This lesson teaches children that Jesus promised his friends a helper, the Holy Spirit, who would be with them after he went back to the Father. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses and the activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loves his friends, and he sends the Holy Spirit to help them, guide them and remind them that God is with them even when they feel sad or afraid.
Memory Verse
John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands over their heart, then lift their arms up high like a cheer on the last words. Say the verse together three times, getting a little louder each time. Motions help children hold on to the words when they are tired or distracted.
The Story: John 16 for Kids
One evening, Jesus sat with his friends and told them something hard. He said that bad things would happen, and some people would not like them because they followed him. His friends did not understand where he was going, and their hearts felt heavy. Jesus could see how sad they were, so he wanted them to know something important.
Jesus said, “It is good for you that I go away, because I will send you a Helper.” This Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would be with them every day, and the Spirit would help them know what is true. Jesus told them the Spirit would tell them about things that were still to come, and would remind them of everything Jesus had taught.
His friends were confused. They whispered to each other, “What does he mean, a little while?” Jesus knew they had questions, so he explained that they would be very sad for a short time. But then their sadness would turn into joy, like a mother who forgets her pain when she holds her new baby. Jesus said, “I will see you again, and your hearts will be glad.”
Then Jesus gave them a promise that made them feel safe. He told them they could ask the Father for things in his name, and the Father would hear them. Jesus wanted his friends to know they were not alone. The Father loved them very much, and Jesus would give them peace, even when the world felt hard.
Read It Together
John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus says it is good for them that he goes away, because the Helper will come. Ask children to think about a time someone helped them when they needed it. Explain that the Holy Spirit is a helper God gives every follower of Jesus.
John 16:13
However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
(WEB)
Show children that the Spirit guides people into what is true. Point out that the Spirit does not make things up but helps us understand what Jesus taught. Explain that a good guide shows us the right path, and the Holy Spirit helps us follow Jesus.
John 16:22
Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
(WEB)
Point to the promise that no one will take their joy away. Explain that happiness can come and go, but the joy Jesus gives is steady and deep. Help children see that Jesus stays with his people even when they feel sad.
Talk About It
- How did Jesus’s friends feel when he told them he was going away?
- What did Jesus promise to send to help his friends?
- Can you think of a time when you felt sad but still felt God was with you?
- What is one thing the Holy Spirit might help you remember or understand?
- How can we tell someone else that Jesus is our helper and our peace?
Activity Ideas
Paper Dove Drawing
You will need white paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Help each child trace a simple dove shape or cut one out freehand, then draw small flames or stars around it. Talk about how doves and flames show the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Let children write or draw one way the Helper can help them this week.
Helper Freeze Game
Clear a space in the room and have children walk around like sad friends with slumped shoulders. When you call “Helper,” they stop, stand tall and raise their hands to show they feel brave and peaceful again. Repeat several times, and each time say a short phrase from the lesson like “Jesus is with us.” The game helps children connect feeling sad with being comforted.
Take-Home Joy Jar
Give each child a small jar or cup and some paper strips. Ask them to write or draw one time they felt God’s help and drop the strip into the jar. Encourage families to read the strips together at dinner each week. This keeps the lesson alive at home and reminds children that the Helper is always near.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is Jesus preparing his disciples for his departure. He warns them of hardship, promises the Holy Spirit as Counselor who will guide, convict and glorify him, and assures them that their grief will turn to joy. The chapter also shows Jesus speaking openly about his return to the Father and his peace in the midst of trouble.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the Spirit’s work, such as what “convict the world” means in theological depth. Keep the focus on the simple truths: Jesus loves us, the Holy Spirit helps us, and God’s peace is real even when life is hard. Let children ask questions without needing to give complete answers.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and for sending the Holy Spirit to help us every day. When we feel sad or scared, help us remember that you are with us and that you give us peace. Guide us to do what is good and true. Thank you for always being near us. Amen.
