This lesson teaches children that Jesus is our perfect helper who brings us close to God, and that God makes a new promise to always love and forgive His people. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus is our special helper who stands with God for us, and God promises to keep loving us and forgiving us.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 8:1
Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens…
(WEB)
Hold both hands out flat like a bowl, then slowly lift them up over your head, as if you are lifting Jesus up high to heaven where He sits next to God. Do this each time you say the verse out loud together.
The Story: Hebrews 8 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people needed a helper called a priest. A priest worked in a special tent called the tabernacle, where people went to say they were sorry for their wrong choices. The priests offered gifts and sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. Every priest had a job to do in that holy place.
The writer of this letter tells us that we have a better helper than any priest in that tent. Jesus is our high priest, and He sits at the right hand of God in heaven. He serves in the true tabernacle, the real holy place that God Himself built. He is the perfect helper who never gets tired and never makes a mistake.
The writer explains that God once made an old agreement with His people, the people of Israel. But the people did not keep that promise well. So God told them, through the words of His prophet, that He would make a new agreement. In this new agreement, God would write His ways inside their hearts. Their hearts would learn to love Him.
God also said something very kind in this new promise. He said that He would be merciful and forgive the wrong things His people had done. He said, in simple words, that He would not keep remembering those wrongs anymore. That is a happy promise for all of us who sometimes make mistakes.
Children, think about how a good friend says, “I will always be on your side, and I will forgive you when you say sorry.” God makes a promise just like that. It is a promise that lasts forever, and Jesus is the helper who makes it come true for us.
Read It Together
Hebrews 8:10
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days,” says the Lord; “I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
(WEB)
Point out the words “I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Ask the children to say these words back in their own voice. Explain that this is God’s way of saying He wants to be close to us.
Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more.”
(WEB)
Show the children how God says He will be merciful and forgive. Help them see that God chooses to forget our wrongs when we are truly sorry. Let them know that God’s forgiveness is a gift, not something we earn.
Hebrews 8:1-2
1 Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus serves in the true tabernacle, which God built. Explain that Jesus is a helper who is always in the place of honor beside God. Help children picture Jesus as their helper in heaven who is always ready to help them.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you learned about Jesus from this lesson?
- How does it feel to know that God wants to be close to you?
- When have you needed someone to help you, and how did they help?
- What does it mean to you that God forgives us and forgets our wrong choices?
- How can you show God thank you for being our helper and forgiver this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart on the paper and cut it out. Ask them to write or draw one of God’s promises inside the heart, such as “God will forgive me.” Let them take the heart home to remind them that God writes His ways in our hearts.
Helper Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space with room to move. Call out “Helper!” and have them stand tall with their arms raised like they are lifting someone up. Then call out “Forgiven!” and have them give each other a gentle high five. Keep the game short and cheerful so the children connect the movements with Jesus as our helper.
Forgiveness Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each family member writes one thing they are sorry for on a slip and puts it in the jar. Then together, pray and ask God to forgive those things. Afterward, throw the slips away or burn them safely to show that God has forgotten them, just as He promised.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter explains that Jesus is the true and better high priest, serving in the heavenly sanctuary. The writer contrasts the old covenant with the new one, which God promises to write on the hearts of His people and which rests on His mercy in forgiving sins. Adults can see how the new covenant fulfills the old and points to the lasting relationship God offers through Christ.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the contrast with the old covenant or the older priesthood, since this can sound critical of the Jewish people. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, the gift of Jesus as our helper, and God’s promise to forgive. Children need warmth and hope more than theological detail.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to be our perfect helper. Thank You that You promise to forgive us and to keep Your ways written in our hearts. Help us to love You and to trust You every day. Amen.
