This lesson teaches children that Jesus sends his friends out to tell others about him, and that he is with them wherever they go. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is God’s Son, and he gives us the courage and power to share his love with everyone, even when it feels hard.
Memory Verse
Luke 9:23
He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of their hearts, then slowly lift them up and point forward, like a child walking ahead to follow someone. Say the verse together while you point forward on each word of “follow me.”
The Story: Luke 9 for Kids
One day Jesus called his twelve closest friends together. He gave them power to heal sick people and to make bad spirits leave. Then he sent them out two by two into the towns and villages to tell everyone about God’s kingdom. He told them not to bring a bag of food, extra clothes, or money. They had to trust that God would take care of them along the way.
The friends went out and did exactly what Jesus asked. They told the good news and healed people in every village they visited. King Herod heard about all these things and wondered who Jesus really was. Some people said he was John the Baptist come back to life, and others said he was Elijah.
Later, a huge crowd followed Jesus to a quiet place. Jesus welcomed them, taught them about God, and healed those who were sick. When it started to get late, the friends said, “Send the people away so they can find food!” But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” The friends only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus told everyone to sit down in groups. He prayed over the food and gave it to his friends to share. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers!
Soon after that, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain to pray. While Jesus was praying, his face began to shine brightly, and his clothes became white and dazzling. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with him. Then a cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” After that, Jesus was alone with his friends again.
Jesus also showed his friends how to be kind and humble. He took a little child and stood the child beside him. He said that whoever welcomes a little child welcomes him. Jesus wants all of us to follow him, even when it means being brave and kind to others.
Read It Together
Luke 9:1-2
1 He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus gave his friends power and sent them out to do important work. Ask the children what they think it would feel like to be sent out with a job like that.
Luke 9:13-14
13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For they were about five thousand men. He said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Jesus asked his friends to feed the crowd even though they had very little. Remind them that Jesus can do big things with small gifts when we bring them to him.
Luke 9:34-35
34 While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. 35 A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!”
(WEB)
Point to the voice from the cloud and explain that God himself said Jesus is his Son. Emphasize the words “Listen to him,” and ask the children what it means to listen to Jesus.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus ask his friends to do when he sent them out, and how do you think they felt about it?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted his friends to trust God instead of bringing food and money?
- What did the little boy’s bread and fish teach you about what Jesus can do with what we have?
- What do you think the disciples saw on the mountain, and why was it special?
- How can you show someone that Jesus loves them this week?
Activity Ideas
Shining Mountain Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Ask each child to draw a tall mountain with a bright, glowing figure at the top. Have them add a cloud above and a few stars around the figure to show the shining moment. Let them color the glowing part with yellow and white to remind them that Jesus shined with God’s glory.
Follow the Leader Game
Gather the children in an open space and choose one child to be Jesus. The rest of the children are the friends who must follow. The leader walks, hops, or waves their arms, and everyone copies the movement. After a minute, switch leaders. Afterward, remind the children that following Jesus means doing what he asks, even when we cannot see where he is leading.
Five Loaves Bookmark
You will need cardstock or thick paper, scissors, and markers. Have each child trace a small loaf shape and draw two fish beside it. Add a sticker or a dot for each basket of leftovers. Encourage children to take the bookmark home and use it to read the Bible with their family, reminding them that Jesus cares about even small gifts.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus sending his followers out with authority, feeding a crowd from very little, revealing his glory on the mountain, and calling disciples to a costly kind of following. The chapter moves from mission to miracle to sacrifice, pointing to Jesus as the Christ who must suffer and rise again. It invites adults to examine what it means to trust God for daily needs and to listen to Jesus above every other voice.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the transfiguration or the bread miracle as if they are simple lessons about getting rewards. Focus on the main truths: Jesus is God’s Son, he cares for people, and we are called to follow him. Let children wonder about the mysterious moments without needing to explain every symbol.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for being God’s Son and for sending your friends to share your love. Help us to follow you bravely, even when it feels hard. Teach us to listen to you and to share what we have with others. We trust you to take care of us every day. Amen.
