This lesson teaches children that Jesus cares about people who need help, and that trusting him brings us close to him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus loves people who need help, and he listens when we trust him. He can help anyone, even when they feel far away from him.
Memory Verse
Luke 7:50
He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
(WEB)
Put your hands over your heart when you say the words, then open your palms up like you are giving them to Jesus. Say the verse together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Luke 7 for Kids
Jesus went into a town called Capernaum. A army officer there had a servant who was very sick, so sick that he was about to die. The officer cared about his servant very much. He had heard about Jesus, so he sent some leaders from the town to ask Jesus to come and help.
Jesus started walking toward the officer’s house. Before he got there, the officer sent some friends to say something important. The officer said he did not feel good enough for Jesus to come into his home. He believed Jesus only had to say the word, and his servant would get well.
Jesus was amazed at how much the officer trusted him. He turned to the crowd and said he had not seen faith this strong anywhere in Israel. When the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant completely healed.
Later, Jesus went to a town called Nain. As he came near the gate, people were carrying out a young man who had died. He was the only son of a widow, a woman whose husband had already died. Her heart must have been very heavy. Jesus saw her and felt sorry for her. He said, “Don’t cry.”
Jesus walked up and touched the coffin, and the people carrying it stopped. He said, “Young man, get up!” The young man sat up and started talking. Jesus gave him back to his mother. Everyone was filled with wonder and said, “God has come to help his people!”
Another day, a woman who had made many mistakes came to a dinner where Jesus was eating with a man named Simon. She knelt by Jesus’s feet, cried, and washed them with her tears. Simon thought Jesus should not let her touch him, but Jesus told a story to show that God forgives people who love him much.
Read It Together
Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was amazed by the officer’s faith. Ask the children what it means to trust someone the way the officer trusted Jesus, even without seeing him in person.
Luke 7:14-15
14 He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.
(WEB)
Show the children how Jesus stopped the funeral to help the widow. Talk about how Jesus cares when people are sad, and how he brings hope even in the hardest moments.
Luke 7:47
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
(WEB)
Explain that the woman showed her love for Jesus in a big way because she knew she had been forgiven. Ask the children how they can show love to Jesus in their everyday actions.
Talk About It
- What did the army officer do when he wanted Jesus to help his servant?
- How do you think the widow in Nain felt when she saw Jesus stop the funeral?
- Why did Jesus say the woman who washed his feet loved him so much?
- What is one thing you could ask Jesus for help with this week?
- How does it feel to know Jesus cares about you even when you make mistakes?
Activity Ideas
Trust Hands Craft
You will need paper, crayons, and safety scissors. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and cut it out. On the palm, they can draw a picture of something they want to ask Jesus to help with. Tape the hands to a wall as a reminder that Jesus hears every prayer.
Say the Word Game
Gather the children in a open space and tell them you are Jesus giving commands. Call out simple actions like “Sit down” or “Clap twice,” and the children do them right away. Explain that the officer knew Jesus only had to speak to help his servant, and talk about how quickly we can obey Jesus when we trust him.
Forgiven Stones Take-Home
You will need small smooth stones, washable paint, and a marker. Let each child paint a stone and write a word like “Forgiven” or “Trust” on it. Encourage them to keep the stone in a pocket or on a nightstand, and to pick it up when they need to remember that Jesus loves them and listens.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus responds to faith from people who are not expected to receive his help, including a Roman officer and a woman known as a sinner. It also reveals that Jesus has authority over sickness and death, and that he forgives sins freely to those who come to him with love and humility.
Avoid suggesting to children that a lack of faith or a sinful past will stop Jesus from helping them, or that bringing the right amount of faith guarantees a healing or a specific answer to prayer. Keep the focus on Jesus’s compassion and his faithfulness to people who trust him.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for caring about us when we are sad or sick. Help us to trust you like the officer did, and help us to love you like the woman who washed your feet. Thank you for forgiving us and listening to our prayers. Amen.
