How to Share Jesus with Children

Sharing Jesus with children is a rewarding and crucial task.

Kids are curious, open, and ready to absorb the lessons we teach them.

However, it can be challenging to know where to start.

This guide will help you share the love of Jesus with children in a way that’s engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Start with Stories

Children love stories, and Jesus’s life is full of amazing, true stories. Start with the basics:

Birth of Jesus:

Explain how Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Use a nativity scene to make it visual and engaging.

Miracles of Jesus:

Share stories of Jesus walking on water, feeding 5,000 people, and healing the sick.

These stories show Jesus’s power and compassion.

Parables of Jesus:

Stories like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son are easy for children to understand and offer profound lessons about kindness and forgiveness.

Tips for Storytelling:

Use a children’s Bible with colorful illustrations.
Act out the stories with puppets or toys.
Encourage kids to ask questions and express their thoughts.

Make It Interactive

Interactive learning keeps children engaged and helps them retain information.

Here are some activities:

Crafts:

Create crafts related to the stories.

For example, make a fish and loaves craft when discussing the feeding of the 5,000.

Songs:

Teach them simple, catchy songs about Jesus.

Music is a powerful tool for memory.

Games:

Use games to reinforce lessons.

For example, a treasure hunt with clues related to Bible stories.

Example Game:

A “Bible Verse Relay” where kids run to find parts of a verse and put them in the correct order.

It’s fun and educational!

Use Everyday Moments

Sharing Jesus isn’t limited to Sunday school or bedtime stories.

Look for everyday moments to weave in lessons about Jesus:

Nature Walks:

Talk about God’s creation and how Jesus taught using nature (like the Parable of the Sower).

Acts of Kindness:

When doing acts of kindness, explain how Jesus taught us to love and serve others.

Questions and Curiosity:

When children ask big questions about life, the world, or even small daily events, use these as opportunities to share what Jesus taught.

Practical Example:

If a child is upset because a friend was mean, you can talk about forgiveness and share the story of Jesus forgiving those who hurt him.

Be a Living Example

Children learn a lot by observing the adults around them.

Be a living example of Jesus’s teachings:

Show Love and Patience:

Display love, patience, and kindness in your daily interactions.

Pray Together:

Show them how to pray, give thanks, and ask for guidance.

Read the Bible:

Make Bible reading a regular part of your routine, showing that it’s a priority in your life.

Quote for Inspiration:

“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” – St. Francis of Assisi

Create a Supportive Environment

A supportive environment helps reinforce the lessons you teach about Jesus:

Church Attendance:

Regularly attend church and involve children in Sunday school or children’s church activities.

Christian Media:

Use books, movies, and music that share biblical values and stories.

Faith-Based Community:

Surround your family with a community that shares your faith.

This helps children see that faith is a shared and celebrated part of life.

Example Resources:

Books:

“The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones.

Movies:

“VeggieTales” series.

Music:

Songs by artists like Chris Tomlin or Hillsong Kids.

Encourage Questions and Discussions

Encourage children to ask questions and express their thoughts about Jesus and the Bible.

This fosters a deeper understanding and personal connection to their faith:

Open Dialogue:

Create an environment where no question is off-limits.

Age-Appropriate Answers:

Provide answers that are suitable for their age and understanding.

Continual Learning:

Show that learning about Jesus is a lifelong journey.

Story:

Once, a child asked, “Why did Jesus have to die?”

Instead of a complicated theological explanation, a simple answer like,

“Jesus died to show us how much He loves us and to take away our sins,”

can be more effective and understandable.

Reinforce with Repetition

Repetition helps children remember important lessons.

Reinforce key messages regularly:

Memory Verses:

Help children memorize short, impactful Bible verses.

Daily Devotions:

Set aside time each day for a short devotion.

Regular Prayer:

Pray with children daily, thanking Jesus for His love and asking for guidance.

Memory Verse Example:

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Celebrate Milestones

Celebrate spiritual milestones in your child’s life to show that their faith journey is important:

Baptism:

If your child decides to be baptized, make it a special, memorable event.

