Discover engaging ways to teach kids The Great Commission with fun Bible crafts and activities. Parents and educators can use hands-on projects like a “Jesus is with Me” flashlight activity, a Great Commission coloring wheel, and mosaic art to help children understand and embrace their role in sharing God’s word.
Teaching the Great Commission to children is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to the mission that Jesus gave His disciples and, ultimately, to all of us. The Great Commission is a call to action, but it can sometimes feel abstract to young minds. That’s where engaging, hands-on activities come in to help kids grasp this vital message in a way that sticks with them.
In this post, we’ll break down the basics of the Great Commission and offer creative ways for parents, teachers, and educators to teach it to kids through fun and meaningful crafts and activities that will deepen the understanding of the message. Use the ideas in discipleship and outreach, VBS, homeschooling, Sunday school, and more.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is one of the final instructions Jesus gave to His disciples before ascending into heaven. It’s found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus says:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This command is often summarized as Jesus’ call to spread the gospel and make disciples. It emphasizes teaching others about God, baptizing them, and showing them how to live as followers of Christ.
Why is the Great Commission Important?
The Great Commission is significant because it is the core mission that Jesus left for His followers. It’s not just a task for adults or missionaries, but for everyone—including kids. Teaching children about the Great Commission helps them understand that they, too, can share the love of Jesus with others, whether it’s through kind words, sharing Bible stories, or simply living out their faith in everyday life.
By instilling this concept early on, kids can grow up with a heart for sharing God’s love with their friends, family, and even people across the world.
What is the Purpose of the Great Commission?
The purpose of the Great Commission is to spread the message of salvation to all people. Jesus commanded His disciples to teach others about God’s love and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. It’s not just about spreading information—it’s about transforming lives through the power of the gospel.
When kids learn the Great Commission, they begin to see how they can be a part of God’s plan to reach others. It also gives them a sense of purpose and helps them understand that their faith is something to be shared.
Where is the Great Commission Found?
The Great Commission is most famously found in Matthew 28:18-20.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
However, similar calls to spread the gospel are also mentioned in other parts of the New Testament:
- Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
- Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
These passages show that the call to share the good news of Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament and an ongoing mission for all believers.
How to Teach the Great Commission to Kids
The best way to teach kids about the Great Commission is through hands-on activities that help them visualize and internalize the message. Here are some fun and engaging crafts that can make the Great Commission come alive for children:
Jesus is with Me Flashlight Activity
Introduce your kids to the comforting message that Jesus is always with them through this creative and engaging Great Commission craft! Based on the Bible Verse Matthew 28:20, this activity visually reinforces Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always.”
Materials Needed:
- Black-and-white printable of the child (on Etsy too)
- Black-and-white printable of Jesus (on Etsy too)
- Flashlight
- Glue stick
Instructions:
- Use a glue stick and glue the perimeter of the printable of Jesus.
- Layer the black-and-white photo of the child with the image of Jesus in the back.
- Shine a flashlight through the back of the printable.
- As the light passes through, children will see both their image and Jesus, reinforcing the idea that Jesus is always with them.
- The message “Jesus is with me” will appear.
This Great Commission Kids’ activity not only teaches the Great Commission but also reminds children of Jesus’ constant presence.
The Great Commission Coloring Wheel
This simple but meaningful coloring activity helps kids visualize the idea of going into the world to share Jesus’ love. The spinner wheel will have sections representing different parts of the Great Commission, such as “Go,” “Teach,” “Baptize,” and “Make Disciples.”
Materials Needed:
- Printable Great Commission coloring wheel (on Etsy too)
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Brass fastener to attach the wheels (there are many times, I would invest in a good one like this one.)
Instructions:
- Have the children color the sections of the wheel.
- Once colored, help them cut out the pieces, layer them, and attach them with the brass fastener.
- As they spin the wheel, discuss what each section represents and how they can participate in the Great Commission.
The Great Commission Activity Mat
An activity mat is a fun, interactive way to reinforce learning by coloring on an activity sheet.
Materials Needed:
- Printable Great Commission activity mat set (on Etsy too)
- Markers, crayons, pencils or other coloring utensils
Instructions:
- Print the Great Commission Activity mat.
- Allow kids to doodle or color on the mat as you teach or after the lesson.
- This helps reinforce the idea of spreading the gospel.
The Great Commission Mosaic Art Craft
Let kids get creative while reflecting on the message of the Great Commission by making a mosaic of the Earth (on Etsy too), reminding them that Jesus’ command is to reach the whole world. Print these globes on paper and decide on one of the following crafts. Choose a simple craft for preschool with coloring or a more complex activity using cut-up cardstock or construction paper for older kids.
Coloring Option
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For younger kids, provide an Earth outline they can color with green and blue crayons. This is a simple activity that helps improve fine motor skills while reflecting on the message of going into the world.
Tissue Paper Option
For a more tactile experience, have kids glue 1-inch x 1-inch pieces of green and blue tissue paper onto the Earth outline sheet of paper. This creates a fun, textured look while reinforcing the Bible lesson.
Mosaic Option
For older children, provide blue and green cardstock pieces cut into various shapes. They can cut paper themselves and place them in a pile at the center of the table. Let them glue these pieces onto the commission globe, creating a beautiful mosaic. This option helps kids develop patience and creativity while thinking about their role in sharing the gospel with the world.
Final Thoughts on Teaching the Great Commission to Kids
Teaching the Great Commission to kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using fun, hands-on activities like the ones listed above, parents and educators can make this important biblical message both understandable and memorable for children.
Remember, kids are never too young to start learning about their faith and how they can share God’s love with others. With these crafts, you’re not only teaching them about the Great Commission but also empowering them to live it out in their own lives.
You can grab the larger Great Commission Activity Set or grab individual pieces and use them as you like. Enjoy and happy teaching.
Download and Print The Great Commission Kids Activity Set
More Sunday School Activities
If you’re looking for more ways to engage children with the Bible, be sure to check out our Miracles of Jesus activities. This resource is packed with creative ideas and activities to help kids explore the amazing miracles Jesus performed, deepening their understanding of His power and love. These hands-on crafts and lessons will complement your teaching on the Great Commission, showing children how Jesus’ miracles reflect His authority and mission to share the gospel with the world.
For another fun and interactive way to teach kids about the Bible, explore our Gospel Message Told Through Colors blog post. This simple and effective method uses colors to explain spreading of the gospel, making it easy for children to understand key concepts like salvation, forgiveness, and faith. Pairing the Great Commission with this colorful approach will help children grasp how they can share the message of Jesus in a way that’s relatable and memorable.
To further encourage Christians, take a look at our Talking with Jesus Lessons for Kids. This guide provides practical tips and creative activities to help children learn how to pray and build a personal relationship with Jesus. Pairing these lessons with the Great Commission crafts will help kids understand that sharing the gospel begins with knowing and talking to Jesus regularly.
Looking to add a spark to your classroom? For extra support and more teaching ideas, dive into these captivating Sunday School Lesson Ideas for Kids! Packed with dynamic youth ministry ideas, interactive crafts, vibrant coloring pages, and exciting Bible games, there’s something here to ignite the imagination of every student. Whether it’s exploring timeless stories, getting hands-on with creative crafts, or diving into stimulating games, these lessons make learning about faith an unforgettable adventure for kids of all ages!
We are continuously adding more Sunday School Resources for Kids. Take a look at our List of Christian Activities for Kids. This printable set will come to your inbox. Simply download and save it as a resource when planning your Sunday School curriculum.
Adorable Jesus and Kids Clip Art from EduClips Clip Art.
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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living