Hebrews 13:8, New International Reader's Version

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Message:

Do you know what the word change means? (Let the kids share their ideas.)

Change means something is different. Can you think of five things that change? (Let kids respond.) Those are great answers!

Maybe you’ve noticed some changes this summer. Maybe you noticed more than five things that have changed since summer began.

Some of those changes were fun—like getting taller, going swimming, or learning something new. But some changes might have felt hard.

Maybe someone you love moved away…

Maybe two people you know don’t live together anymore…

Or maybe someone you cared about got sick or even died.

Maybe a toy broke, or someone made a promise and didn’t keep it. Maybe someone hurt your feelings, and it changed the way you felt about them.

Yes, lots of things in life can change. But here’s the good news that I want to share with you today: Jesus never changes! Say it with me. (Repeat the phrase, having children say it with you.) Jesus never changes!

No matter what happens, Jesus is always with you. No matter what happens, Jesus loves you. No matter what happens, Jesus never leaves you. His love was with you when you were a tiny baby. His love is with you now, and it will be with you forever.

That’s what today’s Bible verse reminds us. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Isn’t that awesome?

Let’s do some fun moves to help remember the verse!

Everybody, stand up and get ready to move! (Make sure the space is safe.)

We’re going to say the verse with our bodies:

Say: “Jesus Christ is the same…” (Stand tall and strong!)
Say: “yesterday” — Jump and turn to look behind you!
Say: “today” — Jump and turn back to the front!
Say: “forever” — Big jump forward! (See how far you can go!)

Let’s do it all together. Ready?

“Jesus Christ is the same… yesterday! (Jump-turn)
Today! (Jump back forward)
And forever! (Big jump forward!)”

Fantastic job! Let’s try it again!

(Repeat a few times to help kids memorize the verse.)

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being with me through all the changes this summer. Even when things feel different or hard, I know that you are with me. You are always the same—yesterday, today, and forever! And I’m so glad your love never changes. Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

We have added conversation starters to each children’s message series to help spark conversations within families during the week. We encourage families to use these questions to guide them through conversations and subject matter discussed during the worship service, including the children’s messages on Sundays. These conversations will reinforce learning and nurture faith formation for the entire family.

What does the word "change" mean to you? Can you name some things in your life that have changed recently? What did that feel like?

Think about this summer. What was something new or different? Was it fun, strange, or hard?
Say a prayer together for the people involved in those changes.

Try the "Hebrews 13:8 jumps" at various times this week. Do it silently, in slow motion, or even fast speed. (Be careful.) Let each jump remind you: Jesus never changes.

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus never changes—even when everything else does? Can you think of someone in your life who needs to hear that right now?

Think of a time when you felt scared, nervous, or unsure. How do you think Jesus was with you in that moment?
When did something or someone let you down? How is Jesus different from that? How does his love stay the same?

On a large piece of poster paper, draw a “Jesus timeline.” Make a simple drawing showing three parts:

Yesterday (a time Jesus helped you before)
Today (something you’re thankful for right now)
Forever (a hope or dream for the future, trusting Jesus will be with you)

Who is going through a change right now? A new school this fall, a move this summer, a new job, a new baby, or a loss? How can your family show them that Jesus’ love never changes?

What does "forever" mean to you? Talk about how long forever is. Can you think of something that lasts forever besides the love of Jesus?

Make a “Never Changing” list. Write down all the good things about Jesus that will never change (his love, his kindness, his promises, his forgiveness). Post it somewhere so your family will see it all week!

Try a “Jesus is the same” challenge. Each day, notice one way Jesus showed up in your life that day—through someone’s kindness, a moment of peace, or help when you needed it. Share it with your family at dinner or bedtime.

Let everyone in the family act out the Hebrews 13:8 jumps in their own style. Create your own motions or turn it into a silly dance. Talk about how Jesus is with each of you in your own unique way.