In this lesson, children learn that God gives each of us a job to do, and that He helps us finish it when we trust Him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives every person a job, and He is with us as we do it. We can be strong and brave because God never leaves us.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 28:20
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed; for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, make a strong muscle with one arm, and then raise both arms over their heads like a champion. Say the verse together while flexing, then sit down and repeat it with a quiet voice to show that God’s strength is with us even when we are resting.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 28 for Kids
King David was getting older, and he had a big dream. He wanted to build a special house for God, a temple where the ark of the covenant could rest. The ark was a golden box that reminded people of God’s promises. David called all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem so he could tell them about his plan.
David stood up in front of everyone and spoke with a loud, clear voice. He told them that God had said no to David building the temple. God said David had been a warrior and had shed blood, so the building job would go to someone else. Instead, God had chosen David’s son Solomon to build it.
David turned to Solomon and gave him an important message. He said, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, for the LORD God is with you.” David did not want Solomon to feel alone with such a big job. He reminded his son that God would not fail him or leave him.
Then David handed Solomon the plans. The plans showed the porch, the rooms, the courts, and the special places for the gold and silver tools. David said that God had shown him every detail of this pattern. Solomon had everything he needed to begin the work.
David also reminded Solomon that many people would help him build. Priests, Levites, skilled workers, and the leaders of the people were all ready to serve. Solomon would not have to do it all by himself. God had gathered a whole team of helpers for him.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 28:9
You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
(WEB)
Point out that God knows what is inside each heart, and that He wants us to seek Him with a willing mind. Ask children how they show God they want to know Him better, and gently remind them that God is always ready to be found by those who look for Him.
1 Chronicles 28:10
Take heed now; for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.”
(WEB)
Show children that God chose Solomon for a special task and told him to be strong and do it. Explain that God often gives us jobs at home, at school, and at church, and that He asks us to do them with courage.
1 Chronicles 28:21
Behold, there are the divisions of the priests and the Levites, for all the service of God’s house. Every willing man who has skill, for any kind of service, shall be with you in all kinds of work. Also the captains and all the people will be entirely at your command.”
(WEB)
Point out the word every, and explain that many willing people were ready to help with the work. Remind children that God gives us friends and family to help us, and that we can be a helper too.
Talk About It
- What job do you think God gave King David, and why did he not get to do it?
- How do you think Solomon felt when his father asked him to build the temple?
- Why did David tell Solomon not to be afraid?
- Who are some helpers God gives us when we have a big job to do?
- What is one thing God has asked you to do, and how can you be strong while you do it?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a simple temple with a porch, a few rooms, and a golden box in the center. Let them color it with bright colors and write the words “God is with me” along the bottom. Hang the drawings on the wall as a reminder of God’s plan.
Be Strong and Do It Relay
You will need two cups, a bowl of dry beans, and a small empty bowl at the far side of the room. Divide children into teams and have them carry beans one at a time from the full bowl to the empty bowl using a spoon. Each time a child finishes, they call out “Be strong and do it!” before the next player starts. This shows how many helpers it takes to finish a big job.
Helper Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write one job they can do at home this week, such as setting the table or feeding a pet. They decorate the card and take it home to tape on the refrigerator. When the job is finished, the child can check it off and thank God for His help.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God calls people to particular work and gives them what they need to do it, even when the plan changes from the one we first imagined. David was not allowed to build the temple, yet he prepared the plans, gathered resources, and encouraged the next generation. Adults can see that faithfulness often means passing on a vision to others and supporting them with encouragement and shared work.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always reward hard work with the exact outcome they want. Solomon’s success came from God’s promise and help, not from his effort alone, and children should hear that God’s faithfulness is the foundation of every good job.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for giving us jobs to do and for being with us as we work. Help us be strong and brave, even when a task feels big. Thank You for the helpers You send to us, and help us be good helpers too. Amen.
