This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the way to God the Father, and that Jesus has prepared a home for everyone who trusts him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, reading, and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is the way to God, so we never have to be scared or alone, because he is always with us and has a home ready for us.
Memory Verse
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, then slowly bring them together as if you are walking toward a door. Say “Jesus is the way” as your hands meet, and let the children copy you.
The Story: John 14 for Kids
One evening, Jesus sat with his friends in an upstairs room. He knew that soon he would have to leave them, and their hearts felt heavy. Jesus looked at them kindly and said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me too.”
Jesus told them about his Father’s house. It had many rooms, and he was going ahead to get a place ready for them. He said, “I will come back to take you to be with me, so you can be where I am.” The friends were still confused about the road ahead.
Thomas raised his hand and said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus smiled and answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus wanted his friends to know that he was showing them the way to God.
Then Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus gently asked, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? When you see me, you see the Father.” Jesus wanted his friends to understand how close he and the Father are.
Jesus told his friends that the Holy Spirit would come to help them. The Spirit would teach them and remind them of everything Jesus had said. Jesus also gave them his peace, a peace that lasts even when things feel scary.
Read It Together
John 14:1-3
1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.
(WEB)
Point out the words “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” Ask the children what kinds of things make their hearts feel troubled, then remind them that Jesus says to trust him.
John 14:18-19
18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus says “I will not leave you orphans.” Explain that Jesus promised to stay close to his followers, even when he could not be seen in the same way.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
(WEB)
Point out the word “peace” and how Jesus gives it freely, unlike the world. Talk about a time a child felt calm and safe, and connect that feeling to Jesus’ promise.
Talk About It
- What did Thomas want to know, and why do you think he asked Jesus about the way?
- How did Jesus describe himself when he said he is the way, the truth, and the life?
- What do you think it means that Jesus is preparing a place for us?
- When have you felt troubled, and what can you remember about Jesus when that happens?
- How can the Holy Spirit help us learn and remember what Jesus taught?
Activity Ideas
Paper Door Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and tape. Have each child draw a door with a light shining through it, then write or draw “Jesus is the way” on the door. Tape the finished doors to the wall so the class can see them as a reminder of John 14:6.
Follow the Leader Path
Set out a simple path of paper squares or chairs across the room. Let one child lead while the others follow, then talk about how Jesus leads us to the Father. Pause at the end to say together, “Jesus is the way.”
Peace Stone Keepsake
You will need a smooth stone or a small paper circle for each child, plus markers. Have the children write the word “peace” on their stone or circle, and encourage them to take it home. Explain that the stone reminds them of Jesus’ promise in John 14:27 whenever they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is part of Jesus’ farewell talk with his disciples before the cross. Jesus comforts them by promising a place with the Father, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and a close relationship with God through himself. Nearly every line points to his unity with the Father and his care for the people who follow him.
With children, avoid overstating the details of heaven or the “many rooms,” since the chapter gives a picture rather than a map. Keep the focus on the simple truth that Jesus is with us and has prepared a home for us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the way to the Father. Help us not to be troubled, and help us remember that you are always with us. Give us your peace today and every day. Amen.
