This lesson teaches children that Jesus is God’s own Son, greater than the angels, and that He is worthy of all our worship. It works well for 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 even the angels. We can worship Him because He is King forever.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 1:6
When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.”
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand tall, put their hands together, and bow slowly from the waist as they say the verse. Then have them lift their arms up high as if they are cheering for a king. Doing the bow and the cheer together helps them remember that worship means both lowering our hearts and lifting Jesus up.
The Story: Hebrews 1 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke to His people through prophets. They were like messengers who carried God’s words to families, kings, and whole villages. Sometimes God spoke in dreams, and sometimes He spoke in visions. God wanted His people to know Him, so He kept sending them His message.
Then God did something new. He sent His own Son, Jesus, to speak to us in person. The writer of this letter told his readers that Jesus shines with God’s glory, like sunlight pouring out of the sun. Jesus holds all things together by His powerful word. He also made the way for our sins to be forgiven.
After Jesus finished His work, He sat down at the right hand of God in heaven. That is a place of honor and power. The angels are very important, and they serve God faithfully. But the writer explained that Jesus has a name far greater than any angel’s name. God Himself said to His Son, “You are my Son.”
The angels are like servants who carry out God’s commands. God told the angels to worship His Son. The writer said that God’s Son has a throne that lasts forever and ever. Jesus loves what is right and hates what is wrong, so God has blessed Him with joy above everyone else.
Even the earth and the sky are made by God’s hands. They will one day wear out like old clothes, but God does not change. His years never run out. The writer reminded his readers that Jesus is the same forever.
Angels are wonderful helpers. They serve God and help those who will receive His salvation. Yet Jesus is the one who sits on the throne, and His kingdom will never end.
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 many times before, but now He has spoken to us through His Son. Ask the children to notice the words “at the end of these days,” and explain that God’s plan was building up to Jesus.
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)
Show the children that Jesus is like the bright light that shines from the sun. Explain that He cleaned away our sins and then sat down in the place of honor beside God.
Hebrews 1:8-9
8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”
(WEB)
Point out that these verses call Jesus a King whose throne lasts forever. Help the children see that Jesus loves what is right and that His kingdom is full of joy.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you learned about Jesus from today’s story?
- How can you tell that Jesus is special, even though He is not an angel?
- Why do you think God wanted to speak to us through His own Son?
- What does it mean that Jesus stays the same, even when everything else changes?
- How can you show Jesus that you think He is important this week?
Activity Ideas
Crown for the King
You will need paper strips, glue, glitter or crayons, and tape. Cut the paper into strips long enough to wrap around each child’s head. Let the children decorate their crowns with glitter or drawings, then tape them to fit. As they wear their crowns, talk about how Jesus is the King who rules forever, and invite them to name one thing they want to honor Him for.
Angels and the Son
Clear some floor space for a simple game. Have one child be the Son and sit in a chair at the front of the room. The other children act as angels, walking around the room and then bowing to the chair when you say “Worship!” Explain that the angels honor the Son because He is greater than them. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Light of the World Card
You will need a small paper card, a flashlight, and markers. Have each child draw a bright sun on the card and write the words “Jesus shines like God’s glory” with help if needed. Let them take the card home and place it near a window or lamp as a reminder. When the family sees the light, they can pray together and thank Jesus for being the light.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Hebrews 1 presents Jesus as the final and full word of God, superior to the prophets and the angels. The chapter pairs His divine glory with His work of purifying sin and His enthronement at God’s right hand. Read as a whole, it invites believers to see Jesus as the center of God’s saving purposes and to worship Him with confidence.
Avoid overstating to children that angels are unimportant or that they should be feared or worshiped. The passage honors angels as God’s servants while making clear that the Son is far greater. Keep the focus on the joy of knowing Jesus rather than on detailed debates about angelic ranks or end-times events.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank You for being God’s Son and for shining His light into our hearts. We know You are greater than anyone, and You are King forever. Help us to honor You every day by loving what is right and turning away from what is wrong. We love You, Jesus. Amen.
