This lesson teaches children that Jesus has power to heal, forgive, and call people to follow him, even people others might overlook. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, depending on how much time you spend on the story and activities.
Big Idea
Jesus can make sick people well, forgive wrong things we do, and invites everyone, even people others think are unlikely, to come and follow him.
Memory Verse
Matthew 9:12
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, then bring them together as if giving someone a hug. Say the words slowly with the motion, and have children copy you. Repeat it three times so the words and the motion stay together in their minds.
The Story: Matthew 9 for Kids
One day Jesus got into a boat and crossed the lake to his own town. Some friends carried a man who could not walk, lying on his bed. They wanted Jesus to help him. Jesus looked at the man and saw how much his friends trusted him. He said, “Cheer up, son! Your sins are forgiven.”
Some teachers of the law were watching, and they were not happy. They thought to themselves that Jesus was saying something only God could say. Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked them which was easier to say: that the man’s sins were forgiven, or that he should get up and walk. Then Jesus told the man to get up, take his mat, and go home. And the man stood up and walked home!
Later, Jesus saw a tax collector named Matthew sitting at his work table. Many people did not like tax collectors. Jesus simply said, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him. That night Matthew invited Jesus and his friends to eat at his house, and many other tax collectors and sinners came too. Some of the religious leaders grumbled about it.
Jesus answered them with a simple idea. People who are well do not need a doctor, but people who are sick do. He said he came to call sinners to turn back to God. Jesus also healed a girl who had died, and he healed a woman who had been sick for twelve years just by touching his clothes. Then he healed two blind men and a man who could not speak.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them, because they seemed lost, like sheep without a shepherd. He told his friends that there were many people ready to hear about God, but not enough workers to help them. So he asked his followers to pray that God would send more workers.
Read It Together
Matthew 9:2
Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus saw the faith of the man’s friends before he healed him. Ask children what it looks like to bring someone to Jesus with trust. Help them see that Jesus cares about both the body and the heart.
Matthew 9:9
As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
(WEB)
Show children how Jesus simply invited Matthew to follow him, and Matthew got up and went. Point out that Jesus called someone others had written off. Let children notice that Jesus’ invitation was personal and direct.
Matthew 9:36-38
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus felt compassion for the crowds because they seemed lost and tired. Point out his instruction to pray for workers. Encourage children that prayer is one of the ways they can help others come to know Jesus.
Talk About It
- What did the man’s friends do to help him get close to Jesus?
- Why do you think the teachers of the law were upset when Jesus forgave the man?
- How do you think Matthew felt when Jesus asked him to follow?
- Who are some people today who might feel like they are not welcome, and how can we welcome them?
- What is one way you can pray for the people around you this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Mat and Stretcher Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have children draw a simple bed or mat and a picture of the man standing up and walking. Let them add a few friends carrying the mat. Talk through the story as they draw, pointing out how the friends helped bring him to Jesus.
Follow the Leader Walk
Choose one child to be Jesus and have the rest of the class follow behind them, copying each movement. Stop now and then and ask the group to walk slowly and carefully, the way a shepherd leads sheep. Remind children that following Jesus means staying close to him and listening to his voice.
Prayer Card to Take Home
Give each child an index card or a folded piece of paper and a marker. Ask them to write or draw one person they would like to pray for this week, such as a friend or family member. Encourage them to place the card somewhere they will see it each day as a reminder to pray for that person.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that Jesus holds real authority over sickness, sin, and death, and that his welcome reaches people others would keep out. For adults, it also highlights how faith in Jesus is at the heart of coming to him, whether for healing or for forgiveness. The passage reminds us that the church’s mission begins with compassion for people who feel lost and tired.
Avoid suggesting to children that if they have enough faith, they will always be healed or that sickness is a punishment for sin. The text shows Jesus healing some people, but it does not teach that every illness will be healed in this life. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and his power, and let children know that God hears their prayers.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you that you can heal, forgive, and call people to follow you. Help us to bring our friends to you with trust, and help us to be kind to everyone, even those others might leave out. Please send more workers to tell others about your love. Amen.
