The Christian Race: A Lesson on Hebrews 12:1
“Who loves a challenge? Have you ever run a race or an obstacle course? When you run a race, you have to be ready! You can’t wear a big, heavy coat, or carry a backpack, right? Those things would slow you down.
The Bible says our lives with Jesus are just like a race. Today, we’re going to learn about the most important race we’ll ever run—the race of faith! We’ll discover what we need to throw off so we don’t get tangled up, and most importantly, we’ll learn about the one person we should always be looking at to help us finish our race strong.”
The Bible also says we have a huge crowd of cheering fans all around us. It calls them a ‘great cloud of witnesses.’ These aren’t just any fans; they’re all the amazing people from the Bible—like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and King David—who finished their races of faith. They’re like the heroes in the stands, cheering for you!
But what do they want us to do? Our coach, Jesus, has told us what we need to do to win this race. And today, we’re going to learn about how to run our Christian race and what it means to be a champion for Him.”
Hebrews 12:1 says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
This verse uses a powerful image of a race to teach us about the Christian life. Here’s a lesson plan to help kids understand what it means to run “the Christian race.”
The Great Cloud of Witnesses
- Who are they? Before talking about the race, explain that the “great cloud of witnesses” are all the faithful people from the Bible who came before us (like those in Hebrews chapter 11: Abraham, Moses, David, etc.). They are like the crowd in the stands at a track meet, cheering us on and showing us that it’s possible to live a life of faith. They ran their race, and now they’re watching us run ours.
- Analogy: Imagine being in a big stadium, ready to run a race. The stands are packed with famous athletes and heroes from history who have already won their races. They are cheering and yelling for you to keep going! That’s what the “great cloud of witnesses” is like.
Running the Race
- What is the race? The race is our life with Jesus. It’s not about being the fastest or the best, but about finishing strong and not giving up.
- Getting rid of hindrances:
- “Throw off everything that hinders”: Explain that runners don’t wear heavy clothes or carry backpacks in a race. These things would slow them down. In our Christian race, “hindrances” can be anything that distracts us from Jesus, like playing video games too much, watching movies that are not God-honoring, or focusing on having the most toys.
- “And the sin that so easily entangles”: This is like tripping on a shoelace. Sin can trip us up and keep us from moving forward. It’s something that we need to be very careful about so we don’t fall down.
- Running with perseverance: “Perseverance” is a big word, but it just means never giving up! A good runner keeps going even when they get tired or when the race is hard. We need to keep following Jesus even when life is hard or when we make mistakes.
Activity & Discussion
- Obstacle Course: Create a simple obstacle course. Have the kids run through it once while wearing something heavy like a backpack or a jacket. Then, have them run it again without the “weight.” This will help them physically feel what it’s like to throw off hindrances.
- Discussion:
- What are some things that can be “weights” in our lives and slow us down from following Jesus?
- How is Jesus like the coach in our race? (Hint: Read Hebrews 12:2 about “fixing our eyes on Jesus.”)
- Craft: Give each child a paper “medal” to color. On the front, they can draw a picture of themselves running. On the back, they can write “Run the Race with Jesus” or the memory verse.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
This verse uses two powerful images to describe the Christian life: a fight and a race. Paul, the writer of this letter, is at the end of his life and is looking back with confidence. He’s saying, “I did it! I finished my life for God.”
- The Good Fight: This isn’t about hitting or yelling. It’s about fighting against sin, bad thoughts, and temptations. It’s like a warrior who has to be strong and brave to protect what’s right.
- The Finished Race: Life with God is a long race. It’s not about who gets to the end fastest, but about staying on the right path and never giving up. It’s about running with Jesus and for Jesus every day.
- Kept the Faith: This means staying true to what you believe about God and Jesus, even when it’s hard. It’s about trusting in God no matter what happens.
Craft Ideas for Race Theme
“Race of Faith” Running Track Craft Idea
- Materials: Paper plates or cardstock, markers, glue, small cut-out runners (or stickers).
- How to Make:
- Draw a running track (oval or circular) on the paper plate.
- Write the verse (or a short version: “Run with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus – Heb. 12:1-2”) around the track.
- Kids color and glue little runners on the track.
- In the center, place a cross or picture of Jesus to remind them to keep their eyes on Him.
Sample Craft Idea
“Faith Footsteps” Craft Idea
- Materials: Construction paper, scissors, markers.
- How to Make:
- Trace and cut out foot shapes (or have kids trace their own feet).
- On each foot, kids write something they can do to “run the race” (pray, obey, forgive, be kind).
- Glue the feet onto a poster board in a path leading to a cross.
- Add the verse at the top: “Let us run with endurance…”
Sample Craft Idea
“Champion’s Medal” Craft Idea
- Materials: Cardstock circles, ribbon, crayons/markers, aluminum foil (optional).
- How to Make:
- Cut circles for medals.
- Kids decorate with words like “Run for Jesus!” or “Eyes on Jesus”.
- Cover with foil to look shiny, then punch a hole and add ribbon to wear as a necklace.
- Remind them: The greatest prize is following Jesus to the end!
Sample Craft Idea
“Eyes on Jesus Telescope” Craft
- Materials: Toilet paper rolls, stickers, markers, tape.
- How to Make:
- Give each child a cardboard roll.
- Let them decorate with stars, crosses, and the words “Looking to Jesus – Heb. 12:2.”
- Kids can pretend to “look” through the telescope, reminding them to keep their focus on Jesus, not distractions.
