Introduction
Talking to young children about complex topics like faith can seem daunting. Parents and educators may worry about how to present the subject in a way that’s engaging, comprehensible, and true to the core tenets of Christianity. The challenge here is to capture the essence of who Jesus Christ is and what He came to do in words a child can understand without compromising on the substance. Here’s a guide that aims to help you do just that.
Who is Jesus?
Jesus is the Son of God
Begin by explaining that Jesus is the Son of God. You might say, “You know how you have a dad who loves you very much? Jesus’ dad is God, and He loves Jesus and all of us a lot too!” According to the Bible, Jesus is God’s “only begotten Son” (John 3:16). This simple phrase helps to establish Jesus’ unique relationship with God.
Jesus is Our Friend
Another way to talk about Jesus is to describe Him as our friend. Jesus Himself says, “I have called you friends” (John 15:15). Children understand the concept of friendship, so this can make Jesus feel more relatable and approachable to them.
Jesus is Like a Shepherd
The Bible often describes Jesus as a shepherd who looks after His sheep. You can say, “Just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, Jesus takes care of us.” This is derived from the passage where Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
To Teach Us About God
Explain to children that Jesus came to teach us more about God and how we should live. “He told us stories and taught us lessons about being kind, honest, and loving.” These teachings can be found throughout the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
To Show Us How to Live
One of the missions of Jesus was to serve as a role model. He led by example in how He treated others. “He helped sick people, was nice to everyone—even those who were not nice to Him—and always did what was right.” The Bible says, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
To Die For Our Sins
While this is a heavier topic, it’s a crucial part of understanding Jesus’ mission. “You know how sometimes you do something wrong, like maybe telling a lie? Jesus came to say it’s okay, and that if we say we’re sorry and try to do better, God will forgive us.” The Bible tells us that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). The crucifixion can be described as a great sacrifice Jesus made so that we could be friends with God forever.
What Happened After Jesus Died?
He Rose Again
This is the cornerstone of Christian belief. Children can understand the concept of Jesus coming back to life. You can say, “After He died, Jesus didn’t stay dead. He came back to life to show that He has power over everything, even death!” The Bible records, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
He Went Back to Heaven
After Jesus rose from the dead, He went back to be with God in heaven. “But before He left, He promised to send us a helper to be with us always.” This refers to the Holy Spirit, and the account is found in the Bible where Jesus says, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16).
How Can We Be Friends with Jesus?
Talk to Him Through Prayer
Children understand the concept of talking to someone to be friends with them. Explain that prayer is how we talk to Jesus and God. “You can talk to Him anytime, anywhere, about anything!”
Listen to His Words
Reading the Bible or listening to stories from it can help us understand what Jesus wants us to know and do. “It’s like reading a letter from Him!”
Be Kind and Loving
The final point to emphasize is that Jesus wants us to be kind and loving to everyone. You can quote the Golden Rule, which Jesus gave us: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12).
Conclusion
Explaining Jesus Christ and His mission to young children doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to use simple words and relatable analogies while staying true to the Bible’s teachings. By introducing Jesus as the Son of God, a friend, and a shepherd, you can make the Savior feel accessible to young hearts and minds. Furthermore, explaining why He came to earth and what happened after His death can lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith as the child grows. Finally, teaching them how to establish their own relationship with Jesus can set them on a lifelong path of faith and discipleship.
