Free Bible Lesson for Kids: We Belong to God

No one likes to be left out, but kids especially are searching for where they belong in the world. In this Bible lesson, kids discover what it means to belong to God.

Scripture: John 17:9, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, 1 John 3:7-10

Supplies:

• Bible
• reflective music and music player (optional)

Belonging to God

Say: In the Bible passage we’re about to discuss, Jesus is talking to God in prayer. Let’s read what Jesus said to God.

Read aloud John 17:9.

Ask:

• What do you think it means that you’ve been given to Jesus?
• Explain what you think it means to belong to God.
• What do you think it says about God that we belong to him?

Read aloud Deuteronomy 7:6-8.

Ask:

• What do you think it means to be God’s “special treasure”?
• Think of your most precious belonging. Explain whether you’d describe it as a “special treasure.”
• Why do you think this Bible passage refers to us as something so special to God?

Play a Game

Say: Let’s play a game to help us think more about what it means to belong—and what it means to be left out. We’ll experience what it’s like to be left out.

Have kids race to find a partner; you’ll need to either join in or stay out of the game to ensure an odd number of kids are playing. Once all but one of the kids have a partner, ask one of the following questions. Allow one minute for kids to discuss their responses. When you say “go,” kids must race to find a new partner and answer a new question. With each new pairing, one child will be left out. Ask enough questions so every child sits out at least once. Here are a few questions to get you started.

Ask: Would you rather…

• pray for someone else or have someone pray for you?
• lose your ability to laugh or your ability to sleep?
• live in a world without sunlight or a world where it’s never dark?
• be hairy all over or have no hair at all?
• have the superpower of invisibility or of mind reading?
• be popular but lonely or uncool with lots of good friends?
• belong to God or to someone else?
• have to face your worst fear or eat the grossest food on the planet?
• swim in the middle of the ocean or bungee jump off a tall bridge?

Feeling Left Out

Once you’ve played so everyone has had a turn to be without a partner, gather kids in a circle.

Ask:

• What was different when you were the one left out?
• What was it like when you had a partner and someone else was left out?
• Tell about a time you were left out in real life.

Read aloud 1 John 3:7-10.

Ask:

• What do you think belonging to God means in everyday life?
• What changes about us when we belong to God?
• Explain whether you think God leaves out anyone or if we all belong to him.

Say: It doesn’t feel good for anyone to be left out. The good news is that God doesn’t want anyone to be left out either. We’re all special and important to God. The Bible tells us that when we accept the gift Jesus gave us when he died on the cross, we belong to God. People who follow Jesus belong to God. Let’s look at ways we can remember we belong to God.

Closing Prayer

Have kids spread out around the room. You may want to quietly play reflection music in the background to set the tone. Explain to kids that for each prayer prompt, they’ll mimic your actions and respond silently in prayer. Repeat the prayer prompt below filling in the appropriate body part and action, and then pause for a time of silent, responsive prayer.

Say: God, my [body part] belongs to you, so I will…

Heart: Cross hands over heart; then pause.

Ears: Cover ears; then pause.

Eyes: Look toward the ceiling; then pause.

Hands: Hold out hands, palms face up; then pause.

Mouth: Press lips lightly together; then pause.

Feet: Walk around the room; then pause.

Ask:

• What’s one thing you’ll do differently this week because you know you belong to God?

Pray: Dear God, thank you for choosing us and not leaving us out. Thank you for making us special and for allowing us to belong to you. Please help us make wise choices and act the way you want us to act. We love you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

This Bible lesson comes from the 13 Most Important Bible Lessons for Kids About Living for Jesus. In this book, you’ll find 13 lessons that enable preteens to experience, grasp, and embrace the fundamentals of their faith. Looking for more preteen Bible lessons? Check out these posts!