This lesson teaches children that God can make dry, broken, and weak things come alive with joy, and that he promises to save his people. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and one activity.
Big Idea
God can take what is dry, weak, and broken and make it full of life, and he always keeps his promises to rescue his people.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 35:4
Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong. Don’t be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall, then slowly bend their knees as if they feel weak. Next, have them stomp their feet firmly and clap twice as they say the word “Strong.” Repeat the motions together three times so the verse sticks.
The Story: Isaiah 35 for Kids
Long ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote a message from God for the people of Judah. Many of them felt scared and tired. Their country had been hurt, and some of them had lost hope that things would ever get better. The land around them was dry and empty, like a desert where nothing could grow.
God sent Isaiah to give them a happy promise. One day, the desert would bloom like a field of roses. Dry sand would turn into pools of water, and streams would flow where there had never been any. Animals would have green grass to eat. Even the places that seemed hopeless would be filled with color and song.
Isaiah also spoke to people who were weak and afraid. He told them to make their tired hands strong and their shaking knees steady. God would come to help them, he said, and he would not leave them alone. The message was simple: “Be strong. Don’t be afraid. Your God is coming to save you.”
God also promised that people who could not see, hear, or walk well would be made whole. A man who could not walk would leap like a deer. Someone who could not speak would sing out loud. These were not small promises. They showed that God cares deeply about every person.
At the end of the chapter, God’s people are shown walking down a special road called the Holy Way. It is a safe path that leads home to Zion, and they walk it with singing. Their sadness and sighing run away, and joy fills their hearts. God had kept his word, and his people were free.
Read It Together
Isaiah 35:1-2
1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. 2 It will blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. Lebanon’s glory will be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the LORD’s glory, the excellence of our God.
(WEB)
Point out how the dry desert becomes glad and blossoms like a rose. Ask children to imagine the most colorful flower they have ever seen. Explain that God can change even the driest places into something beautiful.
Isaiah 35:5-6
5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. 6 Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing; for waters will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
(WEB)
Show how God promises to open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf. Let children talk about how they can help a friend who has trouble seeing, hearing, or walking. Remind them that God cares for every single person.
Isaiah 35:10
The LORD’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
(WEB)
Point to the words about singing, gladness, and joy that will flee sorrow and sighing. Ask the children what makes them feel happiest. Explain that God promises a joy that lasts forever for his people.
Talk About It
- What did the desert look like before God changed it, and what did it look like afterward?
- Why do you think God told the scared people to be strong and not afraid?
- How would you feel if you were one of the people who could not walk, and then suddenly could leap like a deer?
- What can you do this week to help someone who feels weak or sad?
- What is one way you have seen God take something broken and make it better?
Activity Ideas
Blooming Desert Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a little brown paint or a brown crayon. Have children draw a dry, empty desert using brown tones. Then ask them to add green grass, pink or red roses, and blue streams flowing across the sand. Talk about how God turned the desert into a garden as they color.
Strong Hands and Steady Knees Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out instructions like “Strong hands!” and have children make fists and lift their arms. Then call “Steady knees!” and they bend and straighten their legs slowly. End by calling “Leap like a deer!” and let them jump happily. Repeat until everyone is laughing and moving together.
Living Water Jar Take-Home
Give each child a clear cup or small jar, a few dry beans or pebbles, and a little water. Let them place the dry beans in the jar and watch as they slowly soak up water over a few days if placed near the water. Explain that God brings life to dry places, just like the water brings life to the beans. Send the jar home as a reminder of God’s promise.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 35 is a message of hope written to people facing hardship and fear. It promises that God will bring renewal, healing, and a safe journey home for his people. Christians often read it as pointing forward to the joy and restoration God brings through Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid promising that every sick or disabled person will be healed in this life. The chapter speaks of God’s future work and his faithful care, so it is best to focus on God’s love and his promises rather than making guarantees about specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for turning dry places into places full of life. Help us be strong when we feel weak, and help us not to be afraid because you are with us. Thank you for always keeping your promises to us. We love you and trust you. Amen.
