In this lesson, children learn that Jesus stayed calm and in control even when people came to arrest him, because he knew what God planned. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is always in charge, even when things look scary. He did not run from the people who came for him, because he trusted God’s plan and told the truth about who he is.
Memory Verse
John 18:4
Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went out, and said to them, “Who are you looking for?”
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if receiving a gift. Then they say the verse together, ending with a big nod, showing that Jesus stood ready and brave.
The Story: John 18 for Kids
One night, Jesus walked across a little stream called the Kidron Brook with his friends. They went into a garden where they often spent time together. Jesus knew that something hard was about to happen, and he was not afraid.
Judas, one of Jesus’ friends, knew where to find him. Judas led a group of soldiers and officers to the garden. They carried lanterns, torches, and weapons, and their lights bounced across the dark trees.
Jesus stepped forward and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I am he.” When he said those words, the men stepped backward and fell to the ground. Jesus asked again, and again they gave the same answer.
Peter was so upset that he pulled out a sword and cut off a servant’s ear. Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away.” Jesus wanted to be the one who chose to do what God planned, and he healed the man’s ear.
The soldiers tied Jesus up and took him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed from far away. A servant girl asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter said, “No,” and then said it two more times while he warmed himself by a fire. Then a rooster crowed, just as Jesus had said it would.
Next, Jesus was taken to Pilate, the Roman ruler. Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus answered that his kingdom was not from this world. Pilate could not find any reason to punish him, but the crowd shouted for a robber named Barabbas to be set free instead.
Read It Together
John 18:6
When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward, and fell to the ground.
(WEB)
Point out that the soldiers fell down the moment Jesus spoke. Ask children what this shows about who Jesus is and how much power he has, even when he is surrounded.
John 18:11
Jesus therefore said to Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?”
(WEB)
Show how Jesus told Peter to put away his sword. Explain that Jesus was willing to go through this hard time because he trusted his Father’s plan.
John 18:37
Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
(WEB)
Help children see that Jesus came into the world to tell the truth about God. Point out that people who love the truth listen to Jesus’ voice.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jesus felt when the soldiers came to take him, and how did he stay calm?
- Why do you think the soldiers fell to the ground when Jesus said, “I am he”?
- What did Peter do when he was scared, and what could he have done differently?
- Why did Jesus tell Peter to put his sword away instead of fighting back?
- What can you do this week to listen to Jesus and trust that he is in control?
Activity Ideas
Lantern Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have children draw a dark night scene with a garden, a path, and a few trees. Then ask them to draw a glowing lantern in the middle, with Jesus standing calmly beside it. Children can color the lantern bright yellow to show that Jesus’ light shines even in the dark.
Stand Firm Game
Ask children to form a line at one end of the room while you stand at the other end. Explain that you are Jesus, and when you say, “I am he,” they must freeze and then slowly lower themselves to the floor like the soldiers. Play a few rounds, then let a child be the leader. This helps children remember that Jesus has the power to stop everything.
Peace Card for Home
You will need an index card, a marker, and a pen. Have children write “Jesus is in control” on one side and draw a small picture of a peaceful face on the other. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or bathroom mirror and read it each night before bed. This reminds them to trust Jesus when they feel afraid.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus choosing to walk toward the cross, fully aware of what was coming. His calm authority, his refusal to use violence, and his honest answers to Pilate all point to a king whose kingdom is not built on force. Adults can see that the same Jesus who was arrested is the one who holds all things together.
Avoid overstating to children that Peter’s denial makes him a bad person forever. Peter later became a faithful leader, and it is better to focus on how Jesus welcomed him back than on the failure itself. Keep the emphasis on Jesus’ faithfulness rather than on the mistakes of the disciples.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are always in control, even when things feel scary. Help us to be brave like you and to trust your plan when we are afraid. Teach us to listen to your voice and to tell the truth. Amen.
