In this lesson, children learn that God invites his people into a peaceful rest with him, and that Jesus is the friend who helps us stay close. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us a rest that lasts, and Jesus is always ready to help us when we need him. We can come to God with confidence because he understands us and loves us.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands in front of their chest, then slowly open them outward like a door swinging wide. Each time they say the verse, they open their hands to show that we can come to God boldly.
The Story: Hebrews 4 for Kids
Long ago, God led his people out of Egypt and promised them a land where they could rest. God wanted them to trust him and to enter the good place he had prepared. Many of the people did not trust God, so they did not enter his rest.
Later, God spoke to his people again through the writer of this letter. He reminded them that his rest was still waiting for them. He said, “Today, if you hear God’s voice, don’t harden your hearts.” That means, “Listen to God today, and don’t close your heart to him.”
The writer also told them about Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus is like a special helper called a high priest. He went all the way through the heavens to be with the Father for us. Because Jesus has done this, we can hold tightly to what we believe.
Jesus knows what it feels like to be tired, sad, or tempted. He faced the same kinds of hard things we do, but he never sinned. So when we feel weak, we can talk to him without being afraid.
The story ends with an invitation. Let us come near to God’s throne of grace with boldness. God is kind and gives us mercy and help whenever we need it, so we can always run to him.
Read It Together
Hebrews 4:1
Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s promise of rest is still good, and the children should take it seriously. Ask them what it might look like to trust God’s promise instead of worrying about it.
Hebrews 4:9-10
9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s people have a rest that belongs to them, and that resting in God is like resting from our own hard work. Show how God rested after making the world, and how we can rest in him too.
Hebrews 4:15
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
(WEB)
Tell the children that Jesus understands our weaknesses and is not too busy or too strong to care. Point out that he was tempted just like us, yet he never sinned, so he is a helper we can trust.
Talk About It
- What do you think it feels like to rest in God when you are worried about something?
- How did the people in the story miss out on God’s rest, and what can we do to listen to God today?
- Why do you think Jesus understands how we feel when we are sad or tempted?
- What is one thing you could tell God about right now, since he is always ready to listen?
- How can you show someone else that God’s rest and kindness are real?
Activity Ideas
Paper Door Craft
You will need paper, crayons, and scissors. Have each child draw a door on a sheet of paper, then cut along three sides so the door opens. Inside, they can write or draw “Come boldly to God.” Let them open and close the door while talking about how God always welcomes us.
Rest Stop Game
Play a simple freeze game. Children run around the room while you call out “Today, listen to God,” and they stop and stand still like a statue. When you say “Rest,” they all sit down quietly. Repeat a few times, pointing out that God invites us to rest and listen to him.
Take-Home Prayer Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write “Jesus helps me” on one side and draw a picture of something they might need help with on the other. Encourage them to keep the card by their bed and pray over it each night, reminding them that they can come to God anytime.
Teacher Notes
This passage tells adults that God’s rest is a real gift, and it is open to everyone who trusts him. Believers can enter that rest now by faith, and they also look forward to its fullness. Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses and makes it possible for us to approach God with confidence.
When teaching children, avoid overstating what the passage says about final rest or heaven in detail, since the chapter focuses on trusting God’s promise and the ongoing invitation to draw near. Keep the focus on God’s kindness and Jesus’s care, which are clear and comforting for young hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you understand how we feel and that you are always ready to help us. Help us listen to your voice today and not close our hearts to you. Thank you for your rest, and help us come to you with brave and open hearts. Amen.
