This lesson teaches children that the LORD is the only true God, the one who made everything and who calls His people by name. It is suitable for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the memory verse and one activity.
Big Idea
God made everything, He knows us by name, and there is no other God like Him. He keeps His promises even when people do not know Him yet.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 45:5
I am the LORD, and there is no one else. Besides me, there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known me…
(WEB)
Stand tall with your arms stretched out wide, like a tree on a windy day. Then slowly point up to the sky on the word “LORD,” and fold your hands on your heart as you say “there is no one else.” Repeat the motions together three times so the children connect the words with the movement.
The Story: Isaiah 45 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to His prophet Isaiah about a king named Cyrus. Cyrus was not a follower of God, but God had a plan for him. God said that He would hold Cyrus’s right hand and help him win battles. The gates of cities that were closed would be opened before Cyrus, and nothing would stop him from going through.
God told Cyrus that He would go ahead of him. He would make the rough, bumpy roads smooth and break the heavy metal doors in pieces. God also promised to give Cyrus treasures that were hidden in dark places. God wanted Cyrus to know one important thing: “It is I, the LORD, who call you by your name.”
God explained that He called Cyrus for the sake of His people Israel. Even though Cyrus did not know God yet, God had given him a special job to do. God said, “I am the LORD, and there is no one else. Besides me, there is no God.” God wanted everyone in the world to understand this truth.
Some people in those days thought they could make their own gods out of wood and stone. God was not happy about this. He reminded people that He made the earth and the heavens with His own hands. A clay pot cannot tell the potter what to make, and people should not argue with the God who made them.
God spoke to all the people on the earth and said, “Look to me, and be saved.” He promised that Israel would be saved with a salvation that never ends. Everyone who had been against God would one day bow down before Him. The people of Israel would be happy and rejoice in the LORD.
Read It Together
Isaiah 45:1-2
1 The LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him, and strip kings of their armor; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut: 2 “I will go before you, and make the rough places smooth. I will break the doors of brass in pieces, and cut apart the bars of iron.
(WEB)
Point out that God chose Cyrus even though Cyrus did not yet know Him. Ask the children to notice that God was in charge of the whole plan, including the kings and the gates. Remind them that God can use anyone He wants to do His work.
Isaiah 45:22
“Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
(WEB)
Explain that God invites everyone to look to Him. Show the children that “look” means to pay attention and turn toward someone. Tell them that God is calling not only Israel but all the ends of the earth.
Isaiah 45:18
For the LORD who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn’t create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited says: “I am the LORD; and there is no other.
(WEB)
Help the children see that God made the earth on purpose. He did not create it to be empty, but to be a home where people could live. Let them name a few things God made that they enjoy every day.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you saw today, and how does it show you how great He is?
- Why do you think God called Cyrus even though Cyrus did not know Him yet?
- How does it feel to know that God calls you by your name?
- What are some things people sometimes try to trust in besides God, and why do they not last?
- When you feel afraid or unsure, what can you remember about the LORD from this story?
Activity Ideas
Clay Pot Craft
You will need modeling clay or play dough, a small cup, and a paper towel for each child. Let each child shape a small pot or bowl with the clay while you talk about how God is the Potter who made us. Ask them to think about how they can let God shape their hearts. Set the finished pots on a shelf as a reminder that God made us with care.
Look to Me Game
You will need a open space in the room and a small object to hide, like a toy or a sticker. Hide the object while the children close their eyes, then have them look around the room until they find it. Explain that when they look for the object, they are paying close attention, just as God wants us to look to Him. Play a few rounds, and then talk about how God is always near us.
Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and some crayons for each child. Have the children write or draw one thing God made that they are thankful for on the front of the card. On the back, they can draw a small picture of God looking at them. Encourage them to share the card with their family at dinner and tell them what they learned about the one true God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the LORD is the sovereign Creator who alone is God, and He works through people who do not know Him to accomplish His purposes. Isaiah 45 also invites every nation to turn to God for salvation. The passage reminds us that God’s plans do not depend on our understanding, and His character is faithful from beginning to end.
Avoid suggesting to children that God only uses good people or that He will always make life easy when they follow Him. The chapter speaks of God’s power and His promises, not a guarantee of comfort or outcomes. Keep the focus on who God is and how much He loves us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You made everything and know each of us by name. Help us to look to You every day and trust that You are the only true God. Thank You for keeping Your promises and loving us. Amen.
