This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the most important person in the whole world, because he made everything and holds everything together. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn it in 20 to 30 minutes, using the short story, a simple memory verse, and a hands-on activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is the Son of God, and he made everything and is in charge of everything. We can trust him because he is always with us and always in control.
Memory Verse
Colossians 1:15
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with arms stretched wide, then bring their hands together in front of their chest as they say the verse. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until the whole class can say it with their eyes closed.
The Story: Colossians 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends in a town called Colossae. Paul had never been to Colossae himself, but he had heard how the people there loved Jesus and loved each other. He wanted them to know how thankful he was for them.
Paul told the friends that he prayed for them every day. He asked God to help them learn more about what God wanted them to do. He wanted them to grow strong and be patient, and to be joyful even when things were hard.
Then Paul wrote something amazing about Jesus. He said Jesus is the picture of God that we can see, and Jesus was there before anything else was made. Jesus made the sky, the trees, the sun, the animals, and even the people. Everything was made through him and for him.
Paul also said that Jesus holds all things together. Think about a bunch of paper cups stacked together. Jesus is like the strong hand that keeps them from falling apart. Paul wanted the friends to know that Jesus is in charge of the whole world, and Jesus is also the head of the church, the family of people who love him.
Paul told his friends that God had made peace through Jesus. Long ago, people were far away from God because of the wrong things they did. But God brought them close again through Jesus. Paul said, “God brought you close to him,” and he wanted them to stay strong in the good news they had heard.
Read It Together
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
(WEB)
Point out that everything was made by Jesus and for Jesus. Ask the children to look around the room and name three things that Jesus made, then remind them that he also keeps those things safe and working.
Colossians 1:19-20
19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; 20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.
(WEB)
Show children that God wanted to bring everything back to himself through Jesus. Explain that making peace means bringing people back together, like when two friends make up after a fight.
Colossians 1:27
To whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…
(WEB)
Explain that Christ is in the hearts of people who trust him, and that gives us hope. Ask children what hope means to them, and help them see that Jesus is our good hope every single day.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Jesus made that you really love to look at or play with?
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is holding everything together?
- Why do you think Paul was so thankful for the friends in Colossae?
- What is something that Jesus helped people make up after they had a fight?
- How can you show your friends that Jesus is the most important person in your life?
Activity Ideas
Drawing a Picture of Creation
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw one thing that Jesus made, like a flower, a dog, or the moon, then write or draw a small heart beside it. Let them share their pictures with the group and tell why that thing reminds them of Jesus.
Stack the Cups Game
Gather a stack of paper or plastic cups and a timer. Have the children work in pairs to build the tallest tower they can, and then tell them that just like Jesus holds everything together, the tower only stands because of the strong base they built. Let each pair take a turn while the others cheer.
Take-Home Peace Bracelet
Give each child a pipe cleaner and a few colorful beads. Have them thread the beads on the pipe cleaner and twist the ends to make a bracelet. Encourage them to wear it during the week and remember that Jesus makes peace between people and loves them every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Colossians 1 shows that Jesus is far greater than anyone can imagine. He is the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, and the one who holds the whole universe together. Paul’s words invite us to trust Jesus as supreme in every area of life.
When teaching children, avoid making it sound like Jesus is only a distant ruler. Stress that he is near, kind, and personally loves each child. Keep the focus on his love and peace rather than on complex ideas about the nature of creation.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for making everything we see and for holding it all together. Help us remember that you are always with us and always in charge. Thank you for making peace between us and God. Help us love you and our friends every day. Amen.
