In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is God’s own Son, and we should listen to him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is God’s dearly loved Son, so we listen to him and trust him, even when we feel scared or do not understand everything yet.
Memory Verse
Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands around their ears as if listening carefully, then point up and gently tap their chests. Say the words slowly together, pausing at “Listen to him,” and do the ear motion each time.
The Story: Matthew 17 for Kids
One day Jesus took three of his friends, Peter, James, and John, up a high mountain. Only the three of them went. The climb was long, and they were tired, but they wanted to be with Jesus. When they reached the top, something amazing happened.
Jesus’s face began to shine like the sun, and his clothes became bright white, brighter than anyone could wash them. Then Moses and Elijah, two men from long ago, appeared and talked with Jesus. Peter was so excited that he said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” He wanted to build three tents so they could stay on the mountain.
While Peter was still talking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” The three friends were so frightened that they fell on their faces on the ground.
Jesus came close, touched them gently, and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and only Jesus was with them. As they walked back down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the right time came.
Later, a father brought his son to Jesus. The boy often fell down and got hurt, and the disciples had not been able to help him. The father begged, “Lord, have mercy on my son!” Jesus healed the boy right away. Afterward, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal him. Jesus said that even a little faith can do great things, and that we need to pray.
Read It Together
Matthew 17:2
He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus’s face shone like the sun. Ask the children what it would feel like to see something so bright, and remind them that this showed who Jesus really is.
Matthew 17:6-7
6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. 7 Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
(WEB)
Show how the friends were scared, and how Jesus came close and touched them. Explain that Jesus is kind and does not want us to be afraid when we are with him.
Matthew 17:20
He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
(WEB)
Tell the children that Jesus said even a tiny amount of faith can do big things. Point out the mustard seed, which is very small, and explain that trusting Jesus matters more than how big we feel our faith is.
Talk About It
- What did Peter want to do on the mountain, and why do you think he wanted to stay there?
- How do you think Peter, James, and John felt when the voice came out of the cloud?
- What did Jesus say to his friends when they were afraid, and how does that make you feel?
- What does it mean to listen to Jesus, and how can we do that at home or at school?
- Why do you think a little bit of faith can help us do hard things?
Activity Ideas
Shining Sun Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and yellow and white paper scraps if you have them. Have each child draw a picture of Jesus on the mountain with a bright, shining face. Encourage them to use yellow and white around his head to show the light. Talk together about how Jesus is the light of the world as they color.
Listen Up Game
Choose one child to be the leader and stand at the front. Everyone else cups their hands around their ears. Say simple instructions like “Hop on one foot” or “Clap three times,” and have the children do them only when they hear “Listen to him” first. This teaches children to pay attention to the words of Jesus.
Faith Seed Jar
You will need a small clear jar, some dry beans or small pebbles, and paper. Each day this week, have the child put one bean in the jar and write or draw one thing they trust Jesus for. Talk about how small beginnings can grow, just like the mustard seed Jesus mentioned.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is the Son of God, confirmed by the Father’s voice from heaven. The transfiguration gives the disciples a glimpse of Jesus’s glory before his suffering, and the call to listen to him remains the central command. The healing story reminds us that faith in Jesus, and a life of prayer, are the source of God’s power, not our own strength.
Avoid suggesting that children can earn God’s power by having enough faith, or that unanswered prayers mean a lack of faith. Keep the focus on who Jesus is and his love for us, rather than on performance or outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are God’s own dear Son. Help us listen to you every day and trust you when we feel scared. Give us faith, even if it is small, and help us pray to you with our whole hearts. Amen.
