Using two oranges and a jug of water to do this amazing cool science experiment
The apostle Paul writes the following in Hebrews 12:1:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Paul encourages us in this Bible passage to throw off everything that hinders us and do away with the the sin that so easily entangles us.
I find this a beautiful, but also difficult passage to teach to children, teenagers or adults.
Is there an easy way that will illustrate what Paul is saying here?
I believe there is...
What do you need:
- oranges
- permanent markers
- large fish tank or buckets
- a waterproof sign with the words ‘FINISH’
Preparation:
Attach or place the waterproof sign ‘FINISH’ on the bottom of the large fish tank or the bucket. Fill the fish tank or the bucket with water.
What do you do:
Do:
Place an orange into the water of the tank or the bucket. Demonstrate how the orange floats. Take the orange out again and peel it. Put it back into the water. The peeled orange will sink and float to the word ‘FINISH’ on the bottom of the tank or the bucket.
Read Hebrews 12: 1-3 with the children: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (NIV translation)
Talk about what it means to throw off everything that hinders us in running the race marked out for us, what it means to get entangled in this race and how we can keep looking at Jesus while running this race.
Ask:
- What kind of race is this?
- How do we run this race?
- What can hinder us in this race?
- Which sin stops us in reaching the finish?
Do:
Give each child an orange and a marker pen.
Let them write on the orange all kind of things that hinder them or certain sins that entangle them
Let them put their oranges with the written words on them into the water. The oranges will float. They won’t reach the finish...
Ask:
What do we need to do if we want these oranges to go to the bottom and reach the finish?
Tell:
We will have to peel them. We will have to remove the peel. We will have to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
Do:
Let the children peel their oranges and put the unpeeled oranges into the water.
