In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is God’s own Son and is greater than the angels, so we can trust him completely. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is God’s Son, and he is more wonderful than anyone or anything else in the whole world, even the angels.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 1:3
His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands up, palms out, like they are holding something very bright and important. Then have them lift their hands high over their heads together. Say the verse slowly, and each time you reach the word “Son,” have them point to the sky.
The Story: Hebrews 1 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke to his people through prophets. Prophets were special messengers who carried God’s words to the people. God used many prophets at many different times, and he spoke in many different ways. Everyone who listened learned something new about God’s plans.
Then God did something even bigger. He sent his own Son, Jesus, to speak to us. Jesus is the shining light of God’s glory, and he looks exactly like God. Through Jesus, God made the whole world. Jesus holds all things together by his powerful word.
When Jesus had cleaned away our sins, he sat down at the right hand of God in heaven. That is the place of honor and power. The Bible tells us that Jesus has a name that is far better than the angels’ names.
God never said to any angel, “You are my Son.” Angels are powerful servants. The Bible says God makes his angels like winds and flames of fire, ready to do his work. But God said to his Son, “Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever.”
The Bible tells us that the earth and the heavens will one day wear out, like an old coat. But Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His years will never run out.
Angels are wonderful helpers. They serve God and bring help to those who will receive God’s salvation. Jesus is greater than every angel, because he is God’s own Son and the King who rules forever.
Read It Together
Hebrews 1:1-2
1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke in many ways before, but now he has spoken to us through his Son. Ask the children to notice the word “now,” and explain that Jesus is God’s newest and clearest message to us.
Hebrews 1:5
For to which of the angels did he say at any time, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father?” and again, “I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?”
(WEB)
Show the children that God calls Jesus his Son in a special way that he never called any angel. Help them see that the word “Son” shows how close Jesus is to the Father, and how much God loves him.
Hebrews 1:14
Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
(WEB)
Explain that angels are God’s helpers who care for people who belong to God. Point out that angels serve, and Jesus is the one who is worthy of all our worship and trust.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God did to talk to people long ago, and how did he talk to us in a new way?
- Why do you think God’s Son, Jesus, is greater than the angels?
- What does it mean that Jesus holds all things together by his word?
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus never changes and his years will never end?
- How can we show Jesus that we think he is special and important?
Activity Ideas
Shining Light Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and yellow tissue paper. Have each child draw a large sun or star in the center of the paper and write the word “Jesus” in the middle. Let them glue small pieces of yellow tissue paper around the drawing to make it shine. Talk together about how Jesus is the light of God’s glory.
Wind and Flame Relay
Divide the children into two teams and set up a simple course with cones or chairs. Give each child a paper fan to act like wind. Call out “angel” and have them run quickly, then call out “Jesus” and have them stop, stand tall, and raise their hands high. This helps children feel the difference between servants and the King.
Take-Home Sun Card
Cut cardboard into card shapes and let children decorate the front with a sun or crown. Inside, have them write one sentence reminding them that Jesus is greater than everything. Send the card home so the family can read it together during the week and talk about who Jesus is.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is the final and complete word from God. He is God’s Son, the radiance of God’s glory, and the one who made and sustains all things. The writer of Hebrews uses the Old Testament to show that Jesus stands above the angels, who were honored messengers in Jewish tradition.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details about angels, such as their exact ranks or how they look, because the chapter does not describe those things. Keep the focus on Jesus being God’s Son and worthy of our trust and worship.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being God’s Son and for showing us what God is like. You are greater than everyone and everything, and you never change. Help us trust you and love you every day. Amen.
