Lesson: John 8:55 (Ages 9-11)

📖 John 8:55 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is telling some people that they don't really know God like He does. He says that if He were to say He didn't know God, He would be lying, just like those people who were disagreeing with Him.

Think of it like this: Imagine you have a best friend, and someone comes up to you and says they know your best friend better than you do. You would know in your heart that it's not true because you have a special connection and bond with your friend that no one else can have.

Jesus is telling us that He has a special, close relationship with God the Father because He is God's Son. He always does what God tells Him to do and follows God's teachings. This shows us how important it is to truly know God and obey His word, just like Jesus did.

Kid's Story

Once there was a curious squirrel named Sammy who loved to ask questions. One day, Sammy overheard two birds arguing about the sun. The first bird said, "I know the sun very well!" The second bird replied, "No, you don't! You're lying!"

Sammy scurried over and asked the first bird, "How do you know the sun?" The bird proudly chirped, "I see the sun every day and feel its warmth on my feathers." Sammy turned to the second bird and asked, "Why do you think he's lying?" The second bird hesitated and admitted, "I never thought about it that way. I apologize for calling you a liar."

Just like the birds, Jesus knew God deeply and followed His words faithfully. We can learn to know God better by reading the Bible and obeying His teachings, just like Sammy learned to see things from a different perspective.

Prayer Prompt

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing You and keeping Your word. Help me to know You more and follow Your teachings every day. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What does Jesus mean when He says, "You do not know Him, but I know Him" in this verse?

Why do you think Jesus says He would be a liar if He said He didn't know God?

How can we show that we know God and keep His word like Jesus did?

Why is it important to know God and keep His word, according to this verse?

What can we learn from Jesus about being truthful and knowing God in our own lives?

Life Application

This verse from the book of John reminds us that Jesus knows God the Father intimately and follows His teachings faithfully. Children can apply this message in their daily lives by seeking to know God better through reading the Bible, praying, and listening to their parents and teachers talk about God's love and guidance.

When facing challenges at home, school, or with friends, children can remember to trust in God's wisdom and follow His teachings by being kind, honest, and obedient. By keeping God's word in their hearts and living it out in their actions, children can be a light to others and honor God in all they do.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Truth Detective" badge craft! Have the children design and decorate their own detective badges using paper, markers, stickers, and glitter. Explain that just like detectives search for the truth, we can also seek the truth in God's word.

Encourage the children to write or draw ways they can keep God's word in their daily lives on their badges. This will help them remember the importance of knowing God and keeping His word, just like Jesus talked about in John 8:55. They can wear their badges as a reminder to always seek and follow the truth found in the Bible.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Let's remember John 8:55 today,
Jesus knows the Father in every way.
He keeps His word, He tells no lie,
In Him, we trust, He's always by our side.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of John 8:55 is "Trust and Obey." This hymn emphasizes the importance of knowing and obeying God's word just like Jesus did. Another wonderful song is "Thy Word" by Amy Grant, which highlights the power and truth of God's word in our lives. Both of these songs can help children understand the importance of knowing and keeping God's word in their hearts.

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