This lesson teaches children that God is good and fair, even when the Bible describes hard and frightening events. It is written for children about 5 to 11 years old and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is always good and always fair. He keeps His promises, and He does what is right, even when we cannot understand everything that is happening around us.
Memory Verse
Revelation 16:5
I heard the angel of the waters saying, “You are righteous, who are and who were, O Holy One, because you have judged these things.
(WEB)
Ask the children to sit tall, put both hands on their hearts, and then slowly lift their hands up high as they say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time until they can say it with their eyes closed.
The Story: Revelation 16 for Kids
John was an old man who loved Jesus very much. He was on a faraway island, and he had a vision from God. In this vision, he saw a bright temple in heaven, and a loud voice came out of it. The voice spoke to seven angels and told them to go and pour out seven bowls filled with God’s anger against evil.
The first angel poured out his bowl on the land, and nasty sores came on people who had chosen to follow the beast instead of God. Then the second angel poured his bowl into the sea, and the water turned as red as blood. Fish and sea creatures died. The third angel poured his bowl into the rivers, and they turned to blood too.
Then an angel who watched over the waters spoke up. He said, “You are right and fair, Lord, because you are judging these things.” Another voice from the altar answered, “Yes, Lord God, your judgments are true and right.” The people in this story had hurt God’s servants, so God let the bad things they had done come back on them.
The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun, and the sun became so hot that people were scorched by its heat. The fifth angel poured his bowl on the throne of the beast, and darkness fell over his kingdom. The sixth angel dried up a great river, so the way was made ready for kings from the east. Sadly, the people still did not turn to God and say sorry.
Finally, the seventh angel poured his bowl into the air. A loud voice from the throne said, “It is done!” Then came lightning, thunder, a great earthquake, and huge hailstones falling from the sky. John wrote that these events show how serious sin is, but he also reminded readers that God is in control of everything.
Read It Together
Revelation 16:1
I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!”
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one giving the command, and the angels are only doing what He asks. Help children see that God is in charge of every part of this story, even the parts that seem scary.
Revelation 16:7
I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.”
(WEB)
Show children that the voice from the altar calls God’s judgments true and right. Ask them to notice the word “right,” and explain that God never does anything unfair.
Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn’t walk naked, and they see his shame.”
(WEB)
Point out the word “Blessed,” and explain that God gives a special happy promise to people who stay awake and keep their hearts ready for Jesus. Children can understand that being ready means living for God each day.
Talk About It
- What do you think the angels felt like when God told them to pour out the bowls?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to turn back to Him?
- How can you tell that God is fair, even when the story is scary?
- What is one way you can keep your heart ready to love Jesus every day?
- What would you say to a friend who was afraid of this part of the Bible?
Activity Ideas
Paint a Bowl Picture
You will need paper plates or cardstock, paints or crayons, and glue for any extras like cotton balls or glitter. Let each child draw or paint a big bowl in the middle of the plate, then decorate it with the colors of the story: red for blood, orange for the sun, and dark blue for the sky. Talk about how each bowl shows a different part of God’s judgment.
Angel Freeze Game
Choose one child to be the “angel” and everyone else is a “person” standing in a open space. When the angel calls out “Pour!” everyone freezes like statues, and then the angel gives a silly movement for them to copy. Play a few rounds, and end by reminding the children that God is always in charge, just like the angel in our game.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with string. Write “God is good and fair” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Help each child punch a hole, tie on the string, and take the card home. Encourage them to read it at bedtime with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Revelation 16 is part of John’s vision of God’s final judgment on evil and the powers that oppose Him. The chapter shows that God’s justice is holy and righteous, and that He will ultimately make all things right. It also calls believers to stay faithful and keep their hearts ready for Christ’s return.
With children, avoid overstating the frightening details or suggesting that God takes pleasure in punishment. Focus on God’s goodness, His fairness, and His promise to care for those who trust Him, and let the more terrifying images stay in the background.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You are good and fair in everything You do. Help us trust You even when we do not understand every story in the Bible. Keep our hearts ready for You, and help us love You every day. Amen.
