This lesson teaches children that God is making everything new and that he will live with his people forever with no more crying or pain. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
God is making all things new, and one day he will live with his people, wiping away every tear.
Memory Verse
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your eyes, then slowly open them wide, like wiping away tears and then smiling. Do this each time you say the verse together so children connect the words with the picture of God caring for them.
The Story: Revelation 21 for Kids
John was an old man who loved Jesus very much. He was on an island called Patmos, far from his friends, and God gave him a special vision. In the vision, John saw a brand new heaven and a brand new earth. The old ones had passed away, and even the sea was gone.
Then John saw a beautiful city coming down out of heaven from God. It was called New Jerusalem, and it was dressed up like a bride on her wedding day. The city was shining with God’s glory, and its walls were covered with sparkling jewels like jasper, sapphire and emerald.
A loud voice called out from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now with people. He will live with them, and they will be his people.” The voice said God would wipe away every tear from their eyes. There would be no more death, no more crying, and no more pain.
Then God said, “Look, I am making all things new.” God told John to write these words down because they are faithful and true. Everyone who trusts God will receive the gift of living water and will belong to him forever.
John also saw that the gates of the city were never shut, because there was no night there. God’s own light filled the city, and the Lamb was its lamp. Everyone who was written in the Lamb’s book of life could walk in and be welcomed home.
Read It Together
Revelation 21:1-2
1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
(WEB)
Point out that God makes everything new, and that the holy city comes down from heaven like a bride getting ready for her husband. Ask children what they think a brand new world would look like.
Revelation 21:22-23
22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. 23 The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
(WEB)
Show that God himself is the light of the city, so the children will never need the sun or the moon. Explain that being close to God is the best place to be, because he is always with us.
Revelation 21:27
There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
(WEB)
Explain that only those who trust Jesus are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Stress that God invites everyone to trust him, so children can know they are welcome.
Talk About It
- What do you think it will feel like when God wipes away every tear from your eyes?
- Why did God say he was making all things new, and what things would you like to see made new?
- How would you describe the holy city to a friend who has never seen a picture of it?
- Why is it good to know that God himself is the light that shines in the city?
- What can you do this week to show someone that you want to be with God forever?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Holy City
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few pieces of foil or glitter glue for sparkle. Ask each child to draw a tall city with twelve gates and a bright light shining from the center. Let them add the jewels that John described, such as a green emerald or a purple amethyst, and talk about what each one might look like.
New Things Movement Game
Clear a space in the room and tell the children that when you call out something old, they should act it out and then “make it new.” For example, call out “old shoes,” and they tie on new shoes with a big smile. Finish by having everyone cover their eyes with their hands, then open them slowly to show the new world God promises.
Take-Home Tear Card
You will need a small card, a pen and a sticker or a dot of paint. On one side of the card, have each child write Revelation 21:4 with help as needed. On the other side, they draw a happy face with a tear wiped away. Encourage them to keep the card on their nightstand and say the verse before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a picture of the final hope of Christians: God dwelling with his people, death and pain removed, and creation restored. It is written in highly symbolic language, so the details of the city are best read as a picture of God’s glory and faithfulness rather than a literal blueprint. The chapter ends with an invitation, reminding us that all who trust in the Lamb are welcome.
With children, avoid overstating what the future city will look like in exact detail, since the text is full of symbols and the children may later become confused by the measurements or the jewels. Instead, focus on the simple truth that God is making things new and that he wants to be with his people.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you for making all things new and for promising to live with us. Thank you that you will wipe away every tear and that there will be no more pain. Help us trust you and love you now, so that we can be with you forever. Amen.
