Purchase several children’s puzzles which depict Jesus.  Then choose Bible verses that relate to the prophecies of the Messiah or relate to different events in His life.  Write the references or complete verses on the back of the puzzles pieces.

Group Activity:  Read Hebrews 1:1-2

Divide the class into two or three groups, distribute the puzzles to each group, and ask them to put the puzzle together, looking up the references on the back as they go along. Do not show them pictures of the completed puzzles.  As group after group realizes that it is a picture of Jesus, putting the puzzles together will go quickly.

Then discuss how the Bible is like a puzzle and how the big picture emerges when the pieces come together.  The completed puzzle brings a whole picture.  Yet separately, in themselves, these pieces can be considered a treasure—each passage you read and gain insight from begins to create a complete package.  You begin to see God and His wonderful works in every passage you read.

Questions you can ask—Questions like these can reinforce the truth that He is the centerpiece of Scripture.  Knowing that the Bible is all about God deepens a person’s passion for the Word.

“What does the passage reveal about Christ?”

“How does this verse or passage add to your understanding of God?”

“Why would God include this in Scripture?”

“What is the intended lesson?”

Different ways to use this teaching illustration:

1. Choose a picture of the birth of Christ and references pointing to the coming of the Messiah. Illustrate specifically how the Magi put the pieces together, which led them to Christ.  These passages together gave directions to His birthplace, the time of His birth, etc.  These pieces are numerous and easy to find with the help of a study Bible.
2. Choose a picture of Jesus on the cross. List references to the suffering Messiah in the Psalms and various Old Testament passages on half of the puzzle pieces, fulfilled prophecies on the other halves.
3. Choose a picture of Christ. Write Scripture references to His character and commands for living.  Illustrate that as we discover in the Bible the right way to live and apply these actions to our life we, through the power of the Spirit, become like Christ.