How to Tell Your 7-Year-Old About Jesus

Telling your 7-year-old about Jesus can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

This age is a wonderful time to introduce them to the story of Jesus, as their curiosity and imagination are at a peak.

Here’s a guide to help you share this important message with your child in a way that’s simple, clear, and engaging.

Start with the Basics

Who is Jesus?

Begin by explaining who Jesus is.

Keep it simple:

“Jesus is a very special person who lived a long time ago. He is God’s son and taught people how to love and be kind to each other.”
“He did many amazing things and helped a lot of people.”

Why is Jesus Important?

Explain why Jesus is important in your faith:

“Jesus is important because he shows us how to live a good life and how to love others.”
“He taught us about God’s love and how we should treat each other.”

Use Stories

Kids love stories, and the Bible is full of them.

Choose a few key stories that highlight Jesus’ life and teachings:

Jesus’ Birth

“There was a young woman named Mary who was chosen by God to be Jesus’ mother. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem because there was no room for them in the inn. Shepherds and wise men came to visit Him, bringing gifts.”

Jesus’ Miracles

Share simple miracle stories, like:

Feeding the 5,000:

“One day, Jesus fed a huge crowd of people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Everyone had enough to eat, and there were even leftovers!”

Healing the Sick:

“Jesus made many sick people well again. He helped a blind man see and made a paralyzed man walk.”

Jesus’ Teachings

Highlight some of Jesus’ teachings:

Love Your Neighbor:

“Jesus taught us to love others just like we love ourselves. He said we should be kind and help each other.”

The Golden Rule:

“Jesus said, ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ It means treating people the way you want to be treated.”

Answering Tough Questions

Your child may have questions.

Be ready to answer them honestly and simply.

Why Did Jesus Die?

“Jesus died on the cross because he loves us very much. He wanted to take away all the bad things we do, called sins, so we can be close to God.”

What Happened After Jesus Died?

“After Jesus died, he came back to life three days later. This is called the Resurrection. It shows that God’s love is stronger than anything, even death.”

Use Visuals and Activities

Children learn best through visuals and hands-on activities.

Consider these ideas:

Picture Books

Find children’s books about Jesus with colorful illustrations.

Some popular ones include:

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
My First Bible Stories by Parragon Books

Crafts

Create crafts that relate to the stories you’ve told:

Nativity Scene:

Make a simple nativity scene with paper or playdough.

Fish and Loaves Basket:

Craft a basket with paper fish and loaves to remember the miracle of feeding the 5,000.

Songs

Songs are a great way to remember stories and teachings.

Sing simple songs like:

“Jesus Loves Me”
“This Little Light of Mine”

Make It Personal

Share Your Own Experiences

Tell your child why Jesus is important to you.

Share personal stories of how Jesus has helped you or guided you in your life.

Pray Together

Teach your child simple prayers.

You can pray together before meals, at bedtime, or whenever you feel it’s appropriate.

Here’s a simple prayer to start with:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and teaching us how to be kind. Help us to follow your example and love others. Amen.”

Attend Church

If you’re part of a church community, bring your child to services and Sunday school.

Being part of a community helps reinforce what you’re teaching at home.

Be Patient and Encouraging

Encourage Questions

Let your child know it’s okay to ask questions.

Answer them patiently and honestly.

If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so and suggest finding out together.

Celebrate Small Steps

Celebrate your child’s interest and participation in learning about Jesus.

Praise them for their curiosity and any effort they make to understand.

Conclusion

Talking to your 7-year-old about Jesus is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time event.

Use simple language, tell engaging stories, and share your own experiences.

Be patient, encouraging, and open to questions.

Through your love and guidance, your child will begin to understand and appreciate who Jesus is and why He is important.

Remember, this journey is about planting seeds of faith that will grow over time.

You’re laying a foundation that will support your child’s spiritual growth for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I start talking to my child about Jesus?

Start with simple explanations about who Jesus is and why He is important.

Use basic language and relate it to concepts your child already understands, like kindness and love.

Q: What stories about Jesus are best for a 7-year-old?

Stories about Jesus’ birth, miracles, and teachings are great for this age.

Consider stories like His birth in Bethlehem, feeding the 5,000, and His teachings about loving your neighbor.

Q: How can I make learning about Jesus fun for my child?

Use picture books, crafts, songs, and other engaging activities.

Visual aids and hands-on projects help make the stories more memorable and enjoyable.

Q: What if my child asks difficult questions about Jesus?

Answer honestly and simply.

It’s okay to say you don’t know and suggest finding out together.

Encourage your child to keep asking questions and exploring their faith.

Q: How can I incorporate learning about Jesus into our daily routine?

Pray together before meals and at bedtime, read Bible stories regularly, and attend church services or Sunday school.

Making it a part of your daily life helps reinforce what they learn.

Q: How can I explain the concept of Jesus dying on the cross to my child?

Explain that Jesus died because He loves us and wanted to take away our sins so we can be close to God.

Keep the explanation simple and focus on the love and sacrifice involved.

Q: What are some good resources for teaching my child about Jesus?

Look for children’s Bibles and storybooks, such as The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones or My First Bible Stories by Parragon Books.

These resources are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate.

Q: How can I encourage my child to ask questions about Jesus?

Create an open and welcoming environment for discussions about faith.

Let your child know it’s okay to ask any question and that you’ll explore the answers together.

Q: What if I’m not sure how to answer my child’s questions about Jesus?

It’s perfectly fine to admit if you don’t know an answer.

Use it as an opportunity to learn together.

You can look up answers in the Bible, ask your pastor, or read books on the topic.

Q: How do I share my personal faith experiences with my child?

Share simple stories about how Jesus has impacted your life.

Explain why He is important to you and how His teachings have guided you.

Personal stories help make the message more relatable.

Q: Should I take my child to church to learn more about Jesus?

Yes, attending church services and Sunday school can provide a supportive community and additional learning opportunities.

It helps reinforce what you’re teaching at home.

Q: How can I celebrate my child’s interest in learning about Jesus?

Praise their curiosity and participation.

Celebrate small milestones and encourage their efforts to understand and apply Jesus’ teachings in their daily life.

Q: What prayers can I teach my child?

Start with simple prayers like:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and teaching us how to be kind. Help us to follow your example and love others. Amen.”
“Thank you, Jesus, for our family and friends. Please watch over us and help us to be kind and loving. Amen.”

Teaching your child to pray helps them develop a personal relationship with Jesus.

Q: How do I explain the Resurrection to my child?

Explain that after Jesus died, He came back to life three days later.

This is called the Resurrection, and it shows that God’s love is stronger than anything, even death.

Keep the explanation simple and focus on the positive message of love and hope.