The Runaway Banana Who Found a Friend in Jesus — A Lesson on Friendship with God! Sunday School Lesson Plan For Toddlers

Lesson Title:

"The Runaway Banana Who Found a Friend in Jesus — A Lesson on Friendship with God!"

Bible Theme:

Jesus is our best friend who never leaves us.

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):

👉 “Jesus is my friend forever.” — John 15:15 (Toddler-friendly paraphrase)

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” — John 15:15 (KJV)

This is a beautiful verse to remind little ones that Jesus calls us His friends — perfect for lessons like "The Runaway Banana Who Found a Friend in Jesus."

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:

🗣️ "Jesus is my friend forever!"

Story: "The Runaway Banana Who Found a Friend in Jesus"

Once upon a time, there was a silly little banana named Benny. Benny loved to roll and bounce around the kitchen. But one day, Benny thought, “I don’t need anyone! I can go on my own!” So Benny rolled right off the counter and away! (Pretend to roll like Benny!)

Benny rolled under the table, behind the chair, and even out the door! But soon, Benny got lost and scared. He said, "Oh no! I don’t know where I am! I’m all alone!"

Then Benny remembered something he heard in Sunday School:
“Jesus is always with me! Jesus is my friend forever!”

So Benny sat very still and said, “Jesus, I’m lost and scared. Will you help me?”

Guess what? Just then, Benny heard a voice in his heart saying, “I’m here! I’m always with you!”

Benny felt happy and safe! He said, “Thank You, Jesus! You are my best friend!”

And with Jesus' help, Benny found his way back home — and never forgot that Jesus is his forever friend!

Activity: "Banana Friend Hunt" (Movement Game)

How to Play:

Hide paper bananas (or yellow bean bags/soft toys) around the room.
Say: "Benny the Banana is lost! Let's help him find his friends!"
As kids find bananas, they say:
🗣️ "Jesus is my friend forever!"
After all bananas are found, sit in a circle and thank Jesus for being our friend.

Craft: "Benny the Banana Puppet" 🍌

Supplies:

Yellow construction paper (banana shape)
Googly eyes or sticker eyes
Markers/crayons
Popsicle stick (for puppet handle)

Instructions:

Cut out banana shapes.
Add eyes and draw a happy face.
Glue/tape to popsicle stick for a puppet.
Write (or help them write): "Jesus is my friend forever!"

Talk while crafting:
"Jesus is always with us, even when we feel scared or lonely — just like He helped Benny!"

Song (To the tune of 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat'):

🎶
Jesus is my friend,
Every single day.
He loves and helps and that is true,
He will make a way!
🎶

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me Style):

"Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me.
Thank You for being my friend forever.
Help me remember You are always with me.
Amen!"

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today, we learned from Benny the Banana that Jesus is our friend forever! Ask your child to show you their banana puppet and sing, "Jesus is my friend forever!" together.