In this lesson, children learn that God is powerful and wise, and that we can trust Him even when we don’t understand everything. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made everything, and He is much bigger and wiser than we are. We can trust Him even when we have questions we cannot answer.
Memory Verse
Job 40:4
“Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
(WEB)
Have children cup one hand over their mouth as they say the verse, then slowly lower the hand to their side. This motion reminds them that we can be quiet and humble before a great God.
The Story: Job 40 for Kids
Job had lost almost everything. His animals, his children, and his health were all gone, and he was very sad and confused. He kept talking to God and asking Him why these terrible things had happened. Job’s friends had given him many answers, but none of them made sense to him.
Then God spoke to Job from out of a great storm. God did not come to explain everything, but He asked Job a question: “Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty?” God wanted Job to think about how big and wise He is. Job had been asking hard questions, and God was reminding him who is in charge of the whole world.
Job gave an answer that a child can understand. He said, “Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you?” Job knew that he was small and that God was great. He put his hand over his mouth, because he had nothing more to say.
God then spoke about a huge creature called Behemoth. God said that He made this animal just as He made Job. Behemoth was strong, with bones like iron bars, and it ate grass like an ox. God showed Job that He takes care of even the strong and wild creatures.
God kept reminding Job of His power over everything He made. The mountains give food to the animals, and the big creature rests under the shady plants by the river. Nothing is too big or too wild for God to know and care for.
Read It Together
Job 40:1-2
1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, 2 “Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to Job directly and asked him a question. Ask children what kinds of questions they have asked God, and remind them that God welcomes our questions.
Job 40:4-5
4 “Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. 5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”
(WEB)
Show children how Job chose to be quiet and humble before God. Explain that sometimes the wisest thing to do is to stop talking and trust that God knows more than we do.
Job 40:15-16
15 “See now, behemoth, which I made as well as you. He eats grass as an ox. 16 Look now, his strength is in his thighs. His force is in the muscles of his belly.
(WEB)
Help children picture the huge creature God describes. Point out that God made even the strongest animals and that He knows and cares for everything He has made.
Talk About It
- What is one thing about God that makes you feel amazed?
- Why do you think God asked Job questions instead of explaining everything to him?
- What did Job do when he realized how big God is?
- Can you think of something God made that is very strong or very big?
- What is one question you would like to ask God, and how can you trust Him with it?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Big Creature
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large animal, maybe one that is strong, like an elephant or a hippo, or a creature they imagine. Talk together about how God made every animal and knows each one by name.
Be Still Like Job
Play a simple game where children move around the room as you call out things God made, such as “trees” or “rivers” or “big animals.” When you say “Stop,” everyone must freeze and be quiet for a moment, just as Job did. This helps children practice being still and remembering that God is in control.
Question Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar or box, paper slips, and a pen. Ask your child to write a question they have about God and place it in the jar. At dinner, pull out one question each night and talk together about trusting God with what we do not understand.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Job 40 shows that God is sovereign and wise, and He does not owe us a full explanation of His ways. Job was humbled not by being scolded but by being shown the greatness of the Creator. The passage invites honest prayer and trust rather than demanding answers.
Avoid suggesting to children that God is angry or that He is trying to scare or punish Job. The chapter is about God’s power and care, and children should leave feeling that God is good and worthy of trust.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are bigger and wiser than we can understand. Thank You for making everything we see, from the smallest flower to the biggest animal. When we have questions we cannot answer, help us to trust You and to be quiet and humble before You. We love You, and we know You take care of us. Amen.
