Go Tell it On the Mountain Lesson Plan

If John is such an excellent student, why can’t he perform well in Sunday School?

Answers can vary. The most literal answer is that lately, John has been distracted by Brother Elisha, who recently took over his section of Sunday School. John is fascinated by Brother Elisha because he is only three years older than John and is already saved (and an example of what people wish John to become). However, John has always had trouble with paying attention during Sunday School—he only is trying hard to focus recently, since he is getting older and wishes to be less conspicuous in his failure.

The more correct answer is that John has created a kind of block in his mind against the...