This lesson teaches children that Jesus cares about helping people and that doing good is always right, even on a day meant for rest. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus is in charge of everything, and he wants us to do good and help people every day, including on Sunday.
Memory Verse
Matthew 12:12
Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall and open their arms wide, like giving a big hug, as they say the verse together. Then have them sit down slowly, pretending to fold their hands in their lap. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Matthew 12 for Kids
One day Jesus was walking through a field of grain with his friends, the disciples. They were hungry, so they picked some heads of grain and ate them. Some religious leaders called Pharisees saw this and got upset. They said, “Your friends are not allowed to do that on the Sabbath, the day of rest.”
Jesus reminded them of a time when King David was hungry and ate bread from the temple. Jesus said that God cares more about kindness than about following rules in a stiff way. Then he said something important: the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.
Later Jesus went into a synagogue, the place where people gathered to worship. A man there had a hand that did not work well. The leaders were watching Jesus closely, hoping to catch him doing something wrong. Jesus asked them, “If one of your sheep fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you pull it out? A person is worth much more than a sheep.”
Then Jesus told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” The man did, and his hand became strong and whole, just like the other one. The crowds were amazed, but the leaders were angry and started making plans to hurt Jesus.
Next, a blind and mute man was brought to Jesus, and Jesus healed him so he could see and speak. The people wondered if Jesus was the promised Son of David. Some of the Pharisees said Jesus used the power of a demon, but Jesus told them that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Jesus also explained that a good tree makes good fruit, and our words show what is in our hearts. Some people even asked Jesus for a sign, but he pointed to Jonah and said that he would give them a greater sign.
Read It Together
Matthew 12:7
But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you wouldn’t have condemned the guiltless.
(WEB)
Point out that God wants us to be kind to people more than he wants us to follow rules without love. Ask children what kind of kindness they could show this week at home or at school.
Matthew 12:15-16
15 Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all, 16 and commanded them that they should not make him known…
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus helped everyone who came to him, even when people were trying to hurt him. Talk about how Jesus stayed calm and kept doing good things.
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus calls everyone who does what God wants a part of his family. Help children see that they belong to God’s family when they love and obey him.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the Pharisees were upset when Jesus helped people on the Sabbath?
- How did Jesus show that caring for people is more important than being stiff about rules?
- How do you feel when you see someone who needs help, and what could you do?
- What did the man with the withered hand do when Jesus told him to stretch out his hand?
- How can you show that Jesus is the most important person in your everyday life?
Activity Ideas
Hand Tracing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace one of their hands and cut it out. On each finger, have them write or draw one way they can help someone this week. Hang the hands on the wall as a reminder that Jesus wants us to use our hands for good.
Sheep Rescue Game
You will need a few stuffed animals or toy sheep, a blanket or pillow for a pit, and a timer. Have children take turns pretending to rescue a sheep from the pit, saying, “Jesus helps us do good.” Cheer for each rescue and talk about how good it feels to help someone.
Take-Home Helper Chart
You will need a sheet of paper and stickers or a pencil. Draw a simple chart with days of the week across the top. Each day the child can add a sticker or check mark when they do something kind for someone. Encourage families to talk together about the kind things they noticed during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is Lord over the Sabbath and that acts of mercy and healing are always appropriate. The religious leaders focused on rules while missing the heart of God, which is mercy. Jesus reveals his authority by healing and by calling people into a family defined by obedience to God.
With children, avoid turning the Pharisees into villains who are simply bad people. Instead, present them as people who misunderstood what God wanted, which helps children focus on the goodness of Jesus rather than on criticizing others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you care about people and always want to help. Help us to be kind and do good every day, even when it is hard. Help us to be part of your family by loving you and obeying you. Amen.
