This lesson teaches children that Jesus sent his friends out to share God’s love, and that he gives them what they need as they go. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a story, a Bible reading, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus shares God’s love and power with his friends, and he helps us share it too. When we follow him, he takes care of us along the way.
Memory Verse
Luke 9:2
He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are carrying something to give away. Then slowly move your hands outward together, like you are sending a gift to someone far away.
The Story: Luke 9 for Kids
One day Jesus called his twelve friends together. He had special help for them to give. He said they could heal sick people and tell others about God’s kingdom. Jesus wanted them to go and share the good news everywhere they went.
Jesus told them to take almost nothing with them. No extra bread, no money, and no spare coat. He said, “Stay in the house where you are welcomed.” The friends trusted Jesus and set out to walk from village to village. They told people about God’s love and helped the sick.
Not everyone was happy to see them. When some towns would not welcome them, Jesus told his friends to leave gently and move on. Still, the friends kept going and kept sharing the good news in the places that welcomed them.
Later Jesus took his friends up a mountain to pray. While he prayed, his face shone bright and his clothes became dazzling white. A voice from a cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” Then the friends saw that Jesus was truly God’s special Son.
Afterward a man brought his son to Jesus. The boy had a bad spirit that made him very sick. Jesus healed him and gave him back to his father. Everyone was amazed at the greatness of God.
Jesus also took a little child and set him beside his friends. He told them that anyone who welcomes a child in his name welcomes him. Jesus taught that the people who are humble and kind are the greatest of all.
Read It Together
Luke 9:1-2
1 He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus gave his friends power and sent them out. Ask the children what they think it means to share God’s kingdom with others, and how they might do that at home or school.
Luke 9:35
A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!”
(WEB)
Show the children that God’s voice says to listen to Jesus. Explain that listening means paying attention to what Jesus teaches us in the Bible and doing what he says.
Luke 9:48
And said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus cares about little children and says that welcoming them is like welcoming him. Help the children see that every person, young or old, matters to Jesus.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus tell his friends to take with them on their trip, and why do you think he said that?
- How do you think the friends felt when people welcomed them, and how did they feel when people did not?
- What did God’s voice say about Jesus on the mountain, and how can we listen to Jesus today?
- How can you welcome someone who feels left out at school or church?
- What is one way you can share God’s love with a friend this week?
Activity Ideas
Light Shining Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a flashlight. Ask each child to draw a picture of Jesus on the mountain with bright white clothes and a shining face. Then turn off the lights and shine the flashlight on the drawings to show how Jesus’s light was seen by his friends.
Send the Friends Game
You will need a small bag, a few pieces of paper, and a timer. Write simple words of God’s love on the papers, such as “God loves you” or “Be kind.” Have the children take turns walking across the room with a paper in hand, handing it to someone else as if they are sharing the good news, and then returning. Play for a few minutes so everyone has a turn.
Good News Card
You will need a sheet of construction paper, glue, and some stickers. Fold the paper in half to make a card and ask each child to write or draw a message of love for a family member. Encourage them to give the card at home this week and tell that person something good about them.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that Jesus shares his authority with his followers and sends them out with his good news. For adults, it also reminds us that Jesus is the one we are to listen to above all, and that he welcomes the humble and the small. Following Jesus can involve both welcome and rejection, and his followers are called to keep serving with patience.
Avoid suggesting to children that obeying Jesus guarantees that everyone will like us or that they will always see dramatic signs. Keep the focus on Jesus’s love and faithfulness rather than on promises of specific results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for sending your friends to share your love with others. Help us listen to you and welcome everyone we meet, even the little ones. Give us courage to share your good news in our homes and our school. Amen.
