This lesson teaches children that Jesus is alive forever and holds the keys to life and death, so they never need to be afraid. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a short discussion, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is alive forever, and he is in charge of everything. Because he is with us, we can be brave even when things seem scary.
Memory Verse
Revelation 1:18
And the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up in front of you, then slowly turn them palms up as if opening a door. Say “Alive forever” as you do it. Have the children copy you so the motion and the words stay together in their minds.
The Story: Revelation 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named John was living on a small island called Patmos. He was there because he had told people about Jesus, and some leaders did not like that. John loved God and kept on trusting him, even though he was far from home and far from his friends.
One Sunday, John was praying, and he heard a loud voice behind him. It sounded like a trumpet. The voice said, “Write down what you see, and send it to the seven churches.” John turned around to look, and he saw seven golden lampstands.
In the middle of the lampstands stood someone who looked like a person, but he was glowing bright like the sun. His clothes went all the way down to his feet. His eyes were like fire, and his voice sounded like the roar of many rushing waters. John was so amazed that he fell down on his face, as still as if he were dead.
Then the bright one put his hand on John and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever. I hold the keys to death and to the place of the dead.” John must have been very surprised to hear that, because Jesus had died and come back to life.
Jesus then told John to write everything down. He explained that the seven stars were angels, and the seven lampstands were the seven churches. Jesus was watching over every one of them, and he was walking among them like a shepherd with his flock.
Read It Together
Revelation 1:5-6
5 And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood; 6 and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests to his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus loves us and washed us from our sins by his blood. Ask the children to name something they feel clean and new about after a bath or a fresh start. Explain that Jesus does that for our hearts, and that he has made us part of his family.
Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God is the one who was, who is, and who is to come. Explain that God has always existed and always will. Let them say the phrase “the beginning and the end” together as a way of remembering this truth.
Revelation 1:17
When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last…
(WEB)
Ask the children how John must have felt when he fell down. Then point out the words Jesus said first: “Don’t be afraid.” Explain that Jesus says these same words to us when we feel scared, because he is close by.
Talk About It
- What do you think John felt when he heard the loud voice behind him?
- Why do you think Jesus said “Don’t be afraid” before anything else?
- What does it mean that Jesus is alive forever?
- How can knowing Jesus holds the keys to death help you when you feel worried?
- Where is one place you can remember that Jesus is with you this week?
Activity Ideas
Lampstand Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and yellow paper or tape if you have it. Have each child draw seven lampstands in a row across the page, then color each flame gold or yellow. Ask them to add a small figure in the middle of the lampstands to show Jesus standing among his churches. Talk through what each lampstand could stand for in their own lives.
Stand Still Game
Play a version of freeze tag. When you call out “Don’t be afraid,” everyone freezes like John did, then slowly stands back up. Call out a few different words as well, such as “Alive” and “Forever,” and have the children move in a way that matches each word. Keep it short and lively so the children stay engaged.
Take-Home Star Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a few star stickers or a marker. Ask each child to write or draw “Jesus is alive forever” on one side and “Don’t be afraid” on the other. Let them decorate it with a star. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket, book, or bedroom so they can read it on a hard day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter opens the book of Revelation by showing the risen Jesus in glory and authority over the churches and over death itself. John’s response of falling down reflects the holiness of God, and Jesus’ gentle touch and reassurance show that he comes to comfort his people. The chapter is written as a letter to real churches facing pressure, so it reminds believers that Christ is present with them in every season.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the symbolism of the stars, lampstands, and details of the figure’s appearance. The text itself says the stars are angels and the lampstands are churches, so you can stop there. Be careful not to suggest that the scary images of the rest of Revelation are for young children to dwell on. Keep the focus on Jesus being alive, near, and in charge.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, we thank you that you are alive forever and that you hold the keys to life and death. Thank you for being with us when we feel scared. Help us to remember your words, “Don’t be afraid,” and to trust you every day. Amen.
