Children's Liturgy Guide

Christ the King

Year B · Ordinary Time

Jesus Is a Different Kind of King

Reading: John 18:33b-37

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, a man named Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king. Jesus says yes, but explains that his kingdom is not like the kingdoms we see on earth. Jesus came to tell us what is true and to lead us with love.

Key Points

  • Jesus tells Pilate that he is a king, but his kingdom is different from earthly kingdoms
  • Jesus says he came into the world to tell the truth
  • People who belong to Jesus listen to his voice
  • Jesus leads with love and truth, not with armies or force
  • We celebrate Jesus as our King who loves us and guides us

Background

This Gospel passage takes place during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate is trying to determine if Jesus poses a political threat by claiming kingship. Jesus clarifies that his kingdom is not of this world, meaning it does not operate by worldly power, military force, or political authority. His kingship is rooted in divine truth and love. The phrase 'everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice' indicates that following Jesus means accepting his teachings and recognizing his authority as coming from God. For children, emphasize that Jesus is a king who loves us and tells us the truth, and that we can follow him by listening to his words. Set aside the complex political and theological dimensions of Jesus' trial and the nature of divine versus earthly authority.

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 being our King who loves us so much. Help us to listen to your voice and follow you today and always. 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.

If you were a king or queen, how would you be kind to the people in your kingdom?

Example: I would make sure everyone had enough food to eat and a warm place to sleep, and I would visit people who were sad to make them feel better.

Bridge to the reading: You thought of such loving ways to take care of people! In today's reading, we will hear about Jesus being asked if he is a king, and we will learn what kind of king Jesus really is.

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. Who asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews?

    Example: A man named Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Pilate was an important leader.

  2. What did Jesus say about his kingdom? Did he say it was like other kingdoms?

    Example: Jesus said his kingdom is not from this world. It is different from other kingdoms that have soldiers and armies.

  3. Jesus said he came into the world to do something important. What did he say he came to do?

    Example: Jesus said he came to tell people the truth. He came to show us what is true and real.

  4. Why do you think Jesus did not want soldiers to fight for him like other kings have?

    Example: Maybe because Jesus wants to be a king who uses love instead of fighting. He wants to help people with kindness, not with swords.

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 to know that Jesus is a king who loves you and always tells you the truth?

    Example: It makes me feel safe and happy because I know Jesus really cares about me and I can trust what he says.

  2. At home with your family, how can you listen to Jesus like he is your king?

    Example: I can listen when my mom or dad reads Bible stories, and I can try to do the good things Jesus teaches us to do.

  3. This week, what is one way you can follow King Jesus by being truthful with your friends?

    Example: I can tell the truth even when it is hard, like if I accidentally break something or if someone asks me a question.

Recap

Today we heard that Jesus is a king, but not like kings with crowns and armies. Jesus is a king who came to tell us the truth and lead us with love. We can follow King Jesus by listening to his voice and being truthful and loving too.

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 all children who do not know how much Jesus loves them, that they may come to know him as their loving King, 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 say 'Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again' during the Memorial Acclamation, we proclaim that Jesus is our King who is alive and will return in glory.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for being our King who loves us and tells us the truth. Help us to listen to your voice this week and to follow you in everything we do. 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 Is a Different Kind of King

John 18:33b-37

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • King
  • Pilate
  • truth
  • kingdom
  • listen
  • love
  • voice
  • follow
  • world
  • Lord
  • heart

ChildrensLiturgy.org