This lesson teaches children that God welcomes every person who loves Him and keeps His ways, no matter where they come from or how they feel about themselves. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and one activity.
Big Idea
God says, “Everyone who loves me is welcome in my house.” Nobody is left out because of who their family is, where they were born, or what they have been through.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 56:7
I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both palms open in front of their chests, then slowly sweep them outward as if opening a big door. Say “welcome” as the hands open, and repeat the verse together while making the motion.
The Story: Isaiah 56 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke through a prophet named Isaiah to the people of Israel. God told them to be fair and to do what is right, because His help was coming soon. He also told them that keeping the Sabbath, the special day of rest, was a good and blessed thing to do.
Some people had been feeling left out. A man from another country who had joined God’s people might think, “God will never accept me.” A man who could not have children might think, “I am like a dry tree, with nothing growing on me.” God wanted them to know that was not true.
God said to the men who kept His Sabbaths and loved Him, “I will give you a name that will last forever, better than having sons and daughters.” He promised them a place in His house and within its walls. Those words meant that they belonged to God’s family.
God also said that foreigners who loved His name and kept His ways would be brought to His holy mountain. He said, “I will make them joyful in my house of prayer.” God told them that His house would be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Everyone was welcome to come and pray.
Then God said, “I will gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered.” God was not finished bringing people home. He kept on welcoming more and more people into His family.
The chapter ends with a sad picture. Some leaders were like watchmen who could not see and shepherds who did not care for their sheep. They were greedy and only wanted to drink and feast. God was sad about that, and He wanted His people to be different.
Read It Together
Isaiah 56:1
The LORD says, “Maintain justice, and do what is right; for my salvation is near, and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
(WEB)
Point out that God begins by saying, “Maintain justice, and do what is right.” Ask the children what it looks like to be fair at home or at school. Explain that God wants His people to care about doing right every day.
Isaiah 56:4-5
4 For the LORD says, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast to my covenant: 5 I will give them in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters. I will give them an everlasting name, that will not be cut off.
(WEB)
Show the children how God promises a name that will never be cut off. Explain that this means God knows each person by name and gives them a place in His family. Let them say their own names together as a reminder that God knows them.
Isaiah 56:6-7
6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the LORD’s name, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant; 7 I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
(WEB)
Point out the words “for all peoples” and ask the children who they think God wants to pray with His house. Help them see that church and family prayer should include everyone, including kids who are new or different from them.
Talk About It
- What did God promise to the people who loved Him and kept His Sabbath?
- How do you think the foreigner felt when he thought God would not want him?
- What does it mean that God’s house is a house of prayer for all peoples?
- Who is someone at school or church who might feel left out, and how could you help them feel welcome?
- What is one way you can show God that you love Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Door Welcome Craft
Give each child a sheet of construction paper, crayons, and safety scissors. Have them fold the paper in half like a card, then draw a door on the front with a handle. Inside, they write or draw the names of people they want to welcome into God’s house, such as friends, family, or someone new at church.
Sabbath Rest Freeze Game
Play a simple freeze game where children dance or march while music plays. When the music stops, they freeze like a statue to show resting. Explain that keeping the Sabbath means stopping to rest and remember God. Play a few rounds and talk about how rest makes room for God.
Take-Home Welcome Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write “God welcomes you” on one side and draw a simple house on the other. Encourage them to give the card to a family member or friend during the week and tell that person that God loves them and wants them in His family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s family was never meant to be closed to anyone who loves Him and seeks to do what is right. Isaiah speaks to people who felt shut out, whether because of their background or their circumstances, and God answers with open arms. The passage also reminds leaders to care for people honestly and not to be greedy or careless.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God’s welcome depends on how well they behave or how many good works they do. Keep the focus on God’s invitation and love, which He extends first, and let the children see obedience as a response to that love rather than a way to earn it.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for welcoming us into Your house and for knowing each of our names. Help us to be fair, to rest on Your day, and to welcome others the way You welcome us. Thank You that Your house is a house of prayer for everyone. Amen.
