In this lesson, children learn that God is far greater than we are and that our choices do not hurt Him, and that He still hears those who call on Him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is higher than us, and He hears us when we call to Him. Our choices matter, and God is still always good and faithful to listen.
Memory Verse
Job 35:5
Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall and stretch their arms up as high as they can reach while saying the verse together. Then have them slowly bring their arms down to their sides. Each time they stretch up, they can remember that God is higher than the sky.
The Story: Job 35 for Kids
Job had been talking with his friends for a long time, and he was very sad and confused about why bad things had happened to him. A man named Elihu had been listening quietly, and now he wanted to speak. Elihu began by asking Job a question about whether Job thought he was more right than God. Elihu wanted Job to think carefully about what he was saying.
Elihu told Job to look up at the sky. The sky is so high above us, and it shows how much greater God is than any person. Elihu explained that when people do wrong, it does not change God in the way we might think. God is not hurt by our sins, and He does not gain anything when we are good.
Elihu also talked about people who are treated unfairly and cry out for help. Sometimes people shout for rescue because bad and powerful people are hurting them. Elihu said that many people do not even stop to ask where God is, the One who made them and who gives songs even in the dark night.
Elihu reminded everyone that God still teaches us and makes us wiser than the animals and the birds. Even when people feel alone, Elihu wanted them to remember that God is near and is aware of them. He told them that God does not ignore those who truly call out to Him.
At the end of his speech, Elihu said that Job had been speaking many words without really knowing what he was talking about. Elihu wanted Job to slow down and think about how great God is. This helped everyone see that they needed to listen and trust God more.
Read It Together
Job 35:10-11
10 But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, 11 who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’
(WEB)
Point out that people can forget to ask where God is, even though He made us and teaches us. Ask the children what kinds of things God gives us that help us learn and grow every day.
Job 35:13
Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.
(WEB)
Explain that God truly hears the cries of His people. Help the children understand that God is always listening, even when we feel small or forgotten.
Job 35:6-7
6 If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?
(WEB)
Show the children that our actions do not change God in the way that they change people. Talk about how God is good no matter what we do, and that He does not need anything from us.
Talk About It
- What is something in the sky that reminds you how high God is?
- Why do you think it is good to call out to God when you feel sad or scared?
- How does God teach us things, like He taught the birds and animals to live?
- What can you do when you feel like you do not know how to pray?
- How can you remember that God is always listening to you?
Activity Ideas
Sky-High Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a big blue sky with a sun, clouds, and a few birds flying high. In the top corner, they can write or draw a small heart to show that God is always near, even in the highest place.
Stretch and Call Game
Have the children stand in a circle. Call out a simple phrase like “God is high” and have everyone stretch their arms up. Then call out “God hears us” and have them cup their hands around their mouths like they are calling out. Keep the game moving quickly so the children enjoy the movements and remember the big ideas.
Night Song Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Have the children write or draw one song or thankful thought on each strip and place it in the jar. At bedtime, they can pull out one strip and sing or say it to God as a reminder that He gives songs in the night.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is far above us and does not need anything from our hands. Elihu’s words remind us that our sin does not hurt God, and our goodness does not profit Him, yet He still hears the cries of the oppressed and cares for people who call on Him. Adults can take comfort that God remains faithful even when we feel we cannot see Him.
Avoid overstating to children that God never allows any suffering or that people who cry out will always be rescued right away. Keep the focus on God being higher, hearing us, and teaching us, without making promises about how or when He will answer every need.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You are higher than the skies and greater than anything we can imagine. Thank You for hearing us when we call to You and for teaching us every day. Help us remember that You are always near and always good. Amen.
