This lesson teaches children that Jesus gave up everything so we could have more, and that God loves to see us share what we have, whether it is a little or a lot. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus gave up so much for us, so God’s people can happily share what they have with others, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.
(WEB)
Hold your hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are holding a gift. Then slowly bring them close to your heart as you say the words, and pretend to open a big present with a smile on your face.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 8 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who traveled to many towns to tell people about Jesus. Some of his friends lived in a region called Macedonia, and those friends did not have much money at all. Many of them were poor, and some had troubles that made life very hard.
Even so, these friends gave generously when Paul asked for help for other believers who were in need. They did not give because they had extra. They gave because they loved Jesus and wanted to help. They even begged Paul to let them join in the giving. Paul was amazed by their hearts.
Paul asked the church in Corinth to be generous too. He wanted them to finish what they had started. He reminded them of Jesus, who was rich in heaven but chose to become poor for us, so that we could become rich in ways that last forever. Paul said, “Give what you can, because God looks at the heart.”
Paul also said that sharing helps everyone to have enough. Some people have more and some have less, and when we share, nobody has to go without. Paul sent good friends like Titus to help the church collect the gift. He wanted everyone to see that they could be trusted with the money.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 8:2
How that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
(WEB)
Point out that the Macedonian friends were very poor, yet they still had great joy. Ask the children how joy can be bigger than money, and let them share a time they felt happy while helping someone.
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.
(WEB)
Explain that God does not expect us to give what we do not have. He cares about the willingness in our hearts. Invite children to name something small they could share this week, like a toy, a snack, or a kind word.
2 Corinthians 8:14
But for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.
(WEB)
Show that God wants everyone to have enough, and that helping one another makes the family of God stronger. Use two cups of water and pour some from one into the other to illustrate sharing, asking children how it feels to see both cups filled.
Talk About It
- What did the friends in Macedonia have that was more important than money?
- How did Jesus show us what it looks like to give up something for someone else?
- What is one thing you could share with a friend or family member this week?
- Why do you think God cares more about our hearts than the amount we give?
- How does sharing help people feel loved and cared for?
Activity Ideas
Paper Heart Collage
You will need paper, crayons, glue, and old magazines or scrap paper. Have each child cut out a large heart and decorate it with pictures or words of things they can share. Hang the hearts on a wall to remind everyone that generosity can start with small, everyday choices.
Share the Bucket Game
Fill a bucket with small items like beans or pencils and set it in the middle of the room. Children take turns passing the bucket around a circle, and each time they pass it they must take out one item and give it to someone else. Talk about how giving keeps the bucket moving and helps everyone have something.
Take-Home Gift Jar
Give each child an empty jar and a sticker, and encourage them to decorate the jar. Ask them to place a coin or small note in it each week to remember a person they helped. At the end of the month, families can talk together about where the gifts went and how they helped someone.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that generosity flows from grace, not from wealth. The Macedonian believers gave out of deep love for Christ, and Paul points to Jesus’ own self-giving as the ultimate model. Christian giving is a response to what God has already done, and it is measured by willingness rather than by amount.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that giving will always bring them material rewards or make them rich in money. The lesson is about the joy of sharing and the riches found in knowing Jesus, not a promise that generosity will lead to prosperity.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving up so much to make us rich in your love. Help us to share with joy, even when we feel we have very little. Teach our hearts to be generous and kind to others. Amen.
