This lesson teaches children that Jesus invites every tired and worried person to come to him, and he gives rest. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is kind and gentle, and when we feel tired or heavy inside, we can go to him. He takes care of us and helps us carry hard things.
Memory Verse
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
(WEB)
Teach the children to place both hands on their chest on the word “Come,” then open their arms wide on the word “rest.” Say it together three times, slowly, then once more with a bigger smile. The motion helps them picture Jesus welcoming them with open arms.
The Story: Matthew 11 for Kids
One day Jesus was teaching and preaching in the towns around Galilee. His cousin John, who had been called the Baptizer, was in prison at that time. John had told people to get ready for the coming of God’s kingdom, and now he was waiting and wondering. So John sent some of his followers to ask Jesus a question. “Are you the one we have been waiting for?” they asked.
Jesus did not answer with a speech. He told them to go back and tell John what they had seen. The blind could see again. The lame could walk. Lepers were made clean, the deaf could hear, the dead were raised, and poor people heard the good news. Jesus wanted John to know that God was at work right in front of them.
Then Jesus turned to the crowd and asked them about John. “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed moving in the wind? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, you went out to see a prophet, and John was more than a prophet. He was the messenger God promised to send ahead of the Savior.” Jesus said that among all the people born on earth, no one was greater than John.
Some people in that crowd would not listen, no matter what Jesus did. They were like children in the marketplace who would not play when their friends played the flute, and would not cry when their friends mourned. Jesus said the people complained about John for being too serious and about him for eating and drinking with friends. They refused to be pleased by either one.
Jesus also spoke sadly about the towns where he had done many miracles but where people still refused to turn back to God. He was not happy about that. Then his voice grew warm and soft, and he prayed to his Father, thanking him for showing these things to people with simple, childlike hearts.
Finally, Jesus looked at the tired and worried people around him and said, “Come to me, all of you who work hard and carry heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart. My yoke is easy, and my load is light.”
Read It Together
Matthew 11:4-5
4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus answered John’s question by pointing to what people could see and hear. Ask the children to name one thing in the list that they think would make someone very happy to see. Explain that Jesus’ works showed that God’s promises were coming true.
Matthew 11:25-26
25 At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus thanked his Father out loud, even while people were turning away. Point out the word “revealed,” and explain that God shows his truth to people who trust him like a child trusts a parent. Let them practice saying “Thank you, Father” in their own words.
Matthew 11:29-30
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
(WEB)
Explain that a yoke was a wooden frame that helped two animals pull together, so Jesus is saying he will walk beside us and share the load. Ask the children what it feels like to have a friend help them carry something heavy. Connect that picture to how Jesus helps us.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus tell John’s followers to go and tell him, and why do you think he did it that way?
- When do you feel tired or worried, and what do you think it would be like to bring those feelings to Jesus?
- Why do you think some people in the story did not want to listen to John or to Jesus?
- How did Jesus show that he is gentle and humble, and how could you show gentleness to a friend this week?
- What is one heavy thing you would like to give to Jesus today, and how can you ask him to help you carry it?
Activity Ideas
Open Arms Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one of their hands on the paper and then draw a small heavy bag or backpack inside the outline. Above the bag, have them write or draw a word for something that makes them feel tired or worried. Let them keep the picture as a reminder that Jesus invites them to come with it.
Yoke and Partner Walk
You will need a jump rope, a long scarf, or two sticks. Pair the children up and have them stand side by side, holding the scarf between them as a simple yoke. Ask them to walk slowly across the room together, one step at a time, and talk about how it feels to share a load. Finish by saying that Jesus walks with us like that.
Rest Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Before bed, have each child write one worry on a slip and fold it up, then place it in the jar. Read the memory verse together and pray over the jar as a family. Keep the jar in a special spot so the children remember to bring their worries to Jesus each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is the one God promised, and his works prove it. He also welcomes people who feel weighed down, offering rest that comes from knowing him rather than from our own efforts. The passage also warns that people can refuse the good news even when they see it clearly, so it asks each of us to respond with humble, trusting hearts.
Avoid telling children that if they pray hard enough, their problems will disappear. Jesus promises rest and his companionship, but he does not promise that every hard thing will go away right away. Keep the focus on who Jesus is and how he cares for them.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for inviting us to come to you when we feel tired or worried. Help us bring our heavy feelings to you and trust that you will carry them with us. Teach us to be gentle and humble like you, and help us rest in your love every day. Amen.
