This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the Word of God, the true Light who came into the world to show us who God is. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the memory verse, and a short activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is God’s Son, and he came into the world as a light so that everyone can know God and follow him.
Memory Verse
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up in front of you, then slowly open your fingers like a sunrise spreading across the sky. Say the verse together as you open your hands, so children can picture light pushing back the dark.
The Story: John 1 for Kids
Long ago, before anything was made, Jesus was already with God. The Bible calls him the Word. Through him, God made the sun, the trees, the animals, and every person. Jesus was not a made thing at all, because he has always been God’s own Son, and he has always been alive.
A man named John came to tell people about Jesus. John was not the light himself. He was like a friend holding a sign that points the way. Some religious leaders in Jerusalem came to John and asked him, “Who are you?” John said, “I am the voice of someone calling in the wilderness, saying, make the way of the Lord straight.” He wanted everyone to get ready for Jesus.
One day John saw Jesus walking toward him. John pointed and said, “Look! That is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John told everyone that he had seen God’s Spirit come down like a dove and stay on Jesus. John knew Jesus was the Son of God.
Two of John’s followers heard him say this, so they went after Jesus. Jesus turned around and asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Teacher, where are you staying?” Jesus said, “Come and see.” They spent the whole day with him. One of them, named Andrew, ran to find his brother Simon and said, “We have found the Messiah!” Jesus looked at Simon and said he would be called Peter, which means rock.
Jesus found a man named Philip and said, “Follow me.” Philip found his friend Nathanael and told him about Jesus from Nazareth. Nathanael was not sure at first and asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said, “Come and see for yourself.” When Jesus saw Nathanael, he said, “Here is a true Israelite with nothing fake about him!” Nathanael was amazed and said, “You are the Son of God!” Jesus told them they would see even greater things than that.
Read It Together
John 1:1-2
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
(WEB)
Point out that the Word was with God from the very beginning. Ask children to say the words “in the beginning” and explain that Jesus was never a new idea, because he has always been with God.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
(WEB)
Show children that the Word became flesh, which means Jesus became a real human being like us. Point out that he lived among people, so we can know God through him, and that the verse says he was full of grace and truth.
John 1:29
The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
(WEB)
Explain that John called Jesus the Lamb of God because Jesus would take away our sin. Show children a picture of a lamb and talk about how Jesus gives us forgiveness, the way a gift makes us glad.
Talk About It
- What did John the Baptist do to help people get ready for Jesus?
- Why do you think the Bible calls Jesus the Light?
- How did Andrew feel when he found out about Jesus, and what did he do?
- What is one thing Jesus said to Nathanael that surprised him?
- How can you tell other people about Jesus, like Philip and Andrew did?
Activity Ideas
Light-Up Lantern Craft
You will need a clean paper cup, colored tissue paper, a battery tea light, and tape or glue. Have children tear the tissue paper into small pieces and glue them onto the outside of the cup, leaving a few gaps. Place the tea light inside and turn it on. Talk about how the lantern lights up the dark room, just like Jesus is the true Light.
Follow the Leader Game
Gather the children in a open space and have one child be Jesus while the rest follow as the disciples. Jesus can walk, skip, or hop, and the followers copy every move. Stop and ask, “What are you looking for?” Let each child answer. This helps children see what it means to follow Jesus closely.
Take-Home Sunrise Card
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Draw a horizon line near the bottom and a bright yellow sun rising above it. Write John 1:5 at the bottom with the child’s help. Encourage the child to show the card to a family member and say the verse together at dinner or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 1 shows that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. The chapter presents Jesus as the eternal Word through whom all things were made, who came into the world and was rejected by many, yet welcomed by those who believed. The chapter also shows John the Baptist humbly pointing away from himself to Christ.
With children, avoid overstating how much they will fully understand about the Trinity or the concept of the Word. Keep the focus on the simple truths that Jesus is God’s Son, that he is the Light, and that he invites people to come and see who he is.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the true Light that shines in our dark places. Help us to follow you the way Andrew and Philip did, and to tell our friends about you. Help us to be brave like John and point people toward you. We love you and want to know you more. Amen.
