In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is a special helper who understands our weakness and always helps us, because he came to be our priest. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is our kind helper. He understands how hard things can be for us, and he always helps us come close to God.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 5:9
Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation…
(WEB)
Put your hand on your heart, then slowly open both hands out in front of you, like a gift being given. Say the verse together, and open your hands on the words “author of eternal salvation” to show that Jesus gives us a gift that lasts forever.
The Story: Hebrews 5 for Kids
Long ago, God chose special helpers called priests to stand between the people and God. A priest was a man who was picked from among the people, so he knew what it was like to be a person. The priest helped people say sorry to God for the wrong things they did. Every priest had to offer gifts and sacrifices, because all people make mistakes.
Because priests were people too, they were not perfect. They knew what it felt like to be weak and to go the wrong way. This helped them be gentle with others who were confused or who had wandered off. A priest also had to bring his own sins to God, just like everyone else.
Nobody could make himself a priest. God had to call each one. Aaron was called by God to be the first high priest, and God chose him for this important job. God was the one who decided who would help his people.
God chose Jesus too. God the Father said to his Son, “You are my Son.” God also called Jesus a priest forever. Jesus did not make himself important. God gave him this honor.
Jesus knew what it was like to be a real person. He prayed to God with loud cries and with tears. He trusted God in every hard moment. Even though he was the Son of God, he learned to obey God through the hard things he went through.
Because Jesus obeyed God all the way, he became the one who brings us a gift that lasts forever. He helps everyone who follows him and trusts him.
Read It Together
Hebrews 5:1-2
1 For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness.
(WEB)
Point out that the priests were chosen from among the people. Explain that they knew what weakness felt like, so they could be patient with others who were confused or doing wrong.
Hebrews 5:7-8
7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus prayed with tears and crying. Explain that even Jesus learned to obey God through hard things, which shows how much he trusts his Father.
Hebrews 5:4-5
4 Nobody takes this honor on himself, but he is called by God, just like Aaron was. 5 So also Christ didn’t glorify himself to be made a high priest, but it was he who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father.”
(WEB)
Point out that no one takes this honor on himself. God calls people to special jobs, and Jesus did not make himself important but waited for God to honor him.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel weak or scared, and how can you bring it to Jesus?
- Why do you think it helps to have a helper who has felt the same hard things you feel?
- When Jesus prayed with tears, what does that tell us about how he feels when we are hurting?
- What are some ways we can show kindness to someone who is confused or makes mistakes?
- What is a gift from Jesus that you are thankful for, and why does it last forever?
Activity Ideas
Paper Helping Hands Craft
You will need colored paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace their own hand on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write one way Jesus helps them, such as “Jesus listens” or “Jesus forgives.” Hang the hands in the classroom or on the fridge at home as a reminder that Jesus is always ready to help.
Helper Freeze Game
You will need an open space and no special supplies. Call out a “hard thing” such as being lost, feeling scared, or being sad, and have the children act out how they feel. Then call out “Jesus helps!” and have everyone freeze and point up toward heaven. Repeat several times, and each time talk briefly about how Jesus understands that feeling.
Prayer Pebble Take-Home
You will need small smooth stones, a marker, and a small bag or box for each child. Let each child write a simple word like “help,” “thanks,” or “peace” on a stone. Ask them to carry the stone in a pocket or keep it by their bed, and to hold it while they pray each day. Remind them that Jesus hears every prayer, even the quiet ones.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is the perfect high priest who fully understands human weakness. Because he shared our humanity and suffered, he can sympathize with us and bring us near to God. The passage also teaches that Christ did not seize this role but was appointed by the Father, which reflects humility and trust.
Be careful not to suggest to children that Jesus was disobedient or that he needed to become good by trying hard. Explain that Jesus was always perfect and sinless, and that the phrase about learning obedience means he went through real suffering in a faithful way. Keep the focus on Jesus being a kind helper, not on complicated questions about how it all works.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you that you understand us and know what it feels like to be weak. Help us bring our worries and our sad feelings to you, just as you prayed to your Father. Thank you for being our helper forever. Amen.
