In 3 John 1, the elder writes a short letter to his friend Gaius and encourages him to keep doing good and to welcome people who serve God. Children from about ages 5 to 11 can learn this lesson in 20 to 30 minutes, and it works well for a small group or a family at the kitchen table.
Big Idea
God loves it when we walk in the truth, do good, and help our friends who are telling others about Jesus. We can follow God by choosing what is good.
Memory Verse
3 John 1:11
Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together like a little book, then open them slowly as they say the verse together. Then have them point to their heart on the word “good” and give a thumbs up on the word “God.”
The Story: 3 John 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a kind leader named the elder wrote a letter to his friend Gaius. The elder loved Gaius very much, because Gaius loved the truth and lived it every day. The elder wanted Gaius to be healthy and to do well in everything he did.
Some brothers came to visit the elder and told him that Gaius was living in the truth. The elder was so happy that he could hardly stop smiling. He said that hearing about children who walk in the truth was the greatest joy he could have.
Gaius had been welcoming travelers who were preaching about Jesus, even though they were strangers to him. The elder asked Gaius to send these travelers on their way with care, the way people honor God. These workers had gone out for the sake of God’s name and had not asked anyone for money.
There was also a man named Diotrephes. He liked to be the most important person in the group, and he would not listen to the elder or welcome the travelers. He even sent people out of the church who wanted to help. The elder said that if he came to visit, he would talk about what Diotrephes was doing.
The elder reminded Gaius to copy what is good, not what is bad. He also said that a man named Demetrius had a good name and was true, and everyone could trust him. The elder ended his letter by saying he hoped to see Gaius soon so they could talk face to face.
Read It Together
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
(WEB)
Point out that the elder prayed for Gaius to be healthy and to do well, just as his soul was doing well. Ask the children what they think it means to have a healthy soul.
3 John 1:5-8
5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
(WEB)
Show the children how the elder praises Gaius for helping the travelers. Explain that when we help people who are doing God’s work, we become partners in spreading the truth.
3 John 1:9-10
9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10 Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
(WEB)
Explain that Diotrephes wanted to be first and would not accept others. Help the children see that wanting to be first can make us forget to be kind and fair to other people.
Talk About It
- What did Gaius do that made the elder so happy?
- How can you show kindness to someone who is new to your class or your neighborhood?
- Why do you think Diotrephes did not want to share with others?
- What is one good thing you can copy from Gaius or Demetrius this week?
- When you do something good, how do you think God feels about it?
Activity Ideas
Truth Path Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a winding path from one side of the paper to the other, then draw small pictures along the path of things that are good and true, such as a helping hand, a smile, or a book. Talk together about how walking in the truth is like following a good path.
Passing the Welcome Game
You will need a small object such as a stuffed animal or a toy cup, and a group of children seated in a circle. Pass the object around while the children sing a simple song, and whoever is holding it when the song stops names one kind thing they can do for someone else. Keep the mood gentle and celebrate each answer.
Good Choice Card at Home
You will need an index card, a marker, and a tape or sticker. Help the child write the memory verse in simple words on the card and decorate it, then tape it to the bathroom mirror or the fridge. Ask them to share one good choice they made each day at dinner, and talk about how the card reminds them to walk in the truth.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this short letter shows that spiritual health is connected to living in the truth, showing hospitality to faithful workers, and resisting the urge to seek status over service. The elder rejoices in the faithfulness of others and warns against a leader who puts himself first. Grown-ups can read the whole letter to notice how the elder balances joy, correction, and encouragement.
With children, avoid overstating the details about Diotrephes or the specific church situation, since the letter gives limited information about who these people were. Focus on the simple lesson that doing good and welcoming others is what God wants from all of us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for helping us walk in the truth and do what is good. Help us to welcome our friends, to share with others, and to be humble when we want to be first. Keep our hearts healthy and happy as we serve you every day. Amen.
