Jesus Heals an Officer's Servant

Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10


Our true story comes from the parts of the Bible called the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. 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 day, Jesus came to a town called Capernaum.

A Roman officer had a servant who was very sick.

The officer cared very much about his servant.

He wanted to help him get well.

The officer had heard about Jesus.

He believed that Jesus could help.

So he asked Jesus to heal his servant.

Jesus was ready to go to the officer's house.

But the officer sent a message to Jesus.

He said, "You do not have to come to my house. I know You can just say the word, and my servant will be healed."

The officer trusted Jesus very much.

Jesus was happy to see such great faith.

He said that the servant would be healed.

At that very moment, the servant became well.

Jesus had helped him even though He was far away.

Everyone saw that Jesus has God's power and that He cares for people.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

We can trust Jesus because He loves people and can help us wherever we are.


Dear God,

Thank You for loving us. Thank You for Jesus, who cares for people and helps them wherever they are. Help us trust Jesus every day and remember that He is always with us. Help us show love and kindness to others, just as Jesus does. 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. Telephone Trust Game

Objective: To help children understand that Jesus could help someone even when He was far away.

Materials: None

Activity: Have the children sit in a circle. Whisper a simple message to one child, such as, "Jesus loves you," and let the message travel around the circle. When it reaches the last child, have them say it aloud. Explain that although people may be far apart, messages can still travel—and Jesus was able to help the servant even though He was not standing beside him.

Talk About It: "Did Jesus have to be in the officer's house to help the servant? Who can we trust when we need help?"


2. Heart of Caring Craft

Objective: To remind children that the officer cared for his servant and that Jesus cares for people.

Materials: Heart-shaped construction paper, crayons or markers, stickers, optional yarn or ribbon

Activity: Give each child a large paper heart to decorate. Encourage them to draw someone they love or someone they would like to help. Explain that both the officer and Jesus showed love by caring for someone who was hurting.

Talk About It: "Who do you care about? How can you show love and kindness this week?"


3. "I Can Trust Jesus" Song (Musical Activity)

Tune: London Bridge Is Falling Down (Public Domain)

Objective: To reinforce that we can trust Jesus wherever we are.

Materials: None

Activity: Teach the song and invite the children to gently march in place or hold hands and sway together as they sing.

Song Lyrics:

        I can trust Lord Jesus now,
        Jesus now, Jesus now,
        I can trust Lord Jesus now,
        He loves and helps me.

        Jesus helps from near or far,
        Near or far, near or far,
        Jesus helps from near or far,
        His love’s always near.

Talk About It: "Why could the officer trust Jesus? How can we trust Jesus every day?"


4. Helping Hands Relay

Objective: To encourage children to help others as Jesus helped the officer's servant.

Materials: A few lightweight objects (blocks, stuffed animals, beanbags, or soft toys)

Activity: Divide the children into small groups. One child at a time carries a toy or object across the room to another child who is pretending to need help. Continue until everyone has had a turn helping someone. Emphasize that helping others is one way we can show the love of Jesus.

Talk About It: "How did the officer help his servant? What are some ways we can help our family, friends, or neighbors?"

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