This lesson teaches children that Jesus is coming back, that those who love Him will be with Him forever, and that we can comfort one another with that good news. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus is coming back, and everyone who belongs to Him will be with Him forever. That is good news, so we can cheer each other up with it.
Memory Verse
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and hold both arms high like a big “V” for “victory” as they say the verse. On the word “forever,” have them stretch their arms wide and then bring them together in a hug. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 1 Thessalonians 4 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in a city called Thessalonica. He loved those friends very much. In his letter, he told them how God wants them to live. God wants them to be kind, to be pure, and to love one another. Paul also reminded them to work hard with their own hands and to live quietly, so people outside the church would see good things in them.
Some of the friends in Thessalonica had someone they loved who had died. They were very sad. Paul wanted them to know that they did not need to be sad like people who have no hope. He said that Jesus died and rose again, and because Jesus is alive, God will bring back with Him everyone who believes in Jesus.
Paul told them that one day, Jesus Himself will come down from heaven. There will be a loud shout, and the voice of a powerful angel, and the sound of a trumpet. The people who died trusting Jesus will rise up first. Then everyone who is still alive and belongs to Jesus will be caught up in the clouds to meet Him in the air.
Think about that moment! Paul said that we will be with the Lord forever. Nobody will be left out of that happy meeting if they belong to Jesus. Paul wanted his friends to hear this and feel brave and glad.
So Paul ended with a simple message for them. He said, “Comfort one another with these words.” In other words, tell each other this good news when you feel scared or sad. Jesus has promised to come back, and that promise is for everyone who loves Him.
Read It Together
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
13 But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul does not want us to be ignorant about people who have died. He says we do not need to grieve like people with no hope. Ask children how they think Jesus helps us feel brave when we are sad.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor…
(WEB)
Show that God wants His people to be pure and to control their own bodies in a way that honors Him. Explain that this is how God helps us be different and good, because we belong to Him. Keep it simple and focus on being kind and honest in daily choices.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, 10 for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more…
(WEB)
Point out that God Himself teaches us to love one another. Paul says the Thessalonian friends already do this well, and he encourages them to keep growing. Ask children to name one person they can show love to this week.
Talk About It
- What do you think it will feel like to see Jesus coming down from the sky?
- Why did Paul want his friends to stop feeling so sad about people who died?
- How can you show someone that you love them the way God loves us?
- What is one thing Paul said we should work hard at, and why?
- Who is someone you could tell this good news to when they feel scared?
Activity Ideas
Cloud and Trumpet Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls if you have them. Ask children to draw a picture of Jesus coming down from the clouds with a trumpet sound. They can glue cotton balls on the sky for clouds. While they draw, talk about how the picture shows the happy meeting Paul described.
Caught Up in the Clouds Game
Clear some space in a room or yard. Have children run around like they are waiting for Jesus. When you call “Trumpet!”, they freeze, then raise their arms and say “We will be with the Lord forever!” Let them take turns being the trumpet. This helps them move their bodies while they remember the big event.
Comfort Card to Take Home
Give each child an index card or a folded piece of paper and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one way they will comfort a family member this week. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or on the fridge as a reminder. Send them home knowing they can share good news with others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter gives comfort about death and the return of Jesus. Paul makes clear that believers who die are not lost, because Jesus rose from the dead and will bring them with Him. He also teaches that holy living and loving one another are part of how God shapes His people. The main message is hope, not fear.
With children, avoid making the details of the return of Jesus sound like a fixed timeline or a movie script. Paul describes the event with great joy, but he does not give a calendar, and children can become frightened if we add too much. Keep the focus on Jesus’ promise and His love.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that Jesus is coming back for us. Help us to love one another and live in a way that pleases You. When we feel sad or scared, remind us of Your promise. Help us comfort our friends and family with this good news. Amen.
