This lesson teaches children that God chose to save people through Jesus, even though the message of the cross can look foolish to the world. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s ways are wiser than ours, and we do not need to be the smartest or strongest to belong to Him. Jesus is God’s wisdom and power, and He helps us stand together as one family.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
(WEB)
Teach children to cross their arms over their chests and then open them wide like a book, saying “power of God” with each motion. Do this three times together so the words and the movement stay in their minds.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 1 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends in a busy city called Corinth. He told them that he was thankful for them, because God had been doing good things in their hearts. Paul had been chosen by God to tell people about Jesus, and he was glad to be writing to God’s family there.
Paul noticed a problem. Some of the friends were arguing about who was the best teacher. One person said, “I follow Paul!” Another said, “No, I follow Apollos!” Others said, “We follow Peter!” Paul gently asked, “Is Christ divided? Jesus is the one who matters most.”
Paul then explained something surprising. Some people thought that the message about Jesus dying on a cross was foolish, because it looked weak. But Paul said that the cross is actually God’s power to save those who trust Him. What seems silly to the world turns out to be wiser than anything people could invent on their own.
Paul pointed out that God often chooses people the world would never pick. Not many of the friends were famous, rich, or powerful. God chose ordinary people so that no one could brag about themselves. Paul wrote that anyone who wants to brag should brag about knowing the Lord.
So Paul asked the Corinthians to stop fighting and to be united in their hearts. They belonged to Jesus, and He was their wisdom, their goodness, and their freedom. Everyone in the family could rest in that truth.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul begins by saying God called him, and then he greets the friends with grace and peace. Ask children who they think God has called to be part of His family.
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong…
(WEB)
Show children that God chose weak and foolish things of the world to show His strength. Explain that God can use every child, no matter how small or unsure they feel.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31
30 Because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: 31 that, according as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”
(WEB)
Help children see that we are in Christ Jesus, who gives us wisdom and righteousness. Remind them that the only thing worth bragging about is knowing and loving the Lord.
Talk About It
- Why do you think some people thought the cross was foolish?
- What is a time when someone seemed weak but was really very strong?
- Why did Paul say the Corinthians should stop arguing about who they followed?
- How can we show that we follow Jesus in how we treat our friends?
- What is one thing you could thank God for today?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Wisdom Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and tape. Have each child cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around their head, then draw a cross or a heart on the front. Write “Jesus is our wisdom” on the strip and tape it to fit each child’s head as a simple crown.
Stand Together Game
Ask children to spread out around the room, then have a leader call out a word like “strong” or “wise.” When the word is called, everyone runs to stand in one group holding hands. Afterward, talk about how the group is stronger together, just as the church is united in Christ.
Family Verse Card
Give each child an index card or a folded piece of paper. Ask them to write or draw the memory verse on the front and the words “God is faithful” on the back. Encourage them to place the card by their bed or on the kitchen table so the family can read it together during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s wisdom often looks different from human wisdom, and that salvation comes through Christ crucified rather than through status or cleverness. Paul’s concern about divisions reminds the church that its unity rests on Jesus alone, not on favorite leaders.
Avoid suggesting that children must feel weak or foolish to please God. The point is that God uses ordinary people and that all boasting belongs to the Lord, so keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on any idea of being unimportant.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our wisdom and our power. Help us to stop arguing and to stand together as Your family. Teach us to trust You when things seem strange, and help us to boast only in knowing You. Amen.
