In this lesson, children learn that Jesus prayed for his friends before he went to the cross, and that he still prays for us today. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus loves us so much that he talks to his Father about us, asking God to keep us safe and close to him.
Memory Verse
John 17:3
This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Ask the children to put both hands on their heart, then open them wide like a book. Say the verse together slowly, moving the hands with each phrase. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: John 17 for Kids
One night, Jesus was getting ready to leave his friends. He knew that soon he would go to the cross. He looked up toward heaven and started to pray out loud. His friends were close by, listening carefully to every word he said. They had been with him for a long time, and they loved him very much.
Jesus talked to his Father about his work. He said that he had finished the job God had given him to do. He asked God to bring him back to the glory he had shared with the Father before the world was made. Jesus wanted his Father to know how much he loved him.
Then Jesus turned his prayer to his friends. He said, “Father, keep them safe, so that they may be one, just as we are one.” He did not ask God to take his friends out of the world. Instead, he asked God to keep them strong and protect them from harm. Jesus wanted his friends to stay close to God even when things got hard.
Jesus kept praying for more than just those friends. He prayed for everyone who would believe in him in the future. That includes you and me. He wanted all of his followers to be close to God, just as he was. Jesus knew that love would help people believe.
When Jesus finished praying, he showed his friends how much he cared for them. His prayer was full of love and hope. It was a gift to everyone who would follow him. The story ends with Jesus praying for his friends, and that prayer still matters today.
Read It Together
John 17:6
I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus says he made God’s name known to his friends. Ask the children to name a way they can share who God is with someone else this week.
John 17:11
I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus prayed for his friends to be kept safe while they stayed in the world. Explain that Jesus keeps praying for us in the same way today.
John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus wants his friends to be with him and see his glory. Talk about how it feels to look forward to being with someone you love very much.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus do before he left his friends?
- Who did Jesus pray for in this story?
- What did Jesus ask God to do for his friends?
- How does it feel to know that Jesus prays for you?
- What is one way you can show someone you love them this week?
Activity Ideas
Prayer Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one of their hands onto the paper and then draw a small heart in the palm. Have them write the names of three people they want to pray for on the fingers. Let them take the drawing home to remind them that Jesus prays for us.
Keep Them Safe Game
You will need a open space and a few soft balls or stuffed animals. Choose one child to be Jesus and the others to be friends standing in a circle. The child playing Jesus walks around the outside of the circle and gently taps each friend on the shoulder while saying a short prayer for them. Switch roles so each child gets a turn.
Prayer Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and some stickers. Have each child write one sentence on a card that starts with “Jesus prays for me.” They can decorate the card with stickers. Encourage them to place the card by their bed or on the kitchen table so they can read it each day.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that Jesus is our advocate, the one who speaks to the Father on our behalf. For adults, it reveals the unity Jesus desires among believers and his concern for their protection and sanctification in the truth. It also highlights the eternal life that comes from knowing God and Jesus Christ.
Avoid suggesting to children that Jesus is only praying for good behavior or that God will always remove hardships from their lives. The text says Jesus asked God to keep his followers from the evil one while they remain in the world, so focus on God’s presence and protection rather than an absence of trouble.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for praying for us when we cannot see you. Help us to know you and your Father more each day. Keep us safe and close to you, and help us love others the way you love us. Amen.
