The Metamorphosis of the Butterfly

The Metamorphosis of the Butterfly - Our New Life in Christ

I was a guest at another church this past December, and was intently listening as the minister spoke about Mary, the mother of Jesus. He reminded the congregation of the sense of wonder Mary must have felt, when she received a visit from Gabriel and was told that she would be the mother of the Son of God. The minister then recounted how he has often seen that same sense of amazement expressed by his grandchildren. He recalled that recently, on one particular evening, he was holding his small grandchild, and she was gazing up toward the sky, her eyes filled with wonder.

Spring and summer provide an opportunity to really look at the beauty of nature. God’s world, once again, is brimming with color, aroma and the feeling of new beginnings. Children are full of curiosity, and through them, we can revisit the majesty of each season. By listening and learning with them, we can reestablish our own sense of wonder. Below, is just an example of a lesson idea that you may want to consider using.

The metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly is applicable to one who accepts Jesus as his or her Savior. Before making that important decision to follow Jesus, we, too, are similar to caterpillars. We are incomplete.

Before the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it must go through a series of life stages. You can read about these changes by visiting Butterflybushes.com The most dramatic stages of the metamorphism occur and culminate in the chrysalis. As you read about all of the life stages of a butterfly, by clicking on the link above, think back to your own Christian journey. As you have discovered, we, too, made many transformations before we decided to follow Christ.

Eventually, what emerges from the chrysalis is a beautiful butterfly that spreads its wings and begins a new life. As Christians, we, too, are encouraged to spread our wings and live a new life in Christ by glorifying God with all of our being.

Once the caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly, its transformation ends. Conversely, a Christian’s transformation continues to deepen and expand, as we study the Word, fellowship with other Christians and generously use our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ.

The metamorphosis of a butterfly is a particularly engaging topic for children. A butterfly unit study, in conjunction with Biblical lessons about being born again, can serve as a powerful witness to just what God can do. By visiting Butterflies you will locate some aids to help you as you prepare your lesson.


Visit the links listed below, for more butterfly related lesson planning:


Bible Butterfly Crafts


Butterfly Activities


Butterfly Vocabulary


Butterfly Activities for PreK – Grade 2


Butterfly Activities for Grades 3 – 6


Butterfly Fun Facts


Butterfly Pictures and Activities for Matching Card Exercises


Create Your Own Butterfly or Other Nature Related Reading Books
and

Create Your Own Butterfly or Other Nature Related Reading Books


Periodically, Sharon Jeffus provides art related workshops for children and teens. One of workshops includes lessons from Animals in the Garden. Lessons Five - Artsy Animals in the Garden .

“Children learn about insects like butterflies and bees that you could find in a garden. We look at master artists Monet, Hagemeister, and Renoir. We make a garden picture and learn about radial lines, patterns, and symmetry.”

Visit the Visual Manna website for more information.

The following Bible memory verse for children, pictured with a colorful picture of butterflies, is from Bible Memory Verses

Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature:
old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.
~II Corinthians 5:17