Thankful for Jesus
Lesson Title: “Thank You, Jesus!”
Bible Text: John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
Main Objective:
Teach children that Jesus is the greatest gift God has ever given us, and that we should live with thankful hearts because of His love, His death, and His resurrection.
1. Welcome & Opening (5 minutes)
Prayer
“Jesus, thank You for loving us so much. Thank You for dying for us and rising again. Help us understand Your love and be thankful every day. Amen.”
Song Options:
• “Jesus Loves Me”
• “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”
Motions:
• Point upward for “Jesus”
• Hug yourself for “love”
• Wave arms like water for “river”
2. Introduction: Why Do We Thank Jesus? (3 minutes)
Teacher says:
“Today we are going to learn about the greatest gift in the world — Jesus! God loved us so much that He gave His Son to save us. That’s why we say, ‘Thank You, Jesus!’”
Questions:
• “What are you thankful for today?”
• “How do you feel when someone gives you a very special gift?”
Explain:
“Jesus is the best gift because He gives us forgiveness, love, hope, and eternal life.”
3. Bible Story — The Cross & Resurrection (12 minutes)
Passages: John 19–20
Story Summary
Jesus loved us deeply
Jesus healed, helped, and taught everyone about God.Jesus died on the cross
Some people didn’t believe He was God’s Son.
They put Him on a cross.
Jesus died — but He died because He loved us and wanted to save us.Jesus was buried
His friends wrapped His body and placed Him in a tomb.
A very large stone covered the entrance.Surprise! Jesus is alive!
On the third day, Jesus rose again.
Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb was empty.
Jesus appeared to His friends — He was alive again!Jesus lives today
Jesus lives in heaven.
He hears us, loves us, and takes care of us.
Teaching Points
Jesus loves me more than anyone ever will.
Jesus died for me because I am important to Him.
Jesus lives — and that is the greatest gift of all.
4. Memory Verse (5 minutes)
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
Fun Ways to Memorize:
• Echo repetition: teacher says it, kids repeat.
• Actions:
“God” — point up
“Loved” — hug yourself
“World” — hands form a circle
“Gave His Son” — pretend to hand a gift
Practice quietly / loudly
5.Craft: “Purple Gratitude Heart for Jesus”
(Using your John 3:16 heart template)
Materials Needed
Printed heart template
Purple crepe paper
Glue stick or liquid glue
Scissors
Pencil (optional for rolling small balls)
Optional: Stickers, glitter, or extra decorations
This creates a beautiful, bright purple heart to show gratitude for Jesus.
Teaching Connection
As kids fill the heart, say:
“Purple reminds us of Jesus our King. And each little piece of paper represents our gratitude. When we thank Jesus for His love, our hearts become full — just like this heart becoming full of purple.”
6. Review & Questions (3 minutes)
What is the greatest gift God gave us?
✔ JesusWhy did Jesus die on the cross?
✔ To save us because He loves us.What happened on the third day?
✔ Jesus rose again.What is the memory verse?
✔ John 3:16What are you thankful to Jesus for?
✔ Children answer.
7. Weekly Challenge (2 minutes)
Challenge:
Tell a friend or family member this week why you are thankful for Jesus.
Examples:
• “I’m thankful because Jesus loves me.”
• “I’m thankful because Jesus died for me.”
• “I’m thankful because Jesus forgives me.”
8. Closing Prayer (2 minutes)
“Jesus, thank You for being the greatest gift.
Thank You for dying for us, rising again, loving us, and staying with us.
Help us remember to thank You every day.
Amen.”
🧰 Supplies for Today’s Craft!
White cardstock— [Amazon Link]
Purple crepe Paper — [Amazon Link]
Glue sticks— [Amazon Link]
Scissors— [Amazon Link]
Crayons— [Amazon Link]
Markers— [Amazon Link]
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