In this lesson, children learn that God knows them by name, stays with them through hard times, and says, “You are mine.” This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made you, knows your name, and is always with you, even when things feel scary or hard.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 43:1
But now the LORD who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands over their heart on “I have called you by your name,” then point to themselves on “You are mine.” Repeat the verse together three times, getting a little quieter each time until everyone is whispering it.
The Story: Isaiah 43 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the family of Jacob, were far from home. They had been through many hard things, and they felt tired and afraid. God sent a prophet named Isaiah to remind them of something important. God had made them, and God had not forgotten them.
God told them not to be afraid. He said he had called them by name, and that they belonged to him. Picture a shepherd who knows each sheep by its name. God knows his people in that same close way. He is a Savior who rescues them.
God also promised to be with them in hard places. He said that when they passed through deep waters, the rivers would not sweep them away. When they walked through fire, they would not be burned. God is never going to leave his children alone, even in the scariest moments.
God had a plan to bring his people home from far away. He said he would gather them from east and west, from the north and the south. Every one of them mattered to him. God said, “You are precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you.” Those are beautiful words for a child to hear.
God even promised to do something new for his people. He would make a way through the wilderness and bring water to the dry desert. When God’s people felt lost and tired, God was there to lead them. He is faithful, and he keeps his promises.
Read It Together
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
(WEB)
Point out the words “I will be with you.” Ask children to think of a time they felt scared, and remind them that God is with them in those moments too, just as he promised here.
Isaiah 43:4
Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.
(WEB)
Point out the words “precious” and “I have loved you.” Explain that God’s love for us is not based on being perfect. He loves us simply because we are his.
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
(WEB)
Point out the words “I will do a new thing.” Tell children that God can bring fresh hope and new paths, even when we feel stuck in a dry or lonely place.
Talk About It
- What is something God said to his people that made you feel happy or brave?
- Why do you think God knows your name and calls you his own?
- When have you felt like you were going through deep water or fire, and what helped you?
- How can you tell someone else that God is with them when they feel afraid?
- What new thing do you hope God will do in your life this year?
Activity Ideas
Name Banner Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child cut a long strip of paper and write their name in big letters. Decorate the banner with stars, hearts, or drawings of things God made. Then have them write “God calls me by name” along the top. Hang the banners around the room as a reminder that each child belongs to God.
Walk Through the Waters Game
You will need a few blankets or rugs, and some blue scarves or cloth to represent water. Lay the scarves on the floor as “rivers” and let children take turns walking across them slowly, one at a time. Cheer them on as they cross. Talk about how God was with his people when they had to cross hard places, and that he is with us too.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small ribbon or sticker. Write the words “God says: You are mine. I am with you.” on each card, and let children decorate the back. Encourage them to take the card home and place it on a bedside table or in a backpack. Ask them to read it aloud at bedtime for a few nights in a row.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a tender word of comfort to a people who had been scattered and hurt. God reminds them of his faithfulness, his love, and his plan to gather them home. Isaiah speaks of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Savior, and these titles show how close God draws near to his people. Reading the chapter with children helps them see God’s care in very personal terms.
When teaching children, avoid overstating what God promises in a way that suggests bad things will never happen to them. The passage speaks of God being with his people through waters and fire, not of trouble being removed. Help children understand that God’s presence and love stay constant, even when life is hard.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for knowing our names and calling us your own. When we feel scared or tired, help us remember that you are with us. Help us trust your love and your plans for us, and show us the new things you are doing. Amen.
