This lesson teaches children that anyone who trusts Jesus and calls on his name is saved, whether they are Jewish or not. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the activity.
Big Idea
Jesus is Lord, and anyone who believes in him and calls on his name will be saved. Nobody is too far away or too small to be welcomed by God.
Memory Verse
Romans 10:9
That if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold one hand over their mouth and the other over their heart while saying the verse together. Then have them point up to the sky on the word “saved.” Repeat it three times, faster each time.
The Story: Romans 10 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who loved his Jewish friends very much. He wanted them to know Jesus. He prayed for them every day, asking God to save them. Paul knew that many of them worked very hard to please God, but they did not yet understand that Jesus had made a way for them to be made right with God.
Paul explained that God’s way was never meant to be hard to reach. He told the people that God’s message is near, like a word already in your mouth and already in your heart. You do not have to climb up into heaven or dig down into the deep to find it. Paul said, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Paul also taught that this good news is for everyone. There is no difference between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord of all, and he gives his kindness to every person who calls on him. Paul reminded the people that God says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
But Paul asked a question that made people think. How can someone call on a person they have never heard about? How can they hear about Jesus unless someone tells them? That is why messengers need to go and share the good news. Paul said the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful, because they carry peace to people who are waiting to hear it.
Paul also noticed that not everyone listened. Some people did not believe the message. Still, Paul said that faith grows when people hear the word of God. God’s hands were stretched out all day long, reaching for people who were turning away. God was never too far away to care.
Read It Together
Romans 10:13
For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
(WEB)
Point out the word “whoever.” Ask the children to say their own names in place of “whoever” and notice how big God’s welcome is.
Romans 10:14-15
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? 15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”
(WEB)
Show the children how this passage links believing, hearing, and sharing. Ask them who first told them about Jesus, and thank God together for those people.
Romans 10:17
So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(WEB)
Explain that faith grows when we listen to God’s word. Encourage the children to read the Bible or listen to it during the week, so their trust in Jesus can grow.
Talk About It
- What are some words you can say to tell someone that Jesus is your Lord?
- Who do you know who needs to hear about Jesus, and how could you tell them?
- Why do you think God wants everyone, not just some people, to be saved?
- What helps your faith in Jesus grow when you listen to God’s word?
- How can you show God’s kindness to someone who feels far away from him?
Activity Ideas
Heart and Mouth Bookmark
You will need cardstock or thick paper, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Have each child draw a large heart on one side and an open mouth on the other. Write the words “Jesus is Lord” across the heart and “I call on him” across the mouth. Children can decorate the bookmark and take it home to remember the verse.
Message Runner Game
You will need a small bell or a whistle, and a few pieces of paper with the words “Jesus is Lord” written on them. Place the papers at one end of the room. Call out a child’s name, and have them run to fetch a paper and carry it back to the group without dropping it. Then ask the group to say the message together. Explain that messengers carry good news to people who have not heard it yet.
Table Talk Card
You will need index cards and a pencil. Write one question on each card, such as “Who can I tell about Jesus this week?” Children take the cards home and read one question with their family at dinner. This helps the message travel beyond the classroom, just as Paul wanted the good news shared with everyone.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that salvation comes through trusting Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead, and that this offer is open to everyone. Paul’s heart for his own people makes clear that the gospel is not a private matter but something to be spoken and shared. The chapter also points to the importance of those who carry the message to others.
When teaching children, avoid overstating how quickly or easily faith comes, as if children can understand every detail of salvation fully. Keep the focus on the simple truth that Jesus is Lord and that God welcomes whoever calls on him, and let the children ask questions at their own pace.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that your good news is near us and open to everyone. Help us to believe in Jesus, to call on his name, and to share the good news with the people we love. Help our faith grow as we listen to your word. Amen.
