In this lesson, children learn that God makes new things, and that He is always ready to answer when His people call to Him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is good and faithful, and He is making all things new. He hears His people when they call, and He will take care of them.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 65:24
It will happen that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands by their ears like they are listening, then cup their hands around their mouths like they are calling out. Repeat the verse together while doing both motions, and let the children take turns leading.
The Story: Isaiah 65 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke through a prophet named Isaiah. God’s people had turned away from Him. They did not follow His ways, and they did things that made God sad. But God had not stopped loving them. He kept reaching out to them with open hands all day long.
God’s people were not listening. Some of them went to secret places and did things that were wrong. Some of them even said to others, “Stay away from me, I am holier than you!” God was not pleased, and He said that He would not stay silent. He would make things right.
But God also had a plan for His faithful servants. He said that they would eat and drink, and they would have joy. Their friends who turned away from God would be hungry and sad. God took care of those who trusted Him, and He always remembers them.
Then God made a wonderful promise. He said, “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.” God would make Jerusalem a place of delight, and He would be full of joy over His people. There would be no more crying in that city. People would build houses and live in them, plant gardens and eat the fruit.
God also told the people that before they even called out to Him, He would answer them. He said, “Before they call, I will answer.” Even while they were still talking, He would be listening. What a kind and loving God He is!
The last part of the story is the most amazing picture of all. God said that the wolf and the lamb would eat together, and the lion would eat straw like an ox. Nobody would hurt or destroy anything on God’s holy mountain. This is what God’s new world will look like.
Read It Together
Isaiah 65:1
“I am inquired of by those who didn’t ask. I am found by those who didn’t seek me. I said, ‘See me, see me,’ to a nation that was not called by my name.
(WEB)
Point out that God says He was found by people who did not even look for Him. Explain that God always makes the first move in reaching out to us, and that He is never too far away for a child to call on Him.
Isaiah 65:17
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered, nor come into mind.
(WEB)
Show children how God says He will create new heavens and a new earth. Explain that God is making everything new, and that His love and goodness never end.
Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. Dust will be the serpent’s food. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Ask the children to imagine a wolf and a lamb sharing a meal together. Explain that this picture shows how peaceful God’s new world will be, and that everyone will be safe with God.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you think is amazing?
- How does it make you feel to know God hears you when you pray?
- What do you think it would be like to live in a world where no one is hurt?
- Why do you think God kept reaching out to His people even when they did not listen?
- What is one way you can talk to God this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a New World Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of what God’s new world might look like. They can draw houses, gardens, animals playing together, or anything that makes them happy. Let them share their pictures with the group and talk about what they drew.
Wolf and Lamb Movement Game
You will need an open space and a few soft toys or stuffed animals. Have children pretend to be different animals, walking and moving slowly together around the room. Call out “wolf and lamb, eat together!” and have the children move in a peaceful circle. Repeat this several times so they remember that God’s world is peaceful.
Take-Home Listening Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Have each child write one thing they want to talk to God about on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Encourage them to take it home and pray about one slip each day this week. Remind them that God is always listening, even before they finish speaking.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows God’s patient love for a people who often turned away from Him. God keeps calling, keeps answering, and keeps promising a new creation where sorrow and harm are no more. It points forward to the hope of a restored world, grounded in God’s faithfulness rather than human effort.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the future picture, such as the wolf and lamb or the length of life, as if they were a precise timeline. Keep the focus on God’s character: He hears, He keeps His promises, and He is making all things new.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always listening when we call to You. Thank You for making all things new and for taking care of us. Help us to trust You every day and to talk with You often. Amen.
