This lesson teaches children that God is always with them, wherever they go. It is written for children roughly 5 to 11, and the full lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is with us all the time, even when we feel scared or alone. We never have to be afraid, because God is always close by and always keeps His promises.
Memory Verse
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
(WEB)
Have the children place both hands on their hearts, then open their arms wide like a hug on the last words. Say the verse together three times, getting a little softer each time, until the children are whispering it.
The Story
Long ago, a man named Jacob was traveling far from his home. He was tired and lonely, and he was not sure what would happen next. He lay down on the ground, and he used a stone for a pillow, because there was no bed anywhere nearby.
That night, Jacob had a dream. In the dream, he saw a tall ladder that stretched from the earth all the way up into heaven. Angels were climbing up and down the ladder, and at the top stood the Lord.
The Lord spoke to Jacob in the dream. He said, “I am with you, and I will keep you safe wherever you go.” Jacob had been worried about being far from home, but now he knew that God was with him.
When Jacob woke up, he was amazed. He said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” He felt happy and brave, even though he was still far from his family.
Jacob made a small pile of stones to remember the special place where God had spoken to him. He wanted to remember that God had been with him in the middle of his lonely journey.
God kept His promise to Jacob. He was with Jacob in the good times and in the hard times, and He is with us in the same way today.
Read It Together
Genesis 28:15
Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.”
(WEB)
Point out the words “I am with you.” Ask the children to notice that God says it first, before Jacob does anything. Explain that God was the one who started the promise, and He keeps His word every time.
Genesis 28:16
Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I didn’t know it.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Jacob was surprised when he woke up. Explain that Jacob had not expected God to be there, but God was there anyway. Remind them that God is also near to us when we do not expect it.
Genesis 28:20-21
20 Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and the LORD will be my God…
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob made a promise back to God after the dream. Explain that when God takes care of us, we can thank Him and talk with Him every day, just as Jacob did.
Talk About It
- When have you felt scared or alone, and what helped you feel better?
- What do you think Jacob felt when he woke up from his dream?
- How can you tell that God is near you during your day?
- Why do you think God wanted Jacob to know He was with him?
- What is one thing you could say to God when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Ladder Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons, glue, and a few cotton balls. Have each child draw a tall ladder going up the page, then glue cotton balls at the top to show the clouds of heaven. Let them draw a small stick figure at the bottom to be Jacob, and talk together about how God was with him.
Follow the Leader Game
You will need an open space and a teacher who can lead. Ask the children to follow you as you walk, step, and climb in place, pretending to go up a ladder. Stop from time to time and say, “God is with us here too,” so the children connect the movement with the truth.
Take-Home Stone Reminder
You will need small smooth stones, washable markers, and a small bag or envelope for each child. Let the children decorate a stone with a heart or a simple drawing, then send it home with the memory verse written on the bag. Encourage the family to keep the stone somewhere they see each day as a reminder that God is always with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God meets people in ordinary and lonely places, not only in holy buildings or moments of great success. Jacob was running from trouble when God spoke to him, which reminds us that God’s presence does not depend on how well we are doing. The promise, “I am with you,” is a steady comfort across the whole Bible.
Avoid overstating the details of the dream to children, such as trying to explain exactly what the ladder means or who the angels are. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God speaks, God keeps His promises, and God is always near. Let children wonder about the mystery without pressing them to have a precise answer.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that we are never alone. Thank You for being with us when we are happy and when we are scared. Help us remember that You are always close by. Amen.
