This lesson teaches children that Jesus is our special helper, and that he understands our weakness because he was willing to be truly human. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Keep the words simple and let the children do the motions with you.
Big Idea
Jesus is our kind and caring helper. He knows what it feels like to be weak, and he always brings us to God.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 5:9
Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation…
(WEB)
Teach this with a gentle hand motion. Put one hand over your heart, then open both hands out and up, like a gift being given. Say “Jesus helps us” as you move, and have the children copy you until they can say it on their own.
The Story: Hebrews 5 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people had priests. A priest was a special helper who stood between the people and God. Each priest was chosen by God to do this work, and no one could decide to be a priest just because he wanted the honor. God picked Aaron, and later families of priests carried on that job.
A priest knew what it was like to be weak. He had his own mistakes and sins, so he had to bring offerings for himself too. Because he understood people who were confused or who had wandered away, he could be patient and kind with them. He gave gifts and sacrifices to God on behalf of the people.
But one day, someone even greater came. Jesus did not make himself a priest. God the Father said to him, “You are my Son.” Jesus was also made a priest in God’s own way, like a priest named Melchizedek, and he would serve forever.
Jesus knew what it was like to be a person on earth. He prayed to God with loud crying and many tears, asking God for help. Even though he was God’s Son, he learned to obey God, and he went through hard things to do it. God heard his prayers and made him complete, so that he could become the helper who brings us eternal salvation.
The writer of this letter said that some of the people were slow to understand. They were like little babies who only drink milk and need someone to teach them the basics again. The writer wanted them to grow up and eat solid food, so they could know what is good and what is wrong.
Read It Together
Hebrews 5:1
For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
(WEB)
Point out that a priest was chosen from among people, which means he was one of us. Ask the children to notice that the priest helped people with their relationship to God. This shows that God cares about us having someone to bring us close to him.
Hebrews 5:2
The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness.
(WEB)
Show the children that the priest could be gentle with people who were confused or who had made mistakes. Explain that Jesus is also gentle with us when we mess up, and he understands how hard it can be to choose what is right.
Hebrews 5:7-8
7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
(WEB)
Point to the part where Jesus prayed with tears and learned obedience. Tell the children that Jesus prayed when things were hard, which shows us that prayer is a good thing to do in our hard moments too.
Talk About It
- What are some ways a helper can make you feel safe when you are scared?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to know what it feels like to be a person?
- When you feel weak or tired, what can you do to ask God for help?
- How did Jesus show that he was willing to obey God, even when it was hard?
- What is one thing you learned this week that helps you grow stronger in your faith?
Activity Ideas
Helper Hands Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one of their hands onto paper and cut it out. On the palm, they can draw a picture of something Jesus helps them with, like feeling brave or being kind. Hang the hands on the wall as a reminder that Jesus is always ready to help.
Priest Says Game
Play a simple version of Simon Says where you are the priest. Give movements that show helping, such as “Priest says lift your hands to God” or “Priest says kneel and pray.” Children do the motion only when you say “Priest says.” Afterward, talk about how a helper brings people close to God.
Milk and Solid Food Take-Home
You will need a small piece of paper and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw two things: one thing that is like milk, something simple they already know about God, and one thing that is like solid food, something they want to learn more about. Let them take the paper home and share it with their family during dinner this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that Jesus is the perfect high priest. Unlike the earthly priests, he did not need to offer sacrifices for his own sins, yet he was truly human and understands our weakness. He stands before God on our behalf, offering prayers and bringing us into God’s salvation. This is good news for every believer who feels unworthy or tired.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that Jesus learned something he did not already know. Keep the focus on Jesus being fully human and faithful, and let the children understand that he is a helper who knows what it feels like to be weak, without going into deep questions about his nature.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being our helper. Thank you for knowing what it feels like to be weak and for always caring for us. Help us to bring our worries to you and to grow strong in our faith. Amen.
