This lesson teaches children that Jesus stayed in control even when things looked scary, because he knew what was happening and loved his friends and everyone else. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is always in charge, and he never stops loving us, even when things are frightening.
Memory Verse
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)
Have children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then slowly bring them together and clasp them over their heart. As you say the verse together, let them move their hands in a slow, steady rhythm, as if they are carefully carrying something precious.
The Story: John 18 for Kids
One night, Jesus went out with his friends to a garden across a little stream called the Kidron brook. Jesus often met there with his disciples to pray and rest. But this night, a man named Judas, one of Jesus’ own friends, came with a group of soldiers and officers. They carried lanterns, torches, and weapons, because they wanted to find Jesus.
Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen. He stepped forward and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said, “I am he.” When he said those words, the whole crowd stepped back and fell down to the ground! Then Jesus asked them again, and again they gave the same answer.
Jesus told the soldiers, “If you are looking for me, let these friends go.” Peter, one of the disciples, was scared and pulled out a sword. He cut off the ear of a servant named Malchus. But Jesus said, “Put your sword away. Should I not drink the cup my Father has given me?” Then Jesus gently healed the man’s ear, even though he was the one being taken away.
The soldiers tied Jesus up and took him to the high priests. Peter followed from far away. Three different times people asked Peter if he knew Jesus, and three times Peter said, “I am not.” Just then, a rooster crowed, just as Jesus had said it would.
Next, the leaders brought Jesus to a man named Pilate, who was the ruler. Pilate asked Jesus if he was a king. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not from this world. I came to tell the truth.” Pilate did not know what to do, so he asked the crowd if they wanted him to set Jesus free. But the crowd shouted, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Barabbas was a robber.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that Jesus was not surprised by what was coming. He stepped forward on purpose and asked the question himself. Ask children what it tells them about how well Jesus knows what is happening in our lives.
John 18:6
When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward, and fell to the ground.
(WEB)
Show children that when Jesus spoke, the soldiers fell backward. Explain that this shows Jesus has real power, and that power never works against his love for people. Let children act out falling gently, then stand back up again.
John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.”
(WEB)
Help children see that Jesus said his kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. Talk about how Jesus rules through love and truth, not by fighting. Ask them what kind of king they think is kind and good.
Talk About It
- What do you think the disciples felt when they saw the soldiers coming into the garden?
- Why do you think Jesus asked, “Who are you looking for?” when he already knew the answer?
- How do you think Peter felt after he said he did not know Jesus?
- What did Jesus do for the servant whose ear was cut off, even though the servant was one of the people who came to take him away?
- When you feel scared, what is one thing you can remember about Jesus being in charge?
Activity Ideas
Lantern Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a black pencil. Ask them to draw a dark night scene with a small lantern glowing in the middle. As they draw, talk about how light helps us see, and how Jesus is the light that stays with us even in the dark times.
Stand Firm Game
Have children stand in a line in an open space. Call out “Who are you looking for?” and let the children answer “Jesus!” Then say “I am he,” and everyone gently sways or stands tall, as if they are standing firm in Jesus’ strength. Repeat a few times, letting the children take turns being the leader.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards or plain paper into small rectangles, one for each child. Let them write or draw a picture of Jesus being in charge, along with the memory verse. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket, backpack, or on the bedside table, and to read it aloud before bed each night this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus moving toward his suffering with full knowledge and deliberate purpose. He is not caught off guard or overpowered; he chooses to give himself, while also protecting his followers and showing compassion to those who harm him. Peter’s denials and the crowd’s choice of Barabbas reveal how human fear and pressure can lead people away from the truth, which is a sobering reminder of our need for grace.
With children, avoid overstating the political or dramatic details of Pilate’s courtroom or the workings of the high priest’s household. Keep the focus on Jesus’ calm authority and steady love, rather than on who was to blame, and avoid frightening descriptions of violence beyond what the text says.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you always know what is happening and that you are always in charge. When we feel scared or unsure, help us to remember that you are with us. Help us to trust you and to love others the way you love us. Amen.
