God Makes Adam and Eve
Scripture: Genesis 2:4-25
Theme: God made us to walk with Him
Age Group: Jr High (Ages 12-14)
Overview
This lesson explores how God uniquely made humans to reflect His character, with opportunities to discuss identity, creativity, and the impact of sin. It connects to how Jesus restores our broken image through His love and sacrifice.
Bible Story
God saw all that He had made and said, ‘It is very good!’ (Genesis 1:31). Then, in a special moment, He looked at the animals and said, ‘It is good.’ But something felt different when He turned to humans. God said, ‘Let us make people in our own image, to be like us. They will rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all wild animals, and even the small creatures that crawl on the ground.’ (Genesis 1:26, 27).
God made humans with a special purpose, relationship and creativity. He took dust from the ground and breathed life into Adam’s nose, making him alive (Genesis 2:7). God then placed Adam in a beautiful garden and gave him a task: to tend and care for it. Adam named the animals, showing his growing creativity.
God didn’t stop there. He created Eve from Adam’s rib, showing how deeply connected we are to others. When Adam saw Eve, he said, ‘This one is bone from my bone and flesh from my flesh’ (Genesis 2:23). God then placed Adam and Eve in the garden and gave them instructions: to eat from every tree except the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
The next day, Adam named his wife Eve. God said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh’ (Genesis 2:24). God’s plan was for humans to love and care for each other, but also to have a special relationship with Him. God didn’t finish His work until He placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, ready for them to live as His image-bearers.
Activities
Create Our Identity Cards
Supplies: Construction paper, markers/crayons, scissors, Bibles (for reference)
- 1. Each student gets a piece of paper and markers. Ask them to think of one thing God made them special for (e.g., ‘I’m good at drawing like God made me creative!’ or ‘I love helping others like God made me kind’).
- 2. They draw a simple picture of themselves (or a symbol of their favorite trait) and write a short phrase or verse on it.
- 3. Share with a partner or the group what they wrote. Challenge each other to think about how God’s love is unique to them.
Discussion Circle: What Does It Mean to Be Like God?
Supplies: Papers, pencils, markers
- 1. Divide students into small groups of 3, 5. Give each group a clean paper and a pencil.
- 2. Ask: ‘What does it mean to be made in God’s image? How do you see yourself as a little bit like God, wise, loving, or creative?’ Let them discuss for 3, 5 minutes.
- 3. Each student writes or draws one thing on the paper that reflects how God made them special. Pass the paper around the group and share with the whole class.
Missions Craft: ‘Image Bearers’ Collage
Supplies: Old magazines/newspapers, glue sticks, scissors, printed images of Aeta people or nature scenes (optional), markers
- 1. Explain that the Aeta people value being part of a community and that sharing God’s love helps them connect.
- 2. Each student picks 2, 3 items to cut out (e.g., a person, a tree, an animal) and glues them on paper.
- 3. Write or draw a short message on the collage, like: ‘God made me to love and serve others like He made me special!’
Discussion Questions
- If God made us in His image, why do you think some people struggle to see themselves as special?
- What are some ways you’ve seen God’s creativity in the world around you (e.g., art, music, nature)? How could you show that creativity to others this week?
- How does the fact that God made us to be like Him challenge or comfort you? What’s one thing you’d like to remember about your identity in Him?
- The Aeta people value being part of a community. How can you use your ‘image-bearer’ traits to help someone else this week?
- How does the Fall affect each area of God’s design (work, community, fellowship)?
- What would the world look like if the Fall had never happened?
Prayer Focus
Pray for students to recognize their unique identity in God and to use their creativity and love to share His message with others, especially those who might feel invisible or left out.
Missions Spotlight
The Aeta people of the Philippines have a deep respect for being ‘made by God’ and for community. When missionaries share that God made you special to love and care for others, it opens doors to help people understand how to live as His image-bearers, just like you!
To the Cross
God made us to love and create like Him, but sin broke that connection. Jesus came as the ‘image of the invisible God’ (Colossians 1:15) to heal our broken hearts and restore us to live fully as His children, creative, loving, and in relationship with Him again.
Family Take-Home
God made us special to be like Him, wise, creative, and loving. He gave us a big job: to show others how amazing we are by loving them and serving them. Even though sin messed things up, Jesus came to fix it so we can live fully as His children!