Why It Matters to Teach Children About Jesus

A Heart-to-Heart Call for Christian Parents

Have you ever watched a toddler’s eyes light up when hearing a simple Bible story? That sparkle—when a child realizes Jesus loves them—is worth every extra minute of lesson prep and every colorful craft you cut on the kitchen table. Teaching kids about Jesus isn’t just a curriculum; it’s a holy adventure that shapes a child’s worldview, plants gospel seeds, and nurtures a relationship with God that can last a lifetime.

In Deuteronomy, parents are urged to talk about the Bible “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Whether you’re in the living room with toddlers dancing to worship songs or in the car with elementary kids quizzing each other on Sunday school memory verses, you’re fulfilling a divine assignment: to teach your children about Jesus in every moment.

• Family Devotions: Five minutes before bedtime, gather around and read a short Bible passage. Ask your kids—“What do you think Jesus wanted us to feel here?” Suddenly, family devotions transform from checkbox to cherished ritual.
• Everyday Worship: Turn folding laundry into a worship playlist session, or narrate a grocery run: “Thank You, Lord, for apples!” These little play-by-play prayers teach kids to see God’s hand in ordinary moments.

The Gospel Impact on Young Hearts

When children understand the core of the gospel—that Jesus died and rose again—they glimpse God’s unconditional love. Picture your child coloring a picture of the empty tomb or humming “Jesus Loves Me” while brushing their teeth. These snippets reflect a gospel-infused heart that will guide choices, build empathy, and string together a moral compass pointing to Christ.

• Empowered Confidence: Kids who memorize verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” grow resilient in face of bullies or anxieties about school performances.
• Compassionate Service: As children learn that Jesus served the least and the lost, they naturally reach out—sharing snacks, helping laundry, or praying for a friend—reflecting a genuine Christianity in action.

Age-Appropriate Approaches: From Toddlers to Teens

1. Toddlers (1–3 Years): Spark the Wonder

Toddlers are tiny explorers with big hearts. Keep it simple:

• Picture-Based Bible Stories: Durable board books showing Jesus’ birth, miracles, and love for children bring the gospel into chubby hands. Ask, “Can you find baby Jesus?” and watch their fingers point with delight.
• Action Songs: “Let the Little Children Come” becomes a movement game—arms open wide, spinning joyfully, reinforcing Jesus’ invitation.
• Sensory Lessons: A plush lamb to show Jesus as the Good Shepherd, or soft bread to recall the feeding of the 5,000—touchable props make truths stick.

2. Early Elementary (4–7 Years): Ignite Curiosity

Kids about Jesus at this stage crave interaction:

• Hands-On Crafts: Create a resurrection roll—marshmallow wrapped in dough—then watch it disappear in the oven like the empty tomb. Each bite sparkles with the story of Jesus’ victory over death.
• Memory Verse Magnets: Place Proverbs or Gospel snippets on the fridge. Each day, challenge your child: “Can you recite John 3:16?” Then celebrate with high-fives.
• Q&A Time: Encourage questions—“Why did Jesus die?”—answer simply: “To rescue us from sin.” Revisit answers in Sunday school or during family devotions, reinforcing understanding.

3. Upper Elementary (8–11 Years): Foster Ownership

Children in this stage are ready to own their faith:

• Interactive Bible Studies: The YouVersion Bible App’s kid plans, plus Focus on the Family devotion kits, guide them through gospel themes. Let them lead a short segment, teaching younger siblings or babysitting the toddler Bible time.
• Parable Performances: Act out the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son. As kids play each role, they step into the story, grasping God’s unconditional love firsthand.
• Faith Journals: A colorful notebook where they jot prayers, doodle Jesus’ miracles, or write answers to prompts like “Where do you see God’s love today?”

