In this Job 1 lesson for kids, children learn that God is still good and still in control even when bad things happen. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short activity.
Big Idea
Even when we lose things we love, we can still trust God, because He is good and He is always with us.
Memory Verse
Job 1:21
He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the LORD’s name.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands open in front of them when they say “the LORD gave,” then fold their hands together over their hearts for “Blessed be the LORD’s name.” Repeat it together three times, moving slowly, until the motion and the words stick.
The Story: Job 1 for Kids
A long time ago, in a land called Uz, there lived a man named Job. Job loved God, and he tried hard to do what was right and to stay away from what was wrong. God blessed Job with a big family, seven sons and three daughters, and with lots of sheep, camels, oxen, and donkeys. Job was the richest and most blessed man in all the east.
Job’s children liked to have parties at each other’s houses. After every party, Job got up early and offered a sacrifice to God for each child, just in case any of them had done something wrong. Job cared about his family and wanted them to stay close to God.
One day, God talked about Job with someone called Satan. God said, “Have you noticed my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him.” Satan said that Job only loved God because God had given him so much. God let Satan take away everything Job had, but He told Satan not to hurt Job himself. Job did not know any of this was happening.
Then, one terrible day, messengers came running to Job one after another. The first said that robbers had taken his oxen and donkeys and hurt the workers. The next said that a fire from the sky had burned up his sheep. Another said that enemies had stolen his camels. Then the last messenger said, “A great wind knocked down the house where your children were, and they have all died.” Job was very sad.
Job tore his clothes and shaved his head, which people did to show deep grief. He fell to the ground and prayed. He said that he came into the world with nothing and would leave with nothing, and that God had given him things and taken them away. Even in his sadness, Job kept trusting God and did not blame Him for what happened.
Read It Together
Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil.
(WEB)
Point out that Job is described as blameless, upright, and one who fears God. Explain that this means Job tried to live honestly and respected God, and that the children can also choose to love God and do what is good.
Job 1:20-21
20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped. 21 He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the LORD’s name.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Job responded to his loss: he tore his robe, fell down, and worshiped. Explain that being sad is okay, and that Job still chose to worship God in the middle of his hard day.
Job 1:8
The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is no one like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil.”
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke about Job with pride, calling him His servant. Help the children see that God knows us, notices how we love Him, and is never surprised by the hard things we face.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Job still had even after he lost so much?
- How do you think Job felt when the messengers brought bad news, and what did he do with those feelings?
- What did Job say about God when he was very sad?
- Why do you think God knew that Job would keep trusting Him?
- When something bad happens to you, what is one way you can talk to God about it?
Activity Ideas
Thank-You Picture Frame
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a picture of something God has given them, like family, a pet, or food. Then have them write or draw a small thank-you note to God in the corner. Hang the pictures on the wall to remind everyone that God gives good things.
Open Hands, Closed Hands
Have the children stand in a circle. Call out things that can be given and taken away, such as “a toy” or “a blanket.” When you say “given,” the children hold their hands open. When you say “taken,” they fold their hands in. End by saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be His name,” and have everyone lift their open hands in praise.
Trust Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and a few slips of paper. At dinner or bedtime, have each family member write one hard thing they are worried about on a slip, then fold it and place it in the jar. Read one slip together and pray for it. Talk about how Job trusted God even when he lost everything, and remind the children that God hears their prayers too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, the opening chapter of Job shows that suffering does not always come from sin, and that a faithful person can still face terrible loss. Job’s worship in verses 20 to 22 reveals a trust that does not depend on getting good things back. The chapter also shows that God is sovereign over events while the reader sees the spiritual conflict behind them.
With children, avoid suggesting that bad things happen because God is punishing someone or testing them to see if they will break. Keep the focus on God being good and present with us in hard times, and let children know it is okay to bring their sadness and questions to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and for being good all the time. When we feel sad or scared, help us remember that You are still with us, just like You were with Job. Help us trust You even when we do not understand what is happening. We love You, and we pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
