This children’s sermon on Luke 21:5-19 uses a series of object lesson to talk about what it means to trust in Jesus’ prophecies (even when we don’t always understand). Download the printable message script below and then watch the teaching example video as you prepare your message.
Trusting Jesus Object Lesson
A Children’s Sermon Message from Luke 21:5-19
What Lies Ahead? The Unpredictable Future and the Hope of Christ
Main Objective: What’s next? Children are often eager to know what is coming up next on their agendas, but sometimes the future can be a little scary. Some kids may not think about future events as much, but most wonder and question what may be ahead. This message aims to give them a hope that no matter what happens in life, we have the promise that God will be with us and help us.
Law/Gospel Theme: Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we can hope in eternity with Him. A lot in life is uncertain, and we don’t know what the future holds. But we know Who holds the future. Jesus offers comfort and hope that we need not worry over the future, but live daily in His presence.
Object Lesson Props & Optional Materials: Deck of cards, coin, book, bag or gift, stack of items, toy
Bible Passage: Luke 21:5-19
Bonus Ideas:
- T is for Trusting God from Ministry-To-Children (Bible Alphabet Coloring Book)
- Luke 21:5-19 Sunday School Lesson and Activity Ideas
- See all our children’s sermons and the video example of this message
- Coloring Page (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus Never Changes
Note: As with most children’s messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs. These suggestions are merely one possible way to demonstrate the message.
Children’s Sermon (Luke 21:5-19) Jesus’ Prophecy Object Lesson
Hello, children of God! Have you ever made a prediction about something? In fact, do you know what it means to make a prediction? (Allow for response)
A prediction is sort of like a guess at something that might happen. Sometimes we make guesses that are pretty well based on fact or science. For example, I can predict that if I drink a whole bunch of water, I might have to use the bathroom! If I stack up these blocks (put small stack, or another item that can fall over, in front of kids), and then I push the stack, what do you think will happen? Yes, they’ll probably fall over! (Push the stack to demonstrate)
That’s pretty easy to guess. What about this… if I take this coin, and I flip it, do you think it will land on the heads side or tails? (Show coin and flip to illustrate. Alternatively, or in addition, pull out a deck of cards and have children predict which card you pull at random.)
Well, we sort of have a half and half chance of getting it right there…. Now, how about this: what do you think I have in this bag?? (Hold up non-clear bag with something inside)
That might be very challenging to guess if I didn’t give you any clues. Well, look, here it is (take book out of the bag. Card pull could be used here, as well): it’s a book! Now, if I randomly open this book to one of the pages, which page do you think it will be? That’s hard, too, isn’t it? Some things we just don’t know…
You know, there are a lot of things in life that people try to guess or predict. Some of them can be estimated with knowledge or science, like when a weatherman gives a forecast. But other things are tough to know until they happen.
Sometimes you hear people try to say they know when the world will end. Did you know they have been talking like that even since Bible times?
People in the days of Jesus were talking about the end of the world. And Jesus told them time and again that nobody, but God knows when that will be. We cannot predict it, and it’s not ours to know. That may be a little scary…there’s much of the future that we do not know. But Jesus gave a special promise, too. He said that our lives will be challenging, and hard things will come up.
However, He also promised to be with us through these times. He said we don’t need to worry, because He will take care of us. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that God holds the future. And we don’t need to know what is coming next. We might be curious or want to understand, but all we need to focus on is the moment we are in right now. We can focus on one day at a time, or even just on one second at a time!
We know that God is with us in every moment, and we can put our hope and comfort in that fact. There’s a lot we are uncertain of. But we have Jesus, and we are certain of His love and help. That’s a great promise. Shall we say a prayer and thank God for that truth?
Children’s Prayer Moment
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for your promises
And for being present in our lives
Thank you that we can put our hope in you
Even when life is scary or uncertain
Help us remember that every day
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
Thank you for Jesus
In His name, Amen!
Luke 21:5-19 (NIV) The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives. –Luke 21:5-19
Really really enjoyed this!! Your approach is fun and sensitive to children. Thank you for the inspiration! God bless bless bless you!!! ?
You have a gift for making difficult scripture accessible to children. May you continue to use and share this gift. Thank you so much for sharing this lesson!