This lesson teaches children that God is powerful and wise, and that we can trust Him even when we do not understand everything. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God made everything, He is stronger than anything, and we can trust Him even when we do not understand why things happen.
Memory Verse
Job 40:4
“Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
(WEB)
Teach children to cup one hand over their mouth as they say the words, then slowly lower it to show Job being quiet before God. Do it together three times so the motion sticks.
The Story: Job 40 for Kids
Job had been talking with God for a long time, and he was full of questions. He wanted to know why so many hard things had happened to him. God had not yet answered him directly, but now God was ready to speak. God spoke to Job from a great storm wind, and His voice was loud and strong.
God said, “Job, I want you to be strong and brave like a man, because I am going to ask you some questions.” God asked Job if he could do the things God does. Could he judge the proud and bring them low? Could he thunder with a voice like God’s? Job could not do any of these things, and he knew it.
Then God told Job to look at a huge animal called Behemoth. God said that He made this creature, just as He made Job. Behemoth was very strong. His bones were like tubes of brass, and his legs were like bars of iron. The mountains gave him food, and he rested under shady trees by the water.
God showed Job that even a giant animal is part of His careful plan. God cares for every creature, and no one can tame Behemoth on their own. Job saw that he was not in charge of the world, and that God knows and cares for all that He has made.
Job listened and felt very small. He put his hand over his mouth and said that he had nothing more to say. He realized that God’s wisdom was far greater than his own, and he was ready to trust God.
Read It Together
Job 40:2
“Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
(WEB)
Point out that God asks a simple question about arguing with the Almighty. Ask children what it might feel like to argue with someone who knows everything, and why it is wise to listen instead.
Job 40:8-9
8 Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified? 9 Or do you have an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him?
(WEB)
Show children that God is the one who is strong and wise, not us. Explain that God asks Job whether he has an arm like God, and this reminds us that God’s power is greater than ours.
Job 40:15-17
15 “See now, behemoth, which I made as well as you. He eats grass as an ox. 16 Look now, his strength is in his thighs. His force is in the muscles of his belly. 17 He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are knit together.
(WEB)
Point out how God describes Behemoth with care and detail. Remind children that God made this creature, and that He pays attention to even the biggest and strangest things in creation.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you think is amazing, and why?
- How did Job feel when he realized how big and wise God is?
- What is something you wish you understood, and how can you trust God with it?
- Why do you think God asked Job so many questions instead of just explaining everything?
- What is a way you can show God that you trust Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Creature
Give each child a sheet of paper and some crayons or markers. Ask them to draw an animal God made, and to write one sentence about why it is special. Children can share their drawings with the class and talk about how God made each creature with care.
Strong Like Behemoth
Ask children to stand up and pretend to be a strong creature like Behemoth. They can stomp their feet, sway their arms like a tail, and then freeze silently like Job did. Play a round where you call out “God is strong” and the children answer by holding still and quiet.
Trust Jar at Home
Give each child a small jar and some paper strips. Ask them to write one thing they do not understand on a strip and fold it into the jar. At home, they can pray over the jar each evening and remember that God knows everything, even when they do not.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Job 40 shows that God does not owe us a full explanation for everything that happens in life. Instead, He invites us to trust His power, wisdom, and care for all creation, even when we feel small and confused.
Avoid suggesting that God caused all of Job’s suffering just to prove a point to children. Keep the focus on God’s greatness and faithfulness, and be honest that some questions remain a mystery that we are invited to trust Him with.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You made everything, and You are stronger and wiser than we are. Help us to be quiet and trust You when we do not understand. Thank You for caring for us and for all You have made. Amen.
