Joyful Moments in Christ

Jesus Heals a Boy and Points to the Cross

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 has power to heal and save, and he came to give his life for us.

Lesson Objectives

1. Students will learn that Jesus has power over evil spirits and sickness.
2. Students will see that Jesus cares for those who are hurting.
3. Students will understand that Jesus knew he would suffer and die for our salvation.
4. Students will be encouraged to trust Jesus even when life feels confusing or frightening.

Class Setting Notes

1. Recommended for upper elementary Sunday School.
2. Lesson length: 45-60 minutes. Can be shortened or extended based on activities selected.

Opening Activity

1. Give each student a piece of paper and have them write or draw something that makes them feel worried or afraid.
2. Place the papers in a basket. Then remind students that just as the father in today’s story brought his worries to Jesus, we can bring our fears to him in prayer.
3. Pray briefly, thanking God that he hears us when we are afraid.

This activity helps introduce the theme of trusting Jesus with our deepest worries.

Bible Reading

Ask the class to read Luke 9:37-45 aloud together or have one person read it.

• Very Easy: Easy-to-Read Version: Luke 9:37-45 (ERV)
• Very Easy: New International Reader’s Version: Luke 9:37-45 (NIRV)
• Easy: Good News Translation: Luke 9:37-45 (GNT)
• Medium: New Living Translation: Luke 9:37-45 (NLT)
• Hard: New International Version: Luke 9:37-45 (NIV)
• Very Hard: English Standard Version: Luke 9:37-45 (ESV)

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. Listen for how the father describes his son’s problem.
2. Notice what happens to the boy before Jesus heals him.
3. Pay attention to how Jesus shows his power and compassion.
4. Think about what Jesus tells his disciples after the healing.

Teacher Background Notes

1. The healing takes place right after the Transfiguration, when Jesus revealed his glory to three disciples. The contrast is striking: from the mountaintop to the valley of suffering.
2. The boy’s condition shows the destructive power of evil spirits, but also sets the stage for Jesus’ greater power.
3. Jesus’ strong words about an “unbelieving generation” reflect frustration at both the lack of faith and the disciples’ failure to act in his name.
4. The healing demonstrates both Jesus’ authority and his compassion by restoring the boy and giving him back to his father.
5. Jesus again predicts his suffering and death, reminding his disciples that his mission is not only to heal but to lay down his life for sinners.

Theological Insights

1. Jesus is Lord over all spiritual powers and sickness.
2. Jesus cares deeply for those who are hurting and responds to cries for help.
3. Jesus knew he would be handed over to sinful men, showing that his suffering was part of God’s saving plan.
4. Faith in Jesus is essential, especially when life is confusing or difficult.
5. The majesty of God is displayed in both Jesus’ power to heal and his willingness to suffer for us.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

1. What problem did the father’s son have?
2. Why was the father upset with the disciples?
3. What happened when the boy was brought to Jesus?
4. How did Jesus heal the boy?
5. How did the people react after the healing?
6. What did Jesus tell his disciples while the crowd was amazed?

Personal Reflection and Application

1. How do you think the father felt when Jesus gave his son back to him?
2. What does this story teach us about Jesus’ power and love?
3. Have you ever prayed to Jesus when you felt afraid? How did it help you?
4. Why is it important to trust Jesus even when we do not understand everything?

Suggested Activities

Role Play the Story

1. Choose students to act as the father, the boy, the disciples, the crowd, and Jesus.
2. Read the passage aloud as the students act out the events.

This activity helps students enter the story and remember how Jesus showed both power and compassion.

Faith vs. Fear Sort

1. Write several situations on slips of paper (e.g., “I am nervous about a test,” “My friend is sick,” “I feel left out,” “I pray for help”).
2. Have students sort the slips into two baskets labeled “Fear” and “Faith.”
3. Briefly discuss how we can bring our fears to Jesus and trust him with them.

This activity helps students connect the story to their own lives and learn to turn fear into faith.

Prayer Cards

1. Give each child an index card. Ask them to write or draw one thing they want to trust Jesus with this week.
2. Collect the cards and pray over them together.

This activity helps children apply the lesson personally and see prayer as a way to bring their needs to Jesus.

Memory Verse

And all were astonished at the majesty of God.

Luke 9:43a (ESV)

Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank you for showing us your power and love through Jesus. Help us to trust you with our worries and fears. Remind us that Jesus came to save us and cares for us every day.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The ESL Version

I also create materials for adult English Language Learners (ELLs) and ESL students. You can find my ELL Bible Study based on Luke 9:37-45 here:

ELL Bible Study: Luke 9:37-45 — Jesus Heals a Troubled Boy

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Related Resources

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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.