This lesson teaches children that Jesus helps us treat each other with kindness, even when someone has done wrong. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and a short activity.
Big Idea
Jesus helps us forgive people and welcome them back as friends, the way we would want to be welcomed ourselves.
Memory Verse
Philemon 1:6
That the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Ask children to place both hands on their hearts, then stretch their arms wide open as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, speeding up a little each time so the words become familiar.
The Story: Philemon 1 for Kids
A man named Paul was in prison for telling people about Jesus. While he was there, he became a good friend to a man named Onesimus. Onesimus had once worked for a man named Philemon, but he had run away and caused some trouble.
Paul wrote a letter to Philemon. He did not order Philemon to do anything. Instead, he asked him with love. Paul said that Onesimus had changed and was now very helpful. Paul was sending him back to Philemon.
Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus home. He said, “Receive him as you would receive me.” Paul even said that if Onesimus owed Philemon anything, Paul would pay it back.
Paul also wrote that he was thankful for Philemon’s love and faith. He said that Philemon’s kindness had cheered up many of God’s people. Paul trusted that Philemon would do the right thing.
Paul ended his letter by sending greetings from his friends who were with him. He wanted Philemon to know that many people loved him and were praying for him. Then he asked God to bless them all.
Read It Together
Philemon 1:4-5
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul prayed for Philemon often and thanked God for him. Ask children to notice that Paul was grateful for people who loved Jesus and loved others.
Philemon 1:10-11
10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus, 11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul was asking Philemon to think about Onesimus in a new way, because Onesimus had changed. Show children that people can grow and become helpful, and that we can give them a fresh start.
Philemon 1:17
If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus just as he would welcome Paul himself. Talk about how welcoming someone warmly shows that we care about them.
Talk About It
- What did Onesimus do that made things hard between him and Philemon?
- How do you think Onesimus felt when he was sent back to his friend?
- Why did Paul choose to ask Philemon with love instead of telling him what to do?
- Can you think of a time when someone forgave you? How did that feel?
- What is one way you can welcome someone back this week?
Activity Ideas
Welcome Home Card
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a picture of a house or a door and write or draw a short message welcoming a friend back. Explain that they can give the card to someone they need to forgive or someone who has been away.
Open Arms Game
Ask children to stand in a circle. One child walks around the outside of the circle while the others sing or hum softly. When the walking child taps someone on the shoulder, that child joins them and both run around together, then the group opens its arms wide to welcome the new runner into the circle. Keep the game gentle and fun.
Forgiveness Jar
You will need a clear jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, invite children to write or draw one kind thing they did for someone, or one time they forgave someone. Fold the slips and place them in the jar. Read a few together at the end of the week and thank God for helping us be kind.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this letter shows how the gospel changes our relationships. Paul does not treat Onesimus as property to be punished but as a brother in Christ, and he asks Philemon to see him the same way. Grace and reconciliation are at the heart of the message.
Be careful not to suggest that children must always accept hurtful behavior without boundaries or that forgiveness means pretending nothing happened. Keep the focus on love, kindness and God’s help, and let children know that asking a trusted adult for help is also good.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you for helping us love and forgive one another. Help us be kind when someone makes a mistake, and help us welcome people with open arms. Show us how to care for others the way you care for us. Amen.
