family, pray with the family, affirm your love, and leave.  

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Balaam and His Donkey

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

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