This lesson teaches children that God cares about every worry they have, and that they can give those worries to him. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God cares about me, so I can give him all my worries. I can be humble and kind, and I do not have to be afraid of the bad things in the world.
Memory Verse
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like a bowl, then lift them up toward the ceiling as you say the verse. Then open your hands wide as if you are letting go of a heavy stone. Do it together with the children so they remember that God takes our worries.
The Story: 1 Peter 5 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Peter wrote a letter to Christians who were far from home. Peter had walked with Jesus, and he had seen Jesus suffer and then shine with glory. Peter wanted his friends to know that Jesus would one day come back as the chief Shepherd. Peter wrote to the church leaders first, and he asked them to take care of God’s flock like a shepherd cares for sheep.
Peter told the leaders to lead gently. They should not be bossy or greedy. They should not act like they were better than everyone else. Instead, they should be examples that the people could follow. Peter said that when the chief Shepherd came, every faithful leader would receive a crown of glory that never fades away.
Then Peter spoke to the younger people in the church. He said, “Clothe yourselves with humility.” Humility means being gentle and not thinking you are too important. Peter reminded everyone that God stands against proud people but gives his kindness to humble people. So the children and young people should be humble, and they should treat each other with respect.
Peter knew that the people reading his letter were sometimes scared. He told them that a roaring lion, which stands for the devil, walks around looking for someone to hurt. But Peter did not want them to panic. He said to stay steady and strong in faith, because their friends all over the world were going through the same hard times.
Peter ended his letter with a promise. He said that after a little suffering, God himself would make them strong, steady, and firm. Then Peter sent greetings from his friends, including a man named Mark, and he finished by wishing them peace in Christ Jesus.
Read It Together
1 Peter 5:5-6
5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…
(WEB)
Point out the word humble. Ask the children what it looks like to be humble at school or at home. Explain that God lifts up people who are humble in his own time.
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
(WEB)
Show the children that these verses tell us to be careful and watchful. Explain that the devil is like a roaring lion, but we can stand firm because our faith is in God and we are not alone.
1 Peter 5:10-11
10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
(WEB)
Help the children see that God will make them strong and steady after hard times. Point out the word glory and explain that all power and glory belong to God forever.
Talk About It
- What is one worry you have had this week?
- How does it feel to know that God cares about your worries?
- What does it mean to be humble, and how can you show humility to a friend?
- Why do you think Peter reminded people that they were not alone in their troubles?
- What is one way you can be an example to others, like a good shepherd?
Activity Ideas
Worry Stone Drawing
Give each child a small paper plate or a piece of cardstock and some crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a worry they have on one side of the paper, then fold it over and draw a picture of God’s care on the other side. Let them take turns explaining their drawing. Keep the drawings to remind them that God holds their worries.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and the rest to be sheep. The shepherd gently guides the sheep around the room using only kind words, not pushing or pulling. Then switch roles so everyone practices gentle leadership. Talk afterward about how a good shepherd treats the flock.
Worry Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some small slips of paper. Ask the child to write or draw one worry on a slip and place it in the jar. Then pray together and tell God the worries are in his hands. Use the jar at bedtime each week so the child learns to bring their worries to God regularly.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter calls church leaders to serve with a gentle heart, not for money or power, and it reminds every believer to humbly trust God in hard times. Peter wrote during real suffering, so his message is about steady faith and God’s lasting care, not about escaping every trouble.
Avoid suggesting to children that the devil is a cartoon character or that faithful people will never feel afraid. Be honest that hard things happen, and focus on the promise that God is with us and cares for us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you care about every worry we have. Help us to be humble and kind to our friends and family. When we feel scared, help us to trust you and stand strong. Thank you for being our good Shepherd. Amen.
