This lesson teaches children that God is stronger than the devil, and that Jesus has the final victory over evil. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a memory verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
God is in charge, and the devil cannot win. One day, God will make everything right, and all who belong to Jesus will be safe with him forever.
Memory Verse
Revelation 20:2
He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years…
(WEB)
Hold your arms out wide, then slowly pull them together in front of your chest, as if you are tying something up. Say “God is stronger” each time you pull. Repeat it three times together, pulling a little tighter each time.
The Story: Revelation 20 for Kids
In a book called Revelation, the apostle John saw a vision of heaven. He saw a powerful angel come down from heaven. The angel was holding the key to a deep, dark pit and a great chain in his hand. This angel was sent by God, and he had work to do.
The angel grabbed the dragon. This dragon is another name for the devil, also called Satan. The devil had tricked many people all over the earth for a long time. The angel tied him up with the chain and threw him into the deep pit. Then he shut the pit and sealed it so the devil could not get out and trick the nations anymore.
John saw other things too. He saw people sitting on thrones, and they were given the job of judging. He saw people who had died because they loved Jesus and trusted God. They did not bow down to the beast or take its mark. These faithful people were alive again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Their faithfulness was honored.
After that time, the devil was let out of the pit for a short while. He went out to gather armies to fight against God’s people. But when they gathered and surrounded the city of God, fire came down from heaven and destroyed them. The devil was thrown into the lake of fire, where he will be punished forever. Teachers can say to children, “Even the devil’s plans fail, because God is in charge.”
John then saw a great white throne. Everyone who had died stood before God, and the books were opened. Another book was opened too, called the book of life. Anyone whose name was not written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. This was the final judgment, and it showed that God is fair and that he keeps his promises.
Read It Together
Revelation 20:4
I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s faithful people are honored and will reign with Christ. Ask children how it feels to know God notices people who stay faithful even when it is hard. Keep the focus on God’s care rather than on the details of the thrones.
Revelation 20:11-12
11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. 12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
(WEB)
Show children that God is the one sitting on the throne, and that he judges everyone fairly. Remind them that God knows every person by name. Let them see that God’s justice is a comfort to those who trust him.
Revelation 20:15
If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
(WEB)
Explain that the book of life holds the names of people who belong to God through Jesus. Emphasize that God invites everyone to belong to him. Encourage children to talk about how they can share this good news with friends.
Talk About It
- What did the angel do to the devil, and why do you think God sent him?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is stronger than the devil?
- What do you think it means to stay faithful to Jesus, even when it is hard?
- Why is it good to know that God keeps his promises?
- How can you show God’s love to a friend this week?
Activity Ideas
Chain and Key Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, a pencil, and a paper clip. Have each child draw a large key and cut it out. Then they can make a paper chain by folding strips of paper into loops and linking them together. Tape the chain to the key and write “God is stronger” on the back. Talk about how the angel used a key and a chain to stop the devil.
Tug of War Victory Game
You will need a long rope or a jump rope and a clear open space. Divide the children into two teams, one playing for “the devil” and one for “God’s people.” Let them pull on the rope. After a short round, have the leader call out “God wins!” and the team on God’s side cheers. Talk about how God always wins in the end.
Victory Card for Home
You will need an index card, markers, and a glue stick. Have each child draw a picture of a crown or a white throne and write “God is in charge” on the card. Children can take the card home and place it where the family eats dinner. Encourage them to read it aloud to a family member and share what the lesson taught them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage describes the final victory of God over evil. It assures believers that Satan will be defeated, that death will be overcome, and that God’s justice will be perfect. The passage also invites trust in Jesus, whose name is written in the book of life. Many Christians read it with different views on the timing of these events, so it is wise to keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on a detailed timeline.
One thing to avoid overstating to children is the vivid imagery of fire, the lake, and the throne. Children can become frightened if they focus on the punishment. Keep the emphasis on God’s power, his love for his people, and the hope of living with him forever. Let the lesson end with comfort and confidence in God.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you are stronger than anything that tries to hurt us. Help us trust you when things feel scary or hard. Thank you that your name is written in the book of life because of Jesus. Keep us close to you every day, and help us share your love with others. Amen.
