In this lesson, children learn that the good news about Jesus is true because God Himself gave it to Paul, and no one else can change it. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God’s good news about Jesus is true, and it never changes, even when people try to change it.
Memory Verse
Galatians 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ…
(WEB)
Have children place both hands over their heart, then open them outward like a gift. As they say “grace and peace,” they should lift their open hands toward the ceiling, showing that God’s gifts come down to us from Him.
The Story: Galatians 1 for Kids
Once there was a man named Paul. Before he knew Jesus, Paul worked very hard to stop the followers of Jesus. He was sure he was doing the right thing, and he was very proud of the rules he had learned from his family’s faith.
One day, God showed Paul that Jesus was alive and was God’s own Son. Paul did not learn this from a teacher or a friend. God gave him this message directly. God chose Paul and called him to tell people about Jesus, even people who were not Jewish.
Later, Paul wrote a letter to the churches in the region called Galatia. Some people had come to those churches with a different message. They were trying to twist the good news about Jesus, and Paul was very upset. He said that the good news from God was the only good news, and that no one should change it.
Paul did not go right away to ask the other apostles what to say. He went away to a place called Arabia, and then he came back to Damascus. After three years, he visited Peter in Jerusalem and stayed with him for fifteen days. Paul wanted people to know that his message did not come from people. It came from God.
Paul told the churches that the people who once knew him as a persecutor now said, “He used to try to destroy the faith, and now he preaches it!” Then the believers gave glory to God because of what He had done in Paul’s life.
Read It Together
Galatians 1:11-12
11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. 12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul did not get the good news from people. Ask children who they think taught Paul this message, and help them see that God Himself revealed it to him.
Galatians 1:15-16
15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood…
(WEB)
Show children that God chose Paul before he was even born and called him through His grace. Explain that God’s plans for us begin with His love, not with what we have done.
Galatians 1:23-24
23 But they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
(WEB)
Point out how the believers were amazed at the change in Paul. Ask children how God can change people’s hearts, and encourage them to praise God for the good things He does.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Paul was so sure that the good news about Jesus should never be changed?
- How did Paul learn about Jesus, and what does that tell us about God’s power?
- What is one way God has changed someone’s life, and how did that make you feel?
- Why is it important to know the true message about Jesus instead of a made-up one?
- What is one thing you can do this week to tell someone the good news about Jesus?
Activity Ideas
Good News Envelope Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Have each child fold a sheet of paper into an envelope and draw a picture of something God has given them on the front. Inside, they can write or draw one simple truth, such as “God’s good news is true.” Encourage them to share their envelope with a family member.
Grace and Peace Movement Game
Clear a space in your room or classroom. Call out “grace” and have children lift their arms high, then call out “peace” and have them bring their hands together gently in front of their chest. Keep the pace slow at first, then speed it up for fun. Repeat the words several times so children connect the motions with the message.
Take-Home Good News Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write “God’s good news is true” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Suggest they place the card on their nightstand or by the front door so they see it every day. Remind families to talk about the card during dinner or before bed.
Teacher Notes
Galatians 1 shows that the gospel is not something people invent or adjust to please others. Paul received his message through a direct revelation of Jesus Christ, and he stood firm even when others wanted to change it. For adults, this is a reminder to hold fast to the truth of Christ and to be wary of teachings that add to or distort the good news.
Avoid overstating to children that God speaks to people in the same dramatic way He spoke to Paul. Keep the focus on the truth that God’s good news is faithful and that He calls people to share it.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You that Your good news about Jesus is true and never changes. Help us to hold onto it and to share it with others. Thank You for loving us and calling us to know You. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
