The Copycat Villain

Story to read: The Dragon and the Two Beasts
Bible: Revelation 13

The Picture

Have you ever seen someone try to copy their friend, but everyone can still tell the difference? That’s exactly what happens in John’s story. There’s a copycat villain who tries to look powerful and important, like he’s trying to be like Jesus. But he’s a fake — a copy, not the real thing.

And here’s the good news: everyone who really knows Jesus can tell the difference. Jesus is the real King. The copycat is not. No matter how hard the copycat tries, he can never actually be Jesus, and he never wins.

Our Refrain

“Jesus wins, and he loves us.”

Ask: “Can a copycat ever really be Jesus?” (No! Only Jesus is really Jesus!)

Activity

Real or Copy Game: Hold up two identical-looking items, but make one obviously different in a small way (for example, a real flower and a plastic one, or a real coin and a chocolate coin). Let children guess which one is “real.” Talk about how, just like it’s easy to spot the fake once you know what to look for, we can always tell Jesus is the real King because he is loving, kind, and true — not because he’s scary or forces people.

Coloring option: Color a simple crown, and talk about how Jesus is the only one who deserves to wear it.

Simple Prayer

“Jesus, thank you for being the real King. Help me always know it’s really you. Amen.”

Note for the Teacher

Do not describe the beast’s appearance or actions (Revelation 13 has vivid, frightening imagery) — for this age, the entire content should be the single idea “a copycat tries to look like Jesus, but he’s a fake, and it’s easy to tell once you know Jesus.” Keep it playful and light using the real-vs-copy game rather than any depiction of the beast itself.