In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is greater than Moses and that we can trust him every day, even when it is hard. This lesson is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is faithful and trustworthy, so we can keep trusting him every day and not turn away from him.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 3:7
Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you will hear his voice…
(WEB)
Cup your hands by your ears like you are listening carefully, then slowly open them toward the class as you say the words together. Repeat it three times, each time a little softer, so children learn to listen to God’s voice.
The Story: Hebrews 3 for Kids
Long ago, the Israelite people left Egypt with Moses as their leader. Moses was a faithful servant of God, and he helped God’s people in many ways. The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to know that someone even greater had come. That someone was Jesus, God’s own Son.
The writer said that Jesus is like the builder of a house, and God built everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house. Jesus is faithful as the Son who rules over that house. And the writer said that we are part of that house if we hold on to our trust in Jesus.
Then the writer shared a words from the Holy Spirit about God’s people long ago. Their hearts became hard and they did not trust God. They had seen God’s great works, but they still turned away. The writer said, “Don’t let your hearts become hard like that.” That was a warning to everyone listening.
Because the people did not trust God, they did not enter the rest God had promised them. The writer reminded his friends to encourage one another every day. He said we should not let sin make our hearts hard or make us stop believing. Keep trusting Jesus, he said, every single day.
Read It Together
Hebrews 3:1-2
1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus is called our Apostle and High Priest. Explain that he was faithful to God, just as Moses was faithful. Ask children what it means to be faithful to someone.
Hebrews 3:12-13
12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God; 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called “today”; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
(WEB)
Show how the writer tells us to help each other every day. Explain that a hard heart means not wanting to listen to God. Talk about one way the class can encourage a friend this week.
Hebrews 3:19
We see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief.
(WEB)
Point out that the people could not enter God’s rest because they did not believe him. Explain that unbelief means not trusting God. Ask the children how trusting God helps us feel safe.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Jesus did that showed he was faithful to God?
- How can you tell when your heart is starting to get hard toward God?
- Who is someone you can encourage this week, and what could you say to them?
- Why do you think the people in the wilderness stopped trusting God even after seeing his great works?
- What is one way you can keep trusting Jesus when something feels scary or hard?
Activity Ideas
Paper House Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple house with a roof and door, then write “Jesus is faithful” on the roof. Explain that God’s house is built with people who trust Jesus. Let children decorate the house with pictures of things that remind them to trust God.
Hard Heart, Soft Heart Game
You will need an open space and a timer. Tell the children to walk around like a stone when you say “hard heart,” and to wiggle like jelly when you say “soft heart.” Then talk about how a soft heart listens to God and trusts him. End by having everyone give a small hug or high five to someone nearby.
Take-Home Trust Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with string. Have each child write the memory verse reference on one side and draw a picture of something they can trust Jesus for on the other side. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the string so they can hang it on their bedroom door. Encourage them to read it each morning.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows adults that Jesus is greater than Moses, who was a faithful servant, because Jesus is the faithful Son over God’s house. It also reminds believers that trust in Christ is an ongoing choice, and that encouraging one another is part of staying faithful. The writer uses the story of God’s people in the wilderness as a warning against unbelief.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson only about what they must do to be good, since the main point is trusting Jesus, who is faithful. Keep the focus on Jesus’ faithfulness rather than on pressure to never fail.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are faithful and worthy of our trust. Help us listen to your voice today and not let our hearts become hard. Help us to encourage our friends and family to keep trusting you every day. We love you and want to follow you. Amen.
