This lesson teaches children that God sees when people are unfair to others, and that he keeps every promise he makes, even when proud rulers think they are in charge. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God sees every unfair thing people do, and he is always in control. He cares for the weak and keeps his promises to his people, even when we feel afraid.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 10:20
It will come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel, and those who have escaped from the house of Jacob will no more again lean on him who struck them, but shall lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and then lift both arms up high, like you are leaning on something strong. Say the words together, then lift your arms each time you say “lean on the LORD.”
The Story: Isaiah 10 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in the land of Judah, and the prophet Isaiah brought them God’s messages. Some leaders in the land were making rules that were cruel and unfair. They took away justice from poor families, and they hurt widows and children who had no one to protect them. God saw every bit of it, and he was not pleased.
God told Isaiah that he would use the powerful nation of Assyria as a rod to correct his people. But Assyria was not just a tool in God’s hand. The king of Assyria became very proud. He bragged, “I did this by my own strength and my own wisdom!” He forgot that God was the one in charge all along.
God said that the proud king would not get away with his pride. Assyria’s great army would be stopped, and the mighty trees of that forest would be cut down. It would be so small that a child could count what was left. Those who were scared would learn to stop trusting in the wrong things.
Then God spoke a comforting word to his people in Zion. He told them, “Do not be afraid of the Assyrians. In just a little while, my anger against the enemy will be finished.” God promised to lift the heavy burden off their shoulders. The people who were left would turn back to the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and lean on him for real.
Read It Together
Isaiah 10:1-2
1 Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers who write oppressive decrees; 2 to deprive the needy from justice, and to rob the poor among my people of their rights, that widows may be their plunder, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!
(WEB)
Point out that God notices when people make unfair rules that hurt the poor and the weak. Ask the children how it feels when someone is treated unfairly, and remind them that God cares about those feelings too.
Isaiah 10:15
Should an ax brag against him who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood.
(WEB)
Show the children how a tool does not get to be proud of itself, because the person using it is the one doing the work. Explain that a king who thinks he is the strong one forgets that God is the one who made him and uses him.
Isaiah 10:24-25
24 Therefore the Lord, the LORD of Armies, says “My people who dwell in Zion, don’t be afraid of the Assyrian, though he strike you with the rod, and lift up his staff against you, as Egypt did. 25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation against you will be accomplished, and my anger will be directed to his destruction.”
(WEB)
Point out the words “don’t be afraid.” Explain that God tells his people not to be scared because he is still in control, and that he keeps his promises to protect them.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel safe when you are scared?
- Why do you think God wants us to care about people who are treated unfairly?
- What do you think it means that the proud king forgot God was in charge?
- How can we show kindness to someone who has less than we do?
- What does it look like to lean on God when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tree Craft
You will need brown paper, scissors, glue, and green tissue paper or crayons. Have each child draw and cut out a tree trunk and branches, then glue on tissue paper leaves. As they work, talk about how God’s people are like a strong tree that he cares for. Let them write or draw one thing they can trust God with this week.
Lean On Me Game
Have children pair up and stand back to back, then gently lean their weight against each other. Explain that leaning is a way of trusting someone to hold you up. Then call out, “Lean on the LORD!” and have everyone lean forward a little, as if resting on God. Finish by reminding them that God is strong enough to hold all of us.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Ask them to write or draw a promise God makes in this lesson, such as “God does not forget his people.” Help them tape the card to their bedroom door or lunchbox. Encourage them to read it aloud each morning this week and say it to a family member at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over nations and that he judges injustice, especially injustice against the poor and vulnerable. It also shows his faithfulness: he promises that a remnant will return to him and lean on him in truth. Even when the people had strayed, God remained the one who keeps his word.
With children, avoid overstating how God uses specific nations or details of the Assyrian campaign, since those are complex historical and theological topics. Keep the focus on God’s character: he sees injustice, he is in charge, and he keeps his promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you see everything and that you are always in charge. Help us to be fair and kind to everyone, especially people who are treated unfairly. When we feel afraid, help us lean on you, because you are strong and you keep your promises. Amen.
