This lesson teaches children that God knows them by name, stays with them through hard things, and calls them his own. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn it in about 20 to 30 minutes, using the story, a memory action, and a simple craft.
Big Idea
God knows you by name, and you belong to him. He is with you when things feel scary, even when the waters are deep or the fire seems hot.
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)
Put one hand over your heart and point to yourself with the other on the word “you.” Then cross your arms over your chest, like a hug from God, while you say the verse together. Do it three times, getting a little softer each time.
The Story: Isaiah 43 for Kids
God’s people, the family of Jacob, were in a hard place. They had been away from home for a long time, and they were tired and scared. Many of them felt like God had forgotten them. The prophet Isaiah brought them a message from the Lord, the one who had made them and formed them.
God said, “Don’t be afraid. I have called you by your name. You are mine.” He told them that when they walked through deep rivers, he would be right there with them. When they walked through fire, the flames would not burn them up. God was their Savior, and he loved them very much.
God wanted his people to know something important. He was not like the other gods people had made out of wood and stone. He was the only true God, and he did not leave his people behind. He promised to gather them home from far away, even from the east and the west, and from the north and the south.
The people were not always faithful to God. They had grown tired of worshiping him and had done many wrong things. But God said that he would wipe away their sins and not remember them. He made a promise to forgive them. He said, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake.” God keeps his promises, even when his people fail.
When you think about this chapter, remember that God is faithful. He calls his children by name, holds them close, and brings them safely home. His love for his people never runs out.
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 picture of rivers and fire. Ask the children what scary things they might face, like a bad dream or a new school. Explain that God promises to be with us in every hard place, not just the easy ones.
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 word “precious.” Tell the children that they are precious and honored to God, and that he loves them. Let them say their own names and add “is precious to God” after each one.
Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
(WEB)
Point out that God blots out our wrongs and does not remember our sins. Explain that when we say sorry, God forgives us and wants us to start fresh. Talk about how forgiveness feels like a clean page.
Talk About It
- What does it feel like when someone calls you by your name and knows you well?
- What is one scary thing you might walk through, and how can you remember God is with you?
- Why do you think God says we are precious to him?
- What is one way you can tell God thank you for knowing you by name?
- When you do something wrong, how does it feel to know God forgives you?
Activity Ideas
Name Badge Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child write their name in big letters on the paper and decorate it with colors and shapes. As they work, say that God calls each of us by name and that we belong to him. Let them take the badge home to remind them of this.
River and Fire Movement Game
Lay a few cushions or pillows in a line on the floor to make “waters,” and place a few paper plates in a row for “fire.” Have the children walk slowly across each one while the group says the memory verse together. Cheer for each child who makes it across, reminding them that God goes with them.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small sticker or drawing. Write “God calls me by name. I am his.” on the card and let the child decorate it. Encourage them to read it at bedtime for a week, and ask what they remembered from the lesson when the week is over.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows God’s deep, personal love for his people. He does not only rescue them from a distance. He names them, calls them his own, and promises to walk with them through the hardest moments. It also shows that God forgives sin and keeps his promises even when his people have been unfaithful.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always remove every hard circumstance. The lesson is that God is with us in hard things, not that hard things will never come. Keep the focus on his presence and his love rather than promising easy outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for knowing us by name. Thank you that we are yours and that you are with us, even when things feel scary. Help us to remember that you love us and that we are precious to you. Forgive us when we do wrong, and help us to trust you every day. Amen.
