Serve Like Jesus: Kids Bible Lesson with “Hero Helper Hands” Craft
LESSON OVERVIEW
Big Truth: We are called to serve others with love just like Him.
Key Verses: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” — John 13:14-15 - “Serve one another humbly in love.” — Galatians 5:13
Bible Stories: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and His example of serving
Pillar Focus: Voice (serving and helping others)
1) Introduction:
Have you ever thought about what it really means to be a hero? Sometimes we think heroes wear capes or have superpowers, but the greatest hero of all—Jesus—shows us something different. Jesus didn’t come to be served; He came to serve others with love and kindness. Today, we’re going to learn how Jesus’ example of serving others, even in surprising ways like washing His friends’ feet, can inspire us to be Helper Heroes too. We’ll hear from John 13:14-15 and Galatians 5:13, and by the end, I hope you’ll be ready to shine by loving and serving those around you just like Jesus!
2) Game: HERO HELPERS RELAY
Instructions: We’re going to play a relay race that’s all about helping. You will take turns carrying a light tray or a small object carefully to the finish line, pretending to deliver help to someone who needs it. Cheer for each other and remember — being a hero means serving and helping others.
For younger children: Let’s play a simpler game by passing a ball or helping carry a stuffed animal around.
Say this: "As you move and serve in the game, think about how Jesus showed us the greatest way to be heroes—by loving and serving everyone humbly." After the game, gather kids and talk about how it felt to be helpers and why helping is so important.
3) Praise & Worship:
Say this: It’s time to praise God with songs about love and helping each other. Singing together is a great way to show how much we want to serve God and others!
Sing songs like:
“Make Me a Servant” — Kelly Willard
“Do Something” — Matthew West
“God Is So Good” (with ‘I Will Serve’ bridge) — Hillsong Kids
“Break My Heart” — Francesca Battistelli
“Hands to Serve” — Seed Family Worship
“I Will Follow” — Chris Tomlin (Kids Version)
“Jesus Help Me to Serve” — Hillsong Kids
Encounter Time: This is a wonderful time, especially with the theme, to Invite your children to minister to each other during some of these songs. Activate your kids and Let them pray for each other during this time!
4) Bible Story Sermon (SKIT /ACT-OUT)
Props Needed
- Basin of water or small bucket
- Towel
- Simple robe (for “Jesus”)
- Sandals (optional or prop version)
- Chair for “disciple”
- Hero cape (for “Hero Helper” moment)
- Poster or small sign reading “Serve One Another in Love” (Galatians 5:13)
Cast
- Narrator / Leader (Teacher)
- Jesus
- Disciple 1 and Disciple 2
- Kid Volunteers / Audience
Scene 1 – The Set-Up (The narrator walks on stage holding a basin and towel.)
Narrator: "Today, we’re going to journey back to the time Jesus did something completely unexpected. He showed His love in a way that surprised everyone. Let’s see what happened on that special night when Jesus taught His friends about being true hero helpers!" (Jesus enters slowly, smiling and greeting disciples.)
Disciple 1: "Jesus, dinner’s ready! We’re so glad to spend time with You."
Disciple 2: (Sits down, rubbing feet) "Our feet are so dusty from walking all day! Usually a servant helps clean them—but we don’t have one tonight." (Pause for kids’ reactions — let them giggle or agree about stinky feet.)
Scene 2 – The Surprise (Jesus kneels, rolls up sleeves, pours some water into basin.) Jesus (gentle tone): "My friends, tonight I want to show you something very important." Disciple 1 (shocked): "Wait… Jesus! You’re our Teacher! Are You going to wash our feet?" Jesus: "Yes, because I love you. I came to serve, not to be served. Now I will wash your feet as an example for you to follow." (Jesus mimes washing their feet carefully and drying them with towel.)
Scene 3 – The Teaching Moment Narrator (steps forward holding verse card): "Then Jesus said the words we still remember today from John 13:14–15: ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’" Disciple 2: "So, You’re saying we can serve anyone, even if it’s a small or humble thing?" Jesus (smiling): "Exactly. When you serve others with love, you show My heart to the world. That is what My followers do."
