Lesson: Hebrews 5:3 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Hebrews 5:3 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Hebrews 5:3, it talks about how priests had to offer sacrifices for their own sins and for the people's sins. Think of it like this: Imagine you accidentally break your friend's favorite toy. Before saying sorry to your friend, you might feel bad and want to make things right. In the Bible, priests were like the ones who helped people say sorry to God for their mistakes. But before they could do that, they needed to ask for forgiveness for their own mistakes too.

Just like when you feel sorry, say sorry, and try to make things right with your friend, priests had to do the same for the people and themselves with sacrifices. This verse helps us understand that even those who help others need forgiveness too. It reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, but we can always ask God for forgiveness and try to do better next time.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time in a cozy village, there was a young lamb named Lily. Lily loved to help others and always tried to do good deeds. One day, the village elder explained to Lily that in order to truly help others, she must first take care of herself.

Lily was puzzled. The elder shared the verse from Hebrews 5:3, explaining that just like how the priest had to make sacrifices for his own sins before helping others, Lily needed to ensure she was kind and loving to herself before spreading kindness to others.

Lily realized that taking care of herself meant being patient, forgiving, and gentle. From that day on, she made sure to treat herself with love and compassion. And as she did, she noticed her ability to help others grew stronger and more meaningful. Lily learned that by loving herself, she could love others even more.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to be our sacrifice for our sins. Help us to remember that Jesus took our place so we can be forgiven and have a close relationship with you. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think it was important for the high priest in the Bible to offer sacrifices for his own sins before offering them for the people?
2. How do you think offering sacrifices for his own sins helped the high priest understand the importance of seeking forgiveness and being humble before God?
3. Can you think of a time when you needed to ask for forgiveness for something you did wrong? How did it feel to seek forgiveness and make things right?
4. How do you think Jesus is different from the high priests in the Bible when it comes to offering sacrifices for sin?
5. Why do you think it is important for us to remember that Jesus offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins?

Life Application

In Hebrews 5:3, it talks about the responsibility of the high priest to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the sins of the people. For a child, this verse teaches us about taking responsibility for our actions. Just like the high priest had to make sacrifices, we need to own up to our mistakes and ask for forgiveness when we do something wrong.

At home, this can look like apologizing to a sibling if you hurt their feelings or helping out with chores without being asked. At school, it means admitting when you make a mistake and trying to make things right with your classmates. With friends, it's about being honest, kind, and treating others the way you want to be treated.

By applying the message of Hebrews 5:3 in your everyday life, you can grow in your relationship with God and with others by showing love, humility, and a willingness to make amends when needed.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand Hebrews 5:3 could be a role-playing game. Divide the children into groups and assign each group a scenario where they have to make choices that involve sacrifices. For example, one scenario could be a group of friends deciding who gets the last cookie - they have to sacrifice their own desire for the good of the group. After each scenario, discuss how sacrifices can benefit others and how Jesus ultimately sacrificed himself for our sins. This hands-on activity can help children grasp the concept of sacrifices in a practical and memorable way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When the priest comes to pray,
Sacrifices for sins he'll pay.
For himself and people too,
To God's love, they stay true.

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Hebrews 5:3 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about how God is our light and guide through difficult times, reminding us of His love and protection.

Another wonderful song is "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Kids. This song highlights the truth that we are chosen and loved by God, no matter what mistakes we may have made. It reminds us that we are precious in His sight, and He offers forgiveness for our sins.

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