This lesson teaches children that when we believe Jesus is God’s Son, we belong to God and can talk to him with confidence. It is designed for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God’s children believe in Jesus, love God, and know God hears them when they pray. Because of Jesus, we belong to God and we have life that lasts forever.
Memory Verse
1 John 5:14
This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like you are holding a small bird, then lift them up toward the ceiling as you say the verse. Ask children to show you the same motion when they say it back to you.
The Story: 1 John 5 for Kids
John was an old friend of Jesus, and he wrote a letter to people who had decided to follow Jesus. He wanted them to know something very important. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God has been born into God’s family. That means God is their Father, and they are his children.
John said that loving God and loving his children go together. When we love God, we want to do what he asks us to do. God’s rules are not too hard for us. He gives them to us because he loves us and wants us to be safe and happy.
The people in John’s time were surrounded by many false ideas about God. John told them that the Spirit of God helps us know what is true. The Spirit, the water, and the blood all point to who Jesus is. John wanted his friends to hold on tightly to what they knew was true.
Then John shared one of the most comforting promises in the whole letter. He said that God listens to us when we pray and ask for things that match what God wants. He told his listeners, “We know that he listens to us.” When you pray, God is listening to you.
John ended his letter with a loving warning. He said, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” An idol is anything we put in God’s place in our hearts. John wanted his little children to keep their hearts close to the real God.
Read It Together
1 John 5:1
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him.
(WEB)
Point out the words “born of God.” Ask children what it means to belong to a family, and then explain that believing in Jesus is how we join God’s family.
1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.
(WEB)
Show children that faith is the way we win over the troubles of this world. Ask them what kinds of things worry them, and let them see that trusting Jesus helps them stay strong.
1 John 5:11-12
11 The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.
(WEB)
Explain that God gave us eternal life through his Son Jesus. Point out the words “in his Son” and help children see that Jesus is where this life comes from.
Talk About It
- What does it feel like to know that you belong to God’s family?
- What is one thing you would like to ask God for when you pray?
- How can you show love to God in your everyday choices at home or school?
- What are some things that might try to take God’s place in our hearts?
- Why do you think God wants us to trust him even when we cannot see him?
Activity Ideas
Family Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple tree and write their name on one branch. Then have them draw God at the top of the tree and add a few words about how they belong to his family. Let them take it home to hang on the fridge.
Follow the Leader Prayer Game
Gather the children in a circle. The leader calls out an action like “clap your hands” or “stomp your feet,” and the group copies it. Explain that when we pray, God hears us just like the leader sees each child. Finish by asking each child to pray one short word or sentence out loud.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write the words “God listens to me” on one side and draw a picture of themselves praying on the other. Encourage them to place the card by their bed and read it each night before sleep.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a clear summary of Christian assurance. John teaches that faith in Jesus marks us as God’s children, that love for God shows itself in obedience, and that eternal life is found in the Son. He also encourages confidence in prayer, while recognizing that God answers according to his will.
One thing to avoid overstating to children is the difficult discussion of sin leading to death. Keep the focus on God’s love, his listening ear, and his gift of life through Jesus. Save deeper questions for older students or private conversations with parents.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank you for making us your children through Jesus. Help us love you, keep our hearts close to you, and trust that you hear every prayer we bring. Thank you for the gift of life that lasts forever. Amen.
