In this lesson, children learn that God sends good news to people who are sad, broken or needing help, and that He gives them joy in place of sorrow. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives good news, comfort and joy to people who feel sad or broken. He helps them and makes them new, and He does what is right and fair.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 61:1
The Lord the LORD’s Spirit is on me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound…
(WEB)
Teach children to place both hands on their hearts, then open their arms wide like a bird spreading its wings on the word “good news.” Repeat the motion together three times so the verse feels like a song they can carry home.
The Story: Isaiah 61 for Kids
Long ago, a prophet named Isaiah spoke for God to the people of Israel. Many of these people had lost their homes, and their cities lay in ruins. Some were far from home, held as prisoners in another land, and they felt very sad and tired.
Isaiah said that God had chosen him to carry a special message. He said, “God has sent me to tell good news to the people who are humble and hurting.” The message was that God had not forgotten them. He was ready to help them and to heal their broken hearts.
God promised that He would comfort everyone who was crying. He would give them a crown of flowers in place of their ashes, and a happy song in place of their tears. The people who had been sad would be called strong, tall trees that God Himself had planted.
God also promised that the broken cities would be built up again. The old ruins would be rebuilt, and people would come home and live in peace. Their shame would be turned into honor, and their sadness would turn into everlasting joy.
Isaiah shared God’s words with a happy heart. He said, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul will be joyful in my God.” He felt as if God had dressed him in clean, beautiful clothes, the way a bride puts on her jewels for a wedding day.
Read It Together
Isaiah 61:3
To provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives people a beautiful crown instead of ashes. Ashes were a sign of sadness long ago, so this shows God trading sorrow for something lovely. Ask children what they think a happy gift from God might look like.
Isaiah 61:8
“For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and iniquity. I will give them their reward in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
(WEB)
Explain that God loves what is fair and right, and He hates it when people steal or do wrong. Tell children that God keeps His promises forever, which means they can always trust Him. Let them say the word “fair” together.
Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD! My soul will be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
(WEB)
Show children how Isaiah felt so happy that he sang about God. Explain that God covers His people with clean, beautiful clothes that show they belong to Him. Invite children to tell about a time they felt happy inside.
Talk About It
- What kind of good news do you think the people in Isaiah’s time were waiting to hear?
- How do you think God helps someone whose heart feels broken?
- Why do you think God wanted to give the people flowers instead of ashes?
- What does it mean that God loves what is fair and right?
- What is one way you can show someone that God brings joy?
Activity Ideas
Paper Flower Crown
You will need colored paper, scissors, tape and a strip of paper long enough to fit around a child’s head. Have each child cut out several paper flowers and tape them onto the strip. Talk about how God gives beautiful crowns instead of ashes while the children wear their crowns.
Good News Run
Set up two cones or chairs at opposite ends of a room or yard. Children run from one end to the other carrying a paper “good news” card to a teacher waiting at the far end. Each time a child arrives, cheer loudly and say, “God brings good news!” to reinforce the big idea.
Joy Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper, a pencil and a basket or box. Each day for a week, have your child write or draw one thing that makes them happy and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each joy.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 61 is a promise of God’s redemption. The prophet describes the Spirit of the Lord sent to bring good news, healing and freedom to a people who had suffered exile and loss. Jesus later read these words in the synagogue at Nazareth and said they were fulfilled in Himself, so Christians read this chapter as pointing toward Christ.
With children, avoid overstating the timing or the details of the promises. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, love and kindness, rather than trying to explain every image in the chapter.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for good news that makes our hearts happy. Please comfort anyone who feels sad or broken today. Help us to share Your kindness and to trust that You always keep Your promises. Amen.
