This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the King God chose, and that God keeps every promise he makes. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God made a promise about a King, and he always keeps his promises. Jesus is that King, and he sits in the place of honor next to God.
Memory Verse
Psalm 110:1
The LORD says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”
(WEB)
Have the children place one hand on their heart, then slowly raise it and point it up to the ceiling as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting slower each time, so the words sink in.
The Story: Psalm 110 for Kids
A long time ago, King David wrote a song about a special King who would come one day. David called this King “my Lord,” which was a surprising thing for a king to say about someone who would come later. The song was a promise, and David knew that God does not forget his promises.
In the song, God the Father speaks to this King. He says, “Sit at my right hand.” Sitting at someone’s right hand was a place of great honor and trust. It meant this King would share in God’s power and be treated as very important.
God also promised that the King would have a strong rod, which was a symbol of rule and power. His people would come to him gladly, like soldiers who volunteer to serve a leader they love. Even the morning dew was used in the song to show how fresh and full of life this King would be.
God made one more promise that surprised everyone. He said this King would be a priest forever, like a very old and mysterious priest named Melchizedek. God does not change his mind, so this promise would always stand. The people who heard the song learned that God had a plan that would last longer than any king on earth.
The song ends with a picture of God giving the King victory over every enemy. Even the people who fought against God would one day be defeated, and the King would be strong and victorious. David’s song tells us that God is in control, even when the world seems messy.
Read It Together
Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn, and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God made a promise that does not change. Point out the words “will not change his mind” and ask them to think about a time when someone kept a promise to them.
Psalm 110:7
He will drink of the brook on the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
(WEB)
Explain that this verse shows the King resting and being refreshed along the way. Point out that even the strongest King needs care, and remind the children that God takes care of his people too.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God chose to make a special King who would sit in the place of honor?
- What does it tell you about God that he keeps every promise he makes?
- Who do you think David was talking about when he called the King “my Lord”?
- How would you feel if you knew God was always in control, even when things feel scary?
- What is one way you can show respect to the King who sits at God’s right hand?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw and cut out a simple paper crown, then decorate it with gold and bright colors. As they work, ask them to write or draw one word that describes the King from Psalm 110, such as strong, honored, or faithful.
Right Hand Honor Game
You will need a open space and a few chairs. Set up two chairs side by side and have one child sit in the chair on the right, which is the place of honor. Let the other children take turns giving the seated child a “job” to do, like pretending to rule a kingdom or waving to the crowd, to show how the King is trusted and honored.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards and a pen. Write the words “God keeps his promises” on each card and have the children decorate them. Encourage them to place the card where they will see it each morning, such as on a bedroom mirror or by the breakfast table, and to talk about it with their family during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 110 is one of the most important prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament. The New Testament writers point to this psalm when they describe Jesus sitting at God’s right hand and serving as a priest forever. It shows that God’s plan for the King was in place long before Jesus came.
Avoid overstating the details of Melchizedek with children, since the passage is brief and the mystery of that figure can confuse young listeners. Focus on the simple truth that God keeps his promises and that Jesus is the King he chose.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you for keeping every promise you make. Thank you for sending Jesus, our King, who sits in the place of honor beside you. Help us trust you and remember that you are always in control. Amen.
