This lesson teaches children that Jesus loves His friends so much that He gave His body and blood for them, and that He came to serve, not to be served. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few questions, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life for us, and He shows us how to love and serve other people.
Memory Verse
Luke 22:19
He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them like a gift box as they say “This is my body, given for you.” Repeat it together three times, opening the hands wider each time.
The Story: Luke 22 for Kids
The big feast called the Passover was coming near, and Jesus was getting ready to eat it with His twelve friends, called the disciples. The leaders in Jerusalem were looking for a way to hurt Jesus, but they were afraid of the crowds. One of the friends, Judas, went to them and agreed to help them find Jesus when no one was watching. That was a very sad choice.
Jesus sent Peter and John into the city to prepare the meal. They found a man carrying water, just as Jesus said they would, and they followed him to a large room upstairs. They made everything ready for the Passover supper. When it was time, Jesus sat down with His friends and said, “I have wanted very much to eat this meal with you.”
During the meal, Jesus took a piece of bread and thanked God for it. He broke it and gave it to His friends. He said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” Then He took a cup of wine and shared it too, and He told them that His blood would be poured out for them.
After supper, the friends started arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus gently told them that the greatest one should be the one who serves. He said, “I am among you as one who serves.” He got up and showed them what He meant, and He told them that they were His friends who stayed with Him through hard times.
Jesus then went to a garden called the Mount of Olives to pray. He was very sad and asked His Father to take the hard cup away, but He also said, “Not my will, but yours, be done.” An angel came to strengthen Him. His friends fell asleep, and a crowd came with swords and clubs. Judas kissed Jesus to show the soldiers which man to take. Peter cut off a man’s ear, but Jesus healed it right away.
Later that night, the soldiers took Jesus to the high priest’s house. Peter followed far behind and was asked three times if he knew Jesus. Each time he said he did not. Just then a rooster crowed, and Jesus looked at Peter. Peter remembered what Jesus had said, and he went outside and cried.
Read It Together
Luke 22:26-27
26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus did not want His friends to be proud. He wanted them to be like someone who serves a meal to others. Ask the children how they can serve a friend or family member this week.
Luke 22:32
But I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus prayed for Peter even before Peter failed. Explain that Jesus also prays for us when we struggle. Let them know that Jesus wants us to turn back to Him when we mess up.
Luke 22:42
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was honest about His feelings, asking God to take the cup away. Then He trusted God’s plan. Help the children see that it is okay to tell God how we feel, and we can still trust Him.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus want His friends to remember when they shared bread and wine together?
- How did Jesus show that the greatest person is the one who serves others?
- Why do you think Jesus prayed for Peter before Peter made his mistake?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel afraid, like Jesus did in the garden?
- How can you show love to a friend the way Jesus showed love to His disciples?
Activity Ideas
Paper Bread and Cup Craft
Give each child a paper plate and a paper cup, plus crayons, glue, and cotton balls or torn tissue paper. Have them draw or glue a simple piece of bread on the plate and a cup on the other side. Ask them to write or draw a heart on the bread to show that Jesus gave His body for us. Let them take it home as a reminder of the Lord’s Supper.
Serving Relay Game
Set up two cups of water and a sponge at one end of the room, and a bowl at the other end. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass the sponge across the room to fill the bowl, one at a time. As they play, talk about how serving others takes effort and humility. Let the team that finishes first cheer for the other team too.
Take-Home Prayer Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Help them write “Jesus serves me” on one side and draw a small cross or heart on the other. Encourage them to keep the card by their bed or on the kitchen table. Each night, have them read the card aloud and say one thing they can do to serve someone the next day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper in the upper room, where He gives bread and wine as signs of His body and blood given for us. It also shows the contrast between worldly pride and the humble service Jesus models, and it reveals the tension between human weakness and God’s faithful plan, as seen in Peter’s denial and Jesus’s prayer for him.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the betrayal or Peter’s denial, since young children can become anxious about these moments. Focus on Jesus’s love and forgiveness rather than dwelling on the sadness of the arrest. Keep the emphasis on who Jesus is and how He loves us.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank You for loving us and giving Your life for us. Help us to serve others the way You served Your friends. When we feel scared or sad, help us to trust You. Teach us to love one another every day. Amen.
