Lesson: John 8:53 (Ages 9-11)

📖 John 8:53 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In this Bible verse, some people asked Jesus if He was greater than Abraham and the prophets because they had died, but Jesus was still alive. They were wondering who He thought He was.

Imagine you have a very old and wise great-grandparent whom everyone respects. Now, think of someone who is even more amazing and powerful than your great-grandparent. That's what these people were trying to ask Jesus.

Jesus is not just a regular person; He is the Son of God, sent to Earth to teach us about love and forgiveness. He is greater than anyone who has ever lived because He is divine.

So, when those people asked Jesus if He was greater than Abraham and the prophets, they were questioning His authority and who He claimed to be. Jesus used this opportunity to explain to them that He is the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they could have eternal life.

Just like how we look up to our wise great-grandparents, we should also look up to Jesus and follow His teachings with love and trust. He is not just a great man but the greatest of all because He is our Savior.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, a curious squirrel named Sammy asked the wise old owl, "Owl, are you wiser than our friend Mr. Oak, who has been here for generations?" The owl replied, "Sammy, wisdom comes from God, not from how long we've been around."

Sammy thought about this and asked, "But Owl, who do you think you are to say that?" The owl smiled and said, "I am just a messenger of God's wisdom, like the prophets of old."

Sammy realized that it's not about who we are or how long we've been around, but about listening to God's message and sharing it with others. Just like Jesus was greater than Abraham and the prophets because He brought God's message of love and salvation to everyone. And Sammy learned that true greatness comes from following God's teachings with a humble heart.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for being greater than anyone who has lived before us, like Abraham and the prophets. Help us to trust in you and know that you are greater than anyone else. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the people in this verse were questioning Jesus about being greater than Abraham and the prophets?
2. How do you think Jesus showed that He is greater than Abraham and the prophets?
3. What do you think it means to believe in someone even if they seem different or greater than those who came before them?
4. How can we learn to trust and follow Jesus, even when we might not fully understand who He is?
5. How does knowing that Jesus is greater than all who came before Him help you in your own faith journey?

Life Application

In John 8:53, some people questioned Jesus' authority and greatness compared to Abraham and the prophets. Children can apply this message in their lives by remembering that Jesus is greater than anyone who has ever lived. They can trust in Jesus' power and love, knowing that He is always with them.

At home, children can remember that Jesus is greater than any problem they may face. They can pray to Him for help and guidance in difficult situations. They can also show love and kindness to their family members, just as Jesus loves them.

At school, children can remember that Jesus is greater than any peer pressure or temptation. They can stand up for what is right and show kindness to others, even when it's hard. They can also share Jesus' love with their classmates by being a good friend and showing compassion.

With friends, children can remember that Jesus is greater than any disagreement or argument. They can forgive others and seek peace, just as Jesus forgives them. They can also share the message of Jesus' love with their friends, showing them the joy and hope that comes from knowing Him.

Craft or Activity

One creative activity to help children understand and remember the message of John 8:53 is to create a "Who Do You Think You Are?" identity collage. Provide children with magazines, newspapers, scissors, glue, and a piece of paper or poster board. Encourage them to cut out pictures and words that represent who they are or who they aspire to be.

After they have created their collages, explain to them how the religious leaders questioned Jesus' identity and authority in the Bible verse. Discuss how Jesus showed that He is greater than Abraham and the prophets because He is the Son of God. Encourage the children to reflect on their own identity in Christ and how they can follow Jesus as their ultimate example. This hands-on activity can help children engage with the Scripture verse in a meaningful and creative way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In John 8:53, the people questioned Jesus' worth,
Saying, "Are You greater than our father, who gave birth?
To our faith and beliefs, who died long ago,
And the prophets who followed, their wisdom did show."

But Jesus replied with love and with grace,
"I am the Son of God, sent to this place.
To bring light and truth, to show you the way,
Believe in Me, trust in Me, every single day."

Songs or Videos

One Christian song for kids that relates to the message of John 8:53 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about how Jesus is our lighthouse, guiding us through the storms of life and showing us the way. Another great song is "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Kids, which reminds us that our worth and identity come from being children of God. Both songs can help children understand that Jesus is greater than anyone who came before Him, including Abraham and the prophets.

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