Jesus Saves Me!

Title: “Jesus Saves Me!” — A Simple Prop Illustration for Young Children (Salvation)

Age range: preschool–early elementary (3–8 years)
Time: 5–8 minutes

Props you need
– One bright inflatable life preserver or large paper/cardboard life ring (big enough to hold a label)
– One length of rope (or a soft ribbon) — label it “faith” with a tag
– One small doll or stuffed animal (represents a person)
– One blue sheet or large piece of blue fabric (to show water) OR a shallow plastic tub with a toy (if you use water keep it shallow and safe)
– One dirty cloth or sock (to show a “dirty heart”)
– One clean white handkerchief or cloth (to show a “clean heart”)
– One simple cross (wooden, cardboard, paper, or picture)
– One small box or round foam ball to act as the stone for the “empty tomb” (optional)
– A Bible or a simple card with John 3:16 printed in child language
– A wrapped small gift or tag that says “Salvation” (optional)
– Optional: stickers or small coloring handout for after

Preparation
– Set the blue sheet on the floor to make a “water” area or place the shallow tub where all children can see.
– Put the life preserver where you can pick it up quickly. Write or tape a label “JESUS” on it.
– Tie a “faith” tag on the rope or ribbon.
– Put cross and cloths near you.
– Practice the moves once so you are smooth and confident.

Presentation (simple script and actions)
1) Opening — grab attention (30–45 seconds)
Say: “Hi friends! Today we’re going to see how Jesus saves. Who here likes to swim?” (Let a few respond.)
Show the blue sheet or tub: “Imagine this is deep water. If someone can’t swim and falls in, they are in big trouble.”

2) The problem — show someone in trouble (45–60 seconds)
Place the doll on/near the blue sheet or make it look like it’s in trouble in the tub. Say: “Oh no! Our friend is in the water and can’t get out by themselves. That’s like when we are separated from God because of sin. Sin is anything we do that disobeys God — like lying, being mean, taking things that aren’t ours. It makes our hearts dirty.”
Show the dirty cloth or sock and hold it up. “This is like our heart when we make wrong choices.”

3) Jesus rescues — use the life preserver and rope (1–2 minutes)
Hold up the life preserver labeled JESUS. “But Jesus loves us. When we are in trouble, Jesus reaches out to save us.” Put the life preserver around the doll or hold it near the doll. Pull the doll toward you using the rope or ribbon labeled FAITH. Say: “Jesus throws us the rescue ring, and when we take it, we are rescued!”
Invite the children to shout with you: “Jesus saves me!” repeat 2–3 times with energy. Encourage them to clap or wave.

4) Jesus cleans our hearts — show the cleaning cloth (45–60 seconds)
Say: “Not only does Jesus pull us out, He washes our hearts clean.” Show the dirty cloth, then replace it with the clean white cloth. “When we say sorry to God and trust Jesus, He cleans us. We can be new.” If you want, wipe the doll with the clean cloth and say, “Now the heart is clean!”

5) The cross and empty tomb — short explanation (45–60 seconds)
Hold up the cross. “Jesus loved us so much that He died on the cross because sin is real. But He didn’t stay dead! He rose again — that means He beat sin and death. The tomb was empty.” Roll away the foam ball or open the small box to show empty space. “Because Jesus rose, He can save us forever.”

6) The invitation — how kids can be saved (30–60 seconds)
Say simply: “That means salvation is a gift. We cannot save ourselves — we need Jesus. We get this gift by saying sorry to God, asking Jesus to forgive us, and trusting Him.” Show the gift labeled “Salvation” or hold the Bible card (John 3:16 simplified: “God loves you. He sent Jesus so you could live forever if you believe in Him.”)
Offer a short, child-friendly prayer they can repeat (don’t force):
“Dear Jesus, I’m sorry for my sins. Thank You for loving me. I trust You to save me. Amen.”
Let children who want to pray say the prayer with you or raise hands if they want help praying with an adult after.

7) Closing — repeat and reassure (30 seconds)
Say: “Say it with me loud and proud — Jesus saves me!” (Repeat 2–3 times.) End with a hug for the doll and a cheerful send-off: “If you prayed today, tell your mom, dad, or teacher. We’ll help you learn more about following Jesus.”

Practical tips and variations
– Be animated, short, and visual. Young children remember actions and repeated phrases.
– Use volunteers: invite a child to hold the life preserver or pull the rope (ensure safety and that the child is comfortable).
– If you use real water, keep it shallow and on a tray where no child can fall in.
– Keep language simple: “saved” = “rescued and forgiven and given new life.”
– Anticipate follow-up: have a place for children to talk with a teacher or leader if they prayed or have questions.
– For non-speaking children, offer a sticker or card that says “I prayed” to take home.

Suggested follow-up activities
– Make a paper life preserver craft with “Jesus saves me!” written on it.
– Color a picture of the cross and empty tomb with the words “Jesus Saves!”
– Practice a short song or chorus: “Jesus saves me, yes He does — Jesus saves me, I know He does!”

Key Gospel points for a child
– Problem: Sin separates us from God (dirty heart).
– Solution: Jesus came, died, and rose to save us (life preserver and empty tomb).
– Response: Believe, say sorry, and trust Jesus (take the life ring/rope called faith).
– Result: Jesus forgives and gives us new life — we can know He saves us.

Short sample lines to memorize
– “Jesus loves you very much.”
– “Sin makes our hearts dirty.”
– “Jesus rescues and cleans us.”
– “If you trust Jesus, He saves you.”
– “Jesus saves me!”

You can adapt the length and depth depending on attention span and number of children. Keep it loving, clear, and interactive.