Timothy Joins the Team Preschool Lesson
Preschool lesson (ages 3–6, 20 minutes)
1. Welcome (3 min)
Sit in a circle, greet every child by name and show one thing from the story to touch.
2. The little story (5 min)
Teach the refrain first: “Everyone spoke well of Timothy.”
Paul and his friend Silas came to the town of Lystra. Do you remember Lystra? That was where a man leaped up and walked! In Lystra lived a young man named Timothy. He was a friend and follower of Jesus.
Timothy’s mother was named Eunice. She was Jewish, and she believed in Jesus. His grandma was named Lois. She trusted God too. Timothy’s father was Greek.
From the time he was a baby, Timothy knew the holy Scriptures. The Scriptures are God’s words, written down. Maybe his mother and grandma read them to him. Maybe it was like a bedtime story, just like this one!
The friends of Jesus in Lystra knew Timothy well. The friends in the next town, Iconium, knew him too. They all said good things about him. Everyone spoke well of Timothy.
Paul wanted Timothy to come with him. They would go from town to town, telling the good news. And Timothy went with Paul! Everyone spoke well of Timothy.
So Paul, Silas, and Timothy set off together. Let’s count the friends: one, two, three! Can you walk in place with them? Step, step, step.
They went from town to town. They visited the friends of Jesus. They brought them a message from the leaders in Jerusalem. And the churches grew stronger in faith. Every day more people joined them.
Timothy helped Paul for many years. Sometimes Paul sent Timothy to visit friends far away. Then Timothy came back and told Paul how they were doing. That cheered Paul up. Paul wrote to one church about him. “I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.” That means: Timothy cares about you, just like I do.
Paul said that Timothy served with him like a child serves his father. They were like a dad and his son, working side by side. Everyone spoke well of Timothy.
Later, Paul wrote letters to Timothy. Those letters are in the Bible too. Paul called him “my true child in faith.” He also called him “my beloved child.” Beloved means very, very loved. Can you give yourself a big hug?
Paul wrote that Timothy’s faith was real. It lived first in his grandma Lois. Then it lived in his mother Eunice. And now it lived in Timothy too!
Paul wrote, “Let no man despise your youth.” That means: don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Paul told Timothy to be an example. That means: show others how to love and trust God.
Paul also wrote something else. “God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” When Timothy felt afraid, he could remember that. God gives strength and love, not fear.
Paul missed Timothy. He prayed for him night and day. He wrote that he wanted to see him again. Then he would be filled with joy.
God had work for young Timothy too. And God was with him every step of the way. Everyone spoke well of Timothy.
3. Talk together (3 min)
- How do you think Timothy felt when Paul asked him to come along?
- What can young helpers like you do for God and for others?
4. Move (3 min)
Refrain Freeze: move around the room; when you say the refrain, everyone freezes and says it together.
5. Make (4 min)
Color the 3 friends who traveled together: Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
6. Verse and prayer (2 min)
“Let no man despise your youth” — 1 Timothy 4:12 (Let no man → shake your head no; despise → look down; your youth → point to yourself and stand tall)
Dear God, thank you that even young children can serve you. Thank you for Timothy and for Paul. Amen.
Lesson for older kids (ages 6–10)
Big idea: God can use you too
Memory verse: “Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12 · WEB
The Bible story
When Paul the traveler comes to Timothy's town, a young man who loves God is invited on the biggest adventure of his life — sharing good news everywhere!
Talk about it
- What was the name of the town where Paul met Timothy? — Lystra
- What were the names of Timothy's mother and grandmother? — Eunice and Lois
- Who taught Timothy about God when he was small? — His mother and grandmother
- What had Timothy known since he was a child? — The holy Scriptures
- What did the believers say about Timothy? — Only good things
- What did Paul ask Timothy to do? — Come with him on his journey
Where is Jesus in this story?
Paul added young Timothy to his team so they could travel and serve side by side. Jesus did something similar. He called ordinary people to follow Him, and then He “sent them out two by two” to tell others about God (Mark 6:7). Jesus still invites young people to follow Him and be part of His work, and that invitation includes you.
What God wants to tell us
You do not have to be big or grown-up for God to do wonderful things through you. Timothy was young, but he had a kind heart and a brave 'yes' ready for God. When you love God and help others, God can use you just the way you are, right where you are today — no one is ever too small to be part of his special team.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for loving me just as I am. Even though I am young, I know you can use me to help others and share your love. Please give me a brave and kind heart, like Timothy, so I can always say yes to you. Amen.
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