This lesson teaches children that God is patient and kind, and that our lives should grow good fruit by loving and trusting Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is patient and kind, so we can grow in love and do good things for Him and for others.
Memory Verse
Luke 13:9
If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’”
(WEB)
Have the children hold their hands out flat, then slowly cup them together and lift them up like a little plant growing toward the sun. Say the verse together while doing the motion, and let the children suggest their own gestures.
The Story: Luke 13 for Kids
One day Jesus was teaching people about God’s kingdom. Some people told Him about bad things that had happened to some Galileans. Jesus wanted them to know that everyone needs to turn back to God and follow Him. He reminded them that everyone can change their hearts.
Then Jesus told a short story about a man who planted a fig tree in his garden. For three years, the man came to look for figs, but he found none. He said to his gardener, “Cut it down, because it is wasting the soil.” The gardener answered, “Sir, let it stay one more year. I will dig around it and give it fertilizer. Maybe it will bear fruit.”
On a Sabbath day, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. A woman was there who had been bent over for eighteen years and could not stand up straight. Jesus saw her and called her over. He said to her, “Woman, you are free from your illness.” He touched her, and right away she stood up tall and praised God.
The synagogue leader was angry that Jesus had healed someone on the Sabbath. Jesus answered that people take care of their animals on the Sabbath, so this woman should be cared for too. The people who had been against Jesus felt embarrassed, and the crowd was happy about everything Jesus had done.
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 where birds can rest. He also said it is like a little bit of yeast that makes a whole batch of bread rise. These stories showed that God’s kingdom starts small but grows large.
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 man kept looking for fruit and was patient for three years. Ask the children what they think the fig tree was supposed to do, and explain that God wants our lives to show His love.
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 the children how Jesus noticed the woman and called her over. Point out that she stood up straight right away and praised God. Remind them that Jesus cares about each person who needs help.
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 the mustard seed is very small but grows into a large tree. Ask the children how a small act of kindness can grow bigger over time, like the mustard seed.
Talk About It
- What did the man in the story expect to find on the fig tree, and what did he find instead?
- Why do you think the gardener asked for one more year before cutting the tree down?
- How did the woman feel when Jesus healed her, and what did she do?
- What is one way you can show God’s love to someone this week?
- How is God’s kingdom like a tiny mustard seed or a little yeast?
Activity Ideas
Paper Fig Tree Craft
You will need brown paper, green construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a tree trunk on brown paper and glue it to a larger sheet. Then cut out small paper fruits and let the children decorate them with kind words or drawings of things they can do for others. Glue the fruit onto the branches.
Growing Like a Mustard Seed Game
Have the children crouch down on the floor like tiny seeds. Explain that you will call out “Water!” and “Sunshine!” and they slowly stand up and stretch taller and taller until they become a big tree with their arms raised high. Play a few rounds and talk about how God helps us grow.
Take-Home Seed Jar
You will need a small clear jar, a few cotton balls, dried bean seeds, and water. Place a damp cotton ball inside the jar, add a few beans, and set it on a sunny windowsill. Ask the children to check it each day and talk about how God helps things grow and how we can grow in our love for Him and others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is patient and gives people time to turn toward Him and bear good fruit. It also shows that Jesus cares for people in need, even when others criticize Him for it, and that God’s kingdom grows from small beginnings into something large and welcoming.
With children, avoid implying that bad things happen to people only because of their sins. Keep the focus on God’s patience, His love, and the call to grow in faith.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being patient with us and for loving us every day. Help us grow good fruit by being kind, helping others, and trusting You more each day. Thank You that Your kingdom can grow even from small things. Amen.
