Children's Liturgy Guide

6th Sunday of Easter

Year B · Easter

Jesus Calls Us Friends

Reading: John 15:9-17

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

In today's reading, Jesus tells his disciples something amazing: he does not call them servants anymore, but friends. He shares everything the Father told him with them. Jesus asks his friends to love each other the way he loves them.

Key Points

  • Jesus chose us to be his friends, not just his helpers
  • A friend shares what is in their heart, and Jesus shares God's love with us
  • Jesus commands us to love one another as he loves us
  • The greatest love is giving yourself for your friends
  • We did not choose Jesus first; he chose us

Background

This passage comes from Jesus' farewell discourse at the Last Supper, where he prepares his disciples for his departure. The shift from 'servant' to 'friend' is theologically significant: a servant obeys without understanding the master's purposes, but a friend is brought into intimacy and confidence. Jesus elevates the disciples' relationship with him by making them privy to the Father's will. The command to love is not mere ethical instruction but participation in the divine life of mutual love between Father and Son. For children, emphasize the concrete image of Jesus choosing them as friends and sharing secrets with them, rather than the deeper theology of participation in Trinitarian love. Set aside the sacrificial 'laying down one's life' language for older children.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us your friends and for loving us so much. Help us to listen to your words today and to love others the way you love us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

What makes someone a really good friend? What do good friends do for each other?

Example: A good friend plays with you and shares their toys with you. They tell you secrets and they always want to be with you and help you when you are sad.

Bridge to the reading: It sounds like good friends share what is special to them and really care about each other. In today's reading, Jesus tells his disciples something wonderful: he calls them his friends and shares everything his Father told him with them.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. What did Jesus call his disciples in today's reading?

    Example: Jesus called his disciples his friends. He said they are not servants anymore but his friends now.

  2. What did Jesus say he shared with his friends?

    Example: Jesus said he told them everything that he heard from his Father. He shared all the important things with them.

  3. What does Jesus ask his friends to do?

    Example: Jesus asks his friends to love each other. He wants them to love one another the same way he loves them.

  4. Why do you think Jesus wanted to call his disciples friends instead of servants?

    Example: I think Jesus wanted them to know how special they are to him. Friends are close and share everything together.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel when someone chooses you to be their friend?

    Example: It feels really happy and special inside. It makes me smile because they wanted to pick me out of everyone else.

  2. What is one way you can show love to a friend at school or at home this week?

    Example: I could share my snack with someone or play with a kid who looks lonely at recess time.

  3. Jesus said he chose you to be his friend. How could you talk to Jesus as your friend this week?

    Example: I could tell Jesus about my day before I go to sleep. I could say thank you to him for being my friend.

Recap

Today we heard that Jesus calls us his friends, not just his helpers. He shares everything the Father told him with us because that is what friends do. Jesus chose us to be his friends, and he asks us to love each other the same way he loves us.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For children who feel lonely and need a good friend, that they may know Jesus has chosen them and loves them, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When we share the sign of peace at Mass, we turn to others and offer Christ's peace as friends. This mirrors Jesus calling us friends and asking us to love one another.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for calling us your friends. Help us to share your love with everyone we meet this week. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Calls Us Friends

John 15:9-17

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

P C K F K J X D O H K K H G F
P J X L G Y O J K I B A Q U A
D C W D I U V P N G C Z J Z T
N M W K R S E D Y P F U Z Q H
E H M L Z M T W W U E S C P E
I S V U N U V E S R L L K E R
R H X J E S U S N T E Q X A D
F A N E S O H C Q M T W M C K
E R I K Y Q I I L Z F G O E U
L E O M S P B Z M O V R C X S
Q G E E U G M R I O V Z Q O U
L R V G G F K O R S E E V A J
E Z P M H E A R T P A R H U S
G X W N Z B N W T B Q M A A S
G Q B M Z S G V R W P U R C L

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • friend
  • love
  • chosen
  • share
  • heart
  • listen
  • Father
  • joy
  • care
  • peace
  • kind

ChildrensLiturgy.org