This lesson teaches children that Jesus gave himself as the one perfect sacrifice for sin, so we never have to offer one again. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus offered himself once, and that one gift is enough to make us clean and close to God forever. We can come to God with confidence because he keeps his promises.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
(WEB)
Hold both arms out wide, then slowly bring them together in front of your chest, like closing a book. Say the words as your hands meet, and do it once more with the children so they remember that Jesus made us complete with one offering.
The Story: Hebrews 10 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people went to the temple to bring animals to be offered as sacrifices for their sins. The priests did this again and again, every single year. The animals were a reminder that sin was serious, but the blood of bulls and goats could never really wash sin away. It was like a bandage that had to be changed over and over.
Then God sent his own Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus came to do what God wanted, and he gave his own body as the sacrifice. He did it one time, and it was finished. The writer of this letter says that Jesus did not need to keep offering himself, because his one sacrifice was enough for everyone who trusts him.
After Jesus died and rose again, he sat down at the right hand of God. Sitting down means his work was done. He did not have to stand up and start over. God has promised that he will remember our sins no more, and that is good news for everyone who belongs to Jesus.
The writer then tells the people to keep trusting God and to keep meeting together. He says something like, “Let us not give up, but encourage one another.” Some people were scared and wanted to quit, so he reminded them that God is faithful and will keep his word. He also reminded them that their faith is not something they have to hold up alone.
Read It Together
Hebrews 10:19-22
19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 and having a great priest over God’s house, 22 let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water…
(WEB)
Point out that because of Jesus, we can come close to God with confidence. Ask the children what it means to be able to walk right into a room where a king lives, and explain that Jesus has opened that door for us.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
(WEB)
Show the children that God’s promises do not change. Explain that the word “faithful” means God always keeps what he says, even on days when we feel doubtful or tired.
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
(WEB)
Point out that Christians are meant to help one another love God and do kind things. Talk about how coming to church and encouraging friends is one way we help each other stay strong.
Talk About It
- What did the priests have to keep doing over and over, and why do you think they had to keep doing it?
- How do you feel knowing that Jesus only had to offer himself one time?
- What is something that helps you feel close to God when you are scared or sad?
- How can you encourage a friend who is having a hard day at school?
- Why is it good to know that God always keeps his promises to us?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Cross and a Crown
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large cross on one side of the paper and a small crown on the other. Talk about how Jesus gave his life on the cross and now reigns as King. Let them add colors and stickers, then take turns telling what their picture reminds them of.
Close the Door Game
You will need a sheet of paper, a chair, and a small open space in the room. Put the paper on the floor as a pretend “door” to God’s room. Have children take turns walking up to it, saying “Jesus opened the way for me,” and stepping over it. Then they each sit down in the chair for a moment to show that Jesus’ work is finished.
Faith Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a rubber band. Have each child write “God is faithful” on the card and decorate it. Punch a small hole in the corner and loop the rubber band through so they can keep it in a pocket or on a backpack. Encourage them to read it aloud whenever they feel worried during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter explains that Jesus’ single sacrifice fully accomplished what the temple sacrifices could only point toward. Because his offering is complete, believers can approach God with a clear conscience and steady hope. The chapter also calls the church to keep meeting together and to stir one another up in love and good works.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson about fear of punishment. The passage does speak of serious consequences for those who reject Jesus, but young children can become frightened by that. Focus instead on the joy of being welcomed by God and the reassurance that he keeps his promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that Jesus gave himself once for all of us. Help us to come to you with a true heart and trust your promises. Show us how to encourage our friends and family. Amen.
