Two James

LESSON: TWO JAMES, TWO SPECIAL FRIENDS OF JESUS

Introduction:

Hey, kids! Did you know Jesus had two friends named James in His group of Twelve Disciples?
That’s right—two James! They both loved Jesus, but they had different stories. One was super
loud and busy, and the other was quiet and steady. Let’s find out who they were and what
makes them special, so we can learn how to be Jesus’ friends too!

James the Elder - The Fisherman with Energy

Role:

James the Elder was a fisherman who worked with his brother John. He was one of Jesus’ best
buddies and full of energy!

Message:

We can follow Jesus with all our excitement and strength, just like James the Elder did.

Context:

James the Elder was the son of a man named Zebedee. Jesus called him from his fishing boat
to be a disciple. He got to see amazing things, like Jesus shining bright on a mountain! He’s
called “the Elder” because he was a big deal and super active. Later, he was the first disciple to
die for loving Jesus, killed by a mean king.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1b (NIV)

Story for Kids:

Imagine James the Elder as a loud, happy fisherman. One day, he’s fixing nets with his brother
John when Jesus walks by and says, “Come follow me!” James jumps up, full of energy, and
says, “Yes!” He goes with Jesus everywhere, watching miracles and learning how to tell people
about God’s love. He’s like the kid who’s always running around, eager to help!

Activity:

Draw a boat with “James the Elder” on it. Pretend you’re fishing, then jump up and shout, “I’ll
follow Jesus!” Talk about how you can use your energy for Jesus.

James the Younger - The Quiet Helper

Role:

James the Younger was a disciple who followed Jesus quietly and stayed faithful.

Message:

We don’t have to be loud to love Jesus—we can help Him in our own quiet way!

Context:

James the Younger was the son of a man named Alphaeus. We don’t hear many stories about
him in the Bible, but he was still one of Jesus’ twelve special friends. He’s called “the Younger”
because he wasn’t as famous or loud as the other James. He stuck with Jesus and helped in his
own special way.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10a (NIV)

Story for Kids:

Picture James the Younger as a quiet kid who loves to listen. When Jesus calls him, he doesn’t
make a big fuss—he just smiles and follows. He’s there with the other disciples, helping and
learning, even if he doesn’t talk a lot. He’s like the friend who’s always there for you, even if
they’re super quiet!

Activity:

Draw a smiley face with “James the Younger” on it. Sit still for a minute and whisper, “I love you,
Jesus.” Talk about how you can help Jesus quietly, like sharing a toy or smiling at someone.

Big Lesson for Kids:

So, kids, we’ve got two James! James the Elder was loud and busy, like a superhero for Jesus,
running around to share His love. James the Younger was calm and quiet, like a secret helper
who stayed close to Jesus. Both were super important to Jesus, and both show us that whether
we’re loud or quiet, Jesus loves us and wants us on His team!

Fun Question:

Are you more like James the Elder, full of energy, or James the Younger, quiet and steady? (It’s
okay to be a little of both!)

Activity to Tie It Together:

Make two paper fish—one big and colorful for James the Elder, and one small and simple for
James the Younger. Write their names on them and hang them up. Tell a grown-up or friend
which James you’d like to be like today and why!

Two James

LESSON: TWO JAMES, TWO SPECIAL FRIENDS OF JESUS

Introduction:

Role:

Message:

Context:

Scripture Memory Verse:

Story for Kids:

Activity:

Role:

Message:

Context:

Scripture Memory Verse:

Story for Kids:

Activity:

Big Lesson for Kids:

Fun Question:

Activity to Tie It Together:

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