This lesson teaches children that Jesus chose ordinary friends, sent them out to help people, and promised to be with them even when things were hard. It works well for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus chooses ordinary people to do his work, and he takes care of them every step of the way. We can trust him when we are brave and when we feel afraid.
Memory Verse
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold out both open hands as they say the verse, then cup them close to their chest on the words “freely you received.” Repeat it together three times, opening the hands wider each time to show giving.
The Story: Matthew 10 for Kids
One day Jesus called twelve of his closest friends to come to him. He wanted them to learn how to help people who were sick and hurting. Some of the friends were fishermen. Others were men who had jobs you might not expect, like a tax collector named Matthew. Jesus loved all twelve of them just the same.
Jesus gave his friends special power to heal people and to make bad spirits go away. Then he sent them out two by two into the towns of Israel. He told them to take almost nothing with them. They did not need extra coats, money, or bags, because God would take care of them through the people they met.
Jesus was honest with his friends. He said some people would not like them, and some would even be unkind. He told them, “Don’t be afraid of them.” Jesus reminded them that God knows every little thing about us. He even knows how many hairs are on our heads, and not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it.
Jesus also asked his friends to love him more than anything else in the world. Being his friend might sometimes be hard, but he promised that whoever gives up something for him will find something even better. He said that even a cup of cold water given in his name will not be forgotten.
Read It Together
Matthew 10:1
He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus did not choose people who were already perfect. He called them, and then he gave them the power and the job. Ask the children to notice that Jesus gave the twelve friends the power first, before they were sent out.
Matthew 10:29-31
29 “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, 30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
(WEB)
Show the children that God pays close attention to small things, like sparrows and hair. Explain that this is a reason to be brave, because God cares about each child personally. Let them name something that scares them, then remind them God sees it too.
Matthew 10:40
He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
(WEB)
Point out that when we welcome and help other people, we are also welcoming Jesus. Ask the children to think of one person who is new to their class or home, and talk about how they could make that person feel welcome this week.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for Jesus’ friends to be sent out to help people for the first time?
- Why do you think Jesus told his friends not to bring extra things with them?
- What is one thing that makes you feel afraid, and what does this story tell us about God when we are scared?
- How can you show someone that you love Jesus, even at school or at home?
- When you give something to someone in Jesus’ name, how do you think he feels about it?
Activity Ideas
Twelve Friends Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple picture of themselves as one of Jesus’ friends, with a small bag or a helping hand. Let them write one word on their picture that describes how they can help others, such as “kind,” “brave,” or “helpful.” Display the pictures together on the wall as a reminder that Jesus sends ordinary people to do his work.
Sparrow Says Game
Gather the children in an open space and tell them to be sparrows that flutter their arms when you say “sparrow.” When you say “Jesus sends you,” they should freeze and then gently pretend to hand a cup of water to a friend. Play for five minutes, changing the speed each round. Stop to talk about how God knows where every sparrow is, and how he knows where each child is too.
Cup of Cold Water Take-Home
You will need a small paper cup and a sticky note for each child. Let each child write or draw one simple way they can share kindness this week, like sharing a snack or helping clean up. Tape the note to the cup, and ask them to take it home as a reminder. Encourage them to tell their family about the act of kindness at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus calls ordinary people into his mission and equips them with his authority and presence. The disciples are sent with a message of God’s nearness, and they are also warned honestly about the cost of following Jesus. Adults can take comfort in God’s care for each person, even in hardship.
Be careful not to frighten children with the sections about persecution and family division. Keep the focus on God’s love and faithfulness, and present the harder teachings gently, emphasizing that God is with us and that Jesus wants us to be brave.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for choosing us to be your friends and helpers. Help us to be brave when we feel scared, and help us to share kindness with the people around us. Thank you that you know everything about us and that you always take care of us. Amen.
