Jesus Is My Friend Bible Lesson for Kids

Here is a fun Bible lesson for kids with this big idea: Jesus is my friend who loves me and helps me (Matthew 11:28–30 & John 15:15).

Supplies:

A large backpack (or duffel bag)
A variety of heavy objects (a rock, water bottle, hammer, notebook, etc.)
A name tag or small sign that says “Jesus”
Optional: a stuffed animal or doll to represent a “friend”

Read Matthew 11:28–30.

Ask: In your own words, tell me what does this Bible passage is telling us.

Say: “Let’s pretend this backpack is like life. Every day we carry around different things—feelings, problems, stuff we deal with at school or home.”

Start putting heavy items into the backpack, one at a time. With each one, say something like:

“This rock is when a friend says something mean.”
“This water bottle is when I feel left out at recess.”
“This hammer is when I mess up and feel guilty.”
“This notebook is when I’m worried about a test.”

Try to put the backpack on and act like it’s really heavy.

Say: “Wow! This is a lot to carry. It’s heavy! Life can feel like that sometimes. But guess what? Jesus is a really good friend who loves us and helps us. He doesn’t leave us to carry all this alone.”

Take out each item and say:

“Jesus comforts me when I am hurt.”
“Jesus accepts me when I feel rejected.”
“Jesus forgives me when I mess up.”
“Jesus gives me peace when I worry.”

The backpack is empty now. Hold it up.

Read John 15:5.

Say: “See? With Jesus as our friend, we don’t have to carry all this by ourselves. He helps us, loves us, and is always with us.”

Optional Discussion Questions:

What makes a good friend?
How can Jesus be our best friend ever?
What situations in your life could you ask for Jesus’s help?

Optional Game – Backpack Relay:
Kids race to put on a backpack, run to a table, remove an item (representing a burden), and tag the next person. Great way to reinforce the idea of “laying down burdens.”

Looking for Children’s Ministry Curriculum? Check out the…