This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the way to the Father, and that he is preparing a home for them. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Keep the words simple and let the children answer in their own voices.
Big Idea
Jesus is the way to God, so we never have to be afraid. He is with us now, and he is making a place for us to live with him forever.
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)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then lift their arms and point to the sky. Say “the way” as they point up. Repeat the motion together three times until the words and the movement go together.
The Story: John 14 for Kids
One evening, Jesus sat down with his friends for a special meal. He knew that he would soon leave them, and their hearts were sad and worried. Jesus looked at each of them and said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me too.”
Jesus told them that his Father has a big house with many rooms. He said he was going ahead to get a room ready for them. “I will come back to get you,” he promised, “so that you can be with me.” His friends listened closely, but they still felt confused about where he was going.
Thomas raised his hand, the way a careful friend might. “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going,” he said. “How can we know the way?” It was a good question, and Jesus loved how honest Thomas was.
Jesus smiled and gave the answer that would help them always. “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” he said. “No one goes to the Father except through me.” He was showing them that he is the road that leads straight to God.
Philip wanted to see God with his own eyes. “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us,” he said. Jesus gently reminded him that seeing Jesus is like seeing the Father, because they are one. He told them that the Holy Spirit would come to help them and remind them of everything he had taught.
Before they left the room, Jesus gave his friends a gift. “Peace I leave with you,” he said. “Don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid.” He wanted them to know that they were never alone.
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 makes their hearts feel worried, and remind them that Jesus is preparing a home for them. Let them hear the promise that he will come back for them.
John 14:15-17
15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever,— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.
(WEB)
Show the children that loving Jesus means keeping his commands. Explain that he promised to send the Holy Spirit as a helper who lives with believers. Keep the focus on Jesus being with us, not on rules alone.
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 that Jesus gives peace in a way the world cannot. Ask the children to name a time when they felt calm because someone they trust was near. Connect that feeling to Jesus staying with them.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus say he was going to do to get a home ready for us?
- Why do you think Thomas asked Jesus how to find the way?
- What does it mean that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?
- What is one thing that makes you feel afraid, and how can Jesus help you feel brave?
- How did Jesus promise to stay close to his friends after he left?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Room in the Father’s House
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a room they imagine Jesus preparing for them, with a bed, a window, or a favorite toy. Let them tell you one thing about their room. Hang the drawings on the wall as a reminder that Jesus is making a place for everyone.
Follow the Way Game
You will need a sheet of paper, tape, and a small object to hide, such as a coin or button. Tape a paper path on the floor in a winding line, then place the object at the end. Blindfold a child or have them close their eyes while a friend calls out directions, and encourage them to follow the path to the treasure. Explain that Jesus is the one who shows us the way to the Father.
Peace Card for Home
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or piece of tape. Have each child write the word “peace” on the card and decorate it. Encourage them to take the card home and place it where they sleep or study. Suggest they read it aloud before bed and say a quiet thank you for Jesus’ peace.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 14 is Jesus’ comfort to his disciples before his death. He answers their fears with a promise of a prepared home, his own presence through the Spirit, and a peace the world cannot give. The chapter shows that faith in Jesus is trust in a person, not just a set of facts. Read it slowly and let the tenderness of the setting shape your teaching.
Avoid overstating to children the details about what heaven looks like or how the Holy Spirit works in every believer. Keep the focus on the simple truths: Jesus is the way, he is with us, and he gives peace. Let children ask questions and be honest when the mystery is too deep for a short lesson.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the way to the Father. We are sorry when we feel scared or troubled, and we ask you to give us your peace. Help us remember that you are preparing a home for us and that you are always with us. Amen.
