This lesson teaches children that God is mighty, he is fair, and he sees everything, even when we cannot see what he is doing. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is very powerful, and he always does what is right and fair. We can trust him even when we do not understand what is happening.
Memory Verse
Job 36:22
Behold, God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?
(WEB)
Hold both arms up high like a tall tree, then slowly lift your hands even higher, as if you are reaching up to the sky. Say “God is mighty” each time your hands go up.
The Story: Job 36 for Kids
A man named Elihu was talking to his friend Job. Job had been going through very hard and sad times, and Elihu wanted to help him remember something important about God. Elihu said, “Let me tell you what I know about God, because I have something good to say about him.” He wanted Job to listen carefully.
Elihu told Job that God is very strong and very wise. God does not hate anyone, and he does not forget the people who love him. Elihu said that God helps people who are hurting and gives them what is fair. God sees the good people, and he lifts them up. He also wants everyone to turn away from doing wrong and to listen to him.
Elihu then talked about the amazing things God makes in the sky. He pointed to the clouds, which carry rain down to the earth so that plants and animals can grow. He told Job that the thunder and the lightning are part of God’s great power. Elihu said, “Stop and think about how big God is. We cannot understand everything he does.”
Elihu wanted Job to know that God is not like people who make mistakes. God is perfect in knowing everything. Even when life is hard, God is still in control, and he still cares about the people he has made. Elihu encouraged Job to trust God and to remember how wonderful he is.
Read It Together
Job 36:5
“Behold, God is mighty, and doesn’t despise anyone. He is mighty in strength of understanding.
(WEB)
Point out that God is described as mighty and does not despise anyone. Ask children to notice that God is strong, yet he still cares about every person, even the small ones.
Job 36:7
He doesn’t withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne, he sets them forever, and they are exalted.
(WEB)
Show children that God does not turn his eyes away from good people. Explain that God keeps his eyes on the people who love and follow him, and he lifts them up.
Job 36:27-28
27 For he draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from his vapor, 28 Which the skies pour down and which drop on man abundantly.
(WEB)
Point to the rain and the clouds in this passage. Help children see that God makes rain fall to water the earth, which shows how God takes care of the world and everything in it.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God can do that makes you say “wow”?
- How does it help you to know that God sees everything, even when you feel sad?
- Why do you think God wants people to listen to him?
- What is one way you can show God that you trust him this week?
- Where do you see God’s power when you look outside, like in the sky or the trees?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Mighty Sky Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have children draw a big blue sky and glue cotton balls on it to make clouds. Ask them to draw a few raindrops falling from the clouds. As they work, talk about how God makes the rain that helps plants grow.
Mighty Tall Tree Game
You need an open space and no materials. Ask children to stand very tall and reach their arms high, like a strong tree. Then call out “wind” and have them sway gently, and call out “thunder” and have them stomp. Each time, say a short phrase like “God is mighty” so they connect his power with the movements.
Take Home a Cloud Reminder
You will need small paper plates, cotton balls, and a marker. Let children glue cotton balls around the edge of a paper plate to look like a cloud, then write “God is mighty” in the middle. Encourage them to hang it in their bedroom or by the kitchen table so they can remember God’s power during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows Elihu speaking about God’s justice, power, and care for all people. Elihu believed that God is faithful to those who serve him and that God’s greatness is shown in creation, such as rain and storms. Adults can see that Elihu’s words are part of a longer conversation with Job, and that God’s wisdom is far beyond human understanding.
Be careful not to suggest to children that bad things happen only to people who do wrong, or that God always gives clear reasons for hard times. Keep the focus on God’s power and his faithfulness, and let children know that trusting God is still good even when we do not understand everything.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you are mighty and strong. Help us remember that you see everything and care for us. When we feel scared or sad, help us trust you. Thank you for the clouds, the rain, and all the things you make. Amen.
