This lesson teaches children that we are made right with God by trusting Jesus, not by trying to be good enough on our own. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is the one who makes us right with God. We trust him, and he loves us, even when we get things wrong.
Memory Verse
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
(WEB)
Hold both hands over your heart, then open them wide like a gift. Say the words slowly with the motion, showing that Jesus gave himself for us because he loves us.
The Story: Galatians 2 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who told people about Jesus. He traveled to many towns to share the good news that Jesus died and rose again. Some people wanted to add extra rules that Gentile friends would have to follow before they could belong to God’s family. Paul and his friend Barnabas took a trip to Jerusalem to talk with the leaders there about this problem.
The leaders agreed that Paul’s message was true. Titus, a Greek friend, did not have to follow the extra rule about circumcision. The leaders shook hands with Paul and Barnabas to show they were friends and partners in the work of telling people about Jesus.
Later, Peter visited the town of Antioch and ate meals with Gentile friends, just as Paul did. But when some Jewish visitors arrived, Peter stopped eating with those friends because he was afraid of what the visitors would think. Other believers copied him, and even Barnabas went along with it.
Paul saw what was happening and spoke up. He looked Peter in the eye and reminded him that people are not made right with God by keeping rules. We are made right with God by trusting Jesus. Paul said, in simple words, “I am still alive, but it is really Jesus living in me.”
Paul wanted everyone to remember that Jesus is the one who saves us. Following rules does not make us God’s family. Trusting Jesus does.
Read It Together
Galatians 2:16
Yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.
(WEB)
Point out that a person is made right with God through faith in Jesus, not through doing the right things. Ask children to notice the word “faith,” which means trusting someone completely, like trusting a parent to catch you.
Galatians 2:9
And when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
(WEB)
Show children how the leaders gave Paul and Barnabas a handshake to say they were all on the same team. Explain that God’s people can work together even when they do different jobs.
Galatians 2:10
They only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do.
(WEB)
Point out that the leaders asked Paul to remember people who had little money. Help children see that caring for others, especially those in need, is part of loving God.
Talk About It
- What do you think Peter felt when Paul spoke up to him in front of everyone?
- Why is it good news that we are made right with God through Jesus and not by our own efforts?
- How can you show someone that you are part of God’s family?
- When have you felt afraid of what others would think of you?
- What is one way you can help someone who is in need this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart on paper and cut it out. Ask them to write or draw one thing Jesus has done for them inside the heart. Hang the hearts on a wall or fridge to remind the family that Jesus loves them.
Hand-Shake Team Game
Gather the children in a circle. Each child must shake hands with at least three friends, saying “You are part of God’s family” as they shake. Then ask them to stand together and say the memory verse with the hand motion. This shows that God’s people belong together.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card or a folded piece of paper. Have them write “Jesus makes me right with God” on the front and draw a small cross or heart on the back. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table and read it aloud each night before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the good news of Jesus is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. Paul’s concern was that people would think they had to earn God’s love through rules instead of receiving it through faith in Christ. Peter’s hesitation shows how easily even good leaders can drift back into fear of others.
When teaching children, avoid making Peter or the other leaders sound like villains. Focus on the lesson that Jesus makes us right with God, and that all of us need his grace. Children can learn that Peter was a friend who made a mistake and was corrected, not someone who was rejected.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and giving yourself for us. Help us trust you every day, and help us be kind to everyone in your family. We love you. Amen.
