This lesson teaches children that sin separates us from God, but God hears us, loves us, and sends a Redeemer to save us. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is never too far away to hear us. When we do wrong, we can turn back to him, and he will rescue us because he loves us.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 59:1
Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it can’t save; nor his ear dull, that it can’t hear.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up high like you are reaching for something far away, then bring them down slowly and cup your ears. Say the verse together while you do the motions, so children connect God’s strength and his listening ears.
The Story: Isaiah 59 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people in the land of Judah had gotten into a big mess. They were lying to each other, hurting people who had done nothing wrong, and making choices that hurt everyone around them. Their words were full of lies, and their hands were doing things that were not kind or fair.
The prophet Isaiah told them the truth. He said that their sins had made a wall between them and God. The people felt like they were stumbling around in the dark, bumping into walls and not knowing which way to go. They wanted light, but all they could see was darkness.
Here is the good news in the story. God had not stopped listening. His hand was not too weak to save, and his ears were not too dull to hear. He saw that nobody was standing up for what was right, and it made him sad. So God decided to do something himself, and he put on his armor of righteousness and salvation.
God promised that a Redeemer would come to Zion, a helper who would rescue people who turned away from doing wrong. God said, “My Spirit and my words will stay with you and your children forever.” He was making a promise to keep his people close to him for always.
Read It Together
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
(WEB)
Point out that sin creates a separation, but the verse also says the people’s sins hid God’s face from them. Ask children to explain in their own words why sin makes us feel far away from God, and remind them that the problem was never that God stopped caring.
Isaiah 59:16
He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore his own arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness sustained him.
(WEB)
Show children that God looked at the people and saw that no one was standing up for what is right. Explain that God did not shrug and walk away. He acted to save them, which shows how much he cares about fairness and about his people.
Isaiah 59:20
“A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacob,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out the word Redeemer and explain that it means someone who buys back or rescues someone else. Tell children that this promise pointed forward to a helper God would send, and that Christians believe Jesus is that Redeemer who came to rescue us.
Talk About It
- What did the people in this story do that made them feel far from God?
- Why do you think God wanted to hear and help his people even when they had done wrong?
- How did it feel for the people to be walking around in darkness, and how is that like being far from God?
- What kind of helper did God promise to send, and how does knowing that make you feel?
- When you make a mistake, what is one way you can turn back toward God and ask him to help you?
Activity Ideas
Light in the Darkness Drawing
You will need paper, black crayons, and yellow or white crayons. Have children draw a dark picture covered in black crayon, then use a yellow or white crayon to draw a bright light breaking through the dark spot. Talk about how God’s light and help can shine into any dark place in our lives.
Reach and Listen Game
Play a simple game where one child stands at one end of the room with eyes closed, and the others quietly stand far away. The children try to get close without making noise, and the one with eyes closed must listen carefully to find them. Afterward, explain that God hears even quiet prayers, and he is never too far to hear us.
Take-Home Helper Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write or draw a picture of a time they wanted God’s help, and to put the card by their bed or in their backpack. Encourage them to look at it and pray each night, reminding themselves that God hears them and loves to help.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God takes sin seriously because it breaks relationships and harms people, yet he remains faithful and active in rescuing his people. Isaiah’s words move from confession of sin to God acting in power, and this points forward to the salvation God would provide through the Redeemer.
With children, avoid overstating the details of Isaiah’s prophecy or turning the chapter into a detailed explanation of the coming Messiah. Keep the focus on the simple truths that God hears us, sin separates us, and God rescues people who turn back to him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always hear us and never stop caring about us. Help us to turn away from the wrong things we do, and help us to trust you when we feel far away. Thank you for sending a Redeemer to rescue us and for staying close to us forever. Amen.
