This lesson teaches children that God is in charge of everything, even when people try to protect themselves in their own strength. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. You can use it in a Sunday school class, a small group, or at the kitchen table.
Big Idea
God is the one who holds every city and every person in his hands. When we trust our own plans more than God, we can end up worried and lost. We can always go to God instead.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 22:11
You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you didn’t look to him who had done this, neither did you have respect for him who purposed it long ago.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together, then lift them up slowly toward the sky as they say the verse. This reminds them that God is high above the city walls and we look up to him for help. Repeat the motion three times until they can do it on their own.
The Story: Isaiah 22 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Jerusalem lived in a busy, noisy city. One day, their city was in danger, and enemy armies were coming. The people did not stop to pray. Instead, they ran up to the roofs of their houses to see what was happening, and they started to shout and celebrate.
The people of Jerusalem were busy with their own plans. They looked at the armor stored in the house of the forest and they checked the walls of the city. They even gathered water into a special pool so they would have enough to drink if the enemy came. They worked hard to protect themselves, but they forgot to ask God for help.
God spoke to the prophet Isaiah and showed him what was wrong. The people were partying as if they had no care in the world. Some even said, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die.” God wanted his people to turn back to him, but they did not listen.
God also spoke about a man named Shebna, who was in charge of the king’s house. Shebna had built a fancy tomb for himself high up in the rock. God told Isaiah to speak to Shebna and remind him that God would take away his important job. God would not let Shebna keep the place of power that he had been given.
In his place, God chose a servant named Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah. God said he would give Eliakim the robe, the belt, and the key of David’s house. Eliakim would take care of the people of Jerusalem and Judah in the way God wanted. God is the one who chooses who is in charge, and God keeps his promises.
Read It Together
Isaiah 22:12
In that day, the Lord, the LORD of Armies, called to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to dressing in sackcloth…
(WEB)
Point out that God called his people to weep and mourn because they had turned away from him. Ask the children why God wanted his people to be sad about their sins. Explain that God wants us to be sorry when we do wrong so we can turn back to him.
Isaiah 22:22
I will lay the key of David’s house on his shoulder. He will open, and no one will shut. He will shut, and no one will open.
(WEB)
Show the children that God is the one who opens and shuts doors that no person can control. Tell them that God has the key to every door in our lives. This is a good moment to remind children that God is always in control of the things that scare them.
Isaiah 22:25
“In that day,” says the LORD of Armies, “the nail that was fastened in a sure place will give way. It will be cut down, and fall. The burden that was on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken it.”
(WEB)
Point out that God says what he will do, and then he does it. The nail that seemed so strong fell because God had spoken. Help the children see that God’s word is always true, even when things seem uncertain.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Jerusalem do when they were scared, and what could they have done instead?
- How do you feel when you know that God is in charge of everything that happens?
- Why do you think the people forgot to ask God for help?
- What is one thing you worry about, and how can you bring that worry to God?
- Who do you think God wants to be the leader of your heart, and how can you let him lead?
Activity Ideas
Paper Key Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers. Have each child trace a large key shape on the paper and cut it out. On the key, the children can write or draw one thing they want to trust God with this week. Hang the keys on a string near the classroom door as a reminder that God holds all the keys.
City Wall Game
You will need a pile of soft blocks, cushions, or boxes to make a wall. Divide the children into two teams. One team builds a wall while the other team tries to pass a beanbag over it to represent the enemies. After a few rounds, stop and ask the children what would have helped the wall stay safe. Remind them that God is the strong protector.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Each evening, have your child write a worry on a small slip of paper and fold it up. Then they put it into the jar and pray over it together. At the end of the week, open the jar and read the notes, thanking God for the way he cared for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 22 shows that people can build strong walls and gather plenty of supplies, yet still fail to trust the one who truly rules over all. The chapter reminds us that human planning is not the final answer. God is sovereign over nations, leaders, and the decisions of every person.
When teaching children, avoid making it sound like God only punishes people who build things or plan ahead. Planning and hard work are good gifts, and the real problem is forgetting to depend on God. Keep the focus on trust and God’s faithfulness rather than fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are in charge of everything, even the things we cannot control. Help us to trust you and not only our own plans. Open the doors we need opened, and close the doors that are not good for us. We love you and want to follow you every day. Amen.
