This lesson teaches children that God invites us to rest in him, and that we can trust his promises even when we feel tired or unsure. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us a rest that we can trust. We can come to him any time, because he always keeps his promises and is always ready to help 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)
Have children stand up and reach their arms out wide, like they are approaching a big door. Then have them slowly bring their hands together in front of their chest, as if they are drawing close to God. Repeat the motion together three times until everyone knows it.
The Story: Hebrews 4 for Kids
Long ago, God led his people out of Egypt and promised them a good land where they could rest. Many of the people who had heard this good news did not trust God. They doubted him, and they did not walk in the way he wanted them to go. Because of this, they did not enter the rest God had promised.
The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to learn from that story. He told them that God still has a rest for his people today. God rested after he finished making the world, and he invites us to rest in him too. The writer said, “Today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your hearts.” That means we should listen to God and not stop trusting him.
Next, the writer reminded everyone about Jesus. Jesus is a great high priest who went up into the heavens for us. He is not far away from us, though. He understands how we feel because he was tempted just like we are. Yet he never sinned, not even once.
So the writer told his friends to come close to God with confidence. When we feel weak or worried, we can go to God’s throne of grace. There we find mercy, and we find help exactly when we need it. God is always ready to hear us.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that God’s rest is a gift for his people. Ask children what it feels like to rest after a hard day. Explain that God’s rest is even better because it lasts and it comes from him.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s word is alive and powerful. Show children a Bible and say that God’s words can help us know what is right and what is wrong. Tell them the Bible is something we can trust every day.
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)
Point out that Jesus understands our feelings. Let children name a time they felt sad, scared, or tired. Tell them Jesus knows exactly how those feelings feel, and he still never sinned.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel tired or worried?
- How did the people in the story miss out on God’s rest?
- What can you do when you need God’s help?
- Why do you think God’s word is strong and powerful?
- How can you show that you trust God this week?
Activity Ideas
Rest Bird Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons, glue, and craft sticks. Have children draw a bird on the paper plate and color it bright colors. Glue the craft stick to the back so they can hold it. Talk about how a bird can rest safely in a nest, just like we can rest safely in God.
Stop and Rest Game
Play a simple freeze game where children move around the room to music. When the music stops, they freeze and stay still for a count of five. Each time they freeze, say a short phrase like “God gives us rest.” Afterward, talk about how it felt to stop and be still.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they want to bring to God in prayer. Let them decorate the card with a simple picture. Encourage them to keep the card in their room or bag and pray with it during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage explains that God’s rest is both a promise and an invitation. The writer of Hebrews connects the rest of the Sabbath and the rest God enjoyed after creation with the peace believers find in Christ. Faith in God’s promises is what allows us to enter that rest.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always remove every difficulty from their lives. Focus instead on the truth that God is present with them, hears their prayers, and gives help in every season.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you give us rest and that you always keep your promises. Help us trust you when we feel tired or scared. Thank you that Jesus understands our hearts and helps us come to you. Help us come close to you with confidence every day. Amen.