First Communion:

Celebrate their first communion with a family gathering and special prayer.

Prayer Journals:

Encourage them to keep a prayer journal and celebrate when they reach new goals or have prayers answered.

Practical Tip:

Create a “Faith Journey” scrapbook where children can add pictures, drawings, and notes about their spiritual milestones and experiences.

Conclusion

Sharing Jesus with children is a meaningful and fulfilling mission.

By using stories, making learning interactive, living by example, and creating a supportive environment, you can instill a lasting faith in the hearts of young ones.

Remember, it’s not about perfection but about planting seeds of faith and love that will grow over time.

Your efforts today can have eternal significance in the lives of the children you teach.

FAQs: How to Share Jesus with Children

1. Why is storytelling important when sharing Jesus with children?

Storytelling is crucial because it captures children’s imaginations and helps them remember important lessons.

Jesus’s life is full of engaging stories that are easy for kids to understand and relate to.

2. What are some effective ways to make learning about Jesus interactive?

Interactive methods include:

Crafts: Creating related crafts to reinforce lessons.
Songs: Teaching simple, catchy songs about Jesus.
Games: Using games to make learning fun and memorable.

3. How can I use everyday moments to teach children about Jesus?

Look for teachable moments in daily life, such as:

Nature Walks: Discussing God’s creation.
Acts of Kindness: Connecting kind acts to Jesus’s teachings.
Answering Questions: Using children’s curiosity to explain biblical principles.

4. What can I do to be a living example of Jesus’s teachings for children?

Show Love and Patience: Demonstrate Jesus’s love and patience in your interactions.
Pray Together: Incorporate prayer into daily routines.
Read the Bible: Make Bible reading a regular activity.

5. How can I create a supportive environment for children to learn about Jesus?

Church Attendance: Regularly attend church and involve children in church activities.
Christian Media: Use books, movies, and music that share biblical values.
Faith-Based Community: Surround your family with a community that shares your faith.

6. What should I do when children ask difficult questions about Jesus and the Bible?

Encourage Questions: Create an open environment where children feel comfortable asking questions.
Provide Age-Appropriate Answers: Give answers that are suitable for their age and understanding.
Foster Continual Learning: Show that learning about Jesus is a lifelong journey.

7. How can repetition help children remember lessons about Jesus?

Repetition reinforces key messages and helps with memory retention.

Methods include:

Memory Verses: Helping children memorize short Bible verses.
Daily Devotions: Setting aside time each day for devotionals.
Regular Prayer: Praying with children daily.

8. Why is it important to celebrate spiritual milestones in a child’s life?

Celebrating milestones like baptism, first communion, and other significant events shows children that their faith journey is important and valued.

It encourages them to continue growing in their faith.

9. Can you suggest some resources for sharing Jesus with children?

Books: “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones.
Movies: “VeggieTales” series.
Music: Songs by artists like Chris Tomlin or Hillsong Kids.

10. How do I start sharing Jesus with my child if I haven’t done it before?

Start simple:

Read Bible Stories: Begin with well-known stories of Jesus.
Pray Together: Incorporate short prayers into daily routines.
Attend Church: Get involved in a local church community and participate in children’s activities.

11. How can I make Bible reading interesting for children?

Use a Children’s Bible: Choose a Bible with colorful illustrations.
Interactive Reading: Act out stories or use props.
Encourage Participation: Let children ask questions and share their thoughts.

12. What if my child isn’t interested in learning about Jesus?

Be Patient: Faith takes time to grow.
Lead by Example: Show your own enthusiasm and commitment.
Make it Fun: Use games, songs, and interactive activities to make learning about Jesus enjoyable.

13. How do I deal with skepticism or resistance from older children?

Respect Their Views: Listen to their concerns and questions.
Provide Honest Answers: Give thoughtful, respectful responses.
Encourage Exploration: Suggest they explore faith through reading, attending youth groups, or talking with other believers.