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: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
Jesus Heals with Love Hello, little friends! Today, we’re going to talk about Jesus, who is so kind and full of wonder. Did you know Jesus loves us so much that He wants to take care of our bodies and our hearts? Just like how Mommy and Daddy give us hugs and love, Jesus wants to heal and protect us! One time, Jesus saw a sick man crying. He reached out, touched him, and said, “I forgive you!” Then, whoosh, the man got well and ran to tell everyone! Jesus doesn’t just fix our bodies; He also helps our souls feel safe and happy. Isn’t that amazing? God is like a big, gentle hug for our bodies and our hearts. When we feel sad or hurt, Jesus wants us to trust Him and say, “I love You too, Jesus!” Then He’ll take care of us, just like a kind, caring friend. You can be like Jesus today by sharing kindness, gently hug someone or tell them they’re loved! Jesus is watching, and He’s so proud of you! 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 a Sick Man A long time ago, Jesus walked through the town with many people following Him. One man was very sick and had leprosy, a disease that made him feel alone and scared. The law said he couldn’t touch anyone. But Jesus saw him, and His heart felt sad.
“Come to Me,” Jesus said kindly. The man came close, and Jesus reached out His hand. The Bible says He touched him, and suddenly, boom!, the sickness went away! The man was healed! The people cheered, but Jesus was gentle. He told the man to stay away from others for a while so no one would get sick. “Go home and tell your friends how God helped you!”
Then Jesus healed others too, mending a sick boy’s fever and calming a storm at sea. His heart was full of love for everyone. The people wondered, “How amazing is Jesus!” God had sent Him to heal and care for everyone.
Why This Story Matters Jesus shows us that God’s love is strong! Just like He healed the sick man, He wants to heal our hearts too, when we feel hurt or lonely. His kindness reminds us to be kind to others and trust Him with our needs. Thank You, Jesus!
Activities
Supplies:
- Give each child a paper plate. Let them draw a hand on half of it, show them how Jesus reached out to help.
- While they draw, read a short Bible verse together: “Jesus touched the sick and made them well” (Mark 1:41).
- Ask: “What can we do to be kind like Jesus?” Let them pick a stuffed animal to “heal” (e.g., pat its head gently).
- Gather around and act it out, Jesus’ hand reaching out, then the puppet “getting better.” End with a prayer: “Thank You, Jesus, for being kind!”
- “Kindness Scenes Collage”
- Show them a picture from the Bible where Jesus heals someone. Say: “Jesus reached out to help, let’s do that too!”
- Give each child a sheet to cut out a Jesus figure (simple shape) and a “sick person” (e.g., a drawing of a sad animal).
- Glue them onto the background paper. Add arrows or lines to show Jesus’ hand touching them.
- Read: “Jesus is full of love and kindness. What can we show kindness with?” Let them draw something nice (e.g., a hug, sharing toys). End with a hug and whisper: “You’re like Jesus, kind!”
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions for preschool and kindergarten children (ages 3-5) about Jesus healing the sick:
- Wondering About Love:
- Imagine you see someone who is hurting or sick. What kind of thing would you do to help them feel better? Why do you think Jesus always wanted to heal people? How can you be kind to others just like Jesus did?
- Healing Hearts and Bodies:
- In the Bible story, Jesus touched the sick person’s disease to make them well. What do you think makes our bodies feel strong and healthy? How can we take care of our bodies like Jesus did when he healed people?
- Wondering What Happens Next:
- What do you think happened after Jesus healed the sick person? Did they feel happy or excited? Why do you think Jesus wanted to bring people good news? How can you share happy news with someone who might feel sad or left out?
- Kindness and Wonder:
- Jesus looked at the sick person and said, “I will heal you!” What does that word heal mean to you? How can you show love and kindness to others, like Jesus did? If you saw someone in need, what could you do to make them feel better?
Prayer Focus
Prayer for Little Hearts: Jesus Heals with Love “Dear God, our big, kind Jesus loves us so much! When someone feels sick or sad, he listens with his heart. He smiles and says, “I’m here to help!” just like a friend. Oh, how we love that Jesus cares so deeply for us all, and for everyone in our world who needs his gentle touch!” — Short and Simple Prayer (for group prayer time): “Thank You, God, for Jesus, who is so good and kind! He sees when people are hurting, just like a tiny child. With His loving hands, He heals them fast and true, Making them feel whole and happy again! Oh, help us be like Jesus, kind and brave, To share His love, just as He taught us to save!” — Wonderful Whisper (for closing the lesson): “Jesus didn’t just fix the sick, He made them feel so happy! Like a warm hug or a soft song, He fills our hearts with joy! When we pray, ‘Thank You, Jesus,’ we hear His voice so clear, ‘I love you! I’m here to help you be whole!’” — Teacher’s Note: Use hand motions (e.g., pretend to “heal” with gentle hands, or whisper “I love you”) to make it fun! Say the last line together: “We love you, Jesus! Thank You for loving us!”
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 town and saw a leper (a sick person with a skin disease) begging for help. When he spoke to him, “Go and show yourself to the priest,” the man was healed and gladly thanked Jesus, showing how deeply he cared for others. Through his kindness, Jesus taught us that compassion means helping those in need, just like he did. (Key takeaway: Jesus loved people enough to heal them and invite them back into community!)