This lesson teaches children that God cares about every worry they have and that humble, caring hearts please him. It is written for children roughly 5 to 11, and the whole lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God cares for you, so you can give him your worries and be kind and humble to everyone around you.
Memory Verse
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like you are holding a small bird. Lift them up slowly, then open them wide as you say the last part of the verse. Do this motion together each time you say it.
The Story: 1 Peter 5 for Kids
Peter was a friend of Jesus and a leader of the early church. He wrote a letter to the people who followed Jesus, and he wrote to the leaders first. He told them to take care of God’s flock like a good shepherd does. They were to lead gladly, not because they wanted money, and not by bossing people around.
Next, Peter spoke to the younger people. He told them to be humble and to treat one another with respect. Peter reminded everyone that God stands against the proud, but he gives his kindness to those who are humble. So when you feel small, God is still close to you.
Then Peter gave a very important command. He said, “Give God all your worries, because he cares for you.” Some people in that time were hurting and afraid. Peter wanted them to know they did not have to carry those feelings alone.
Peter also warned them about the devil. He said the devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to hurt. But Peter told them to stand strong and keep their faith. He reminded them that other believers around the world were facing the same hard things too.
Peter ended his letter with a promise. He said that after a little while of suffering, God himself would make his people strong, steady, and settled. He wrote a short prayer of praise, and then he said goodbye to his friends with peace.
Read It Together
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(WEB)
Point out the word humble. Explain that being humble means thinking of others before yourself and not showing off. Ask children to name one person they can show kindness to this week.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…
(WEB)
Show how God’s mighty hand means his strength and care for us. Tell children that trusting God means letting him take care of us in his own good time, even when we have to wait.
1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
(WEB)
Point out that God promises to help after hard times. Explain that the words perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle show that God will make his children steady and strong.
Talk About It
- What is one worry you have had this week, and how could you give it to God?
- What does it look like to be humble with your brothers, sisters, or friends?
- Why do you think God is close to people who are humble?
- How can a leader show love and kindness, like a shepherd who cares for sheep?
- What helps you feel brave when something scary happens?
Activity Ideas
Worry Bird Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small bird on the paper. Then have them write or draw one worry on a small slip of paper and tuck it under the bird’s wing. Explain that the bird is a reminder to give that worry to God, who cares for us.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
You will need a blindfold or a scarf, and a open space in the room. One child is the shepherd and stands at one end. The other children are sheep who try to reach the shepherd without bumping into things. The shepherd calls out softly so the sheep can find the way. Talk about how a good leader guides gently and kindly.
Take Home Kindness Card
You will need a sheet of cardstock or paper, glue, and stickers. Have each child decorate a card and write one kind thing they will do for someone at home. Encourage them to give the card to that person this week. Remind them that humble kindness is a way of living out this lesson.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that church leaders are called to serve people with a willing and humble heart, not for money or power. It also reminds every believer that God resists pride and gives grace to the humble. Adults can find great comfort in the promise that God cares for them and will strengthen them after suffering.
With children, avoid telling them that God will always remove every hard thing from their lives right away. Peter says God will perfect and strengthen believers after they suffer a little while, which is a promise of his faithful care, not a guarantee of an easy life.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you care about all of our worries. Help us to give them to you and to be humble and kind to the people around us. Make us strong in you as we trust you every day. Amen.
