Jesus Heals a Man’s Hand

Mark 3:1-6; Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11


Our true story comes from the parts of the Bible called the Gospel of Mark, the Gospel of Matthew, and the Gospel of Luke. Mark loved Jesus and told people about Him. That means Jesus was his teacher. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus. That means Jesus was his teacher. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!”

One Sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue to teach.

There was a man there whose hand did not work well.

The man could not use his hand like everyone else.

Jesus saw the man.

Jesus loved him and cared about him.

Jesus asked the man to come and stand where everyone could see him.

Some people were watching Jesus very closely.

They wanted to see what He would do.

Jesus knew the man needed help.

Jesus said to him, "Stretch out your hand."

The man trusted Jesus.

He stretched out his hand.

Right away, his hand became strong and healthy!

The man was so happy.

Jesus had healed him.

Jesus showed everyone that helping people is always the right thing to do.

Jesus loves people, and He wants us to love and help others, too.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

Jesus cares for people who are hurting, and He wants us to show kindness and help others, too.


Dear God,

Thank You for loving us. Thank You for Jesus, who cares for people and helps those who are hurting. Help us to be kind, loving, and ready to help others every day. Teach us to follow Jesus by showing compassion to our family, friends, and everyone we meet. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “With God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26b, BSB

Paraphrase: “God can do anything.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Helping Hands Relay

Objective: To help children practice helping others, just as Jesus helped the man with the withered hand.

Materials: Small soft toys or beanbags, Small basket or box 

Activity: Place the toys at one end of the room and the basket at the other. One child at a time carries a toy to the basket using both hands, then returns so the next child can help. Encourage everyone by saying, "Let's use our hands to help, just like Jesus helped people!"

After everyone has had a turn, celebrate together with applause.

Talk About It: "What are some ways our hands can help others? How did Jesus help the man whose hand didn't work well?"


2. Helping Hands Craft

Objective: To remind children that God gave us hands to love and help others.

Materials: Construction paper, Crayons or washable markers, Child-safe scissors (teacher or helper as needed), Glue sticks, Optional: colorful tissue paper or heart stickers 

Activity: Trace each child's hands onto construction paper and cut them out. Children decorate their paper hands with drawings, stickers, or small paper hearts. Write across the hands:

"Jesus Helps People."

Hang the hands on a classroom bulletin board or send them home as a reminder to use their hands to help others.

Talk About It: "What are some kind things you can do with your hands this week?"


3. "Helping Hands" Song (Musical Activity)

Tune: The Mulberry Bush (Public Domain)

Objective: To reinforce that Jesus helps people and that we can use our hands to show His love.

Materials: None 

Activity: Teach the children the song while encouraging simple hand motions. During the first verse, children stretch out their hands as the man did. During the second verse, they pretend to help a friend, wave hello, or gently pat their hearts.

Song Lyrics:

        Jesus helps us every day,
        Every day, every day.
        Jesus helps us every day,
        Because He loves us.

        I can help my friends with love,
        Friends with love, friends with love.
        I can help my friends with love,
        Just like Jesus.

Talk About It: "How did Jesus help the man? How can we use our hands to help someone today?"


4. Kindness Circle

Objective: To help children recognize simple ways they can care for others.

Materials: A soft ball or plush toy 

Activity: Sit together in a circle. Pass the ball or plush toy from one child to another. When a child receives it, invite them to name one kind thing they can do for someone else, such as:

• "I can help clean up." 
• "I can give a hug." 
• "I can share my toys." 
• "I can help my mom or dad." 
• "I can be kind to my friends." 

For younger children, the teacher may offer suggestions for them to repeat.

Finish by saying together:

"Jesus helps people, and we can help people too!"

Talk About It: "How does helping others show the love of Jesus? How do you think people feel when someone is kind to them?" 

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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