This lesson teaches children that God is with His people even when things look scary, and that they can trust Him and not be afraid. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us, so we do not have to be afraid. When we trust Him, we can stay calm, even when the news is scary or the enemies seem strong.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 7:4
Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
(WEB)
Have children sit tall, put both hands flat on their chests, and take a slow breath in. As they breathe out, have them say the words together while gently patting their chest twice, like calming a sleepy puppy.
The Story: Isaiah 7 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Ahaz. He ruled the land of Judah, and he had a lot of worries. Two other kings, Rezin from Syria and Pekah from Israel, decided to march up to Jerusalem to fight against him. The people of Jerusalem heard the news, and their hearts shook like leaves blowing in the wind.
God saw that Ahaz and his people were scared. So God sent a prophet named Isaiah to talk to the king. Isaiah took his son, Shear-jashub, along with him. They walked out to meet the king at the edge of the city, near a water pipe where the workers washed clothes.
Isaiah gave the king a message from God. “Be careful, and keep calm,” he said. “Do not be afraid. Those two kings are only smoking torches that will soon burn out. Their plans will not work.” God said that the enemies would not stand, and that they would not win.
Then God told Ahaz to ask for a sign to show that God was keeping His promise. But Ahaz said, “No, I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.” Isaiah was not happy with that answer. He told the king that God would give a sign anyway. A young woman would have a baby boy, and his name would be Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”
God promised that before that child grew big enough to know right from wrong, the land of those two kings would be empty. God was in control, even when the king could not see it yet. Ahaz had to trust that God would keep His word, and God did.
Read It Together
Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.’”
(WEB)
Point out that Isaiah tells the king that faith is what keeps us standing strong. Ask children what it means to believe something, and how believing God helps us stay steady when we feel shaky.
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
(WEB)
Show children the name Immanuel and explain that it means “God with us.” Remind them that God came to be with His people, and that He is still with us today wherever we go.
Isaiah 7:25
All the hills that were cultivated with the hoe, you shall not come there for fear of briers and thorns; but it shall be for the sending out of oxen, and for the treading of sheep.”
(WEB)
Explain that this last verse describes a land that once was busy and full of plants but later became quiet and thorny. Point out that God is the One who decides what happens to the land and to the people in it.
Talk About It
- What made the people of Jerusalem feel scared in this story?
- What did God tell Isaiah to say to King Ahaz?
- Why do you think Ahaz did not want to ask God for a sign?
- What does the name Immanuel mean, and why is it a happy name?
- What is one scary thing you have felt, and how can you remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, glue, and scrap paper. Have each child draw a picture of something that makes them feel scared on one half of the plate. On the other side, have them write or draw “God is with me.” Let them hold their shield during the lesson as a reminder that God protects them.
Stand Strong Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a song to play. Ask children to walk around like they are nervous. When the music stops, they must freeze and stand as strong as a tree, feet apart and arms steady. Remind them that the trees in the story trembled, but God helps us stand firm.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Write the words “God is with me” on one side of each card. Have children decorate the other side with a drawing of their family or a favorite place. Encourage them to place the card on their nightstand or in their backpack and read it when they feel worried during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows a king who was tempted to trust in alliances and his own plans rather than in God’s word. God offered him a sign of reassurance, but Ahaz refused to ask. The chapter reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and that His presence, pictured in the name Immanuel, is the deepest comfort for His people.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the historical details about the two kings or the exact timing of the prophecy. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God is with us and that we can trust Him when we feel afraid.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us always. When we feel scared, help us to be brave and to trust You. Help us to stand strong like the trees in Your good world. We love You and we know You are with us. Amen.
