This lesson teaches children that God makes everything new and that Jesus is the one who welcomes us into his city forever. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few questions, and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is making all things new, and he invites everyone who trusts him to live with God forever in a beautiful city where there is no night and no sadness.
Memory Verse
Revelation 22:20
He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your chest like you are holding water, then open them wide as you say the last words out loud. Repeat the motion together three times so children link the words with a happy, hopeful gesture.
The Story: Revelation 22 for Kids
An angel showed John a river. The water was clear as crystal, and it came from the throne of God and the Lamb. The river flowed down the middle of a wide street in a glorious city. Nothing bad or broken was anywhere near it.
On each side of the river grew a tree of life. It gave fruit every month, twelve kinds of fruit in all. Its leaves were for healing the nations. Imagine a tree so full of goodness that it helps every family get well.
In this city, God’s servants would serve him and see his face. His name would be written on their foreheads, showing whose they were. There would be no night, because God himself would give them light. They would reign with him forever and ever.
The angel said, “These words are faithful and true.” Then Jesus spoke too, saying, “Look, I am coming soon.” He told everyone who listened to keep the words in this book. John was so amazed that he fell down to worship, but the angel gently said, “Don’t do that. Worship God.”
Jesus called himself the Alpha and the Omega, which means the first letter and the last letter, the beginning and the end. He invited anyone who was thirsty to come and take the water of life freely. The chapter ends with John and the Spirit calling out, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Read It Together
Revelation 22:1-2
1 He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
(WEB)
Point out the river and the tree that gives fruit every month. Ask children what they think it would feel like to eat fruit that never runs out, and remind them that God is the source of every good thing.
Revelation 22:5
There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
(WEB)
Show children how a room feels in the dark and then with a lamp on. Explain that in God’s city the Lord himself gives light, so nobody will ever be afraid of the dark again.
Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
(WEB)
Highlight the word “come” and the invitation for the thirsty. Tell children that Jesus is inviting them personally, and that water of life is a free gift they can simply receive.
Talk About It
- What do you think the city with the river and tree would look like?
- Why do you think God wants everyone to see his face and be with him?
- What is one thing you are looking forward to about living with God forever?
- How does it make you feel to know Jesus is coming back soon?
- What is one way you can tell someone about the water of life Jesus offers?
Activity Ideas
Paint a River and Tree of Life
Gather paper, blue and green paint or crayons, and a small paper cup for dipping. Have each child paint a wavy blue river down the middle of the page and draw a tree with twelve colorful fruits on either side. As they work, ask them to name one thing that makes the picture feel happy and safe.
Living Water Relay
You will need two cups, a bowl of water, and a small empty bowl at the far end of the room. Children carry a spoonful of water from the full bowl to the empty one, passing the spoon to a teammate after each trip. Afterward, say that Jesus offers living water freely, just as the teams shared their water with each other.
Take-Home Bookmark
Cut strips of colored cardstock and let children decorate them with stickers or markers. Write the words “Come, Lord Jesus” on each bookmark and encourage them to read it aloud at bedtime. Explain that the bookmark is a reminder to pray for Jesus to return and to thank him for his promise.
Teacher Notes
Revelation 22 closes the Bible with a vision of God’s people living in his presence, where sin, death, and darkness are gone. Adults can understand this as the completion of God’s promises from Genesis onward, with the tree of life returning to the garden picture and the city of God filled with his light. The chapter also gives a warning against changing the words of the book, which reminds us to receive scripture faithfully.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the vision, such as the exact shape of the city or the meaning of each number. Focus on the simple, certain truths: Jesus is coming, he gives living water freely, and God’s people will be with him forever. Let children wonder about the rest without pressing them to explain symbols they do not yet need to understand.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you for the river of life and the tree that gives healing. Help us to trust your promise that you are coming soon, and help us to be thirsty for you every day. Thank you for inviting us into your city forever. Amen.
