This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises, even the ones that seem far away, and that one day He will wipe away every tear. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading and the activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps His word, and He is a safe place for everyone who trusts Him. One day He will make all sad things right.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 25:8
He has swallowed up death forever! The Lord the LORD will wipe away tears from off all faces. He will take the reproach of his people away from off all the earth, for the LORD has spoken it.
(WEB)
Ask the children to cover their eyes with both hands on “tears,” then slowly sweep their hands down their cheeks as if wiping them away. Say the verse together while you do the motion, and repeat it three times.
The Story: Isaiah 25 for Kids
Long ago, the prophet Isaiah sang a song of praise to God. He said, “LORD, you are my God. I will praise your name.” Isaiah was not singing because everything was easy. He was singing because God had done wonderful things, and God always keeps His promises.
Isaiah talked about a proud city that had been knocked down. Its strong walls were gone, and it would never be built again. But God was not a hurting or scary God to the people who loved Him. He was like a strong tower for the poor and the needy. He was a shade on a hot day and a shelter from a fierce storm.
Then Isaiah told of a great feast on the mountain. God would give all the people good food and good drink, more than anyone could ever need. Everyone would be invited, and everyone would be glad. The people would say, “Look! This is our God! We waited for Him, and He saved us!”
Best of all, God said that death would be swallowed up forever. He would wipe away tears from every face. The sad times would not last. God would take away the shame of His people, and He would do it because He had said He would.
Read It Together
Isaiah 25:1
The LORD, you are my God. I will exalt you! I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago, in complete faithfulness and truth.
(WEB)
Point out the words “you have done wonderful things.” Ask the children to name one wonderful thing God has done for them, such as making the sun come up or giving them a family. Tell them that Isaiah remembered God’s good works and thanked Him for them.
Isaiah 25:4
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall.
(WEB)
Show the children how a stronghold is a safe place, like a fort or a tower. Explain that God is that kind of safe place for people who feel weak or afraid. Ask them when they have felt safe with someone who loves them.
Isaiah 25:9
It shall be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is the LORD! We have waited for him. We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation!”
(WEB)
Point out how the people say “we have waited for him.” Explain that waiting for God is not wasted time, because He always comes through. Encourage the children that God’s salvation is worth the wait.
Talk About It
- What is something wonderful God has done that you are thankful for?
- When have you had to wait for something good, and how did it feel?
- How can God be a safe place for you when you feel scared?
- Why do you think God cares about every tear that falls from our faces?
- How can we tell our friends about the good news that God keeps His promises?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Feast Picture
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and glue with scraps of construction paper. Have each child draw or glue food on a plate to make a picture of God’s big feast on the mountain. As they work, ask them what they think the people at that feast would be talking about. Let them share their plates with the class.
Tear Wipe Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out words like “storm,” “heat,” and “feast,” and have them act each one out with a motion. When you shout “tears,” they gently wipe their faces with both hands and freeze. This helps them remember the big picture of God comforting His people.
Safe Place Take-Home Card
Cut index cards in half and give one to each child. Ask them to write or draw a safe place where they feel protected, such as a bed or a grandparent’s lap. On the back, have them write “God is my safe place.” Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it each morning.
Teacher Notes
Isaiah 25 is a song of trust and joy in God’s faithfulness. The prophet praises God for judging proud cities and for protecting the poor. He also looks ahead to a time when death will be destroyed and God will comfort all His people. For adults, the chapter shows that God’s justice and God’s mercy belong together, and that His promises are sure even when we cannot yet see them fulfilled.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always rescue them from every hardship right now. The chapter points to a future hope, when death and tears will end. Help children understand that trusting God does not mean they will never be sad, but that they can know God is with them in their sadness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises. Thank You for being our safe place when we are scared and our shade when life feels hot. Please help us wait for You with trust. One day You will wipe away every tear, and we will be glad. Amen.
