This lesson teaches children that God is strong enough to carry us, while the idols people made could not carry anything at all. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God carries his people from the day they are born until they are very old, and he never gets tired of helping them. Idols made of wood and metal cannot carry anyone.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 46:4
Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand up tall, then slowly scoop their arms under something heavy and lift. Say the verse together while you lift, then gently lower your arms as you say “carry you.” Do this twice so the motion and the words stay together in their minds.
The Story: Isaiah 46 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel lived far from their home and were afraid. Many of the people around them worshiped idols, which were statues shaped like gods. Some of these statues were so heavy that they had to be carried on the backs of donkeys and cows. Sometimes the statues had to be carried by the people too.
God looked at the idols and saw that they could not help anyone. When the idols were carried, they became a heavy load that made the animals tired. When the idols fell down, they could not get back up on their own. They could not save anyone from trouble, not even themselves.
Then God spoke to his people with a loving voice. He said, “Listen to me, family of Jacob. You have been carried since you were born, and I have carried you since before you were even born.” God told them that he would never stop caring for them. He said he would carry them even when they became old and their hair turned gray.
God asked his people a question. He asked, “Who is like me?” No other god could compare to him. He reminded them that he is the only God, and nothing is impossible for him. He said he always keeps his promises and does exactly what he plans to do.
God told his people that he would bring help to them, even though they had been stubborn and had turned away from him. He said that his goodness and rescue were coming soon. He promised to bring salvation to Zion, which was the city where he loved to be with his people.
Read It Together
Isaiah 46:3
“Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been carried from their birth, that have been carried from the womb.
(WEB)
Point out that God calls his people by name and says they have been carried since birth. Ask the children to think about who has carried them, such as a parent, a grandparent, or a teacher. Let them know that God has been carrying them even longer than those people have.
Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me.
(WEB)
Show the children that God says he is the only God and that nobody else is like him. Explain that the word remember means thinking about what God has already done. Encourage them to name one thing God has done for them this week.
Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.
(WEB)
Point out that God knows the end of a story from the very beginning. Tell the children that his plans always happen, so they can trust him even when they do not understand what is going on. Keep the explanation short and cheerful.
Talk About It
- What did the idols in the story have to do to get anywhere, and what did that tell you about them?
- How do you think it felt for God’s people to know that God was carrying them since before they were born?
- Who are some people in your life who carry you when you are tired or sad?
- Why do you think God wanted his people to remember the things he had already done for them?
- What is one heavy thing you could bring to God in prayer this week?
Activity Ideas
Carry Me Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Ask each child to draw a picture of someone who carries them, such as a family member, then draw a small heart next to God’s name written at the top. Glue a strip of yarn across the bottom to look like arms holding them up. Let the children talk about their picture while they finish it.
Heavy Load Relay
You will need two empty laundry baskets, several soft toys, and a open space in the room. Have the children take turns carrying one toy at a time from one basket to the other, walking slowly like the animals in the story. After each turn, say the phrase “God carries us” together. Finish by telling the children that God never gets tired like the animals did.
Carry Me Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Help each child write the memory verse reference on the card and draw a simple picture of a person being lifted up. Ask them to take the card home and place it on the kitchen table or near their bed. Encourage them to read it aloud to a family member during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a sharp contrast between the gods people build with their hands and the living God who builds and carries his people. The idols must be lifted, bent over, and hauled away, while the Lord carries his people from birth to old age. Adults can take comfort in God’s steady care through every season of life.
When teaching children, avoid making the idols sound silly or mocking the people who once worshiped them. The main point is that God is faithful and strong, not that others are foolish. Keep the focus on God’s love and care so that children feel secure rather than fearful.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you that you have carried us since we were born and that you will carry us every day. Help us to remember that you are the only God and that nothing is too hard for you. Teach us to trust you when we feel tired or afraid. Amen.
