In this lesson, children learn that God loves them and trains them, and that Jesus helps them keep going when life feels hard. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves us so much that he helps us grow strong. When things are hard, we can keep running toward Jesus, because he helps us finish well.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…
(WEB)
Stand up tall and pretend to run in place while you say the verse together. Lift your knees high on the words about running, then cheer with your arms up at the end.
The Story: Hebrews 12 for Kids
The writer of this letter wanted his friends to keep going, even when they felt tired. He told them that many faithful people had gone before them, like a huge crowd cheering from the stands. Those faithful people did not give up, and neither should they.
He pointed his friends to Jesus. Jesus is the one who starts our faith and finishes it. Jesus was willing to suffer on the cross because he knew something good was coming after. Then he sat down at the right hand of God, in the place of honor.
The writer also talked about how a loving father trains his children. Sometimes a good father has to correct his child, and that can feel hard. He said, “My child, do not ignore it when the Lord corrects you.” The writer explained that God does this because he wants us to become good and strong, like good children of a good Father.
Some people might think that hard times mean God does not love them. But the writer said that training feels painful for a while, yet later it produces good and peaceful fruit in our lives. So he encouraged his friends to lift their tired hands and strengthen their weak knees.
He reminded them to walk on straight paths, to live at peace with others, and to stay close to God. He also warned them to watch out for bitterness, which can grow like a weed and hurt many people. Then he told them that they had come to a happy place with God, not a scary mountain where people were afraid.
Read It Together
Hebrews 12:11
All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.
(WEB)
Point out that training can feel hard at first, but it helps us grow. Ask the children to think of a time when practicing something made them better at it, like learning to ride a bike.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus is the one we look at when we want to keep going. Explain that he finished the hard job of the cross and now he is with God, cheering us on.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord…
(WEB)
Point out that we are to work at living peacefully with other people. Talk about one small way children can show kindness to a friend or sibling this week.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that feels hard for you right now?
- Who are some people who have helped you keep going when you felt like quitting?
- How can knowing God loves you help you when something is difficult?
- What does it look like to run the race and keep your eyes on Jesus?
- What is one way you can help someone else keep going this week?
Activity Ideas
Race Track Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a winding racetrack with a starting line and a finish line. Along the track, have them draw small pictures of people who helped them, like a parent, teacher, or friend. Talk about how those people cheer them on like the crowd of witnesses in the story.
Obstacle Course Movement Game
You will need pillows, chairs, and a blanket for crawling. Set up a simple course in the room or yard. As the children move through it, have them say, “Keep your eyes on Jesus.” Encourage them to finish the course even if they feel wobbly, reminding them that God helps us keep going.
Take-Home Encouragement Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small envelope for each child. Have the children write or draw one way they want to keep going this week, such as being patient with a sibling or finishing homework. Let them take the card home and place it where they will see it each morning as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter encourages believers to persevere in faith by fixing their eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross and now reigns in honor. It also teaches that God’s loving discipline is a sign of his care, producing holiness and peace over time. Adults should hear both comfort and challenge in these words.
With children, avoid suggesting that every hard thing that happens is a punishment from God for something they did. Keep the focus on God’s loving training and on Jesus as the helper who is always with them.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and helping us grow strong. When we feel tired or want to quit, help us keep our eyes on you. Help us be kind and peaceful with our friends and family. We trust you to help us finish the race well. Amen.
