This lesson teaches children that Jesus knew everything that would happen to him, and he still loved people and kept his promises. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus loves us so much that he chose to do hard things for us, and he always keeps his word, even when it is scary.
Memory Verse
Mark 14:36
He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
(WEB)
Put your hands together, then slowly open them wide, like giving something to God. Say “Father” as you open your hands, and let the children copy you each time.
The Story: Mark 14 for Kids
It was almost time for the big feast called Passover. Jesus and his friends gathered in a room to eat together. Jesus knew that one of his friends, Judas, was going to betray him. Judas went to the leaders who wanted to hurt Jesus and agreed to help them find him.
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread and broke it. He said, “This is my body.” Then he took a cup and said that it was his blood, poured out for many people. He told his friends that he loved them very much.
Jesus and his friends went to a quiet garden called Gethsemane. Jesus felt very sad and scared. He went a little away from his friends and prayed to his Father, asking if there was another way. He still said, “Not what I want, but what you want.”
When Jesus came back, his friends were sleeping. He gently asked Peter, “Couldn’t you stay awake with me for even one hour?” Soon, Judas came with a crowd of people carrying swords and clubs. Judas kissed Jesus as a sign, and the people took Jesus away.
Read It Together
Mark 14:22-24
22 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body.” 23 He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus shared the bread and the cup with his friends. Explain that this was a special way for them to remember how much he loved them and how he would give his life for them.
Mark 14:32-34
32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 34 He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus was honest about feeling sad and scared. Tell them that it is okay to tell God how we feel, and that Jesus wants us to talk to him about everything.
Mark 14:50
They all left him, and fled.
(WEB)
Help the children see that Jesus’ friends ran away when things got hard. Explain that even when people let us down, Jesus still loves us and keeps his promises.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus do with the bread and the cup, and why do you think he wanted his friends to remember?
- How do you think Jesus felt when he was sad in the garden, and what did he do about it?
- Why was it hard for Jesus to say “not what I want, but what you want”?
- What is one thing you could do when you feel scared, like Jesus did?
- How can you show someone that you love them, even when things are difficult?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Garden Scene
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask the children to draw the garden of Gethsemane with trees, rocks, and a quiet place where Jesus prayed. Let them add the sleeping friends and the moon or stars overhead. Talk about how the picture shows Jesus being alone with God.
Sleeping Friends Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or counting voice. Choose one child to be Jesus and the rest to be the sleeping friends. When you count to three, the friends must freeze as if sleeping, and Jesus walks slowly past them and gently taps one who is “awake.” Switch roles so each child gets a turn.
Bread and Cup Snack Card
You will need a small piece of bread or a cracker, a small cup of juice, and an index card. Share the snack together and say, “Jesus loves you.” Write the words “Jesus loves me and keeps his promises” on the card for the child to take home. Encourage them to read it at dinner that week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that Jesus knew what was coming and still chose to go to the cross out of love for people. For adults, it highlights his honest prayer in Gethsemane, where he expressed real distress and yet submitted fully to the Father. It also shows how human weakness, such as the disciples falling asleep and fleeing, contrasts with Jesus’ steadfast faithfulness.
With children, avoid making the betrayal or the violence too graphic, and do not suggest that Judas is simply a villain without any complexity. Focus on Jesus’ love and trustworthiness, and let the children ask questions at their own pace.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you kept your promises even when it was hard. Help us to be honest with you when we feel scared or sad. Help us to trust you and love others the way you love us. Amen.
