In this lesson, children learn that Jesus notices the faithful giving of ordinary people, and that they can trust God when life feels scary. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus sees what we give to God, even when it seems small, and God takes care of us when things feel frightening. We can trust him every day.
Memory Verse
Luke 21:36
Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands together like they are holding a small treasure, then lift them up toward the sky as they say the words. Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Luke 21 for Kids
One day Jesus was sitting near the big temple in Jerusalem. People were walking in with gifts for God, and many rich people were dropping in large amounts of money. Jesus watched them carefully and smiled at what he saw.
Then a poor widow came up to the temple box. She had only two tiny copper coins, and she dropped them in. Jesus turned to his friends and said, “This poor woman gave more than all of them. They gave out of what they had extra, but she gave everything she had to live on.” The rich people had given a lot, but she gave all she had.
Later, some people were talking about how beautiful the temple was, with its shining stones and lovely gifts. Jesus told them that a day would come when those big stones would be knocked down. His friends were puzzled and asked him when this would happen and how they would know. Jesus answered that they should be careful not to be fooled by people who pretend to be him.
Jesus told his friends that there would be wars, earthquakes, and hard times in many places. He said they should not be terrified, because these things must happen but the end would not come right away. He also said that his followers would face hard things for loving him, but he would give them the words to say. He told them, “Not a hair of your head will perish.” He wanted them to keep trusting him even when things were scary.
Finally, Jesus told a story about a fig tree. When its branches start to grow new leaves, you know that summer is coming soon. In the same way, when his friends saw these things happening, they could know that God’s kingdom was near. Jesus ended by telling them to keep watch and pray, every day and every night.
Read It Together
Luke 21:1-4
1 He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins. 3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them, 4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus was paying attention to a woman most people would have overlooked. Ask the children what they think Jesus saw in her heart, and remind them that God cares about what we give, not just how much.
Luke 21:25-28
25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
(WEB)
Explain that these verses describe frightening things happening in the world, but Jesus tells his friends to look up and not be afraid. Show the children that when hard things happen, we can lift our heads because God is near to us.
Luke 21:33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
(WEB)
Point out that everything in the world, even the earth and sky, will one day change, but Jesus’s words stay true forever. Ask the children which of God’s promises they would like to hold on to.
Talk About It
- What did the poor widow give to God, and why did Jesus think it was so special?
- How do you think the widow felt when she put her coins in the box?
- What are some things that make people feel scared, and what can we remember when we feel scared?
- How can you show God that you trust him with the things you have?
- What does it look like to keep watch and pray every day?
Activity Ideas
Coin Treasure Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few pennies or paper circles. Have each child trace a penny on the paper, then draw a picture of something they could give to God, like a kind word, a toy, or their time. Let them decorate their “treasure” and place it on the table as a reminder that small gifts matter to God.
Stand Strong Game
Clear some space in the room and tell the children to stand tall like a tree when you say “Stand strong.” When you call out “Scary wind,” they can sway and wiggle, but then they should stand strong again. Play several rounds, reminding them that Jesus helps us stand firm even when things feel shaky.
Fig Tree Take-Home Card
Give each child an index card or a folded piece of paper and some crayons. Ask them to draw a fig tree with green leaves and write or trace the words “God is near.” Encourage them to tape it to their bedroom door or refrigerator so they can see it each day and remember God’s care.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus teaching about faithful giving, honest trust in God, and watchful prayer in the face of trouble. The poor widow reminds us that God values the heart behind an offering more than its size. The later warnings about wars, earthquakes, and persecution point to a future that God holds in his hands, and they call believers to endure with hope rather than fear.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the timeline of future events or making the frightening parts too vivid. Focus on the trustworthy presence of Jesus and the simple call to keep trusting and praying, since young children can easily become anxious about the end of the world.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for seeing what we give and for caring about every small gift. Help us to trust you when things feel scary, and help us to pray every day. Keep our hearts close to you. Amen.
