This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the Word of God who came to earth as a light in the dark, and that everyone who trusts him can belong to God’s family. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is God’s Word and God’s light. He came to show us who God is, and anyone who trusts him becomes God’s child.
Memory Verse
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like a flame, then slowly open your fingers wide as if the light is spreading. Say the verse together while you do the motion, so the light and the words stay linked in your mind.
The Story: John 1 for Kids
Long before anyone was born, there was Jesus, the Word, who was with God and who was God. Through him, everything in the whole world was made. The sun, the trees, the rivers, and you were all made by him. Jesus is life, and his life shines like a light for all people to see.
A man named John came to tell people about the light. John was not the light himself. He was like a signpost pointing the way. He said, “Someone greater than me is coming, and I am not even worthy to untie his sandals.” John wanted everyone to get ready to meet him.
One day John saw Jesus walking toward him, and he pointed and said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Then the Holy Spirit came down from heaven like a gentle dove and rested on Jesus. John knew then that Jesus was the Son of God.
Two of John’s followers heard him say this, so they walked after Jesus. Jesus turned around and asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Teacher, where are you staying?” Jesus said, “Come and see.” So they went with him and spent the whole day together. One of them, Andrew, ran to find his brother Simon and said, “We have found the Messiah!” Jesus looked at Simon and said he would be called Peter, which means rock.
Then Jesus found a man named Philip and said, “Follow me.” Philip found his friend Nathanael and told him they had found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about, Jesus from Nazareth. Nathanael was doubtful and asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said, “Come and see for yourself.” When Nathanael met Jesus, Jesus already knew him and said he was a true friend. Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!”
Read It Together
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name…
(WEB)
Point out that everyone who receives Jesus is given the right to become God’s child. Ask children to notice that this is a gift that is offered to everyone who believes in him.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
(WEB)
Show children that the Word became a real person who lived among us. Explain that God came close to us in Jesus, so we can know what he is like.
John 1:29
The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
(WEB)
Help children see that John called Jesus the Lamb of God, meaning he would take away our sin. Let them know that Jesus is kind and loving toward us, and that he came to rescue people from sin.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means that Jesus is the light, and what does a light help us do?
- John pointed people to Jesus instead of himself. How can we point others to Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus asked Andrew and Philip to come and see instead of just telling them?
- Nathanael was doubtful at first. What helped him change his mind about Jesus?
- What is one way you can tell someone about Jesus this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Lantern Craft
You will need paper, markers, scissors, glue, and a flashlight. Have children draw a bright sun or a flame on paper, then cut and tape it to a paper cup or a folded paper lantern. Shine the flashlight through the lantern in a dark room and talk about how Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness.
Follow the Leader Game
Ask one child to be Jesus and walk slowly across the room while the others follow behind, just like Andrew and Philip followed him. When the leader stops, the followers stop and say, “Come and see.” Switch leaders so everyone has a turn being the one who calls others to follow.
Take-Home Light Card
Give each child an index card and a small sticker or drawn star. Ask them to write or draw “Jesus is the light” on one side and the verse John 1:5 on the back. Encourage children to place the card by their bed or on the fridge and read it together as a family during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 1 presents Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and is God, the one through whom all things were made. The chapter moves from grand truths about his identity to ordinary human moments, like people inviting others to meet him. It shows that faith often starts when someone tells us about Jesus and we decide to come and see.
Avoid overstating to children that the Holy Spirit appeared physically as a dove in a way they can picture exactly, since the text describes what John saw without asking children to imagine every detail. Keep the focus on Jesus as God’s light and the gift of becoming God’s child.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the light that shines in our dark places. Help us to follow you, to tell others about you, and to know we are God’s children. Shine your light in our hearts today. Amen.
