In this lesson, children learn that Jesus cares about each person, and that God is patient with us while He helps us grow good fruit. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a story, a memory verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loves us, God is patient with us, and we can grow good fruit by trusting Him and turning our hearts toward Him every day.
Memory Verse
Luke 13:3
I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like they are holding something precious. Then slowly bring their hands back to their chests while saying the verse together, showing that turning back to Jesus means coming close to Him.
The Story: Luke 13 for Kids
One day some people told Jesus about some Galileans who had been hurt by a cruel ruler named Pilate. Jesus was not pleased with them for thinking those people were worse than everyone else. He wanted them to understand that every person needs to turn to God.
Jesus told them about a man who planted a fig tree in his garden. For three years he came looking for fruit, but he found none. He said to the gardener, “Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?” The gardener said, “Please leave it one more year. I will dig around it and give it extra care. Maybe it will bear fruit.”
Then Jesus went to a synagogue on the Sabbath day. A woman was there who had been bent over for eighteen years, and she could not stand up straight. Jesus saw her and called her over. He said, “Woman, you are free from your illness!” He placed his hands on her, and right away she stood up tall and began praising God.
The leader of the synagogue was upset that Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Jesus answered that people take care of their animals on the Sabbath, so this woman should be cared for too. Everyone who had been against Jesus felt embarrassed, and the crowd was happy about all the good things He was doing.
Jesus also told two short stories about God’s kingdom. He said it is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a big tree, and like a little yeast that makes a large amount of bread rise. Even small things can grow into something wonderful when God is at work.
Read It Together
Luke 13:6-7
6 He spoke this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. 7 He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil?’
(WEB)
Point out that the owner came looking for fruit and was disappointed to find none. Ask the children what they think a tree needs in order to bear fruit, and remind them that God looks for good things growing in our lives.
Luke 13:12-13
12 When Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” 13 He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight, and glorified God.
(WEB)
Show how Jesus noticed the woman and called her by name, even though many people did not see her. Remind the children that Jesus sees each of them and cares about what they are going through.
Luke 13:18-19
18 He said, “What is God’s Kingdom like? To what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and put in his own garden. It grew, and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky live in its branches.”
(WEB)
Explain that a mustard seed is very small, yet it grows into a large tree. Encourage the children that God can use small acts of kindness and faith to do big things.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you think Jesus noticed about the woman who was bent over?
- How do you think the gardener felt about the fig tree, and why do you think he asked for one more year?
- What is something small in your life that God could use to do something big?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted the people to turn their hearts toward God?
- How can you show someone that you care about them, the way Jesus cared for the woman?
Activity Ideas
Fruit Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple tree trunk and branches. Then let them add colorful fruit to the branches, and ask them to name one way they can grow good things in their own lives this week.
Stand Tall Game
Have the children crouch down low, pretending to be bent over like the woman in the story. Then call out, “Jesus sets you free!” and let them slowly stand up tall with their arms raised. Repeat the game a few times, and talk about how Jesus helps us stand strong.
Take-Home Mustard Seed
You will need a small paper cup, potting soil, and a few mustard or bean seeds. Help each child fill the cup with soil and plant a seed. Encourage them to water it each day and watch it grow, reminding them that God helps small things grow into something good.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is patient and merciful, giving people time to turn to Him and bear fruit. Jesus also shows His compassion by healing on the Sabbath, reminding us that God’s care for people comes first in every season.
Avoid implying that children can earn God’s love by behaving well or that illness always comes from sin. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and patience, and on the simple truth that He cares for each person.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for noticing each of us and for being patient as we grow. Help us turn our hearts toward You and grow good things in our lives. Thank You for setting us free and loving us every day. Amen.
