In this lesson, children learn that when someone trusts Jesus, God makes them brand new inside, and God helps us tell others about his love. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus makes us new, and God invites us to share the good news of his love with everyone around us.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands in front of them, then slowly turn them over and open their fingers wide, like a flower blooming. Say the verse together while the hands open, and repeat it three times.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 5 for Kids
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Corinth. He wanted the people there to remember that our bodies are like tents that wear out over time. But God has a home ready for us in heaven, and it will last forever. Paul said that this promise makes us want to be close to God, whether we are here on earth or already with him.
Paul told the Corinthians that everyone must one day stand before Jesus, and each person will be honored for the good they have done. Paul was not trying to scare anyone. He said that because he fears the Lord, he works hard to tell people about Jesus. He wanted everyone to understand the truth of God’s love.
Next, Paul explained something wonderful. Jesus died for all people, so that those who belong to him would no longer live only for themselves. They would live for Jesus, who died and rose again for them. Paul said that anyone who belongs to Christ becomes a new creation. The old life is gone, and everything is new.
Paul also said that God has given us a special job. Like an ambassador, a person who speaks for a king in another land, we get to tell others that God is kind and wants them to be friends with him. Paul called out, “We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” That means God wants everyone to come home to him.
The chapter ends with the most amazing gift. Jesus, who never did anything wrong, took the punishment for our wrongs so that we could be made right with God. Paul wanted the people to know that God makes us right through Jesus.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
(WEB)
Point out that our bodies are like a tent for a short time, but God has a lasting home for us. Ask children what it feels like to have a place that will never wear out, and let them share their ideas.
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
(WEB)
Explain that an ambassador speaks for someone important. Help children see that they can speak for Jesus by being kind, sharing what they know about him, and telling friends about his love.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(WEB)
Point to the great exchange: Jesus took our wrongs so we could be made right with God. Explain this simply, using words like “gift” and “trade,” so children understand that Jesus did this for them out of love.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means to be a brand new creation in Jesus?
- How can a tent be a picture of our bodies, and what do you think God’s home for us will be like?
- Who is someone in your life you could tell about Jesus this week?
- Why do you think Jesus was willing to take our punishment so we could be made right with God?
- What is one way you can be an ambassador for Jesus at school or at home?
Activity Ideas
Paper Flower Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, and a pencil. Have each child trace and cut out a flower shape, then write “New in Jesus” in the center. Let them decorate their flower with markers or stickers, and talk about how a flower opening up is like a new creation. Children can keep their flower as a reminder that God makes everything new.
Ambassador Relay Game
You will need a small bell or a spoon, and a clear space to run. Divide the children into two teams and have them line up. Each child runs to a finish line, takes a turn saying a simple sentence like “Jesus loves you,” and then runs back to tap the next player. Explain that each person is carrying a message for Jesus, just as Paul did.
Take-Home Tent Card
You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and crayons. Help each child fold the paper in half like a tent, then draw a small house on the inside with a window and a door. Write the words “God’s home for me is forever” on the outside. Encourage children to show this card to their family and explain what it means in their own words.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that the body is temporary, but believers have a lasting home with God. It also shows that Christ’s death and resurrection bring a new identity, and that God calls his people to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Paul’s words about the judgment seat should be read alongside his emphasis on the love of Christ, which motivates his ministry.
Avoid overstating the details about heaven or the judgment seat with young children. Keep the focus on God’s love, the new life Jesus gives, and the simple call to share that love with others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for making us new through Jesus. Thank you for the home you have prepared for us, and for the love that makes us want to share your good news. Help us be kind ambassadors for you, wherever we go today. Amen.
