In this lesson, children learn that Jesus cares more about what is in our hearts than about rules we keep with our hands. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God looks at our hearts, and he wants our hearts to be kind, honest, and close to him. Clean hands are good, but a clean heart matters most.
Memory Verse
Mark 7:15
There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them outward, as if letting something out. Say the words together as you move, and repeat it three times so the motion helps them remember.
The Story: Mark 7 for Kids
One day some religious leaders came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They saw some of Jesus’ friends eating bread without washing their hands first. The leaders thought this was wrong, because they had many rules about washing before eating.
The leaders asked Jesus why his friends did not follow those rules. Jesus answered that the leaders often cared more about their own rules than about God’s rules. He said that people can look very good on the outside but have hearts that are far from God.
Then Jesus called the crowd close and said something surprising. He told them that food going into a person cannot make them wrong inside. What makes a person wrong comes from the heart, like unkind thoughts, lies, and mean words. Jesus wanted everyone to listen carefully and understand.
Later, a woman came to Jesus. Her little daughter had an evil spirit that was hurting her. The woman was not from the Jewish people, but she believed Jesus could help. She kept asking him for help, and she said that even the dogs under the table get crumbs. Jesus was pleased with her faith, and he said her daughter was healed. When she went home, she found her daughter resting peacefully on the bed.
After that, Jesus went to the sea of Galilee. People brought him a man who could not hear or speak clearly. Jesus gently touched the man’s ears and tongue, and he said, “Be opened!” At once the man could hear and speak clearly. The people were amazed and said that Jesus had done everything well.
Read It Together
Mark 7:6-7
6 He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 But they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus said some people honor God with their lips while their hearts are far away. Ask children what it looks like to say nice words but feel something different inside, and help them see why God notices the heart.
Mark 7:20-23
20 He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, 22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus listed things that come from inside a person, such as unkind thoughts and lies. Explain that Jesus is not saying these things are small, but that he wants our hearts to be changed by him.
Mark 7:37
They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!”
(WEB)
Point out how the crowd was amazed at everything Jesus did. Talk about how Jesus cares for people who are hurting, and how we can tell others about the good things he does.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can do this week to show God your heart is kind?
- Why do you think Jesus cared more about the heart than about washing hands?
- How did the woman show she trusted Jesus, even when he seemed to say no at first?
- What do you think the man felt when he could finally hear and speak clearly?
- What is something you can say to a friend that comes from a kind heart?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a heart shape on paper and cut it out. Ask them to draw or write one kind thing they can do this week inside the heart, then display the hearts where the family or class can see them.
Clean Heart Relay Game
Set up two cups of water and a few cotton balls in a line across the room. Children take turns carrying a cotton ball on a spoon to the other side, which shows how hard it is to keep things clean on the inside. Afterward, talk about how Jesus helps our hearts stay clean.
Take-Home Kindness Chart
Give each child a sheet of paper with seven boxes, one for each day of the week. Ask them to draw a small heart in a box each day they do something kind for someone. Encourage families to look at the chart together at dinner and talk about the kind things they noticed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that Jesus was not against traditions, but he was against using rules to hide an unloving heart. He called people back to God’s commands and to the inner life that God truly desires. It also shows that Jesus welcomed outsiders, like the woman from Tyre and Sidon, and that faith can be seen in unexpected people.
Be careful not to suggest to children that washing hands is wrong or that a clean heart can be earned by being good. Keep the focus on God’s love and the way he changes hearts, rather than making children feel they must always be perfect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you see our hearts and love us. Help us to keep our hearts clean and kind, and help us to say and do good things for others. Thank you for Jesus, who helps us every day. Amen.
