In this lesson, children learn that Job kept his trust in God even when he was in great pain and misunderstood by his friends. This lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is good and fair, and we can keep trusting Him even when life feels unfair or sad. Job did not stop trusting God, even when he was hurting.
Memory Verse
Job 27:3
(for the length of my life is still in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils)…
(WEB)
Hold your hands up high like you are holding a big, strong breath, then gently drop them into your lap as you say the verse together. Repeat it three times, making the motions a little bigger each time.
The Story: Job 27 for Kids
Job was a good man who loved God very much. Bad things happened to him all at once. He lost his animals, his servants, and even his children, and his body became covered in painful sores. Job was very sad and very confused about why all of this was happening to him.
Job’s three friends came to visit him, and they talked a lot about why Job must have done something wrong. Job did not agree with them. He knew he had tried hard to live honestly and to do what was right. Job said that he would keep telling the truth and would not pretend to be someone he was not.
Job made a strong promise in this chapter. He said that as long as he was alive, he would hold on to his goodness and would not let it go. Even though his life was full of sorrow, Job decided he would keep his heart clean before God. He chose to be honest, even when it was hard.
Job also talked about the people who do wrong and do not trust God. He said that their wealth and their plans can disappear quickly, and God is the one who is in charge of what happens to them. Job was not happy about the wicked, but he wanted his friends to understand that God sees everything. Job’s words showed that he was still thinking about God’s power and fairness.
Job’s story reminds us that he did not understand everything that was happening to him. He still kept talking honestly to God and held on to what he knew was true. His trust was not based on having an easy life, but on who God is.
Read It Together
Job 27:2
“As God lives, who has taken away my right, the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter
(WEB)
Point out that Job said “As God lives,” which means Job was speaking as someone who knew God was alive and in charge. Ask the children what it means that God is always living and always there.
Job 27:5-6
5 Far be it from me that I should justify you. Until I die I will not put away my integrity from me. 6 I hold fast to my righteousness, and will not let it go. My heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
(WEB)
Show the children that Job decided he would not let go of his goodness. Explain that doing what is right is something we can choose every day, even when others do not understand us.
Job 27:10
Will he delight himself in the Almighty, and call on God at all times?
(WEB)
Point out that the verse talks about calling on God at all times. Help the children see that they can talk to God anytime, whether they feel happy, scared, or confused.
Talk About It
- What do you think Job felt when he lost so many things at once?
- Why do you think Job kept telling the truth even when his friends were wrong about him?
- How can you keep trusting God when something sad happens to you?
- What is one thing you can say to God when you feel confused or upset?
- Who is someone in your life who helps you stay strong when things are hard?
Activity Ideas
Trust Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tree with strong roots and branches. Have them write or draw one thing they can trust God with on each branch, such as a worry or a hard day. Let them keep the picture as a reminder that God holds them steady.
Strong Hands Game
You will need a open space and a few soft pillows or a blanket. Have the children stand in a circle and hold their arms out wide. Call out a hard feeling like “sad” or “worried,” and have them bring their arms in close. Then call out “trust God,” and have them stretch their arms wide again. Repeat a few times to show that trust helps us open up again.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper, and a pen. Each day for one week, have your child write one worry on a slip of paper, fold it, and put it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and pray over them, thanking God for being with them through each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Job 27 shows a faithful man refusing to let go of his integrity while suffering and being misjudged by others. It reminds us that faith can remain honest and even argumentative before God, and that trusting God does not mean pretending everything is fine. The chapter also shows Job’s conviction that God is just, even when the present suffering is hard to explain.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that suffering is always a result of wrongdoing or that good people will never face hardship. Job’s story is complicated, and his friends were wrong about him. Keep the focus on trusting God’s character rather than explaining why bad things happen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always alive and always good. Help us keep trusting You when life feels hard or unfair, just like Job did. Remind us that we can talk to You anytime and that You hear every word we say. We love You and we trust You. Amen.
