We Need Jesus' Help

Story Time

He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and they will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.' — Matthew 17:20

A boy was very sick and his father was sad. Jesus' friends tried to help, but they could not do it. Jesus came and made the boy well. Jesus told His friends to trust God more than their own strength. We need Jesus' help too.

Motion Prompt

Pretend to hold a tiny mustard seed in your hand. Now plant it in the ground and slowly grow up tall like a tree! Reach your arms up high and say, 'Jesus helps me grow!'

Yes/No Question

Can we do hard things all by ourselves without God's help?

Leader Note: Expected answer: No. If a child says yes, gently redirect: 'God made us strong, but we still need Jesus to help us with what is too hard for us alone.' Time: 30 seconds.

Coloring Page

Draw a picture of a small seed growing into a tall tree because Jesus helps it.

Leader Notes

• Delivery Tone: Warm, slow, and expressive. Use a worried face when the friends cannot help, and a happy, bright voice when Jesus heals the boy.
• Duration: 5 minutes total.
• Restless Child: Invite the child to be the seed that grows. Let them hold a crayon or prop while you tell the story, or ask them to help you plant the pretend seed. Give them a specific job so they stay engaged.
• Redirect Language: If children start talking about superheroes or their own strength, say: 'That sounds strong! But in this story, Jesus shows us that His power is bigger than our power, and we need to ask Him for help.'