Father's Day Bible Lesson - Sunday School Ideas for Kids
Celebrate dads and explore faith with a meaningful Father’s Day Bible lesson for Sunday School. This engaging lesson includes the powerful story of Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter, helping kids understand what it means to have faith and trust in God. With printable crafts, hands-on activities, and a focus on God as our Heavenly Father, this resource is perfect for teaching kids about love, trust, and the special role of fathers.
Fathers in the Bible
There are many great examples of fathers in the Bible. Though imperfect, these men can teach us important lessons about faith, love, and responsibility.
Abraham - Abraham trusted God, even when it meant waiting years for a child or being asked to do something difficult. He reminds us to put faith in God first and trust in the Lord.
Noah - Noah followed God’s instructions even when no one else did. He protected his family and modeled obedience in a world full of doubt.
Joseph - Joseph cared for Mary and Jesus with humility and quiet strength. He followed God’s direction, even when it was hard or uncertain.
The Prodigal Son’s Father - This father welcomed his lost son home with open arms. He models God’s love—patient, forgiving, and ready to embrace his children. He reminds us that strong fathers love without conditions.
Fathers in the Bible teach us that true strength is rooted in faith, love, and humility. Whether protecting their families, praying boldly, or showing grace and forgiveness, these men point us toward the character of our Heavenly Father, who leads, provides, and loves unconditionally.
Grab Your Father’s Day Bible Lessons for Kids!
Lead an engaging Father’s Day lesson on faith with easy print-and-go Bible lessons for kids! Check out our printable crafts, discussion questions, and scripted lesson plans for a Father’s Day that’s easy to prepare and fun for kids 3-8 years old.
Lead Father’s Day Lessons with Care
When planning a Father’s Day Sunday School lesson, it’s essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and compassion. While many children are excited to celebrate their dads, others may be grieving the loss of a father, navigating difficult relationships, or growing up without a father figure at home. These holidays can bring up big feelings and may be difficult for some kids.
One way to do this is by shifting the focus from only celebrating earthly dads to highlighting God's love and care as our Heavenly Father. Emphasize that God’s love is constant, strong, and always present, no matter what a child’s family situation looks like.
Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter - A Story for Father’s Day
Jairus, a synagogue leader, begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way to her, they received news that she had died—but Jesus told Jairus to have faith. When they arrived, Jesus took the girl by the hand and brought her back to life.
Jairus was a synagogue leader, and as such, likely a very respected man in the community. He wasn't a priest or rabbi. His duties were things like administration, caring for the building, organizing worship services, and supervising what happened in the synagogue. He likely wasn't paid to do this. The people chose their leaders.
The fact that Jairus went to Jesus for help was a huge act of faith because many people, especially the religious leaders, did not like Jesus. Jairus loved his daughter so much that he was willing to risk the admiration and respect of others. He had faith in Jesus.
This story shows a father’s deep love and bold faith as he seeks help for his child. It reminds us that fathers who turn to God in times of need are strong examples of trust and care—and that God, our Heavenly Father, hears and responds with compassion.
This Bible story can be found in Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, and Luke 8:40-56.
Crafts to go with the story of Jesus raising Jairus’ Daughter
These simple crafts pair perfectly with the Bible story of Jesus healing the little girl. Each one specifically connects to the theme of faith within the story. Both heart-shaped crafts include statements of faith derived from Mark 5:36: “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Torn Paper Heart
Torn paper Bible craft for preschool and kindergarten.
Kids in preschool and kindergarten will make a simple torn paper heart that reads, “I believe in Jesus”. The template for this craft can be found in the preschool and kindergarten version of the Father’s Day Bible lesson.
Before class begins, cut or tear the construction paper into small squares. Give each child a paper with a heart and ask them to glue the construction paper onto the heart. Layering the pieces can make a neat 3D effect. When they’re done, they can trace the sentence at the bottom of the page.
Stained Glass Window Heart
A stained-glass-style paper heart craft for bigger kids.
Bigger kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades will make a colorful semi-transparent heart that displays beautifully in a window.
First, trace a heart onto parchment paper. Using glue, fill the heart with pieces of tissue paper. Then, cut out the heart frame, including the center. You might have to assist with this part. Glue the heart frame on top of the tissue paper heart on the parchment. Trim off any excess. Finally, add the "I believe in Jesus" rectangle somewhere on the front of the heart.
Father’s Day Craft: Whole World Handprint
A printable Father’s Day card for kids in preschool and kindergarten.
Kids in preschool and kindergarten can make a simple earth-themed printable card that says, “You are the best father in the whole world!” After decorating and coloring the card, help kids paint a handprint in the space provided. This special keepsake card is a precious reminder to dads of the little hands in their care. You can find all the handprint cards in Father’s Day Bible Lessons for Preschool and Kindergarten.
(P.S. This lesson also includes a template that says, “You Make the World a Better Place”. This version is perfect for giving to other caregivers or using outside Father’s Day weekend.)
Father’s Day Craft: Toolbox of Love
This printable toolbox craft is for kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Each tool has a short prompt to help kids share kind words to their dads.
This printable craft for bigger kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades reminds us that Fathers are a blessing from God. Kids will make a toolbox full of compliments for their dad or caregiver. It’s simple to put together - just cut out the tools, add kind words about dads on each one, and assemble the toolbox using a stapler or glue! This printable craft makes a simple gift for dads that can be assembled quickly! You can find all the pieces in Father’s Day Bible Lessons for Bigger Kids.
(The craft also includes an option that says "Thank You for Loving Me." This version is perfect for alternate caregivers or use outside Father’s Day weekend.)
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT JESUS HEALING JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER
YouTube can be a great resource for helping visual learners connect better with a story. Here are a couple of suggestions for YouTube videos about Jairus’ miracle. As always, preview all YouTube videos in their entirety before showing them to your kids.
Celebrate dads and explore faith with a meaningful Father’s Day Bible lesson for Sunday School. This engaging lesson includes the powerful story of Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter, helping kids understand what it means to have faith and trust in God. With printable crafts, hands-on activities, and a focus on God as our Heavenly Father, this resource is perfect for teaching kids about love, trust, and the special role of fathers.
Looking for more Bible lessons for kids?
Be sure to check out our 52-week Bible curriculum for both preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as older children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades. These lessons cover stories from the New and Old Testaments, including: Genesis, Moses and the Exodus, the prophets, the life of Jesus, parables, and Jesus’ miracles.
