Joyful Moments in Christ

A Sunday School Lesson: Luke 6:12-26

A Sunday School Lesson: Luke 6:12-26: Jesus Chooses, Heals, and Blesses

Jesus Chooses, Heals, and Blesses

This Sunday School lesson is intended for upper elementary students. All lessons on this website are protected by copyright, but you can use them for free in small groups or Sunday School classes. You may share a link to this page, but please do not copy these pages and put them on other websites.

The Big Idea

Jesus chooses his people, heals those who come to him, and teaches that true blessing is found in trusting him, even in hard times.

Lesson Objectives

  1. Learn that Jesus prayed before choosing his apostles.
  2. See how Jesus cares for all who come to him for healing.
  3. Understand that true blessing is not about wealth or comfort but about trusting Jesus.
  4. Explore how we can follow Jesus and show his love to others.

Class Setting Notes

  1. Recommended for upper elementary Sunday School.
  2. Lesson length: 50–65 minutes. Can be shortened or extended based on activities selected.

Opening Activity

“Big Choices and Blessings” Object Lesson

  • Bring a small bag or box with several everyday objects (e.g., a pencil, a snack, a toy, a small stone, a bandage).
  • Ask: “If you had to pick one of these to take on a long journey, which one would you choose? Why?”
  • Explain that Jesus had many followers, but he chose twelve special helpers (apostles) after praying all night.
  • Then say: “Today we will learn about how Jesus chooses, heals, and teaches us what it really means to be blessed.”

This activity helps introduce the idea of making thoughtful choices (as Jesus did), and it creates a sense of curiosity about the lesson.

Bible Reading

Ask the class to read Luke 6:12–26 aloud together or have one person read it.

Additional Reading: Choosing the Right Bible Translation: A Comparison of 7 Versions

Suggested prompts:

As the class reads aloud, consider asking some of these prompts:

  1. As you read, listen for what Jesus does before choosing the apostles.
  2. What do you notice about the people who come to Jesus?
  3. What does Jesus say about being blessed?
  4. Are there any surprises in what Jesus calls a blessing?

Teacher Background Notes

  1. Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing his apostles, showing dependence on the Father’s will.
  2. The apostles were ordinary men, yet Jesus chose them to carry out his mission.
  3. Crowds from Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions came to Jesus, showing his growing influence and compassion for all people.
  4. Healing physical sickness and casting out evil spirits point to Jesus’ power over both body and soul.
  5. The Beatitudes in Luke 6:20–26 challenge worldly ideas of blessing and point to the values of the kingdom of God.

Theological Insights

  1. Jesus models prayerful dependence on God before major decisions.
  2. God’s kingdom is open to people from all places and backgrounds.
  3. True blessing is not tied to possessions or popularity but to life with God.
  4. Jesus’ healing power shows his authority as the Son of God.
  5. God sees and rewards those who follow Jesus even when life is hard.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

  1. Why did Jesus spend the night in prayer before choosing his apostles?
  2. What do we learn from the list of apostles?
  3. Why were so many people coming to see Jesus?
  4. What does it mean that power was going out from Jesus?
  5. How does Jesus describe people who are truly blessed?
  6. What warnings does Jesus give to those who only seek comfort and praise in this life?

Personal Reflection and Application

  1. When do you pray before making big decisions?
  2. How can we trust Jesus when life is hard or when we feel sad or overlooked?
  3. What are some ways people today try to find blessing apart from God?
  4. How can we care for others like Jesus did?
  5. What is one way you can follow Jesus’ teaching this week?

Suggested Activities

“Power of Caring” Chain Reaction Game

  • Have the class stand in a circle. Give one child a ball (or any safe object) and say something kind to the person next to them while passing the ball.
  • That person does the same for the next person. Continue until everyone has spoken.

This activity illustrates how Jesus’ kindness spread to everyone who came to him, and it encourages students to practice speaking encouragement.

Blessing Relay

  • Prepare cards with scenarios that represent blessings (e.g., “Trusting Jesus when you are sad,” “Sharing what you have,” “Helping someone in need”).
  • Split into small groups. Each group takes turns running to pick up a card and then reads it aloud.
  • Briefly discuss why that is a true blessing according to Jesus.

This activity reinforces Jesus’ teaching on true blessing and keeps children actively engaged.

“Draw the Crowd” Story Art

  • Provide paper and markers. Invite students to draw the scene of Jesus with the crowd, including the apostles, people seeking healing, and those listening to his teaching.
  • As they draw, ask guiding questions: “Why do you think so many people came to Jesus? What do you think the crowd was feeling?”

This activity helps children visualize the story and think about the emotions of the people Jesus cared for.

Memory Verse

Luke 6:23 (ESV): Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

Luke 6:23 (ESV)

Closing Prayer

Father,

Thank you for sending Jesus, who calls us, heals us, and teaches us to find true blessing in knowing you. Help us to pray, to trust you when life is hard, and to show kindness to others like Jesus did.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A Sunday School Lesson: Luke 6:12-26: Jesus Chooses, Heals, and Blesses
Luke 6:23 (ESV): Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

The ESL Version

I also create materials for adult English Language Learners (ELLs) and ESL students. You can find my ELL Bible Studies based on Luke 6:12–26 here:

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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