This lesson teaches children that Jesus offered himself once for all, so we never have to be afraid that our sins are too big for God to forgive. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus gave his life one time, and that was enough to make us clean and friends with God forever. We can come to God with confidence because he always keeps his promises.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
(WEB)
Hold both hands together in front of your chest, then open them wide as you say “forever.” Do this with your class each time you say the verse so the words and the motion stay together in their minds.
The Story: Hebrews 10 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people went to the temple to offer animal sacrifices for their sins. The priests did this again and again, every single day and every year. The animals could never truly take away sins, so the sacrifices had to keep being offered. Each time, the people were reminded that they still needed help.
The writer of this letter explained that these sacrifices were like a shadow of something much better coming. God had a bigger plan. Jesus came into the world with a body prepared by God, and he said, “I have come to do your will, God.” Jesus obeyed his Father completely, even when it was hard.
Jesus offered his own body on the cross one time, and it was enough for every sin. After that, he sat down at the right hand of God, which showed that his work was finished. He is not standing up day after day making offerings like the priests did. His job is done, and it is done well.
Because of Jesus, God says he will put his laws in our hearts and remember our sins no more. The writer told the people to hold on tightly to their hope and to keep meeting together, encouraging one another. He reminded them that God is faithful and will always do what he promised.
The writer also told them not to throw away their confidence, even when life was hard. They had suffered before, but they stayed strong. He encouraged them to keep trusting God and to keep going, because God would reward their faith.
Read It Together
Hebrews 10:19-22
19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 and having a great priest over God’s house, 22 let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water…
(WEB)
Point out that we are invited to come near to God with a true heart. Ask children what it might feel like to walk into a room where a friend is waiting for them, and explain that this is how God welcomes us through Jesus.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
(WEB)
Show children the word “wavering,” and explain that it means wobbling back and forth like a wobbly chair. Tell them God is never wobbly, because he always keeps his promises.
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
(WEB)
Point out that we are to help each other love and do good things. Give examples from your class, such as sharing a crayon or cheering up a friend who feels sad.
Talk About It
- What did the priests have to do again and again, and why do you think they kept doing it?
- How is Jesus different from the priests in the story?
- What does it mean that Jesus’ work is finished?
- When might you feel afraid that God won’t forgive you, and what can you remember from this lesson?
- How can you help a friend keep trusting God this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Forever Cross
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a large cross in the middle of the page and write “Once for All” across the top. Around the edges, they can draw things that show God’s love, like a sun, a heart, or a family. Hang the pictures in your room as a reminder that Jesus’ gift lasts forever.
Stand Up, Sit Down Game
Ask children to stand up whenever you say a word about the priests, such as “sacrifice” or “offering,” and sit down when you say a word about Jesus’ finished work, such as “once” or “forever.” Mix the words up quickly and let them laugh when they get mixed up. Finish by reading the memory verse together while everyone is seated.
Forever Promise Bracelet
You will need pipe cleaners and a few colored beads, one per child. Show children how to slide beads onto the pipe cleaner and twist the ends together. As they work, remind them that Jesus’ promise never comes off, just like the bracelet they are making. Children can wear it at home to remember the lesson.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage explains that Jesus’ single sacrifice fully deals with sin, in contrast to the repeated sacrifices of the old system. It also calls believers to draw near to God with confidence, to hold fast to their hope, and to encourage one another in love and good works.
With children, avoid overstating the severe warnings found later in the chapter. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his loving welcome, rather than on fear of judgment.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that Jesus gave his life one time, and it was enough for all our sins. Help us to come to you with confidence, knowing you always keep your promises. Help us to encourage our friends and to trust you every day. Amen.
