This lesson teaches children that God makes us part of His family through faith in Jesus, not by trying to earn it. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God loves us and makes us His children because we trust in Jesus, and that trust is something everyone can have.
Memory Verse
Galatians 3:26
For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up with your fingers laced together, then slowly open them wide as you say the verse. Ask the children to show you what “one family” looks like with their hands and faces.
The Story: Galatians 3 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in a place called Galatia. Some of the people there had started to believe that they had to do lots of rules to make God happy. Paul wanted them to remember what they had first learned about Jesus.
Paul reminded them of Abraham, a man who lived long before. Abraham trusted God, even when the way seemed hard and he could not see the whole plan. God counted that trust as something good, and He promised that Abraham’s family would bless the whole world.
Paul explained that the rules God gave Moses were like a teacher or guide. They showed people that they needed help, and they pointed people toward Jesus. Paul said, “Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”
Then Paul said something wonderful. Everyone who trusts Jesus becomes a child of God. It does not matter if someone is a boy or a girl, rich or poor, or from any country. Paul told them, “You are all one in Christ Jesus.”
So Paul wanted the Galatians to know that they belonged to God’s family because of Jesus. They did not have to earn it. They only needed to trust Him.
Read It Together
Galatians 3:6-7
6 Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” 7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.
(WEB)
Point out that Abraham believed God, and that trust was counted as good. Ask the children to notice that the people who trust God are Abraham’s children in faith.
Galatians 3:22
But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
(WEB)
Explain that everyone has done wrong, which is why we all need Jesus. Tell the children that God’s promise is given to people who believe, not to people who are good enough on their own.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus welcomes everyone equally. Name some differences among the children in your room and remind them that all of them are one in Christ.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that helps you feel like you belong to your family?
- Why do you think Abraham trusted God even when he could not see the whole plan?
- How is trusting Jesus different from trying to be good enough on your own?
- Why does Paul say that everyone can be part of God’s family, no matter who they are?
- What is one way you can show someone that they belong with you at church or at school?
Activity Ideas
Family Tree Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a large tree with branches and write or draw the names of people in their family. Then add a heart or a small cross at the top to show that Jesus is the center of God’s family. Let the children take the tree home to show someone.
Hands Together Game
Gather the children in a circle. Call out a trait, such as “wearing red,” “has a pet,” or “likes to sing,” and have those children step into the middle and hold hands. Then call out “one in Christ” and have everyone link hands in a big circle. Talk about how people who look and act different can still be one family.
Faith Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they can trust God to do. Have them decorate the card and tape it inside a book or near their bed. Encourage them to look at it when they feel worried or unsure.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Galatians 3 teaches that no one is made right with God by keeping the law, because the law shows our need and points us to Christ. Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, and that faith unites believers across every human divide. Paul’s argument is also a warning against adding requirements to the gospel.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson sound like they must have perfect faith or feel a certain way to belong to God. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His love for them, rather than on how strong their trust feels.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and making us part of Your family. Help us trust You like Abraham did, even when we don’t understand everything. Thank You that we belong to You because of Jesus. Help us welcome everyone we meet. Amen.
