This lesson teaches children that God is holy and that when we say yes to him, he can use us to share his message. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a few Bible verses, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God is holy and perfect, and when we tell him we are ready, he cleans us up and sends us out to tell others about him.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 6:3
One called to another, and said, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!”
(WEB)
Hold both hands up high and then slowly bring them down to your heart as you say the words together. Then spread your arms wide like a big shout of joy. Do this motion each time you say the verse so the words stick in your mind.
The Story: Isaiah 6 for Kids
A man named Isaiah lived a long time ago in the land of Judah. The king named Uzziah had just died, and Isaiah felt sad and worried about what would happen next. One day, while he was praying in the temple, Isaiah saw something amazing. He saw the Lord sitting on a high throne, and the temple was full of his glory.
Above the throne stood special angels called seraphim. Each one had six wings. Two wings covered their faces, two covered their feet, and two were used for flying. They kept calling out to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!” The doorposts shook, and the whole room filled with smoke.
Isaiah felt very small and afraid. He cried out, “I am ruined! I have said wrong things with my lips, and I live among people who do too.” But God was not done with him. One of the angels flew down with a hot coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s mouth. The angel said, “Your wrong is gone, and your sin is forgiven.”
Then Isaiah heard God ask a question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah answered right away, “Here I am. Send me!” God gave him a job to tell the people his message. It was not an easy message, and God told Isaiah that many people would not listen. Isaiah was still willing to go.
When you read this story, point out that Isaiah said yes even though the job was hard. God made him clean first, and then he invited him to serve. God does the same thing for us today.
Read It Together
Isaiah 6:1
In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
(WEB)
Ask the children what they think it would feel like to see a king sitting on a huge throne. Point out that Isaiah saw the Lord, who is greater than any king. Remind them that God is always in charge, even when things in our world feel uncertain.
Isaiah 6:5-7
5 Then I said, “Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Armies!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. 7 He touched my mouth with it, and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven.”
(WEB)
Read this section slowly and show the children how Isaiah felt afraid and sorry. Point out that God did not leave him in that state but cleansed him and forgave him. Explain that God’s forgiveness is a gift, not something we earn.
Isaiah 6:8
I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
(WEB)
Highlight Isaiah’s quick reply, “Here I am. Send me!” Ask the children what it means to be ready to serve God. Encourage them to think about small ways they can say yes to God each day at home and at school.
Talk About It
- What did Isaiah see when he went to the temple?
- Why do you think Isaiah said he was ruined when he saw God?
- How did God make Isaiah clean and forgiven?
- What did God ask Isaiah to do, and how did Isaiah answer?
- What is one way you can tell God you are ready to serve him this week?
Activity Ideas
Seraph Wings Craft
You will need paper plates, glue, markers, and craft feathers or cut-out paper wings. Have each child draw a face in the center of the plate and glue on six wings, two at the top, two at the bottom, and two on the sides. As they work, talk about how the seraphim used their wings to cover, to stand ready, and to fly. Let children name one thing they can do to serve God.
Here I Am Movement Game
Clear a space in the room and have children stand in a circle. Call out “Holy, holy, holy!” and have everyone raise their hands high. When you say “Here I am, send me!” each child steps forward and points to a friend, taking turns. Keep the energy up and remind the children that every willing heart matters to God.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one way they will say “Here I am” to God this week, such as helping a sibling or sharing a toy. Have them tape the card to a bathroom mirror or the refrigerator. Encourage the family to talk about the card together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s holiness is so great that it exposes our sin and need, yet he cleanses those who come to him in humility. Isaiah’s response is a model of willing obedience after encountering God’s grace. Adults can take comfort that the call to serve begins with God’s cleansing, not our own ability.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God sends every person into dramatic ministry or that they must feel fear before serving him. Keep the focus on the fact that God forgives and invites us, and on simple, everyday ways children can say yes to him.
A Prayer to Close
Holy God, we know you are greater than anything we can see. Thank you for making us clean and forgiving our wrongs. Help us to say, “Here I am,” when you ask us to serve you each day. Amen.
