This lesson teaches children that Jesus notices what we give, even when it looks small, and that God is faithful to us even when life feels scary. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, a few questions, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus sees what we give to God, and he notices when we give our very best, even if it is a little. We can trust God when things feel scary, because he is always with us.
Memory Verse
Luke 21:33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
(WEB)
Teach this verse with a motion: hold both hands up high like the sky, then bring them down slowly to your sides like the ground. Say the words together as you move, so children connect God’s words with something that never goes away.
The Story: Luke 21 for Kids
One day Jesus was in the temple in Jerusalem, a big and beautiful building where God’s people came to worship. Many rich people walked up to a large box called the treasury and dropped in their gifts. Their coins made loud clinks as they fell. Jesus watched them carefully.
Then a poor widow came up. She was all alone, and she had very little money. She put in two tiny copper coins, the smallest coins anyone could give. Some people might have hardly noticed her, but Jesus did. He turned to his friends and said, “This poor widow gave more than all of them.”
Jesus explained why. The rich people gave out of what they had left over. But the widow gave everything she had to live on. She trusted God completely with all she had.
Later, some people were talking about how beautiful the temple was, with its shiny stones and gifts. Jesus told them that a day would come when the temple would be torn down, and not one stone would be left standing. His friends were worried and asked him when this would happen.
Jesus told his friends not to be afraid of scary news. He said that there would be wars, earthquakes, and hard times in many places. But he said, “Don’t be terrified. Keep watching, and keep trusting me.” He promised that God’s love would still be there, even when everything around them changed.
Jesus ended by saying that his words would never pass away, even when heaven and earth were gone. Every day he taught in the temple, and at night he went out to the Mount of Olives to rest and pray. The people came early in the morning to listen to him.
Read It Together
Luke 21:1-4
1 He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins. 3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them, 4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
(WEB)
Point out how the rich people gave a lot of money but the widow gave only two small coins. Ask children to notice what Jesus said about her gift. Explain that God looks at our hearts, not just at how much we have.
Luke 21:28
But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
(WEB)
Show children the words “look up” and “lift up your heads.” Explain that when we feel afraid, Jesus wants us to look to him, because he is near to us and will make things right in the end.
Luke 21:36
Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
(WEB)
Point out the word “watchful” and the word “praying.” Explain that staying close to God through prayer helps us keep our hearts ready and trusting him each day.
Talk About It
- What do you think the poor widow felt when she put her coins in the box?
- Why do you think Jesus noticed her gift when so many other people were watching?
- What is something small you have that you could give to God or to someone else?
- What do you do when you feel scared, and how can you remember that Jesus is with you?
- How does it feel to know that Jesus’ words will never change or go away?
Activity Ideas
Coin Treasury Craft
You will need a small cardboard box, markers, glue, and a few coins or paper circles. Let each child decorate the box to look like the temple treasury. Then have them drop in a coin or paper circle and talk about what they would like to give to God. Explain that every gift matters to him, even the smallest one.
Stand Tall Movement Game
Play a simple game where children start crouched down low, like they are afraid. When you call out “Lift up your heads,” they slowly stand up tall with their arms raised. Repeat several times and talk about how Jesus invites us to look up when we feel scared. This helps children connect the story with their bodies.
Take-Home Trust Jar
You will need an empty jar, some paper slips, and a pen or crayon. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they can trust God with this week. Fold the slips and place them in the jar. Encourage families to read a slip together at dinner and pray about each one, reminding everyone that God is faithful.
Teacher Notes
This passage reminds adults that God values faithfulness and generosity more than appearances or large amounts. The widow’s gift shows that surrender to God, given from genuine need and trust, is precious to him. Jesus also speaks honestly about hard times ahead, and he calls his followers to watch, pray, and stand firm, trusting that his word endures.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the timing of end-time events or making frightening predictions about the future. Keep the focus on the simple truths that Jesus sees our hearts, invites us to trust him in hard times, and promises that his words never fail.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing everything we give to you, big or small. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, and help us to stay close to you through prayer each day. Thank you that your words will never go away. Amen.
