JESUS IS A GOOD FRIEND OBJECT LESSON FOR KIDS

Here is a fun object lesson for children’s ministry, children’s church, or Sunday school based on Matthew 11:28-30 & John 15:15.

Big Idea: Jesus is a good friend who loves us and helps us.

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 this Bible passage is telling us.

Say: Let’s pretend this backpack is like life. Every day we carry around different things – feelings, problems, and 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. This is a great way to reinforce the idea of “laying down burdens.”

(End Lesson.)

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