Object lesson ideas for the Trinity -

(Please note: You might want to check with you pastor before presenting these to the congregation. The Trinity (or Tri – Unity of God) is a mystery. All these illustrations fall short on some aspect of our understanding of God. That being said, these ideas can still be helpful for helping kids understand complex issues.

The Egg: (This has been often used by churches) Use a hard-boiled egg to represent the Trinity. Explain that the egg has three parts: the shell, the white, and the yolk, but it is still one egg. Similarly, the Trinity is one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.

Water: Fill three clear glasses with water. Add red food coloring to one glass, blue to another, and yellow to the third. Explain that although the glasses have different colors, they are all still water, just as the Trinity is one God in three distinct persons. (This illustration emphasizes that like God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same “essence” or “stuff” of God.

Puzzle Pieces: Bring a jigsaw puzzle, preferably a large children’s puzzle, with three pieces that fit together to form a whole picture. Discuss how each piece is different but necessary to complete the puzzle. Relate this to the Trinity, where each person is distinct but essential to the fullness of God.

Light and Colors: Use a prism to demonstrate how white light is made up of different colors. Explain that although the colors are distinct, they are all part of the same light, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but part of the same God.

Use an Apple: Cut an apple in half horizontally to reveal the star shape in the core. Explain that the star shape represents the Trinity. The core symbolizes God, and the three visible parts represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Water: Discuss how water can exist in three forms: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapor). Relate this to the Trinity, where God exists as three distinct persons. (Please note – in some traditions this may be considered “modalism” – Again – check with your pastor!

Three-Leaf Clover: Use a three-leaf clover to explain the Trinity. Discuss how each leaf is separate but part of the same clover, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are separate but part of the same God.

Please do stress that these object lessons are limited. Our real God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is a living and loving relationship. And the good news is that we are invited into that relationship.

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