In this lesson, children learn that God gives each person a special job to do, and that every job matters when we serve Him together. Ages 5 to 11, and the lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives every one of us a job to do, and when we do our part well, our songs and our work make God happy. Big jobs and small jobs are equally important to Him.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 25:7
The number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to the LORD, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand up tall, then slowly lift both arms above their heads as if holding a big cymbal. Say the verse together while they move their arms, then sit down quietly. Repeating the motion helps them remember the verse.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 25 for Kids
King David had a big job to do for God. He wanted the music in God’s house to be beautiful and well organized. So he chose some families of singers and musicians to serve in the Temple. There were three main families: the sons of Asaph, the sons of Jeduthun, and the sons of Heman.
These musicians played harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. Some of them sang and some of them played. They praised the LORD with all their hearts, and they did their work carefully. There were 288 skilled musicians in all, and every one of them had been trained to sing to the LORD.
Then came an interesting part of the story. Nobody got to pick their own job. Instead, they cast lots, which is a way of letting God’s choice decide. The little ones and the grown-ups, the teachers and the students, all had an equal chance. The people in charge said, in effect, “Let’s trust God with this,” and everyone accepted the answer.
Once the jobs were decided, each group of twelve men went to serve in turn. The first group served, then the second, then the third, all the way down to the twenty-fourth group. Every group had a job, and every group was needed. No one was left out.
When you think about it, this was a lot like a team. Each person knew their part, and together they made a beautiful sound for God. That is what God wanted from His people then, and it is still what He wants from us today.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 25:1
Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was…
(WEB)
Point out that David chose these musicians on purpose, and they were set apart for God’s service. Ask the children what kinds of things we can set apart for God, such as our time, our voices, or our hands.
1 Chronicles 25:8
They cast lots for their offices, all alike, the small as well as the great, the teacher as well as the student.
(WEB)
Show the children that the lots were cast for the small and the great, the teacher and the student alike. Explain that in God’s family, nobody is too small or too young to have an important part.
1 Chronicles 25:6
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the LORD’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of God’s house; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.
(WEB)
Point out that all of this music was for the service of God’s house. Remind the children that everything we do can be done to honor God, whether we are singing in church or helping at home.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you like to do that you could use to help others or to praise God?
- Why do you think God wanted every musician to have a job, even the youngest ones?
- How did the musicians in this story work together, and how can your family work together?
- What did it feel like to wait for the lots to be drawn, and what could you say to God when you feel unsure?
- Who is someone you can encourage this week with a kind word or a helpful action?
Activity Ideas
Paper Cymbal Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, glue, and yarn or string. Have each child decorate a paper plate and punch a hole in each side. Tie a loop of yarn through the holes so they can wear it or hold it. Children can then clap their cymbals gently while the class sings a simple praise song.
Musician Line Game
Gather the children in a line and give each one a name tag with a musical job, such as harp, cymbal, or singer. Call out “Lots!” and have them shuffle into a new order, then take turns doing a simple motion for their instrument. This shows that everyone has a role and that every role makes the group complete.
Take-Home Job Chart
You will need a sheet of paper, pencils, and a few sticky notes. Write a list of small jobs your family does each day, such as setting the table or feeding a pet. Let each child pick a sticky note and place it next to a job, then thank God together for the way each person helps the family. Keep the chart on the fridge as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God organizes His worship with care and gives every person a meaningful place in it. The lots were a way of trusting God’s decision rather than human preference, and the text presents the outcome as orderly and complete. Skilled service, shared responsibility, and wholehearted praise are all on display.
Avoid overstating that God will always give children the exact role they want or that drawing lots is a method to use today for choosing jobs. Keep the focus on trusting God’s care and valuing each person’s part.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for giving each of us a special job to do. Help us use our voices, our hands, and our time to honor You. Teach us to work together like a good team and to be glad for everyone’s part. Thank You for loving us, every one of us. Amen.
