This lesson teaches children that Jesus loved his friends and kept his promises even when they were scared, tired, and let him down. Children ages 5 to 11 can follow it in about 20 to 30 minutes, with a story, a memory verse, a few questions, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Jesus knows when we are scared or make mistakes, and he still loves us and keeps his promises to us.
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)
Have children cup both hands together in front of their chests, then open them slowly like a flower, as they say the words in their own simple way. Repeat it three times together until it feels familiar.
The Story: Mark 14 for Kids
It was almost time for the Passover feast, a big family celebration in Jerusalem. Some leaders wanted to catch Jesus secretly and hurt him, but they were worried the crowds would get upset. Meanwhile, in the village of Bethany, Jesus was sitting at a dinner table at the house of a man named Simon. A woman came in carrying a jar of very expensive perfume, and she poured it on Jesus’ head.
Some of the men in the room were angry. “Why waste that perfume?” they said. “It could have been sold to help poor people!” But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has done a good thing for me.” He told them she had done what she could to show her love.
That night Jesus ate the Passover meal with his twelve friends, the disciples. He told them one of them would betray him. They were very sad and kept asking, “Surely not me?” Jesus took bread and a cup of wine, shared them with his friends, and told them to remember him when they ate and drank together.
Later, Jesus went to a garden called Gethsemane to pray. He felt very sad and asked his friends to stay awake with him. They fell asleep three times while he prayed. He prayed to his Father, “Please take this hard thing away from me, but not what I want. What you want is best.” Then soldiers came, and Judas gave Jesus a kiss as a signal. Peter got scared and said he did not know Jesus, and then the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had said it would.
Read It Together
Mark 14:6
But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus defended the woman who was being criticized for doing something kind. Ask children how it feels when someone is treated unfairly, and how Jesus stood up for her.
Mark 14:37-38
37 He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus noticed when his friends fell asleep and still reminded them to watch and pray. Explain that even when we are tired or weak, Jesus is patient with us and helps us try again.
Mark 14:50-52
50 They all left him, and fled. 51 A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, 52 but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus’ friends ran away when things got frightening. Tell children that this is a sad part of the story, but Jesus did not stop loving them, and he later forgave them.
Talk About It
- What do you think the woman felt when she poured the perfume on Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus said the woman had done a good thing?
- How do you think Jesus felt when his friends fell asleep while he was praying?
- What is something that scares you, and how can you tell Jesus about it?
- When you make a mistake, what does it mean that Jesus still loves you?
Activity Ideas
Drawing the Perfume Jar
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a jar and a woman pouring something sweet-smelling, then add small drawings of flowers around it. Talk together about how the woman showed her love for Jesus with something special.
Stay Awake Game
You will need a few chairs and a timer or clock. Have children act out Jesus’ friends trying to stay awake, moving slowly and yawning, then waking up quickly when you call their name. Each time, say, “Watch and pray,” and cheer when they stay awake longer.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a small sticker or piece of tape. Ask children to write or draw “Jesus loves me even when I mess up” on the card and tape it to a mirror or bedroom door. Encourage them to read it each morning and tell someone at home what it means.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus moving toward the cross with full awareness, yet still caring for the people around him. It reveals human weakness in the disciples and in Peter, and it shows Jesus’ willingness to submit to the Father’s will even when it is painful. It is a moving picture of grace and faithfulness.
Avoid making the story sound like children must never feel afraid or fail, since that can lead to shame. Instead, emphasize that Jesus understands fear and failure and still loves and restores his people.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for loving us even when we are scared or make mistakes. Help us to watch and pray, and to trust you when things are hard. Thank you that you always keep your promises to us. Amen.