Scene 4 – The Hero Helper Moment Narrator: "Let’s see what kind of heroes Jesus wants us to be!" (Pulls out hero cape.) "This cape isn’t for Super Strength or Flying Powers—it’s for Super Serving!" (Places cape on volunteer from audience.) "You, my friend, are a Hero Helper! Jesus gives every one of us superhero strength to love and serve others." Narrator: "And in Galatians 5:13, the Bible tells us, ‘Serve one another humbly in love.’ That means we don’t serve to get attention—we serve because we love Jesus and others."
Scene 5 – Audience Interaction
Narrator: "Now let’s think about this—how can you be a Hero Helper this week?
Maybe help your mom or dad without being asked.
Share with a friend who forgot their snack.
Say something kind to someone feeling sad.
Who wants to share their own way to serve like Jesus?" (Pause and let kids respond; affirm each example with cheers or “Hero helper points.”)
Final Wrap-Up Narrator (holding sign): "Let’s all say our Big Truth together: ‘Jesus came to serve, and we are called to serve others with love just like Him!’" (Everyone repeats together.) Jesus (raises hand as blessing): "Go and be My Hero Helpers this week—serve, love, and let your light shine!" *Everyone cheers and pretends to “fly off” to help others
5) Holy Spirit Activation + CRAFT (Hero Helpers Hands Craft + Challenge)
Supplies Needed:
- Colored construction paper
- Pencils or crayons
- Scissors (child-safe)
- Glue sticks or tape
- Markers
- Stickers or decorations (optional)
- Small basket or bin labeled “Hero Helper Challenge”
Step 1 – Trace and Cut Say: "Jesus used His hands to serve others, and now we’re going to use ours to remember how we can serve too!"
1. Trace your hand on a piece of paper.
2. Cut it out carefully.
3. Write your name in the center of the hand.
Step 2 – Write Acts of Service
Say: "Now, think of ways you can use your hands this week to be a Hero Helper."
Guide kids to write or draw one act of service on each finger, such as:
1) Help clean up toys
2) Share a snack
3) Write a kind note
4) Pray for someone
5) Say something encouraging
(Younger children can draw pictures instead of writing.)
Step 3 – Decorate “Helper Hands” Encourage creativity with decorations, stickers, or colors. Then glue or tape the hand shape to a craft stick or straw to create a “Hero Hand.” These can be waved during worship songs or kept as reminder tools.
Step 4 – “Hero Helper Challenge” Game
Say: "We’re going on a Hero Helper Mission just like Jesus!" 1.
1) Prepare a few service suggestion slips in the basket ahead of time (examples: “Help a friend tie their shoes,” “Hold the door open,” “Say thank you to a teacher”).
2) Invite each child to pick one from the basket—they are now their Hero Helper Challenges for the week.
3) Encourage families to talk about how they completed them.
Optional Extension: Service Stones or Dominos If you want an additional tactile activity (simple for younger ages):
- Give each child a small smooth stone to decorate. Call it a “Service Stone.” Tell them it’s a reminder in their pocket to serve cheerfully, as Jesus did.
- Alternatively, use dominoes: Set them up while kids name different ways to serve—then gently knock one over to show that our kindness can create a chain reaction of love!.
Closing Connection End by saying together: “Jesus served us in love, and I can serve others too!” Then close with a short prayer thanking Jesus for showing what real serving looks like.
Let’s pray: ‘Holy Spirit, thank You for helping us serve with love. Teach us how to be kind and helpful every day, so we can be heroes just like Jesus. Amen.’"
7) Small Group Questions:
In small groups or pairs, invite the children to talk about:
"What did Jesus do to show us how to serve?"
"How can we serve our family and friends at home or at school?"
"What does it feel like when you help someone?"
"Can you share a story when someone helped you and it made you happy?"
Encourage open sharing and affirm each child’s ideas.
8) Prayer:
Say this:
"Let’s close our eyes and pray together:
‘Dear Jesus, thank You for being the greatest Hero Helper. Thank You for showing us how to love and serve. Help us remember to be kind, helpful, and humble every day, so that we can share Your love and be heroes in our families, schools, and communities. Fill our hearts with Your Spirit. Amen.’