LJ & Family
The Family Puzzle: A Bible Story for Kids About Family and Belonging
Episode 7 of LJ & Family, a free animated Christian cartoon for kids ages 3–10. Watch the 3:45 video together, then use the free family guide, Sunday school lesson plan and coloring page below.
The story
In class, LJ draws his whole family. Then a classmate says his three big sisters aren’t his real sisters because they don’t look like him, and LJ folds the drawing up and throws it away. Mom smooths it flat and holds him close. Dad tells him how a kind man took his hand when he was four and became his dad by love. Pastor Reed says that in God’s family nobody is half or step, and his sisters come home and finish the family puzzle with him. The episode closes with Ruth, who chose to stay with Naomi: “Your people will be my people.”
“For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.”Ephesians 3:14–15 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together
Talk about it
- Why did LJ fold up his drawing and throw it away?
- What did Mom, Dad, Pastor Reed and his sisters each show LJ about family?
- Ruth wasn’t born into Naomi’s family, but she chose to stay. What makes someone family?
Pray together
God, thank You for my family, every single piece of it. When someone says we don’t belong together, remind me that You put us together and love holds us there. Help me love my family the way You love me. Amen.
Free printables for this episode
Everything is free to print and share at home, in class or at church.
For parents
What do you say when someone tells your child their siblings aren't 'real' family? This episode gives you a gentle way to start that conversation. Watch it together, then ask the three questions above at dinner or bedtime.
A ready-to-teach Sunday school lesson about family
The free lesson plan turns this video into a 30–45 minute lesson for children’s church or Sunday school: welcome question, the video, the Bible story, an activity, the memory verse and a closing prayer.
- Ages
- 3–10 (preschool to grade 4)
- Memory verse
- Ephesians 3:15 (WEB)
- Bible story
- Ruth stays with Naomi (Ruth 1:16)
- Theme
- Love makes a family
- Video
- 3:45, captions in English, Español, Português and Français
Save this lesson for later
Pin it to your Sunday school or family devotions board so it’s there when you need it.
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