In this lesson, children learn that God is kind and merciful, and that when we turn back to Him with our whole heart, He welcomes us. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a short activity and a prayer.
Big Idea
God is slow to get angry and full of love. When we come back to Him with our whole heart, He is ready to welcome us and to bless us.
Memory Verse
Joel 2:13
Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your chest, then slowly open your arms wide, like a child running home to a hug. Say the verse together as you move, and repeat it three times.
The Story: Joel 2 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to a prophet named Joel. Joel lived in Judah, and he told the people that a big day was coming. It was called the day of the LORD, and it would be dark and frightening. Joel asked the people to blow a trumpet in Zion so everyone would hear the warning.
Joel described a great army that was coming. It moved like horses and chariots over the hills. Nothing could stop it, and the people were scared. Their faces turned pale, and the sun and moon seemed to go dark. Joel wanted everyone to understand how serious this was.
But then God spoke to His people with a loving word. He said, “Turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” God did not want them to just act sad on the outside. He wanted their hearts to change, so Joel told them to tear their hearts, not just their clothes.
God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and full of loving kindness. He did not want to send trouble on His people. He wanted them to come home to Him. So the trumpet was blown again, and everyone was called together. Old people, young people, children, and even the priests came to pray.
The priests prayed, asking God to spare His people and not to let them be shamed. God heard them. He showed His love by promising to send grain, new wine, and oil, so His people would be satisfied. The land would bloom again, and the fields would be full. God said He would make up for the years the locusts had eaten.
At the end of the chapter, God gave a wonderful promise. He said He would pour out His Spirit on all people, and His people would know that He is with them. Joel said that whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Read It Together
Joel 2:12-13
12 “Yet even now,” says the LORD, “turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.
(WEB)
Point out that God invites His people to return to Him. Notice the words “with all your heart,” and ask children what it looks like to love God that way in their own days.
Joel 2:21-22
21 Land, don’t be afraid. Be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things. 22 Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
(WEB)
Show children that God tells the land and animals not to be afraid, because He has done great things. Explain that God cares about the fields, the trees, and the animals too.
Joel 2:28-29
28 “It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. 29 And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.
(WEB)
Point out that God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people, including sons, daughters, servants, and young and old. Help children see that God’s gift is for everyone, no matter their age.
Talk About It
- What did the people in Joel’s day need to do to come back to God?
- How would you describe the kind of God who says He is slow to anger?
- What does it mean to turn to God with your whole heart, and how can you show that at home?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to tear their hearts instead of only their clothes?
- What good things did God promise to give His people, and why do you think He wanted them to be satisfied?
Activity Ideas
Paper Heart Craft
You will need red or pink paper, scissors, crayons, and glue. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw one way they can turn back to God this week. Glue the heart to a piece of paper and hang it where the family can see it.
Trumpet Call Game
Gather the children in a circle and give each one a paper towel tube or a cardboard roll to pretend is a trumpet. Call out “Turn back!” and have them march in place, then hold their hands over their hearts. Repeat a few times, and then let a child lead the trumpet call.
Take-Home Promise Card
Provide index cards, markers, and a pencil. Have each child write or draw one thing God promised in this chapter, such as grain, new wine, oil, or His Spirit. Encourage them to place the card by their bed and read it aloud at bedtime with a parent.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s heart is full of mercy even when His people have turned away. The call to return is not only about outward signs of sorrow but about a heart that truly turns toward God. The promise of His Spirit points forward to the gift that God gives to all people who call on His name.
With children, avoid suggesting that God only offers blessings when we behave perfectly. Keep the focus on God’s loving character and His invitation to come home, rather than making the lesson about fear of the day of the LORD.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are kind and full of mercy. Help us turn back to You with our whole hearts, every day. Thank You for Your gifts and Your promise to be with us. Help us always trust You and call on Your name. Amen.