4. Preteens & Teens (12+ Years): Equip and Send

Preteens and teens hunger for authenticity and purpose:

• Deep Dives into Sermon on the Mount: Read Matthew 5–7 together. Ask, “What would ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ look like in your classroom?” Encourage them to sketch real-life applications.
• Peer Mentorship: Pair them with an older teen or college student from AWANA or children’s ministry. Honest conversations about doubts, sin and death, and the power of prayer build solid faith foundations.
• Community Service Projects: Designing simple care kits for nursing homes or inviting classmates to AWANA teaches “love in action”—living out Jesus’ call to serve.

Core Teachings: Centering on Jesus

The Gospel Story: Jesus Came, Died, and Rose

• Jesus Came to Earth: Read John 1:14—“The Word became flesh.” Ask kids to imagine heaven meeting earth in baby Jesus.
• Jesus Died and Rose: Craft a visual timeline: Last Supper (shared snack), Garden of Gethsemane (quiet time candle), Crucifixion (paper cross), Empty Tomb (paper plate roll). Each symbol anchors the gospel truth.

Jesus’ Teachings and Miracles

• Miracles: Healing the blind (sticky-screen goggles), calming the storm (water tray), feeding crowds—interactive play helps kids about Jesus see real-life compassion.
• Parables: The mustard seed to illustrate kingdom of heaven; feed kids tiny seeds to plant, then connect growth with faith growth.

Relational Faith: Prayer and Presence

• Prayer Practices: Teach the Lord’s Prayer, then spur spontaneous prayers—“God, help me share my snack today.” Use a prayer jar for family requests.
• Holy Spirit’s Role: Demonstrate the Spirit’s guiding presence—light a candle and discuss how the flame is like God’s unseen but powerful presence in our hearts.

God’s Unconditional Love

• Prodigal Son and Zacchaeus Stories: Role-play forgiveness and grace. Ask children to draw themselves in the story—will they be the forgiving father or the grateful son?
• Letter to Jesus: Encourage writing a “Dear Jesus” note: thanks, questions, or dreams. Personal reflections deepen the relationship.

Living Out Faith Daily

• Scenario Discussions: “What would Jesus do if your friend is upset?” Role-play compassionate responses.
• Service as Worship: Simple acts—helping a neighbor, praying for a sibling—underscore that following Christ is both belief and action.

Practical Resources: Tools for Families and Teachers

• Focus on the Family Devotion Kits: Structured family devotions with crafts, memory verses, and discussion questions.
• Children’s Ministry Partnerships: Coordinate home lessons with Sunday school themes. Ask your Sunday school teacher to share class snack ideas (“loaves and fishes” fish crackers) and simple greeting routines.

Tackling Tough Questions and Concerns

• Sin and Death Explained: Describe sin as choosing our way over God’s way; death as the result of sin. Always point back to the solution—Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
• Science and Scripture: When teens ask “What about evolution?” introduce apologetics resources from Educate For Life that marry faith and reason. Reinforce that all truth is God’s truth.
• Doubts and Discussions: Create a “curiosity corner” where kids can leave anonymous questions. Address them weekly with Scripture and honest dialogue.

Encouragement for Parents and Teachers

• Creative Memory Games: Verse scavenger hunts, songified verses, or verse stick drawings keep Scripture fresh and fun.
• Community Connection: Host a monthly family faith night with another household—rotate hosting duties and share prayer requests, snacks, and stories.
• Ongoing Training: Tap into Educate For Life’s parent workshops and Sunday school teacher training to sharpen your teaching skills and stay energized.

Conclusion

Teaching kids about Jesus is a delightful mix of storytelling, messy crafts, heartfelt prayers, and everyday worship moments. Each Bible story read, each verse memorized, and each prayer whispered builds a faith legacy. 

At Educate For Life, we’re passionate about equipping you—Christian parents, Sunday school teachers, and children’s ministry leaders—with resources, training, and a community that celebrates every step of this journey. Ready to spark a lifelong love for Jesus in your kids? Contact us today, and let’s walk this adventure together!