This lesson teaches children that Jesus became a real person, just like us, so He could help us when we are tempted and afraid. Children ages 5 to 11 can follow it, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes in class or at home.
Big Idea
Jesus became one of us, so He understands our hard days and can always help us.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and the other hand on your head, then slowly lift both hands up to the sky while you say the verse together. Do it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until you can say it with your eyes closed.
The Story: Hebrews 2 for Kids
Long ago, a writer named Hebrews wrote a letter to friends who were learning about Jesus. He wanted them to pay close attention to what they had heard, because it was very important. God had spoken His good news through His Son, and people who heard it saw God show His power through signs and gifts.
The writer remembered a song from the Bible, a song that asked, “Who are we that God would think about us?” God had made people a little lower than the angels, and He gave them glory and honor, putting everything under their care. But people did not yet see everything working the way God planned.
Then the letter says we do see Jesus. He was made a little lower than the angels for a while, so that He could suffer and die for everyone. Because He did this, God crowned Him with glory and honor. Jesus did this because He loves us and wants to bring many children into God’s family.
Jesus shares our flesh and blood, so He became a brother to us. He said He would tell His brothers about God’s name and sing God’s praise with them. The letter also says Jesus shared our human life so that He could defeat the devil, who once held people in fear of death.
Jesus did not come to help angels. He came to help the children of Abraham. He became a merciful and faithful High Priest, someone who would make things right between God and people. He did this because He understood what it feels like to be tempted.
The letter ends with a comforting truth: since Jesus was tempted Himself, He is able to help anyone who is tempted today. You are never alone when you feel afraid or want to do wrong.
Read It Together
Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus shared our flesh and blood so He could free people from the fear of death. Ask children what kinds of fear they feel, and remind them that Jesus has power over every fear.
Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
(WEB)
Show children that God works everything for His good purposes and brings many children to glory through Jesus. Explain that “author of salvation” means Jesus is the one who starts and finishes God’s rescue plan for us.
Hebrews 2:17
Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.
(WEB)
Explain that a high priest helps people come close to God, and Jesus is a merciful helper who understands us. Point out the words “merciful” and “faithful,” and talk about how Jesus is kind and always keeps His promises.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried sometimes?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to become a real person like us?
- How does it feel to know that Jesus understands what it is like to be tempted?
- What is one way you can ask Jesus for help this week?
- How can you be a brother or sister who helps someone else who is struggling?
Activity Ideas
Heart and Hands Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to trace both of their hands and draw a big heart in the middle of the page. Inside the heart, have them write or draw one thing they are afraid of, then draw Jesus’s hands holding that heart safely.
Tempted Tag
Play a simple game of tag where one child is “the Helper” and wears a scarf or paper crown. When the Helper tags a player, that child stops and says, “Jesus understands.” Then the child is free to keep playing. Explain that Jesus helps us stop and get back on track when we feel tempted.
Helper Bracelet at Home
You will need pipe cleaners and a few colorful beads. Let your child thread beads onto a pipe cleaner while you talk about how Jesus is always with us. Twist the ends together to make a bracelet, and encourage your child to wear it as a reminder that Jesus understands and helps when life feels hard.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, so He can truly sympathize with our weakness while offering perfect mercy and faithfulness. Hebrews presents Him as the one who opens the way to God through His suffering and death, and His experience of temptation makes Him a helper we can trust.
When teaching children, avoid implying that Jesus was ever tempted to sin, since the chapter speaks of Him being tempted but never failing. Also avoid suggesting that children must earn Jesus’s help, because the lesson centers on His grace and willingness to help those who come to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for becoming one of us so You could understand how we feel. Help us remember that You are always ready to help us when we are scared or tempted. Thank You for being our kind and faithful helper. Amen.
