In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is more powerful than anything that scares us, and that he is always near when we ask him for help. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is stronger than every scary thing, and we can always ask him for help. He hears us, even when we feel very small.
Memory Verse
Mark 9:23
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of their chests, then lift them slowly above their heads as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Mark 9 for Kids
One day Jesus took three of his friends, Peter, James and John, up a high mountain. They went up by themselves, away from the crowds. While they were there, something amazing happened. Jesus’ clothes became shining and whiter than anyone could ever make them, and Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with him. Peter was so surprised that he didn’t know what to say, and he offered to build three tents for them. Then a cloud came over them, and a voice said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
When they came down the mountain, Jesus met a large crowd. A father ran up to him with a sad story. His son had a spirit that made him fall down, foam at the mouth, and shake all over. The father said the disciples had tried to make the spirit leave, but they could not. Jesus said, “Bring him to me.” The spirit threw the boy onto the ground, and the boy lay there as if he were dead.
Jesus took the boy by the hand, and the boy stood up. Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not make the spirit leave. Jesus told them that this kind of trouble needs prayer. The father had come with doubts, and he cried out, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” Jesus did help him.
On the way home, the disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus sat down, called them close, and took a little child into his arms. He said that anyone who wants to be first must be the last and must serve everyone else. Then he told them that when they welcome a child like this in his name, they welcome him too.
Read It Together
Mark 9:2-3
2 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 3 His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
(WEB)
Point out how Jesus took his three friends up the mountain by themselves. Ask the children to notice how bright his clothes became, and remind them that Jesus shows us his glory in ways that surprise his friends.
Mark 9:24
Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”
(WEB)
Show the children that the father was honest about his doubts. He said “I believe” and also asked for help with what he didn’t yet understand. This shows that it is fine to bring Jesus our mixed up feelings.
Mark 9:36-37
36 He took a little child, and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn’t receive me, but him who sent me.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus picked up a little child and used the child as an example. Explain that Jesus values every child, and that caring for small people is caring for him.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what could you tell Jesus about it?
- What do you think Peter, James and John felt when they saw Jesus shining on the mountain?
- What does it mean that Jesus picked up the child and helped the father’s son?
- How did the father show that he was honest with Jesus about his doubts?
- What is one way you can help someone who feels small or left out this week?
Activity Ideas
Shining Mountain Picture
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a little white chalk or a cotton ball. Have them draw a tall mountain and three friends standing on top. Let them add a bright white glow around Jesus using chalk or cotton balls pressed on the paper. Ask them to tell you what the picture shows about Jesus.
Strong Jesus Freeze Game
Ask the children to stand in an open space. Call out a scary thing, such as a loud thunderstorm or a big dog, and have them act it out in a freeze pose. Then call out “Jesus is stronger!” and have them stand tall and strong. Repeat a few times, then ask them to say the memory verse together.
Prayer Jar at Home
Find an empty jar, some small slips of paper, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one worry on a slip of paper and fold it up. Place the slips in the jar, and say a short prayer together, asking Jesus to help with each worry. Keep the jar on the kitchen table as a reminder to pray through the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows Jesus revealing his glory on the mountain, then meeting real human need in the valley below. The disciples’ failure and the father’s honest cry of “Help my unbelief” show that faith and struggle can live side by side, and that Jesus responds with compassion and power.
Be careful not to suggest to children that a lack of faith is the only reason a prayer seems unanswered, or that feeling afraid means you have failed God. Keep the focus on who Jesus is and how he cares for us, rather than on promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you that you are stronger than anything that scares us. When we feel small or unsure, help us to bring our worries to you. Help us believe more and more, and show us how to care for the little ones around us. Amen.
