This lesson teaches children that Jesus became a real person, like us, so He could help us when we are scared or tempted. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus became a real human like us, so He understands our hard days and is always ready to help us.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them like a flower blooming. As they open their hands, have them say, “Jesus helps me,” and point up to heaven to remind them who is helping.
The Story: Hebrews 2 for Kids
Long ago, a writer named Hebrews wrote a letter to friends who were tired and worried. He wanted them to pay close attention to what they had heard about God’s great rescue. He reminded them that God’s message was true and that it was very important not to drift away from it.
Then he talked about people. God made people a little lower than the angels, and He gave them a special place in the world. He put everything under their feet to care for. Yet the writer said that people do not always see God’s plan finished. Sometimes it is hard to see how good things are going to work out.
But we can see Jesus. For a short time He was made a little lower than the angels, so He could feel what we feel. He went through suffering and even death, but God crowned Him with glory and honor. Jesus did this so that everyone could be brought to God and helped in a real way.
Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. The writer said, “Here I am with the children God has given me.” Jesus shares in our flesh and blood, just like the children in your family share in the same kind of life. He came so that He could defeat the power of death and free people who were afraid of dying.
Jesus is a faithful high priest who understands our weaknesses. He has been tempted too, so He knows exactly what it feels like when someone wants you to do wrong. The story ends with the wonderful truth that Jesus is able to help those who are being tempted.
Read It Together
Hebrews 2:9
But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a short time. Ask children to notice that He suffered, and that God crowned Him with glory and honor because of what He did for us.
Hebrews 2:11-12
11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will declare your name to my brothers. Among of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus is not embarrassed to call us His brothers and sisters. Explain that He is part of God’s family too, and that makes us family with Him.
Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus shared in our flesh and blood so He could set free people who were afraid of death. Let children know that Jesus wins against fear and the power of the devil.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried, and how could you ask Jesus for help with it?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to be a real person, just like us?
- How does it feel to know that Jesus calls you His brother or sister?
- When someone tries to get you to do something wrong, what could you say or do to stay close to Jesus?
- Who is a person in your life who helps you when you are having a hard time, and how is Jesus like that?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Helper Picture
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a simple picture of themselves on one half of the plate and a picture of Jesus holding their hand on the other half. Fold the plate in half so the pictures meet in the middle, and let them share one thing they want Jesus to help them with this week.
Tempted But Not Alone Game
Clear a space in your room and have children stand at one end. Call out a “temptation,” like “Take the last cookie!” or “Don’t share your toy!” Children who want to resist take a big step backward, and children who give in take a step forward. Afterward, remind everyone that Jesus understands temptation and is always ready to help them stand strong.
Help Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small envelope for each child. Write “Jesus understands me and helps me” on the card, and have children decorate the edges with stickers or drawings. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket, backpack, or by their bed, and read it out loud whenever they feel scared or tempted during the week.
Teacher Notes
Hebrews 2 shows that Jesus took on our humanity so He could be a merciful and faithful high priest for us. Adults can see here that Jesus’ suffering and His victory over death are connected to His ability to understand and help people who face temptation and fear. The passage invites believers to pay attention to the good news they have heard and to trust Christ fully.
When teaching children, avoid overstating how much they can understand about theology or suggest that Jesus only helps people who never make mistakes. Keep the focus on Jesus being a real friend who knows what our lives are like and who is always ready to help.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for becoming one of us so You could understand our hard days. Help us remember that You are our big brother and that You are always ready to help us. When we feel scared or tempted, help us to trust You and ask for Your help. Amen.
