This Bible object lesson will help kids look forward to how different — and wonderful — Heaven will be, and for this one you will need the following:
- 📋 Two paper plates: one plain, labeled “NOW”; one decorated, labeled “THEN”
🙋 Ask the following questions to spark discussion:
- Do you think Heaven will be very different from life now?
- Who can read the two words on my plates?
- Can you think of one way life now will be different in Heaven?
-
Ask a child to read Revelation 21:23, then walk through these three points together:
1️⃣ Heaven is a wonderful place. (Optional: sing the short “Heaven is a wonderful place” chorus, if familiar to your group.)
2️⃣ Now vs. Then — play the game! Hold up “NOW,” then “THEN,” for each: Now we wear clothes that wear out → Then, white robes that never wear out. Now we need medicine → Then, no sickness. Now we sleep to rest → Then, we praise God day and night, never weary. Now the sun and moon light our days → Then, Jesus is the only light we need. Now things grow old and die → Then, no more death, crying, or pain.
3️⃣ It’s hard to imagine — but it’s real. We’re so used to “now” that “then” is hard to picture. But Jesus will be our joy forever.
Suggestions for Success:
- Let kids hold the plates and act out “revealing” THEN after each Now/Then pair.
- This is a great lesson to revisit near Easter or when a class is processing loss.
- Keep the plates — easy to reuse for any Heaven-themed lesson.
This 3-point format was inspired by C.H. Spurgeon’s devotional on Revelation 21:23 in Morning and Evening.
🎉 Want FREE Bible Games for Your Kids?
Grab 6 free Bible resources instantly — perfect for Sunday Schools, homeschools, and Christian Classrooms!
YES, PLEASE! →🔒 No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Want to Make Bible Time Truly Unforgettable?
Take your preschoolers deeper into God's Word with 41 Bible stories from Genesis — each one paired with a beautiful hidden objects page, a read-aloud story, and fun review games. Ages 4–7.
YES! SHOW ME HOW →Only $17 — instant digital download!
I don’t think we talk about Heaven with kids nearly enough — it’s such a hope-filled topic! This little Now/Then game always gets kids excited imagining what’s waiting for them. I hope it does the same for your class.