This lesson teaches children that God speaks to people and wants them to listen carefully, even when they feel confused or sad. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a memory verse, a few questions, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God is always ready to speak to us, and he wants us to listen with open hearts, even when we do not understand everything yet.
Memory Verse
Job 33:14
For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.
(WEB)
Cup both hands behind your ears, then open them wide like a flower, as you say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so children remember that listening is part of the lesson.
The Story: Job 33 for Kids
Job was a good man who had lost almost everything. His children were gone, his animals were gone, and his body hurt badly. Three friends had come to sit with him, but they kept saying that Job must have done something wrong. Job did not think so, and he wanted to talk to God about it.
Then a young man named Elihu spoke up. He had been listening quietly for a long time, and now he said, “Job, please hear my words.” Elihu told Job that he was not a stranger to God. He said that God made every person and gives every person breath. Elihu wanted Job to know that God was not against him.
Elihu explained that God often speaks to people in different ways. Sometimes God speaks in a dream at night, when a person is resting on their bed. Sometimes God uses pain or trouble to get a person’s attention. Elihu said God does this because he loves people and wants to help them turn back toward him.
Elihu also said that God can send a helper, someone who explains what is right. When a person listens to that helper and asks God for mercy, God is kind and gives them a fresh start. Elihu said that person can feel young and strong again, and can sing with joy about the goodness of God.
At the end, Elihu asked Job to pay close attention. He said, “Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.” Elihu wanted Job to be quiet and listen, because he believed God had something good to teach him.
Read It Together
Job 33:4
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who made us and gives us life every day. Ask children to name something that God gave them that they enjoy, such as family, food, or a sunny day.
Job 33:12
“Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just, for God is greater than man.
(WEB)
Explain that Elihu reminded Job that God is greater than any person. Help children see that God is wise and good even when we cannot understand what he is doing.
Job 33:29-30
29 “Behold, God does all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man, 30 to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
(WEB)
Show children that God keeps working to bring people back from trouble and into the light. Let them know that God is patient and keeps trying to help us again and again.
Talk About It
- What is one way you think God might talk to someone, and how would they know it was him?
- Why do you think it can be hard to be quiet and listen when we feel upset or worried?
- How did Job feel about his friends, and what could they have done to help him better?
- What is something you could do this week to listen more carefully to God?
- When you feel scared or confused, what could you say to God to ask him for help?
Activity Ideas
Ear and Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big ear on one side of the paper and a heart on the other side. Then have them draw a simple picture of something God might say to them, such as “I love you.” Let children explain their drawing to you, and talk about how listening to God can warm our hearts.
Quiet Listening Game
You will need a small bell or a spoon and a cup. Have children sit in a circle and close their eyes. Ring the bell softly, and ask them to raise a hand when they hear it. Then try it again with a quieter sound, and talk about how careful listening helps us notice small things, just as we listen for God’s gentle voice.
Take-Home Listening Jar
You will need a clear jar, paper scraps, and a pen. Write a simple prayer idea on each slip, such as “Thank you for my family” or “Help me be kind today.” Let each child take one slip home and pray about it during the week. Encourage them to drop the slip in the jar and talk about what God showed them when the jar is full.
Teacher Notes
Job 33 shows that God speaks to people in many ways, and he cares about helping people turn back toward him. Elihu wanted Job to listen before judging God’s actions, which is a good reminder for adults that we should be humble and attentive when trying to understand God’s ways. We can trust that God is wise even when his reasons are beyond what we can see.
Be careful not to tell children that every hardship is a direct message from God or a punishment for something they did. The chapter is part of a larger conversation in the book of Job, and the book as a whole shows that God’s ways are mysterious and that suffering is not always explained in simple terms. Focus on God’s love and his desire to speak with us rather than on frightening ideas.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for making us and giving us breath each day. Help us to be quiet and listen when you speak, even when we do not understand everything. Open our ears and our hearts so we can trust your goodness and your love. Thank you that you are always ready to talk with us. Amen.
