Fun Bible Time Activity: How Many Children Were Sitting with Jesus? – Teaching Preschoolers About Jesus
Introducing preschoolers to Jesus is foundational for their spiritual growth. Combine learning numbers with biblical stories using a fun activity called “How many Children were Sitting with Jesus?” This game helps children practice counting while discovering important Bible stories. For example, questions like “How many shepherds visited Jesus?” or “How many loaves and fish did Jesus use to feed 5,000?” turn biblical truths into engaging, interactive lessons that reinforce both Scripture and early math skills.
How to Set Up the Bible Counting Activity
Start by finding simple, colorful Bible story pictures online—just search “Bible story images” or specific stories like the birth of Jesus or the resurrection. Print and laminate these pictures for durability. Next, create number cards that match the number of objects in each picture. Use a pocket chart or table to display the cards, and prepare a basket of treats such as raisins or fish crackers. This visual and tactile setup prepares children for a fun counting game that connects biblical stories with numbers.
Here is a list of stories I suggest:
How many shepherds visited baby Jesus?
– Luke 2:8-21
How many listened to Jesus teaching in the temple?
– Luke 2:41-52
How many children sat with Jesus?
– Matthew 18:1-14
How many sheep did Jesus say He has?
– John 10:14
How many jars of water did Jesus turn into wine?
– John 2:1-11
How many lepers thanked Jesus after being healed?
– Luke 17:11-19
How many loaves and fish did Jesus use to feed 5,000?
– Matthew 14:13-21
How many friends were with Jesus at the Last Supper?
– Luke 22:1-23
How many crosses were on the hill?
– Matthew 27:27-56
How many angels rolled away the stone from Jesus’ tomb?
– Matthew 28:1-10
How many friends walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus?
– Luke 24:13-32
How many angels accompanied Jesus as He ascended to Heaven?
– Acts 1:9-11
How to Play and Reinforce Learning
Invite a child to select a Bible story picture and ask the corresponding counting question. Encourage him to look closely at the picture, count the objects, and match the correct number card to it. Repeat with all the stories. Afterward, a child draws a number card from the basket—this determines how many treats everyone receives. If the number is very low, you can let them draw again for a larger treat. This activity makes Bible learning enjoyable, memorable, and a great way to reinforce both Scripture and counting skills.
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“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom as you sing psalms, hymns, and spirituals with gratitude to God.”
Colossians 3:16
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How many loaves and fish did Jesus bless to feed 5,000 people? Answer: 5 loaves and 2 fish This is just one of the fun questions you can ask your kids to help them learn about some important numbers in the Bible. Can you think of other stories with famous numbers to share?