The Roman Centurion Bible Lesson for Preteens | Matthew 8:5–13

Matthew 8:5–13

Trueway Word Bible lesson for preteens (ages 8–13)

About This Preteen Bible Lesson

This free printable Bible lesson helps preteens explore Matthew 8:5–13, where a Roman centurion comes to Jesus because his servant is suffering. Although the centurion was a powerful military officer, Jesus was not impressed by his position or status. Instead, He marvelled at the man’s faith. The centurion trusted that Jesus had such complete authority that He only needed to speak for the servant to be healed.

Using the Trueway Word W.O.R.D. Bible study method, preteens will Walk into God’s Word, Observe what the Bible says, Reflect on what it means, and Discover how to live it out. Designed for Sunday school, homeschool, family devotions, and church groups, this preteen Bible lesson helps children develop a biblical worldview centred on trusting Jesus, recognising His authority, welcoming faith from unexpected people, and bringing the needs of others to Him in prayer.

The Big Question

What makes faith different from wishful thinking?

Wishful thinking means believing something simply because we want it to be true. Biblical faith is different because it is trust based on who Jesus is, what He has done, and the reasons we have to believe He is trustworthy.

The centurion did not take a blind leap. He had come to recognise Jesus’ authority and trusted Him before he could see the outcome. Faith may involve things we cannot yet see, but it is grounded in the trustworthy character and work of Jesus.

What Kids Will Learn

• Faith means trusting Jesus even before we see the outcome.
• Jesus notices faith, not status, wealth, or importance.
• Jesus has authority greater than any human authority.
• Nothing is beyond Jesus’ power or control.
• Faith can appear in people and places others may not expect.
• No one is outside Jesus’ welcome.
• Prayer includes bringing the needs of other people to Jesus.
• Biblical faith is grounded in good reasons, not wishful thinking.

Why This Lesson Matters

Preteens are learning who and what they can trust. They may hear that faith means believing without evidence, or they may feel pressure to admire popularity, influence, appearance, or success.

This Bible passage offers a different picture. Jesus praised the centurion not because he was powerful, but because he trusted Him. The lesson helps children understand that Christian faith is rooted in the trustworthy person of Jesus and encourages them to bring both their own needs and the needs of others to Him with confidence.

What’s Included

• Printable booklet and single-sided versions
• Bible reading and W.O.R.D. study pages
• Reflection activities such as Admire, Authority Pyramid, and Roman Centurion Passport
• Prayer activity focused on bringing others to Jesus
• Big Question apologetics page and Roman shield reflection
• True or false and memory verse activities
• Weekly actions, prayer, and notes page

Perfect For

• Sunday school
• Homeschool and family devotions
• Midweek Bible clubs
• Church small groups
• Christian schools
• Preteen discipleship lessons

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