This lesson teaches children that God saved us by his great love and grace, not because we earned it, and that we were made to do good works with him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God loves us so much that he saved us as a gift, and now we get to live for him by doing kind things for others.
Memory Verse
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like you are holding a gift, then slowly open them wide as you say the words. Let children do it with you twice, once slow and once fast, so the gift idea sticks.
The Story: Ephesians 2 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends of Jesus in a city called Ephesus. He wanted them to know something very important about how they were saved. Some of them had once lived in ways that did not please God, and they felt far away from him.
Paul said that God did not leave them that way. God is rich in mercy, and his love for them was very big. Even when they were like someone who had been spiritually asleep and unable to move, God made them alive again together with Jesus. That is something only God could do.
Paul made it clear that nobody could save themselves by trying hard enough. Being saved is a gift from God, given through faith. It is not something anyone could earn or brag about. Paul wanted everyone to remember that.
Then Paul said something wonderful. God made us to be his workmanship, which means his handmade creation. He made us for good works that he had already prepared for us to walk in. Imagine a teacher who builds a special project and then asks each student to help finish it.
Paul also told the friends in Ephesus that people who were once far away from God had been brought close through Jesus. Jesus is our peace. He broke down the walls that kept people apart, so that everyone could come to the Father together in one Spirit. Paul said the followers of Jesus are now family, fellow citizens of God’s household.
Finally, Paul described all of God’s people as a building, with Jesus as the most important cornerstone. Each person fits together with the others to make a holy temple where God lives by his Spirit.
Read It Together
Ephesians 2:4-5
4 But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…
(WEB)
Point out the words “rich in mercy” and “great love.” Ask children to find where it says God made us alive, and remind them that God does this even when we have done wrong.
Ephesians 2:13-14
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition…
(WEB)
Show how Jesus brings people who were far apart close together. Explain that Jesus is our peace, and that he helps friends and families who might be different from each other to live as one.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
(WEB)
Point to the phrase “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Help children see that they are God’s handmade creation and that God has good things planned for them to do.
Talk About It
- What is a gift that someone has given you that made you really happy?
- How does it feel to know that God loves you even when you make mistakes?
- What is one kind thing you could do this week to show God’s love to someone else?
- Why do you think God wants us to be friends with people who are different from us?
- What are some good things God might have planned for you to do as you grow up?
Activity Ideas
Handprint Gift Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace their hand on paper, cut it out, and write “God’s Gift” across the palm. Then glue the hand onto a card and talk about how each child is a special creation made by God for good works.
Build the Temple Game
Gather blocks, cups, or empty cereal boxes. Explain that each block is a person and Jesus is the cornerstone. Children take turns stacking pieces together while saying one kind thing about the friend beside them. When the tower is finished, say that God’s people fit together to make a holy temple.
Take-Home Gift Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one good work they will do this week, such as helping a sibling or sharing a toy. Tape the card to the bathroom mirror or fridge so the family can remember that God made them to do good things together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that salvation is entirely God’s work of grace received through faith, not something we earn. It also shows that God’s saving purpose includes uniting people, both Jewish and Gentile, into one family and one dwelling place for his Spirit. Good works follow from salvation; they do not produce it.
When teaching children, avoid implying that they must be perfect or work hard to be loved. Keep the focus on God’s generosity and love so that children do not come away thinking God’s acceptance depends on how well they behave.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us so much and for making us alive with Jesus. Thank you that your gift of saving us is not something we could earn. Help us to walk in the good works you have prepared for us and to welcome our friends and family as part of your family. Amen.
