Jesus Stories 12-Week Children's Ministry Curriculum

Jesus Teaches Us the “Hows and Whys” of God's Kingdom

Parables are stories that Jesus used to teach people about the Kingdom of God. Through these simple stories, we receive an understanding of the nature of our loving God and wisdom on how to live our lives for him.

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Jesus Stories Lessons Overview

Weeks 1-6 Memory Verse: 

“Lord, show me your ways. Teach me how to follow you.” Psalm 25:4 (NIRV)

Weeks 1-6 Lessons:

How to Build a House

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27, The Wise and Foolish Builders

Two houses: one built on solid rock, the other on sand. It's easy to understand which house would stand up to the storm. In our lives, there will always come obstacles, troubles, and storms. When we build our lives on Jesus, we can withstand whatever challenges come our way.

Objective: Kids will say “I will build my life on Jesus.” 

How to Travel

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, The Story of the Good Samaritan 

Samaritans and Jews were enemies, but the Samaritan in this story loved and cared for a Jewish man like a neighbor and brother. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, and we should travel through life treating each person we meet like a neighbor.

Objective: Kids will say “I will love my neighbors. Everyone I meet is my neighbor.” 

How to Stay Awake

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, The Story of the Ten Virgins

When the bridegroom showed up, some of the women were ready for him and some of them weren't. Jesus is coming back some day to take us to heaven with him. We wanted to always be ready by following him and obeying him.

Objective: Kids will say “I will live for Jesus because I know he's coming back some day.”  

How Not to Be a Farmer

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9 & Matthew 13:18-23, The Story of the Sower

The farmer in this story tosses his seeds all over, even onto ground that he knows isn't good. The word of God is available to all, but not everyone receives it the same way. We should seek to have soft hearts that will take in God's word and let it grow into something great. 

Objective: Kids will say “I want to have a heart that accepts God's word.” 

How to Play “Hide and Go Sheep”

Scripture: Luke 15:3-7, The Story of the Lost Sheep

The shepherd in this story goes to great lengths to recover his lost sheep. Sometimes we may feel lost and far from God, but we must remember that Jesus seeks after us and longs to “bring us home.” 

Objective: Kids will say “Even when I feel lost, I know that Jesus looks after me.”  

How to Waste Your Life

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, The Story of the Lost Son

The son in this story thought life would be better if he went off and did his own thing. When he finally realized that he needed to be home, his father welcomed him back with open arms. Without God, we will always fall into a life of sin and death. When we realize how much we need God, he welcomes us home with joy and celebration. 

Objective: Kids will say “When I come to God, he welcomes me with joyful celebration.”

Weeks 7-12 Memory Verse:

“Guide me in your truth. Teach me. You are God my Savior. I put my hope in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5 (NIRV) [The 2 MVs for this series are consecutive verses, so perhaps for the final week or two, kids can work on saying them together.]

Weeks 7-12 Lessons:

Why You Shouldn't Complain 

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, The Story of the Unmerciful Servant

Even though he had been forgiven a great debt, the servant in this story complained and got angry when someone else couldn't repay his small debt. God wants us to forgive others – and not complain – remembering how much greater is the forgiveness God gives to us. 

Objective: Kids will say “Jesus, you have forgiven me some much; help me to forgive others.” 

Why You Should Complain

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, The Story of the Persistent Widow

The judge in this story wasn't very good, but the widow persisted in her request until he finally did the right thing. God, who is very good indeed, wants us to come to him with our requests and concerns. He knows what we need and gives us his best. 

Objective: Kids will say “Jesus, you hear my prayers and give good gifts.”  

Why We Should Celebrate the Small Things

Scripture: Mark 4:30-32, The Story of the Mustard Seed

Even though a mustard seed is small, it grows into a very large bush. God can take our faith, however little it may be, and grow us into mighty followers of Jesus. 

Objective: Kids will say “Jesus, take my faith and make it grow.” 

Why We Should Celebrate Big Time

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24, The Story of the Great Banquet 

When the invited guests refused to come to the big banquet, the host opened up the invitation to everyone! God's kingdom is open to everyone; we just have to be willing to come to Him. 

Objective: Kids will say “Jesus, your kingdom is available to everyone that follows you.” 

Why You Shouldn't Bury Treasure

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, The Story of the Bags of Gold

When the master gave money to his servants to watch over, two of them used the money and it grew into more money but one servant buried the money away. God has given each of us talents and abilities. When we use those abilities to serve God, they grow and accomplish many things. God does not want us to hide our talents away but use them to serve him. 

Objective: Kids will say “Jesus, I will use my talents and abilities to serve you.”  

Why You Should Dig for Treasure

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46, The Stories of the Great Treasures

The man in this story digs for treasure, finds it, and gives up everything he has to possess it. When we find Jesus and God's kingdom, we should be willing to give our all to have it; just like Jesus gave up his very life in order to have us.

Objective: Kids will say “Jesus, I will give my all to you because you gave your all to me.”

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• Make It Stick! Parent Sheet - so you can let mom and dad know what kids are learning each week and look like a rockstar teacher who's thought of everything.
• Memory Verse - so that you can make sure kids are getting Scripture in their minds and hearts every single week and you can feel like each lesson was a success even when it seems like 90% of your lesson time is spent saying things like "calm down", "let's be quiet", "hands to yourself!"
• Skit or Puppet Show - so you have a way to connect the lesson with your hands-on and visual learners easily. No drama team? No problem! Just hand the script to the kids. They'll have a blast and think you're the coolest.
• Craft Activity - so you can give kids a physical reminder of the Bible lesson (and give yourself an activity to keep them busy until mom and dad come back!)
• Game - so kids don't leave and say church was BORING! Games are so important to help keep kids engaged. Our large group games always include a "What's The Point" section to help you connect the game to the lesson.
• Large Group Lesson - so you can present the Bible story in a clear and fun way, which means now you can enjoy Saturday nights instead of stressing over putting a lesson together!
• Small-Group Discussion - so you can find out who was paying attention and who was talking to their neighbor.  Just kidding, this is a great way for you to build deeper relationships with your kiddos after each lesson, which means you're going to care about them so much you'll cry like a baby when they graduate and go to middle school :(
• More! - Yes, there is even more than all of that so that you can easily put together the perfect lesson for your ministry each weekend, which means no more agonizing over how to adjust complicated lesson plans. 

About This Curriculum:

• Perfect for kids ages 6-12
• 12-weeks
• Includes large group and small group resources
• This curriculum is an instant download
• Download a free sample here

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Guaranteed to Be Awesome!