True Freedom – Mis-made Flag | Object Lesson

Needed:

• Red, white, and blue silk handkerchiefs OR red, white and blue pieces of ribbon about 10” long OR the Mismade Flag With a Twist Magic Trick
• A magic change bag (see QR code)
• Two flags: one mismade (the “wrong” version) and one correct American flag (if you don’t have the official magic trick)

Teacher’s Note: The magic trick “Mismade Flag with a Twist” is getting harder to find. You may still locate it through certain magic supply shops or on eBay, but it can be quite expensive.

As an alternative, you can create your own version using three silk handkerchiefs or ribbons in red, white, and blue. You will also need two small American flags. On the first flag, carefully cut out the blue section with the stars so that it is missing. When you perform the trick and purposely “drop” the blue handkerchief, you will pull out this altered flag to show the “mistake.” The second time, after “adding” the blue handkerchief, you will pull out the complete flag for the final reveal.

For either version, you must have a magic change bag. This prop has been referenced in several previous object lessons throughout this quarter and is essential for performing the trick smoothly. You can purchase one online using this QR code:  MAKE QR CODE: https://amzn.to/3Ky6ypL

Lesson:

This object lesson uses a classic magic trick called The Mismade Flag to teach about true freedom, both as citizens of our country and as children of God. It ties perfectly with John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Begin by showing the children your three colored silks: one red, one white, and one blue. Let them call out the colors and briefly talk about what they represent. Explain that you are going to magically create a flag using only these three colors. Hold up the change bag to show that it is empty, then place the red and white silks inside while “accidentally” dropping the blue one.

Give the bag a good shake and announce that you are ready to reveal the flag. Pull out the flag that is missing the blue section. Act surprised or even a little embarrassed. This is your funny “oops” moment. The kids will immediately notice the problem, which opens the door for your message. Point out that some people get freedom mixed up too. They think being free means doing whatever they want, but that is not true freedom. Real freedom comes from doing what is right, not just what we feel like. Remind them that when you leave out something important, things never turn out the way they should.

Now place the blue silk into the bag and talk about how we cannot have true freedom without God in the picture. Without Him, everything looks wrong and out of place. If you have a mismade flag version where the colors are mixed up, this is a great time to use it. Pull it out for a quick laugh and point out that when we try to mix up the things of God, we just end up looking silly. Toss it aside and tell the kids you are going to try again, this time the right way.

Give the bag another shake, wave your wand, and pull out the correct American flag. Let the kids cheer at the big reveal. Then guide their attention to the deeper message behind the flag.

Hold up the flag and explain how it reminds us of the freedom Jesus gives. The red stands for His blood that was shed for our sins. The white represents how baptism in Jesus’ name washes us clean, making us pure and forgiven. The blue reminds us of heaven, the promise of eternal life and the hope we have when we receive the Holy Ghost and live for God.

End by reminding the class that while our nation’s freedom is special, there is an even greater kind of freedom, freedom from sin, fear, and guilt. Jesus gives us that freedom. Living for Him is not about rules that hold us back, it is the way to live light, joyful, and truly free. When we walk with Him and stay in His will, we are not bound, we are free indeed.

*Tags: America, American flag, change bag, magic change purse, flag, freedom, freedom in Jesus, love your country, magic change bag, mis-made flag, mismade flag, Patriot, patriotism, silly flag, usa