Joy in Jesus (John 15:9-17) Kids' Bible Lesson & Sunday School Activities PDF

Name: ESV Joy in Jesus (John 15:9-17) Kids' Bible Lesson & Sunday School Activities PDF
SKU: esv-jj
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HEADS UP 🚨 This lesson plan is part of the FOUNDATIONS Bible Curriculum (Ages 6-12) — or get lifetime access to every series with the All-Access Pass.

Format 📩 Instant PDF Download
🚸 Ages 6-12 Years Old

Joy in Jesus is a printable Sunday school lesson on joy from John 15:9-17, with Psalm 98 as an option. It is written for ages 6 to 12 (kindergarten to 6th grade) and helps kids tell the difference between joy and happiness: happiness fades with circumstances, while the joy Jesus gives is deep and lasting. It fits Kids' Church or Sunday School, with 45 to 60 minutes of teaching time. The instant PDF download includes a teaching plan, an object lesson and craft ideas with video demonstrations, game suggestions, a coloring page, a word find worksheet and a memory verse poster. Choose NIV, ESV or KJV.

Jesus tells us that He has come to make our joy complete (John 15:11). What does this mean, though? It’s important for children to develop an understanding of what joy is and how it differs from mere happiness. This lesson explains that joy is more than a temporary feeling. It is an inner attitude of peace and security, given by Jesus. Happiness fades with circumstance, but joy is deep and lasting!

Genuine joy comes from abiding in God’s love. When we rest in His presence and trust Him, we know the peace that passes all understanding and experience lasting joy. This doesn’t come from our own power or from circumstances. Jesus is the one who provides it. Joy is more than a feeling. It’s an attitude that comes from the Holy Spirit. Out of gratitude for God’s love, we can love and serve one another!

Passage: John 15:9-17 (optional: add Psalm 98)

Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th grade

Materials Needed: Construction paper; paper plates; glue; markers or crayons; tape; scissors; decorative supplies; string; items that make someone happy (treats, toys, etc.); musical instruments; Bibles.

More Resources Online

Watch the video demonstration of the object lesson.
Watch the video example for the craft projects.
Watch the video Bible story “John's Letter About Love” from Saddleback Kids Club
Watch the video Bible story “Jesus Loves Everyone” from Crossroads Kids
For more free illustrations, visit Christian Clip Arts and Ministry-To-Children

“Joy in Jesus - John 15:9-17” is a Bible lesson and activity resource for children. The lesson aims to help children understand the difference between joy and happiness and how to find lasting joy in Jesus. The lesson begins by discussing what makes people happy and how happiness is often based on circumstances or outward things. It then explains that joy is more than just a feeling; it is an attitude that comes from the Holy Spirit. When we abide in God’s love and trust Him, we can experience His peace and joy, even when things aren’t going our way. The lesson also discusses how Jesus came to give us joy and how we can share that joy with others. The resource provides a variety of activities to help children engage with the material, including a discussion, object lesson, crafts, and games.

Easy-Prep Bible Lesson

Target Age: elementary school, adaptable for K-6th grades
Translation: choose NIV, ESV or KJV
Stand-alone lesson plan
Instant digital download
Flexible teaching plan for mixed age groups
Ideal for Kids' Church or Sunday School (45-60 minutes teaching time)

Attention Keeping Activities

Object Lesson with video demonstration
Game Suggestions
Easy To Follow Teaching Plan
Craft Ideas with video demonstration
Coloring Page
Word Find Worksheet
Memory Verse Poster

Quick Answers

What does this joy lesson teach?

That joy is more than a feeling. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is an attitude of peace that comes from abiding in God's love, and Jesus gives it. The lesson is based on John 15:9-17.

What ages is it for?

Ages 6 to 12, kindergarten to 6th grade, with a flexible teaching plan for mixed age groups.

What joy activities are included?

An object lesson and craft ideas, both with video demonstrations, plus game suggestions, a coloring page, a word find worksheet and a memory verse poster.