This lesson teaches children that Jesus is living inside every believer and gives them strength, even when they feel small or make mistakes. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is with us and His power is at work in us, so we can be brave, honest, and kind even when we feel weak.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
(WEB)
Have the children hold both palms open at their chest, then slowly lift them upward as they say the words with you. The motion reminds them that God’s love and blessing come down to us, and the Holy Spirit is with us as we lift our hearts back to Him.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 13 for Kids
The apostle Paul was a teacher who loved the churches he had started. Some people in the church in Corinth were doing wrong things, and they had not stopped. Paul had visited them two times already, and now he was writing a letter because he could not be with them yet. He wanted them to know what was coming if they kept going the wrong way.
Some people in Corinth wanted proof that Christ was really speaking through Paul. Paul told them that Jesus was not weak toward them. Jesus had been crucified in weakness, but He now lives by the power of God. Paul said that he and the others were weak in Jesus too, but they would live with Him through that same power.
Then Paul asked them a simple question: “Do you know that Jesus Christ is in you?” He wanted them to check their own hearts. He was not trying to scare them. He wanted them to see that Jesus was already with them and to keep their hearts close to Him.
Paul told the people that he prayed they would do what is good and right. He said that he did not want to look strong, but he wanted them to do good. He explained that he could only be on the side of the truth. He also said that he was glad when they were strong, even if he was weak.
Paul wrote about why he sent his letter instead of coming in person. He wanted to build people up, not tear them down. Then he gave them a happy message: rejoice, grow strong, be comforted, agree with one another, and live in peace. He reminded them that the God of love and peace would be with them. He ended by saying that the grace of the Lord Jesus, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit would be with them all.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 13:4
For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was weak when He died on the cross, but He is alive now through God’s power. Ask the children what it means that God’s power can work through people who feel weak.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul wanted people to check their hearts and remember that Jesus lives in those who trust Him. Help the children see that this is a reason for comfort, not fear.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
(WEB)
Show the children the words “rejoice,” “be comforted,” and “live in peace.” Talk about how God’s love and peace can help a family, a class, or a friendship get along better.
Talk About It
- What did Paul want the people in Corinth to remember about Jesus?
- How can Jesus be strong in us when we feel weak or scared?
- What is one way you can show God’s love to someone this week?
- Why do you think Paul wanted to build people up instead of tearing them down?
- What makes you feel peaceful when things are hard?
Activity Ideas
Paper Heart Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace and cut out a large heart, then write or draw a picture of one way Jesus helps them feel strong. Glue the heart onto a second sheet of paper with the words “Jesus lives in me” written across the top.
Strong and Weak Movement Game
You will need a open space and a timer or a clock. Call out “strong,” and have the children stand tall with arms out wide. Call out “weak,” and have them curl up small and low. Mix in “rejoice” with a jump and a clap. Finish by calling “peace” and having everyone sit quietly with hands folded.
Take-Home Peace Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and an envelope for each child. Have each child write “God of love and peace is with me” on the front of the card and decorate it. Ask them to share the card with someone at home tonight and to read it together before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Paul cared deeply about the believers in Corinth. He wanted their faith to be real and their lives to reflect Jesus, and he was willing to correct them out of love. Adults can take comfort that Christ’s power works through human weakness, and that the God of love and peace remains with His people.
Avoid suggesting to children that God is angry with them every time they make a mistake, or that they must earn Jesus’s presence through perfect behavior. Keep the focus on Jesus’s love and power, and present correction as a loving invitation to grow.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you for being with us and for giving us your strength when we feel small. Help us to do what is good and to be kind to the people around us. Fill our hearts with your peace and your love. Amen.
