In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His people safe and that we can stay close to Him by remembering His love. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a few questions, and one simple activity.
Big Idea
God loves us and keeps us close to Him, so we can trust Him and stay near Him every day.
Memory Verse
Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together in front of your chest, like holding something precious, then slowly bring them in close to your heart each time you say the words. Let the motion remind children that God’s love holds them close.
The Story: Jude 1 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Jude wrote a letter to friends who loved Jesus. Jude was a servant of Jesus, and he wanted his friends to know how much God loved them. He told them that God had called them, made them holy, and kept them safe for Jesus. Jude’s letter was full of hope and peace.
Jude had planned to write about the good news they all shared. But he noticed that some people had sneaked into the group. These people were not kind or honest, and they used God’s grace as an excuse to do wrong things. Jude knew his friends needed to stand firm and hold on to the true faith that had been passed down to them.
To help them remember, Jude reminded them of stories they already knew. He told them how God rescued His people out of Egypt, and how He did not forget the ones who turned away from Him. He spoke about angels who left the place where God had put them, and about the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which had chosen a sinful path. God’s judgment is real, and it is serious.
Jude also told a story about the archangel Michael. Michael was arguing with the devil about the body of Moses. Michael did not curse the devil with angry words. Instead, he simply said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” Michael trusted God to handle the matter, and he did not try to fight with his own harsh words.
Then Jude gave his friends wonderful encouragement. He said, “But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith.” He told them to pray in the Holy Spirit and to keep themselves in God’s love. He reminded them to look forward to the mercy of Jesus, who brings us to eternal life.
Jude ended his letter with a beautiful promise. God is able to keep us from stumbling, and He will present us before Him with great joy. Jude praised God as the only wise Savior, and he said that glory and power belong to Him now and forever.
Read It Together
Jude 1:1-2
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied.
(WEB)
Point out that Jude calls his readers “those who are called” and says God keeps them for Jesus. Ask children what it means to be kept safe by someone who loves them, and let them share their ideas.
Jude 1:24-25
24 Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
(WEB)
Show children the words about God keeping us from stumbling and bringing us before Him with great joy. Explain that this is God’s promise for His children, and that He is strong enough to keep His promises.
Jude 1:9
But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”
(WEB)
Tell the story of Michael choosing to say “May the Lord rebuke you” instead of using harsh words. Point out that Michael trusted God to be the judge, and that we can trust God with hard problems too.
Talk About It
- How did Jude want his friends to feel about God’s love for them?
- What does it look like to keep ourselves close to God’s love each day?
- Why do you think Michael let God be the judge instead of arguing with the devil himself?
- What is one way you can build up your faith, like Jude told his friends to do?
- How does it make you feel to know that God can keep you from stumbling?
Activity Ideas
Heart Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace both of their hands on the paper, then cut out the shapes. Ask them to draw a heart in the middle and write or draw one way God keeps them close. Display the hands on the wall as a reminder of God’s care.
Stay Close Game
Clear some space in the room and ask children to walk around freely. Call out “Stay close!” and have them quickly gather in a small group with a partner. Then call “Angel walk!” and have them tiptoe carefully like the angels in the story. Use the game to talk about how we stay near God and trust Him to guide us.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a rubber band or ribbon. Help each child write “God keeps me close” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the ribbon so they can hang it on a bedpost or backpack. Encourage them to read it aloud each morning.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Jude’s letter is a warning and an encouragement at the same time. He calls believers to guard the faith they have received and to watch for people who twist God’s grace into an excuse for sin. Yet the letter closes with confidence that God is able to keep His people and present them faultless before His glory. Adults can take comfort in God’s faithfulness while remaining alert to false teaching.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson mainly about judgment or about naming specific people as enemies. Keep the focus on God’s love, His keeping power, and the call to stay close to Him. Children should hear that God is trustworthy and kind, and that judgment belongs to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and keeping us close to You. Help us remember that You are strong enough to keep us from stumbling. Teach us to stay near You each day and to trust You with every hard thing. Thank You for Jesus, who brings us to eternal life. Amen.
