In this lesson, children learn that the LORD is the only true God, and he is strong, faithful, and always able to keep his promises. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the only true God. He made us, he helps us, and he never forgets us, so we do not need to be afraid.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 44:8
Don’t fear, neither be afraid. Haven’t I declared it to you long ago, and shown it? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Indeed, there is not. I don’t know any other Rock.”
(WEB)
Stand tall with both arms reaching up, then slowly bring them down to your sides as you say the words together. Let the motion remind children that God is strong and never changes.
The Story: Isaiah 44 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke through a prophet named Isaiah to his people, Jacob and Israel. God called them his servants and said he had chosen them. He wanted them to know that he loved them very much. Even though they had often turned away from him, he was ready to forgive them.
God told his people, “Don’t be afraid.” He promised to pour out water on the thirsty, like rain on dry ground. He promised to bless their children, and to make them grow strong and green, like willow trees beside a stream. The people would be known as God’s own.
Then God said something important: “I am the first, and I am the last. There is no other God besides me.” He asked, “Who is like me?” Nobody could answer, because no one else can do what God does. He knows what will happen before it happens, and he can be trusted.
Next, Isaiah told about people who made idols out of wood and metal. A woodworker cut down a tree, burned half of it to keep warm and cook his dinner, and then carved the rest into a statue. He bowed down to that statue and asked it to save him. But the statue could not hear him or help him at all. Isaiah said, “Shall I bow down to a piece of wood?” The idol was only wood, and it could not save anyone.
God reminded his people that they were his, and he had not forgotten them. He had wiped away their sins like a thick cloud disappearing from the sky. He said, “Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Everything in creation was invited to sing, because God had rescued his people.
The lesson ends with God’s words: “I am the LORD, who makes all things.” He stretches out the heavens and spreads out the earth. He keeps every promise he makes, and he will bring his people home.
Read It Together
Isaiah 44:2
This is what the LORD who made you, and formed you from the womb, who will help you says: “Don’t be afraid, Jacob my servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
(WEB)
Point out that God calls his people by name and says “Don’t be afraid.” Ask children to say their own names, and remind them that God knows each of us this way too.
Isaiah 44:6
This is what the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of Armies, says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.
(WEB)
Show children that God is the King and the Redeemer, the one who rescues. Explain that “the first and the last” means God has always existed and always will.
Isaiah 44:22
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s forgiveness is like a cloud that drifts away, leaving the sky clear. Tell children that when they do wrong, God still welcomes them back with open arms.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God told his people not to be afraid?
- What are some things people sometimes trust in that cannot really help them?
- How does it feel to know that God never forgets his children?
- What is one thing God has made that makes you say thank you to him?
- When you do something wrong, what can you remember about how God responds?
Activity Ideas
Clay or Paper Rock Craft
You will need modeling clay or paper, crayons, and a small rock if you have one. Ask each child to shape or draw a rock, then write or draw the word “Rock” on it. Explain that Isaiah called God the only Rock, the one who is always strong. Let children take their rocks home as a reminder.
Strong Tree Movement Game
Clear a space where children can stand in a circle. Have them stand tall like a tree, then bend in the wind when you call out “wind,” and stand firm again when you call “God is strong.” Play several rounds, each time faster. Afterward, talk about how God keeps us steady even when life feels windy.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a pen. Write “Don’t be afraid, God is with you” on each card, one per child. Encourage children to read the card to a family member at home before bed. This gives the family a simple way to talk about God’s care during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a bold statement about the uniqueness of God. Isaiah contrasts the living God, who speaks, forgives, and keeps every promise, with man-made idols that cannot hear or act. The passage also shows God’s tender care for his people, calling them servants he chose and promising to pour out his Spirit on their children.
With children, avoid making the lesson about mocking people who make idols or treating them as foolish in a harsh way. Keep the focus on God being trustworthy and worth trusting, and let the children see the contrast with warmth rather than ridicule.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, you are the only true God, and you are our strong Rock. Thank you for making us and for helping us when we feel afraid. Help us remember that you never forget us, and teach us to trust you every day. Amen.
