Who Do You Say I Am? 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: “Jesus is the Son of the living God.”
Jesus and his friends were walking far up north. They came near a town called Caesarea Philippi. It was near big mountains, where the Jordan River begins.
Jesus’ friends had been with him for a long time. They had seen him make sick people well. They had seen him feed a big crowd. They had seen him calm a storm. They had heard him teach about God.
Jesus and his friends walked and talked. Then Jesus asked them a question. “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” The Son of Man is a name Jesus used for himself.
What were people saying about Jesus? Who did they think he was? What do you think?
His friends said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah. And others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” A prophet is someone who speaks for God.
John the Baptizer had baptized many people in the river. Elijah was a great prophet from very long ago. He went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Jeremiah was a prophet from long ago too. So people thought Jesus was a prophet like them.
Then Jesus asked his friends, “But who do you say that I am?” Not other people. You! Can you point to yourself and say your own name?
Who would answer? Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Christ is the King God had promised to send. The living God means God is really alive. Jesus is the Son of the living God.
Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah.” Bar Jonah means son of Jonah. That was the name of Peter’s dad. Peter did not figure this out by himself. Jesus said it was “my Father who is in heaven” who showed him.
Then Jesus said, “You are Peter. On this rock I will build my assembly.” Peter’s name used to be Simon. Jesus had given him a new name: Peter. The name Peter means rock. A rock is strong. You can build a house on a rock. Can you make a fist, hard like a rock? Jesus is the Son of the living God.
His assembly means his church – all the people who follow him. It is like one big family of God. Jesus said his church would be very strong. Not even death could win against it.
Then Jesus told his friends something. They should not tell anyone yet that he was the Christ.
Today, people in every land love Jesus. Big people and little people. They say it too: Jesus is the Son of the living God.
God showed Peter who Jesus really is. And now you know it too. Jesus is the Son of the living God.
3. Talk together (3 min)
- Why do you think Jesus asked his friends this question?
- How do you think Peter felt when Jesus called him blessed?
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)
Draw a line to who said it.
6. Verse and prayer (2 min)
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” — Matthew 16:16 (You are → point forward; the Christ → put a pretend crown on your head; the living God → lift both arms up high)
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Amen.
Lesson for older kids (ages 6–10)
Big idea: Jesus asks you too
Memory verse: “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."” — Matthew 16:16 · WEB
The Bible story
One quiet day near a faraway town, Jesus asked His friends a big question, and brave Peter gave a wonderful answer that still shines today.
Talk about it
- Where did Jesus and His friends go in this story? — Near Caesarea Philippi
- How many close friends were with Jesus? — Twelve friends
- What was Jesus' first question to His friends? — Who do people say I am?
- Who did some people think Jesus might be? — John the Baptist or Elijah
- Which prophet besides Elijah did some people name? — Jeremiah
- What important question did Jesus ask next? — But who do you say I am?
Where is Jesus in this story?
“Christ” means “Anointed One,” the promised King the prophets had been waiting for. Right after Peter said it, Jesus began to explain that He must suffer, be killed, and be raised to life on the third day (Matthew 16:21). Peter didn't understand yet, but that is exactly how Jesus, the Son of the living God, would save His people.
What God wants to tell us
Everybody had an opinion about Jesus, but Jesus wanted His friends to know Him for themselves. God shows us that knowing Jesus is not just about facts other people say; it is about believing in your own heart that Jesus is God's Son who loves you. Just like Peter, you do not have to be clever or grown-up to know this truth. God helps your heart understand, and when you say yes to Jesus, He calls you His own dear friend and keeps you safe forever.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus, Your own dear Son. Help my heart to know Him and love Him, just like brave Peter did. Thank You that I do not have to be big or clever to belong to You. I believe Jesus is the Christ, and I am so glad to be Your friend. Amen.
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