This lesson teaches children that Jesus is a priest who lives forever and always helps us come to God. It is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is our special helper who is always alive, so he can always bring us close to God. He never stops caring for us, and he never runs out of time to help.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 7:25
Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and place one hand on their heart. As they say the words “lives forever,” they slowly lift both arms up over their heads, like a big stretch, to show that Jesus is always alive and always reaching out to help us.
The Story: Hebrews 7 for Kids
Long, long ago, there was a man named Abraham who had been away fighting a battle. When he came home, he met a king named Melchizedek. Melchizedek was not just a king. He was also a priest, someone who helps people talk with God. Abraham was so thankful that he gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had won in the battle.
Melchizedek was a special kind of priest. The story does not tell us where he was born or when he died. He seemed to be a priest for always, and he pointed people to something even greater that was coming. His name meant “king of righteousness,” and he was also called “king of peace.” Those are two wonderful things for a king to be.
Many years later, God gave the people of Israel priests from the family of Levi. Those priests had a very important job, but they got sick and died, so there was always a need for a new priest to take their place. The priests could only do their work for a short time before they had to be replaced.
Then God made a promise. He said, in his own voice, that someone would be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek. That someone is Jesus. He is from the tribe of Judah, not the family of Levi, and he never dies. Because he lives forever, he never has to be replaced. He can always help us come close to God.
Jesus did not need to offer sacrifices again and again like the old priests did. He gave himself one time, and that was enough for everyone who trusts him. He is holy, good, and pure, and he understands what it is like to be us. Because he lives, he is always ready to help.
Read It Together
Hebrews 7:17
For it is testified, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
(WEB)
Point out that God himself promised this priest would last forever. Ask the children to notice the words “forever” and “priest.” Explain that this promise was about Jesus, and that God keeps every promise he makes.
Hebrews 7:24-25
24 But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. 25 Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
(WEB)
Show the children how the first part says Jesus lives forever and the second part says he can save us completely. Explain that “to the uttermost” means all the way, with nothing left out. Jesus can help us with anything.
Hebrews 7:26
For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens…
(WEB)
Help the children see that Jesus is holy and pure, which means he never did anything wrong. Point out that he is not like us in that way, but he still loves us and chose to help us. Talk about how special he is.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means that Jesus lives forever, and how does that make you feel?
- Why do you think the old priests needed to be replaced, and why didn’t Jesus need that?
- What is something you might need help with this week, and how can you remember that Jesus is ready to help?
- Why do you think Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of what he had won?
- How can you show thankfulness to Jesus for being our helper?
Activity Ideas
Crown of the Forever Priest
You will need paper strips, crayons or markers, tape, and safety scissors. Have each child write the words “Jesus lives forever” on a strip of paper and decorate it with drawings. Tape the strip into a ring that fits around their head, like a crown. Explain that this crown reminds them that Jesus is a king and a priest who never stops being there for us.
Stretch to Heaven
No supplies are needed for this game. Have the children stand in a circle and practice the memory verse motion together. Then call out simple words like “help,” “forever,” or “close to God,” and have the children do the motion each time they hear one. Keep the energy calm and joyful so everyone stays engaged.
Forever Helper Card
You will need an index card or a piece of cardstock, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to draw a picture of something they might need help with, then write the words “Jesus is always alive to help me” on the back. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack as a reminder that Jesus is always near, even on hard days.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that Jesus is the greater priest. Unlike the Levitical priests who served and then died, Jesus lives forever and holds his priesthood without end. Because of this, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, and he continually intercedes for them. His single sacrifice of himself replaces the repeated sacrifices of the old system.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the ancient priesthood, the tribe of Levi, or the identity of Melchizedek. Those are rich topics for older students, but young children do best with the simple truth that Jesus is alive forever and always ready to help them come close to God.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you that you are our helper and that you live forever. We are glad you never run out of time or love for us. Help us come close to God through you, and help us remember that you are always ready to help us. Amen.
