In this lesson, children learn that life on earth is short and full of trouble, but God never forgets the people He made. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Our lives are short, but God knows us, cares for us, and remembers us every day.
Memory Verse
Job 14:1
“Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall like a little tree, then slowly bend down low to the floor as you read the verse together. Ask them to do it again, moving slowly and gently. This helps them picture how quickly life can pass.
The Story: Job 14 for Kids
Job was a good man who had lost almost everything. His children were gone, his health was poor, and he felt very sad. He started talking to God about how hard life can be. He said that people are born, they grow up, and then their days end quickly, like a flower that is picked or a shadow that disappears.
Job looked around at the world and saw how things can grow again. He noticed that a tree that has been cut down can sprout new branches when it gets water. Job wished that people could have that kind of new life too. He asked the question on everyone’s heart: if a person dies, will he live again?
Job said that he wanted God to keep him safe and to remember him. He told God, “You would call, and I would answer you.” Job trusted that God was still listening, even in his pain. He asked God to hide him and keep him secret until the hard time was over.
Job did not understand everything about why his life was so hard. He felt sad, and his soul was full of sorrow. Even so, he kept talking to God instead of walking away. He kept his eyes on the One who made him and who counts every step he takes.
Read It Together
Job 14:2
He grows up like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn’t continue.
(WEB)
Point out how the verse compares our lives to a flower and a shadow. Ask the children what things in nature they know that bloom and then fade. Explain that this shows us life is short, but it also reminds us to enjoy the time God gives us.
Job 14:14-15
14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come. 15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.
(WEB)
Show the children that Job asked a big question about life after death and then said he would wait for God. Explain that Job trusted God to call him and to care about the work of His hands. Let the children know that God still calls us, and He still cares for us.
Job 14:16
But now you count my steps. Don’t you watch over my sin?
(WEB)
Point out that Job said God counts his steps and watches over him. Explain that God knows every little thing we do, both the good and the bad. Remind the children that God is always paying attention to them and loves them even when they make mistakes.
Talk About It
- What is something in nature that grows up and then changes, like a flower or a tree?
- How did Job feel when his life was hard, and what did he do with those feelings?
- What does it mean to you that God knows every step you take?
- When you feel sad or scared, what is one thing you can say to God?
- How can we show God that we trust Him to take care of us?
Activity Ideas
Flower and Shadow Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small flower on one side of the paper and a shadow shape on the other side. While they draw, talk about how a flower can bloom and fade and how a shadow comes and goes. Then ask them to write or draw one thing God gives them each day.
Tree Growing Game
Gather the children in an open space. Have them curl up small on the floor like seeds. Then slowly call out “water” and have them stretch up tall like a growing tree. Repeat several times, reminding them that God brings new life. This game helps them remember that God can bring new growth even after hard times.
Take-Home Remember Card
You will need an index card or a piece of cardstock, a marker, and a small sticker if you have one. Write “God remembers me” on the card and let the child decorate it. Encourage them to place it on their bedside table or in their backpack. Each time they see it, invite them to say a short prayer thanking God for knowing them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Job speaks honestly about the brevity and hardship of human life. He does not pretend that life is easy, yet he keeps turning toward God with his questions and his hope. Adults can see that faith includes honest prayer, even when the answers are not fully clear.
With children, avoid overstating the answers to Job’s questions about life after death. Job himself is uncertain and asks rather than declares, so keep the focus on the simple truth that God knows and remembers His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You that You know us and remember us every day. Help us to remember that our lives are short, and help us to trust You with every step we take. When we feel sad or scared, help us to talk to You. Amen.
