This lesson teaches children that God wants us to love one another and to hold on to the truth about Jesus. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves us, and He wants us to love each other and keep learning the true things about Jesus. Loving God means living the way He asks.
Memory Verse
2 John 1:6
This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
(WEB)
Hold your hands together in front of your heart, then open them slowly like a book. Say “love” as you open them, and then say “walk” by marching your fingers across your palm. Repeat it together three times.
The Story: 2 John 1 for Kids
A man named John wrote a letter to a special lady and her children. John was an older friend in God’s family, and he loved them very much. He wrote to them because he cared about how they were doing.
John told them he was glad. Some of her children were already walking in the truth, living the way God had asked them to live. John said, “Keep loving one another.” He reminded them that this was not a brand-new rule but something they had heard from the very beginning.
John also warned them about people who were trying to trick others. These deceivers said that Jesus did not really come to earth as a real person. John said this was not true, and God’s family should not believe these tricks. He told them to watch out and stay strong.
John wanted them to stay close to what Jesus taught. He said that people who stay in Jesus’ teaching have both the Father and the Son. John did not want to write everything with paper and ink. He hoped to visit them soon and talk face to face, so their joy could be full.
At the end of the letter, John sent greetings from the children of another friend. The letter was short, but it was full of love and encouragement for God’s family.
Read It Together
2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s grace, mercy, and peace come from both the Father and the Lord Jesus. Explain that these gifts are for us, and they come to us in truth and love together.
2 John 1:4
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.
(WEB)
Show children that John was happy when he saw believers living in the truth. Ask them what it looks like to walk in truth at home, at school, and with friends.
2 John 1:12
Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.
(WEB)
Point out that John wanted to visit in person because being together brings real joy. Talk about how spending time with people we love can make our hearts happy.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to walk in love, and how can you show love to someone in your family today?
- Why do you think John was so happy to hear about the children who were living in the truth?
- How can we tell when something someone says about Jesus is true or not?
- Why is it good to stay close to what Jesus taught us, even when others say different things?
- What is one way you could help your friends feel the joy of being part of God’s family?
Activity Ideas
Heart Letter Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Have each child fold a sheet of paper in half and draw a big heart on the front. Inside, they can write or draw one way they can show love this week. Let them decorate the heart and take it home to share with someone in their family.
Truth Walk Game
You will need a few chairs and a clear open space. Place the chairs in a line and have children walk from one end to the other. Every time you call out a true statement about Jesus, they take a step forward, and every time you call out a false or silly statement, they stay put. Afterward, talk about how we check what is true.
Love Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a few stickers. Have each child write the words “Walk in love” on one side of the card and draw a small picture of someone they love on the other side. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack. Explain that it can remind them to show kindness during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, 2 John is a short personal letter that calls believers to love one another and to hold firmly to the truth about Jesus Christ, including that He came in the flesh. John’s emphasis is that love and truth belong together, and that love is shown by obeying God’s commands. The letter also shows the care of a pastor for his people and his desire to be present with them.
Avoid overstating to children that anyone who makes a mistake about Jesus is evil or will be rejected by God. Keep the focus on loving others, staying close to what Jesus taught, and being wise about who we trust.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us and teaching us the truth. Help us to love one another the way You love us. Keep us close to You and help us walk in Your ways every day. Amen.
