As Jesus launched his public ministry, he began to gather a group of disciples to learn from him and eventually share the good news with the world. This lesson is focused on John 1:43-51 where Jesus calls Phillip and Nathanael.
It is never too early to share with children that they have purpose and value in God’s eyes. Each and every individual is known by Him and chosen for special and specific purpose. This message aims to communicate to children the critical fact that God knows and loves them personally, and that He has a specific calling and plan for their lives. Kids can easily become confused or uncertain about things in this world, and being reassured of God’s love is important to boosting their confidence and identity. The optional object in this lesson uses simple beloved children’s toys to enhance understanding of what it means to have a plan and story in life.
More Teaching Ideas for John 1:43-51
- Watch our video demonstration of this children’s sermon on YouTube
- Don’t miss the related craft ideas and full Sunday School Lesson on John 1:43-51
- Compare the lesson on this passage from rfour.org
- Compare “Tell Your Friends about Jesus” from sermons4kids
Craft Demonstration
It is never too early to share with children that they have purpose and value in God’s eyes. Each and every individual is known by Him and chosen for special and specific purpose. These crafts celebrate that fact, reminding kids that God knows them by name and has called them. With reflections on discipleship calling and the Old Testament calling of Samuel, these crafts remind students that God loves them and has a plan for them. A nametag decoration is a recollection to God’s specific calling by name, and a prayer request box considers our requests to the Lord.
Children’s Sermon Example
Sometimes we develop the impression that we must “do enough” or work hard to truly be loved and used by God. We over-emphasize our role in our lives, when God is truly the author of all activity. This message reminds kids (and maybe adults, too!) that God has a specific plan and purpose for their lives. He knows and loves us and will always stay with us, using even tough circumstances for overall good.
Bible Verses: John 1:43-51 ESV
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you,[a] you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”