Jesus Heals the Sick , The Compassion of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 8:1-17, Mark 1:40-45
Theme: Jesus cares about our bodies AND our souls
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God’s Love Heals Us!” “Jesus loves you so much! He fixes your hurts and makes you feel strong. He cares for your body and your heart, just like Mama and Papa do!” (Repeat: “Jesus loves you!” with hugs!) Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
Jesus Heals the Sick
One day, a man with a bad skin disease cried out to Jesus. “Have mercy!” he said. Jesus looked at him and said, “I will help you!” The man fell down and worshipped Jesus.
Jesus touched the man’s skin and said, “Get well!” The man’s skin changed, and he was healed! He thanked Jesus and told everyone he met to tell others about Jesus.
Jesus went to other villages to help more people. People followed him, asking for healing. Jesus said, “I have food to eat that I have not eaten before!” (He was speaking of doing God’s will.)
The people were amazed. They knew Jesus loved them, even when they were different or sick. Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid, I will take care of you!”
— Why This Story Matters This story shows that Jesus loves us always, no matter what. When we feel sad or different, God wants us to trust Him, just like the man trusted Jesus! His love heals our hearts too. Let’s say, “Thank You, Jesus!” today!
Activities
Supplies:
- Say: “God loves you and wants you to be healthy and happy!” Draw a hand on each plate and let kids color it.
- Show them Bible pictures of Jesus touching sick people, ask, “How did Jesus feel when he helped?” (Kind, happy!)
- Glue a Bible picture of healing onto the hand, add a heart sticker if using.
- Say, “Your hand can be like Jesus’ hands, full of love!” Let them decorate with crayons and stickers.
Supplies:
- Let kids color their paper bags with crayons, say, “Jesus’ hands were full of love!”
- Cut out paper hands (glue to the bag) and glue googly eyes if using.
- Write a Bible verse like “Jesus saw them and had pity” on a strip, tape it to the puppet.
- Play: “Pretend to be Jesus! Touch your puppet friend like you’d heal them, ‘God loves you! You’re safe!’”
- Remember: Keep it short, sing simple songs (“Jesus Loves the Little Children”), and end with hugs! “Jesus always loves you!”
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions in simple language to explore God’s love and Jesus’ compassion with babies and toddlers:
- Whisper to them:
- “When Jesus saw a sick person, what did He do? How can we love others like Jesus did?”
- (Repeat: “Jesus loved and helped! Can we love too?”)
- Show hands together:
- “If you had a friend who was sad or hurt, how could you make them feel better? What does God say we should do?”
- (Repeat: “God says: Love them! Be kind!”)
- Point to a toy or person:
- “Jesus healed people because He loves them. How can we show God’s love by helping others today?”
- (Repeat: “Heal gently. Love like Jesus!”)
- Hold up a heart:
- “When we feel happy or sad, does God love us? What does that mean?”
- (Repeat: “God’s love is always there! He cares for you!”)
- These questions keep it short, interactive, and rooted in kindness and God’s love!
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, we thank You for being so kind and loving. You make everyone feel happy and whole again, just like Jesus did for everyone. Thank You for healing and loving us with Your love every day. Amen.” (Short repetition option:) “God is love! He makes us feel safe and happy. Thank You for being kind and caring. Amen.”
Missions Spotlight
In many parts of the developing world, access to healthcare is limited. Missionaries who run clinics and hospitals , from the Congo to Bangladesh , follow Jesus’ example of healing the sick AND sharing the Gospel. Medical missions open doors that nothing else can.
To the Cross
Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and made the lame walk. Every healing was a sign that He came to fix what sin broke. But the greatest healing happened at the cross , where Jesus healed our sin-sick souls and made us right with God forever.
Family Take-Home
Here’s a simple summary for families: “Jesus walked into a village to heal a leper, who begged for mercy. In kindness, He touched him, healed him, and told everyone to tell no one, showing His love for all who needed help, even when it went against the rules of the time. This lesson teaches us that God’s compassion reaches everyone, just as He cared for those who were sick or alone.” (Based on Matthew 8:1, 17 & Mark 1:40, 45)