This lesson teaches children that Jesus is stronger than anything that hurts or frightens us, and that he cares about every person he meets. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus is more powerful than any fear, sickness, or trouble, and he loves each person very much. When we trust him, we can know he is always able to help us.
Memory Verse
Mark 5:36
But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands over their hearts when they say “Don’t be afraid.” Then they lift their hands up high and open them wide while they say “only believe.” Repeat the motions three times so the words stick.
The Story: Mark 5 for Kids
Jesus and his friends sailed across a lake to a place where many people lived in the hills near the tombs. A man lived there who was very sick in his mind. An unclean spirit had taken over his body, and he was strong and wild. People had tried to tie him up with chains, but he broke every one of them. He spent his days and nights crying out and hurting himself with stones.
When the man saw Jesus, he ran to him and fell down. Jesus said, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” The spirit called itself Legion, because there were many of them inside the man. They begged Jesus not to send them out of the area. Nearby, a large herd of pigs was eating on the hill, and the spirits asked to go into the pigs. Jesus let them go, and the pigs ran down into the lake and drowned.
The people who had been tending the pigs ran away and told everyone in town what they had seen. When the people came out, they found the man sitting quietly, wearing clothes, and thinking clearly again. They were scared, and they asked Jesus to leave their area. The man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him, “Go home and tell your family what great things the Lord has done for you.” So the man went out and told everyone about Jesus.
Jesus then crossed back over the lake, and a big crowd gathered around him. A leader from the synagogue named Jairus came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He said, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so she will get better.” Jesus went with him, and the crowd pressed in all around them.
In that crowd was a woman who had been sick with bleeding for twelve years. She had gone to many doctors and spent all her money, but she only got worse. She thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be well.” She reached out and touched Jesus’ cloak, and right away she felt that she was healed. Jesus stopped and asked who had touched him. The woman came forward, shaking, and told him everything. Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
While Jesus was still talking, some people came from Jairus’ house to say that his daughter had died. Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” He took Peter, James, and John and went into the house, where people were crying loudly. Jesus said, “The child is not dead, but is asleep.” He took the girl by the hand and said, “Girl, get up!” She stood up and walked around, and everyone was amazed.
Read It Together
Mark 5:1-2
1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2 When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus went to a place where people did not expect him, and that the man who met him was in deep trouble. Ask the children to notice that Jesus came to help even when others would have stayed away.
Mark 5:19-20
19 He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.” 20 He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jesus told the healed man to go home and share what happened. Explain that when God helps us, we can tell the people we love about his kindness.
Mark 5:34
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”
(WEB)
Point out the word “daughter,” which shows how kindly Jesus spoke to the woman. Remind the children that Jesus noticed her, even in a big crowd, and cared about her healing and her peace.
Talk About It
- What do you think the man in the tombs felt like when he saw Jesus coming toward him?
- Why do you think the woman was scared to come forward and tell Jesus the truth?
- How did Jesus show that he was not afraid of anything, even when people said it was too late?
- What is one thing that makes you feel scared, and what could you remember about Jesus when you feel that way?
- Who is one person you could tell about something good Jesus has done in your life?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Lake Scene
You will need a paper plate, blue and green crayons or paint, cotton balls, and glue. Have the children color the plate blue for water and green for hills along the edge. Glue a few cotton ball pigs on the hill and add a small figure of Jesus on the shore. Talk through the story as they work so they can retell it in their own words.
Follow the Leader Healing Game
Choose one child to be Jesus and have the other children follow behind in a line, the way the crowd pressed in around him. When Jesus stops, the children reach out and gently touch his shoulder and then say “I am well!” Switch leaders so every child gets a turn. Explain that the woman reached for Jesus in faith, and each child can practice reaching toward him with trust.
Take-Home Brave Words Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Have them write “Don’t be afraid, only believe” on the front and draw a small heart or star on the back. Ask them to tape the card to a bedroom mirror or lunch box. Encourage the children to read it each morning and say it out loud whenever they feel scared during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus has authority over spiritual forces, sickness, and even death. It also shows that he responds to faith, whether it is the desperate faith of a father, the hidden faith of a woman in the crowd, or the restored voice of a man who had been living among the tombs. The chapter invites us to bring our fears and needs directly to Jesus.
Avoid overstating to children that faith always guarantees healing. Some faithful people do not receive the healing they pray for in this life, and children may feel confused or blame themselves if their own prayers seem unanswered. Instead, focus on the truth that Jesus is powerful, caring, and near to us in every situation.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, we thank you that you are stronger than anything that scares us. Help us remember that you see us and care about us, even in a big crowd. When we feel afraid, help us believe in you and trust your love. Amen.
