21 | John 14 | Kids Guide

Head: Know God’s Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God’s Way

Read John 14:15-21.

HEAD

Reading scripture from the Bible teaches us who God is and shows us the remarkable character of His Son, Jesus. In the Gospel of John in chapters 14 and 15, Jesus is telling His disciples that He will be leaving them soon. He is preparing them for His death on the cross. Jesus reassures His friends by promising the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will act as a Comforter and guide them into all truth. Jesus highlights that abiding/remaining in Him, like branches on a vine, is essential to bearing fruit. The fruit of joy, patience, kindness, and more will be how the world knows they are followers of Jesus. In these chapters, He speaks of His greatest commandment of love, stating that true love for Jesus is shown by keeping His commands and loving one another as He has loved them.

HEART

Jesus tells His disciples in John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” The disciples didn’t understand why Jesus had to leave. They were sad at the thought that He would die. Jesus was their teacher, friend, and Lord. They loved Him greatly and He truly loved them! Jesus tells His disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit, who will be their advocate and teacher, helping them understand and remember Jesus’ teachings. In John 14:15, Jesus says “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” Jesus promised His friends that they wouldn’t be alone. Also, Jesus uses the example of a vine and branches to explain that staying connected to Him is necessary for a healthy spiritual life.

HANDS

Jesus tells of the importance of loving one another as He has loved them, presenting this as the ultimate commandment. John 15:12-13 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus warns His disciples that they will face opposition from the world, but they should stay steadfast in their faith and love.

How can we love others like Jesus loves?

How can growing the fruit of the Spirit help us to love other people well?

Try to put yourself in the disciples’ sandals. How would you feel knowing that your friend, whom you loved and spent so much time with, was leaving?

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus's life. Thank You that we can have a friendship with Him and follow His ways. His great love for us fills our hearts, and He commands us to love like He loves. Please help us to express Your love to our families, friends, and those we meet along the way. May we remain close to You, Lord like the branch stays connected to the vine. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.

Valentine’s Day is this Friday! This is a great time to show love to people around you! Cut hearts out of red, pink, or white paper to make a card for a family member or friend! Write the Bible verse from today’s lesson: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12.

Use the Valentine’s Day card to share Jesus’ love with others!