Joyful Moments in Christ

Following Jesus Without Excuses

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

Following Jesus means putting him first, even when it is difficult or costly.

Lesson Objectives

1. Students will learn that following Jesus requires commitment.
2. Students will understand that discipleship is more important than personal comfort or convenience.
3. Students will see that Jesus calls us to focus on God’s kingdom above all else.
4. Students will reflect on what it looks like to follow Jesus faithfully today.

Class Setting Notes

1. Recommended for upper elementary Sunday School.
2. Lesson length: 40-50 minutes. Can be shortened or extended based on activities selected.

Opening Activity

1. Give each child a sheet of paper and ask them to write or draw two things: one that is easy for them to do and one that is hard for them to do.
2. Ask a few students to share their answers with the group.
3. Briefly explain: Some things in life are easy and some are hard. Today we will learn that following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

This activity helps introduce the idea that discipleship requires sacrifice and focus.

Bible Reading

Ask the class to read Luke 9:57-62 aloud together or have one person read it.

• Very Easy: Easy-to-Read Version: Luke 9:57-62 (ERV)
• Very Easy: New International Reader’s Version: Luke 9:57-62 (NIRV)
• Easy: Good News Translation: Luke 9:57-62 (GNT)
• Medium: New Living Translation: Luke 9:57-62 (NLT)
• Hard: New International Version: Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)
• Very Hard: English Standard Version: Luke 9:57-62 (ESV)

Additional Reading: Choosing the Right Bible Translation

Suggested prompts:

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

1. Listen for what the first man says to Jesus.
2. Notice how Jesus describes his own life compared to animals.
3. Pay attention to the excuses people give for not following Jesus right away.
4. Think about why Jesus uses the picture of plowing a field.
5. Watch how Jesus teaches that following him requires focus and commitment.

Teacher Background Notes

1. In Jesus’ time, discipleship meant leaving behind security, family ties, and comfort to travel with and learn from the teacher.
2. The title “Son of Man” points to Jesus as the Messiah who suffers and reigns, fulfilling Daniel 7.
3. Burial of a parent was considered one of the highest family duties. Jesus’ words highlight the surpassing priority of the kingdom of God.
4. The plow image comes from farming: if a farmer looks back while plowing, the row will be crooked. This illustrates the danger of divided loyalty.
5. Jesus is not against family care, but is teaching that nothing should come before following him.

Theological Insights

1. Following Jesus is costly but shows where our true allegiance lies.
2. Comfort, family, and personal plans cannot take priority over God’s kingdom.
3. Jesus calls for undivided devotion; discipleship cannot be half-hearted.
4. True discipleship means trusting that Jesus provides what we need as we obey him.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

1. What did the first man promise Jesus?
2. How did Jesus describe his own life compared to foxes and birds?
3. Why did the second man hesitate to follow Jesus?
4. What example did Jesus give about plowing a field?
5. What lesson was Jesus teaching through these examples?

Personal Reflection and Application

1. What are some things that can make it hard to follow Jesus today?
2. Why do you think Jesus calls us to put him first, even above family and comfort?
3. Can you think of a time when following Jesus cost you something?
4. How can we encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus?

Suggested Activities

“Excuses or Commitments” Game

1. Write different excuses on slips of paper (e.g., “I’m too tired,” “I need to finish my chores,” “I’ll do it later”).
2. Have students draw slips and act them out.
3. Then discuss: What makes these excuses easy to say? What is better than making excuses?

This activity helps children see how excuses can keep us from obeying Jesus.

Plow a Straight Line

1. Use tape on the floor to make a straight path.
2. Have students walk along the line while looking forward, then try again while looking backward.
3. Talk about how hard it is to stay straight when not focused.

This activity illustrates Jesus’ teaching that following him requires focus, not looking back.

Commitment Chain

1. Give each child a strip of paper.
2. Ask them to write one way they can follow Jesus faithfully this week.
3. Connect the strips into a paper chain and hang it in the classroom. 

This activity encourages students to make specific, practical commitments to discipleship.

Memory Verse

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:62 (ESV)

Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank you for calling us to follow Jesus. Help us to put you first in our lives and not let excuses keep us from obeying you. Give us courage to follow Jesus with focus and joy.
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 9:57-62 here:

• ELL Bible Study: Luke 9:57-62 — Following Jesus

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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.