Who Was Jesus? A Lesson for Kids

Jesus Christ is one of the most important figures in history, and learning about Him can be both fascinating and inspiring for kids.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone interested in sharing this story, this guide will help you explain who Jesus was in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.

Let’s dive into the life and teachings of Jesus!

Introduction to Jesus

Jesus Christ is central to Christianity and is also respected in other religions.

He lived over 2,000 years ago in a region called Judea, which is now part of Israel and Palestine.

Jesus’ life and teachings are recorded in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament.

He is known for his messages of love, kindness, forgiveness, salvation and the Kingdom of God.

Early Life of Jesus

Birth and Childhood

Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
His mother was Mary, and his earthly father was Joseph.
His birth is celebrated every year on Christmas.
According to the Bible, his birth was miraculous because Mary was a virgin.

Growing Up in Nazareth

Jesus grew up in a town called Nazareth.
As a child, he learned carpentry from Joseph.
He was known for his wisdom, even at a young age.
There’s a story in the Bible where Jesus, at the age of 12, amazed the teachers in the Temple with his understanding.

Jesus’ Teachings

Love and Kindness

Jesus taught people to love one another.

One of his famous sayings is, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

He helped many people, healing the sick and feeding the hungry.

Forgiveness

Jesus often spoke about forgiveness.

He said,

“Forgive others, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

One of the most famous stories is about a woman who was caught doing something wrong.

People wanted to punish her, but Jesus said,

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).

No one did because they all knew they had made mistakes too.

Parables

Jesus often used parables, which are simple stories that teach a lesson.
One popular parable is the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
It’s about a man who helps someone in need, even though others passed by without helping.
The lesson is to be kind and help others, no matter who they are.

Miracles of Jesus

Healing the Sick

Jesus performed many miracles.
He healed people who were blind, deaf, or couldn’t walk.
One story tells how he healed a man who had been blind from birth (John 9:1-12).

Feeding the Hungry

Jesus once fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21).
This miracle showed his compassion and his ability to provide for people’s needs.

Walking on Water

Jesus walked on water to reach his disciples who were in a boat (Matthew 14:22-33).
This miracle showed his power over nature and reassured his disciples to have faith.

The Last Supper and Crucifixion

The Last Supper

Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples, called the Last Supper.
During this meal, he talked about his upcoming death and shared bread and wine, which Christians remember in the ceremony of Communion.

Crucifixion and Resurrection

Jesus was arrested and crucified, which means he was nailed to a cross.
Christians believe he died to save people from their sins.
Three days after his death, Jesus rose from the dead, an event known as the Resurrection.
This is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Jesus’ Impact Today

Christian Faith

Jesus’ teachings form the foundation of Christianity.
Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and follow his teachings.
Churches around the world celebrate his life, death, and resurrection.

Moral and Ethical Influence

Jesus’ messages of love, kindness, and forgiveness continue to inspire people.
His teachings encourage helping others and living a life of compassion.

Fun Activities to Learn About Jesus

Storytime

Read Bible stories about Jesus, like the Good Samaritan or the Feeding of the 5,000.
Use children’s Bible books with pictures to make it more engaging.

Crafts and Activities

Create a “Love Your Neighbor” poster with drawings of kind actions.
Make a simple craft representing one of Jesus’ miracles, like fish and bread for the Feeding of the 5,000.

Role-Playing

Act out parables and stories from Jesus’ life.
This can help kids understand the lessons in a fun and interactive way.

Conclusion

Learning about Jesus can be a rewarding experience for kids.

His life and teachings offer valuable lessons about love, kindness, and forgiveness.

By sharing stories, engaging in activities, and discussing his impact, you can help children understand who Jesus was and why he is important.

Remember, teaching kids about Jesus is not just about sharing facts but also about inspiring them to live with compassion and empathy.

FAQs about Jesus for Kids

1. Who was Jesus?

Jesus was a teacher, healer, and central figure in Christianity.

He lived over 2,000 years ago in Judea and is known for his messages of love, kindness, and forgiveness.

2. Where was Jesus born?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

3. Who were Jesus’ parents?

Jesus’ mother was Mary, and his earthly father was Joseph.

Christians believe that Jesus’ birth was miraculous because Mary was a virgin.

4. What kind of miracles did Jesus perform?

Jesus performed many miracles, including healing the sick, feeding thousands with a small amount of food, and walking on water.

5. What are some of Jesus’ most important teachings?

Jesus taught about love, kindness, and forgiveness.

He said to love your neighbor as yourself and to forgive others so you can be forgiven.

6. What are parables, and why did Jesus use them?

Parables are simple stories that teach moral or spiritual lessons.

Jesus used parables to make his teachings easier to understand.

7. What happened at the Last Supper?

The Last Supper was Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.

During this meal, He spoke about his upcoming death and shared bread and wine, which Christians remember in the ceremony of Communion.

8. What is the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection?

Jesus was crucified, meaning he was nailed to a cross and died.

Christians believe He died to save people from their sins.

Three days later, he rose from the dead, an event known as the Resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

9. How can kids learn more about Jesus?

Kids can learn about Jesus by reading Bible stories, participating in church activities, and engaging in fun crafts and role-playing that illustrate his teachings.

10. Why is Jesus important to Christians today?

Jesus’ teachings form the foundation of Christianity.

Christians believe he is the Son of God and that his messages of love, kindness, and forgiveness are timeless and continue to inspire people around the world.