In this lesson, children learn that Jesus cares more about what is in our hearts than about rules we follow with our hands, and that he listens to anyone who asks him for help. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God looks at the heart. Jesus helps anyone who comes to him with real faith, even when they are not from his own people.
Memory Verse
Matthew 15:8
‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your chest like you are holding something close, then slowly move them up toward your mouth and lips. Then press one hand over your heart. Say the verse while you do the motions so children remember that God wants our hearts close to him.
The Story: Matthew 15 for Kids
One day some religious leaders came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They were upset because Jesus’ friends did not wash their hands in a special way before they ate. Jesus looked at them and asked why they were following their own rules so closely while forgetting God’s command to honor your father and mother. He said that people were honoring him with their lips, but their hearts were far away from him.
Then Jesus called the crowd close and said, “Listen and understand.” He told them that food going into the mouth does not make a person bad inside. What comes out of the heart, like unkind words, lies, and mean thoughts, is what really shows what is inside us. The disciples were worried that the leaders were upset, but Jesus said to leave them alone.
Soon after, Jesus traveled to a region near Tyre and Sidon. A woman from that area came running to him, crying out, “Lord, have mercy on me! My daughter is very sick with a demon!” At first Jesus did not answer her, and his friends asked him to send her away. Jesus told them he was sent first to the people of Israel, but the woman knelt down before him and said, “Lord, help me.”
Jesus said it was not right to take food meant for children and throw it to dogs. The woman answered him with a clever and humble reply: even the dogs get the crumbs that fall from the table. Jesus was amazed at her faith. He said, “Woman, great is your faith! It will be done for you as you asked.” Her daughter was healed right then.
Next, a large crowd came to Jesus on a mountain by the sea. They brought people who were lame, blind, and unable to speak, and Jesus healed every one of them. The crowd was amazed and praised the God of Israel.
Jesus then saw that the crowd had been with him for three days and had nothing to eat. He did not want to send them home hungry. His friends asked where they could find enough bread in the empty place. Jesus asked how much food they had. They found seven loaves and a few small fish. Jesus thanked God, broke the bread and fish, and gave them to his friends to pass out. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were seven baskets of leftovers. About four thousand men ate, not counting women and children.
Read It Together
Matthew 15:18-19
18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus says the heart is where our thoughts and choices begin. Ask children what kinds of words or actions start in the heart, and help them see that good hearts want to please God and love others.
Matthew 15:22-28
22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!” 23 But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.” 24 But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
(WEB)
Walk children through the mother’s request and her persistence. Notice how she came to Jesus with humble faith even when he seemed to say no, and how Jesus honored her trust and healed her daughter.
Matthew 15:36-37
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.
(WEB)
Show children how Jesus thanked God before he shared the food. Point out that everyone was fed and that there was plenty left over, which helps children see that God provides generously for those who come to him.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus say really makes a person clean or unclean on the inside?
- Why do you think the woman kept asking Jesus for help even when he seemed to say no?
- How did the crowd feel when they saw the people being healed?
- What is one thing you can do this week to show God that your heart is close to him?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted everyone to have enough to eat?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart shape on the paper and cut it out. Ask them to write or draw one good thing that comes out of a heart that loves God, such as kind words or helping others. Hang the hearts on the wall as a reminder.
Loaves and Fish Movement Game
You will need a few soft balls or rolled socks to act as loaves and fish. Set up a circle of chairs or spots on the floor. Children pass the “loaves” around the circle, saying “Thank you, God” each time they pass one. When the teacher calls “Everyone is full,” they stop and cheer. This helps children act out the sharing and thankfulness from the story.
Take-Home Heart Reminder
You will need a small piece of paper and a pencil or crayon. Have children write or draw one kind thing they will say or do this week. They can fold it and tuck it in a pocket or lunchbox. Encourage them to show it to a parent or friend and talk about how it shows what is in their heart.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is concerned with the inner life of the heart more than outward rituals alone. It also reveals that Jesus welcomes people from outside the Jewish community who come to him in humble faith, and that his care extends to every kind of need, from sickness to hunger.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that food rules are always wrong or that washing hands is bad. Simply help them see that what matters most is a heart that loves and trusts God, and that outward actions should flow from that heart.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for caring about our hearts more than anything else. Help us to love you and others with all of who we are. Thank you that you hear us when we ask for help, and that you give us more than enough. Help us trust you every day. Amen.
