4 Jesus-Centered Truths Kids Need Today

Our team at Group recently sat down with a group of Christian mental health professionals who work with youth and families. As people who love and care for kids, we wanted to understand how we could equip leaders like you to serve kids and guide them through issues like anxiety, loneliness, and depression. These counselors shared mental health challenges kids and families face today and ways the mental health community is acting. Then one seasoned professional exclaimed, “Yet, as Christians we have so much more to offer! We have true solutions.” This truth resonated.

In a wild world, we have Jesus.

The book of John records Jesus’ words to his closest followers just before his arrest and crucifixion. He knew the anxious times that lay ahead for them. He saw that they’d feel worried and alone. Jesus already anticipated Simon Peter’s feelings of defeat and shame. Jesus knew their world would be rocked. So what did he say?

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

That’s what we want for kids—to take heart because they can trust Jesus. Here are four truths that matter to kids.

1. Jesus welcomes and loves me—questions and all!

Kids are full of questions. In fact, a 2017 study found that kids ask on average 73 questions every day! They wonder about everything from “What’s for dinner?” to “Why didn’t God heal my sick friend?” It’s okay to allow kids to wonder about Jesus and ask questions. We can assure kids that that Jesus welcomes our wonderings!

Think about Nicodemus, a learned leader who approached Jesus with countless questions. By giving kids the freedom to ask questions, we show them our fearless faith in Jesus. We may not have every answer, but we trust Jesus to reveal his truth when we need it.

2. Jesus is a friend I can trust.

In the noise and clamor of children’s ministry, it may seem that no child is lonely. But simply putting kids together in a room doesn’t mean they’re connecting as friends. In a 2023 study, 40% of children and adolescents reported feeling mild or moderate loneliness, and 10% felt severely alone. As we reach kids in our communities especially at VBS this summer, it’s important that we help them develop friend-making skills and point them to the truth that Jesus is a friend forever. Jesus assured his closest friends of this as he prepared to return to heaven: “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

3. Jesus offers the hope I desperately need.

The results of the American Psychiatric Association’s 2024 poll on mental health likely come as no surprise: 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year. And kids are sponges, soaking up our worry, depression, and fear. No wonder their world feels wild—out-of-control, unstable, and hopeless. What a critical time to point kids to the “true north” of Jesus! Jesus offers rock-solid hope when the world seems upside down. Matthew’s Gospel shares Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus: “And his name will be the hope of all the world” (Matthew 12:21). Children’s and family ministry gives kids and their grown-ups a firm bedrock on which to stand—the hope of Jesus for comfort, peace, love, and eternal life!

4. Jesus helps me when I feel helpless.

It’s true, kids can’t always change their circumstances. They can’t drive, work, or move to a new place on their own. Oftentimes, kids may feel stuck—in a classroom with a bully, in a neighborhood without friends, or in a home filled with angry words. True North points to Jesus as our source of help and comfort. Whether we need help because of our own wayward choices or because of life’s circumstances, Jesus promises to be there for us. He even sent his Holy Spirit (sometimes called the Advocate or Helper) to help!

It’s our privilege to point kids to the truth—Jesus! He is our immovable, unshakable, trustworthy true north in a wild world. As you gear up for summer programming, consider Group’s True North VBS. Each day’s experiences and activities will help you share these Jesus-centered truths with kids in your church and community.