In this lesson, children learn that God is powerful and good, and that he restores Job after a very hard time. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always in charge, and he is kind. He makes broken things new, and he can be trusted even when we do not understand what is happening.
Memory Verse
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them wide like a flower blooming. As they open their hands, have them say the verse together, saying “God can do all things” with each motion.
The Story: Job 42 for Kids
Job was a good man who loved God very much. One day, many terrible things happened to him all at once. He lost his animals, his house, and even his children. Job was very sad and did not understand why these hard things were happening to him.
Job’s three friends came to visit him. They talked a lot, but they did not always say the right things about God. After a long time, God spoke to Job from a great whirlwind. God asked Job many questions to show how big and wise he is. Job listened, and he said he was sorry that he had talked about things he did not understand.
Then God spoke to the three friends. God was not happy with them, because they had not spoken about him the right way. God told them to bring a sacrifice and to ask Job to pray for them. So they did exactly what God said, and God accepted Job’s prayer.
After that, God gave Job back much more than he had before. Job had twice as many animals as he had at first. His family and friends came to his house to visit him and to comfort him. They brought him gifts, and they shared a meal with him.
God also gave Job seven sons and three daughters again. The daughters were so beautiful that people said there were no other women like them in the whole land. Job lived a long and full life, and he saw his children and grandchildren grow up around him.
Read It Together
Job 42:5
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
(WEB)
Point out that Job says he once only heard about God, but now he has seen him. Explain that when we spend time with God, we get to know him in a new and personal way, even in hard times.
Job 42:10
The LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends. The LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave Job back more than he had lost. Explain that God does not forget his people, and he can bring good things out of sad times.
Job 42:12
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys.
(WEB)
Point out the word “blessed” and explain that it means God gave Job good gifts. Help the children see that God’s blessings often come in unexpected ways and at unexpected times.
Talk About It
- How do you think Job felt when he lost so many things at once?
- What did Job learn about God when God spoke to him from the whirlwind?
- Why do you think God wanted Job to pray for his friends?
- What is one way you can show kindness to someone who is sad?
- What is a good gift that God has given to you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Whirlwind
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and yarn. Have each child draw a face on a paper plate to look like Job or a friend. Then help them glue or tape yarn around the edges to look like swirling wind. Talk about how God spoke to Job from the whirlwind and how God is powerful and wise.
Restoration Relay
You will need two bowls, a handful of small toys or cups, and a few open spaces in the room. Divide the children into two teams. Have each child carry one item at a time from one bowl to the other, saying “God gives back more” each time they arrive. This helps children remember that God restores what was lost.
Blessing Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one good thing God has given them on a small slip of paper and place it in the jar. Encourage them to add a new slip each week and to read them together as a family. This helps children notice God’s kindness every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign and faithful even when we cannot understand our suffering. Job’s story reminds us that honest questions can be brought to God, and that humility before his greatness leads to restoration.
Avoid suggesting to children that if they are good, God will always give them wealth or a perfect life. Job’s story is not a promise that bad things will never happen, but a reminder that God is faithful and that he can make all things new in his own time.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you are powerful and good. Thank you for being with us when things are hard, and for making broken things new. Help us to trust you even when we do not understand. Amen.
