The Trinity is a mystery and teaching it to young children is challenging. The Lenten season is a great time to meditate on the mystery of God and learn about the Trinity.
While the word Trinity never appears in the Bible, the idea of the three-part or triune God is all over both the Old Testamant and New Testament. The Hebrew word for God, the plural form Elohim (The plural form of El, meaning “Strong One.”) appears approximately 2,570 times in the Tanakh or Old Testament writings.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
Other Trinity Bible verses: John 14:26, 1 John 5:7-8, John 14:16-17, 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, 1 Peter 1:2
Teaching the Trinity three ways:
Shamrocks
St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to use shamrocks to teach the trinity (even if the story of St. Patrick using it as a teaching tool is just a legend and has little evidence).
Three leaves on one stem. Each leaf represents an aspect of God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. It’s a great visual!
We sing this song (to the tune of Frère Jacques):
Praise the Father. Praise the Father.
Praise the Son. Praise the Son.
Praise the Holy Spirit. Praise the Holy Spirit.
Three in one. Three in one.
Apples
I love how this book guides children through the trinity with parts of an apple. The parts of an apple represent Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here’s even a video of the book!
Eggs
A fun science-y way to learn about the trinity with a hard-boiled egg. Similar to the apple: the parts of the egg represent Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A great Sunday school or Easter craft lesson – especially if kids don’t like to eat those pretty dyed eggs they made!
This is also a great lesson time to teach and/or memorize the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed.
Sing and learn hymns about the Trinity.
The Doxology:
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Happy Spring! He is risen indeed.
its interesting
In children’s church in the past, we have used the 3 properties of water to help explain the Trinity: ice (the Father), liquid water (the Son), & steam (the Holy Spirit).
That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
I love that idea!