Lesson: 1 John 2:23 (Ages 9-11)

📖 1 John 2:23 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

This Bible verse is like a special key that helps us understand something very important. It tells us that if someone says they don't believe in Jesus, who is God's Son, then they are also saying they don't believe in God the Father. It's like when you have a best friend, and someone says they don't like your friend, it might make you sad because you love your friend so much.

On the other hand, if we tell others that we believe in Jesus, it means we also believe in God the Father because Jesus is God's Son. It's like when you tell your friend how much you love your favorite toy, and your friend says they love it too. It makes you happy because you both share that special love for the same thing.

So, this verse is teaching us that when we believe in Jesus, we are also showing our love and belief in God the Father. It's like having a big, loving family where we all believe in and follow Jesus together. And that's a wonderful and special thing that brings us closer to God's love.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a wise owl named Oliver who lived in the forest. Oliver loved to teach the younger animals about the importance of believing in the Son of God, Jesus.

One day, a curious squirrel named Sammy asked Oliver why it was so important to believe in Jesus. Oliver opened his big book of wisdom and read 1 John 2:23 to Sammy. He explained that just like how a baby chick is always with its mother, those who believe in Jesus are also with God the Father.

Sammy understood that by believing in Jesus, he was showing love and trust in God. From that day on, Sammy made sure to always confess his faith in Jesus, knowing that it meant he also had a loving relationship with God the Father. And the forest was filled with joy and peace because of Sammy's strong faith.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be with us. Help us always believe in Him and share His love with others. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to deny the Son in this verse?
2. How can we confess the Son in our daily lives?
3. Why is it important to have a relationship with both Jesus (the Son) and God (the Father)?
4. How does knowing and believing in Jesus help us understand God the Father better?
5. How can we show our love for Jesus and God by confessing our faith in them?

Life Application

This verse from 1 John 2:23 reminds us that our relationship with God the Father is connected to our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. For children aged 9-11, they can apply this message in their daily lives by understanding the importance of believing in Jesus as their Savior.

At home, children can talk to their parents about their faith in Jesus and how it shapes their beliefs and actions. They can pray together as a family, thanking God for sending His Son to save them.

In school, children can share about Jesus with their friends in a loving and respectful way. They can show kindness and forgiveness, reflecting the love of Christ in their interactions with others.

With friends, children can be a positive influence by living out their faith and standing up for what they believe in. They can invite their friends to church or youth group to learn more about Jesus and His teachings.

By confessing their faith in Jesus and living according to His example, children can experience a deeper connection with God the Father and share His love with those around them.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a craft where the child can make a keychain or a bracelet using beads. Each bead can represent a part of the verse. For example, a bead with the letter "S" for Son, a bead with the letter "F" for Father, and a bead with the word "confess" or "deny." As they string the beads, you can explain the meaning of each part of the verse and how they are all connected. This hands-on activity can help them visualize and remember the message of 1 John 2:23 in a creative way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When you deny the Son, the Father you shun,
But when you confess, the Father you possess!
Remember this truth, from 1 John 2:23,
Believe in the Son, and the Father you'll see!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of 1 John 2:23 is "Jesus Is the Son of God" by Listener Kids. This song helps children understand and celebrate the truth that Jesus is the Son of God.

Another wonderful song is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. While not directly related to 1 John 2:23, this song speaks about how Jesus guides and protects us, emphasizing His importance in our lives as the Son of God.

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