This lesson teaches children that God wants us to say thank you, and that trusting Jesus is more important than having a big amount of faith. Children aged about 5 to 11 can learn it in 20 to 30 minutes with a short story, a memory action, and a simple craft.
Big Idea
Jesus loves it when we come back to say thank you. Small faith that trusts Jesus can do great things, and we can always thank God for what he gives.
Memory Verse
Luke 17:15
One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and cup their hands together in front of their chest, then lift them up high like a happy shout. Say the words together while lifting your hands, and repeat it three times so the motion sticks.
The Story: Luke 17 for Kids
One day Jesus was walking toward a town near the border of Samaria and Galilee. Ten men came to meet him. These men had a sickness called leprosy, which made their skin sore and meant other people would not come close to them. They stood far away and called out, “Jesus, Master, please have mercy on us!”
Jesus looked at them and told them to go show themselves to the priests. As they walked away, something wonderful happened. Their skin was made clean, and they were all healed. Imagine how happy they felt running off with new, healthy bodies!
One man stopped. When he saw that he was healed, he turned around and walked back to Jesus. He shouted out loud, praising God as he came. He fell down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. This man was a Samaritan, which made him an outsider to many of the Jewish people there.
Jesus asked, “Weren’t ten men made clean? Where are the other nine?” Then Jesus said to the thankful man, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” Jesus wanted everyone to remember that saying thank you to God is important.
The chapter also tells us more of what Jesus taught his friends. He said that trusting God is like having even a tiny seed of faith, which can grow into something strong. He also reminded them to keep loving and forgiving one another, even when someone hurts them. Jesus was teaching them how to live with God every day.
Read It Together
Luke 17:12-14
12 As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, who stood at a distance. 13 They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed.
(WEB)
Point out how the ten men stayed at a distance and called out for help. Ask children what it might feel like to be lonely and waiting for someone to notice you. Notice how Jesus simply told them to go, showing that he cares for people who ask him.
Luke 17:17-19
17 Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.”
(WEB)
Show the children where Jesus asks about the nine who did not return. Point out that only one came back to say thank you, and that he came with a loud, joyful voice. Explain that Jesus was pleased with the grateful man and blessed him with lasting faith.
Luke 17:6
The Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus used a small mustard seed to show how even a little trust in God can grow big. Hold up a small seed or a pinch of soil and let children imagine how something tiny can become a large tree.
Talk About It
- How do you think the man felt when he saw that he was healed, and why did he turn back?
- What is something God has given you that you could thank him for today?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to know where the other nine men had gone?
- How can you show thankfulness to people who help you at home or at school?
- What small thing could you trust God with, even if it feels like a little seed?
Activity Ideas
Thank You Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a simple tree trunk and branches on paper. Cut out paper leaves and ask children to write or draw one thing they are thankful for on each leaf, then tape the leaves onto the branches.
Jump Like the Thankful Man
Clear a little space in the room and have children stand in a line. Call out a simple action, such as jumping, clapping, or waving both arms, and ask them to do it while saying “Thank you, Jesus!” Repeat several times so children feel the joy the healed man showed when he ran back to Jesus.
Seed Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, a damp paper towel, and a few bean seeds. Place the seeds between the jar and the damp towel so children can watch them sprout over several days. As the plant grows, talk together about how God helps small faith grow strong, and remind children to say thank you for each new sprout.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that gratitude is a core response to God’s mercy, and that faith is not measured by size but by trust in Jesus. The story also highlights that the Samaritan, an outsider, is the one who returned to honor God, which challenges our assumptions about who is welcome in God’s kingdom. Adults can reflect on how easily we receive blessings and move on without thanks.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that every prayer will be answered in exactly the way we ask, or that bad things happen only to those who forget to say thank you. Keep the focus on God’s kindness and our joyful response, rather than on a formula for getting what we want.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for healing and for loving us. Help us remember to say thank you for every good gift, and help our faith grow like a tiny seed. We love you. Amen.
