This lesson teaches children that Jesus wants us to be ready for Him and faithful with the gifts God gives us, whether little or big. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a memory verse, a short discussion, and a prayer.
Big Idea
Jesus wants us to be ready for Him and to use what God gives us to help others. When we keep watch and do our best, we please Him.
Memory Verse
Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up like they are holding a lamp, then cup one hand around the flame to show keeping watch. Say the verse slowly together, tapping your hand on your heart at the words “you don’t know the day.” Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Matthew 25 for Kids
Once Jesus told a story about ten young women who were waiting for a wedding party. Each one carried a lamp, and they went out in the dark to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and remembered to bring extra oil for their lamps. The other five were foolish and forgot the oil.
The bridegroom was taking a long time to arrive, so everyone got sleepy and fell asleep. At midnight someone shouted, “The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!” The women woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said, “Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out!”
The wise ones answered, “There might not be enough for all of us. Go and buy some for yourselves.” While the foolish women went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. The wise women went into the party, and the door was shut. When the late women came back, the door stayed closed.
Jesus then told a second story about a man who was going on a trip. He gave three of his servants some money to take care of while he was gone. One servant got five bags of money, one got two bags, and one got one bag. The servant with five bags used his money well and made five more bags. The servant with two bags made two more.
The servant with one bag was afraid of his master, so he dug a hole and hid the money in the ground. When the master came home, he was happy with the servants who had been faithful. He told them, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s joy.” But the servant who hid his money was not praised.
Jesus ended by saying that one day He will return like a King and gather all people together. He will say to those who helped the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, and the sick, “You did it for me.” Those who helped others were His people, and they were welcomed into His kingdom.
Read It Together
Matthew 25:21
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
(WEB)
Point out that the master was pleased because the servant was faithful with a few things. Ask the children what small things they can be faithful with this week, like cleaning up toys or helping a sibling. Remind them that God notices even small acts of faithfulness.
Matthew 25:35-36
35 For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. 36 I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’
(WEB)
Show the children how Jesus lists simple, everyday kindnesses like giving food, drink, and a welcome. Help them see that serving others is one way they can serve Jesus. Ask them to name someone they know who might need a kind act this week.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
(WEB)
Explain that when we help “the least of these,” Jesus says it is as if we helped Him. Point out that this includes people who are often overlooked or left out. Encourage the children to think about how they treat the youngest kids or new friends at school.
Talk About It
- What did the wise women remember to bring that the foolish women forgot?
- Why do you think it is important to keep watch and be ready for Jesus?
- What gift or talent has God given you that you can use to help someone?
- How did the servant with one bag feel about his master, and what could he have done differently?
- What is one kind thing you saw someone do for another person this week?
Activity Ideas
Lamp Coloring Page
Give each child a paper copy of a simple lamp drawing and crayons or markers. Ask them to color the lamp and draw a small flame. As they color, talk about how the oil keeps the light burning and how we can keep our hearts ready for Jesus.
Faithful Servant Relay
Set up two cups on one side of the room and a pile of small toys or pom-poms on the other. Have children take turns carrying one item at a time to fill the cups, then cheer for each other. Explain that just as the faithful servants worked hard with what they had, we can do our best with what God gives us.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
Provide a small jar and some paper slips for each family. Invite them to write or draw one kind act they did during the week and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for the ways He helped them serve others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter calls us to live ready for Christ’s return and to use our time, gifts, and resources faithfully. It also shows that Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, so caring for others is a way of caring for Him. Both parables and the final judgment scene center on faithful living rather than fear.
Avoid overstating to children the idea that God rewards good behavior with a payment or that people earn salvation by helping others. Keep the focus on Jesus’s love and our grateful response, and do not frighten children with descriptions of punishment.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, help us to be ready for You and to keep our hearts watching for Your return. Thank You for the gifts You give us, big and small. Show us how to use them to help others, the way You helped us. Amen.
