Job 41 teaches children that God alone is powerful enough to control the mightiest creatures, so we can trust Him when we feel small. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, using a short story, a memory verse, a few questions and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God made amazing creatures that are far stronger than we are, and He is bigger and wiser than all of them. Because He is in charge, we never need to be afraid.
Memory Verse
Job 41:11
Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Everything under the heavens is mine.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are holding the whole world. Then slowly raise your arms over your head to show that everything under the heavens belongs to God.
The Story: Job 41 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Job lost almost everything he had, and he was very sad. His friends talked a lot, but God finally spoke to Job from a great storm. God wanted Job to remember how big and wonderful He is. So God asked Job a question about a giant sea creature called Leviathan.
God asked, “Can you catch Leviathan with a fishing hook? Can you tie a rope to his nose?” Job could not do any of these things. Leviathan was far too strong for people to control. No one would dare to stir him up, because he was so fierce.
Then God told Job about the creature’s body. His scales fit so tightly together that no air could fit between them. Fire and smoke came out of his mouth and nose. Swords, spears and arrows could not hurt him. He looked at all the proud and high things, and he was king over the proud creatures of the sea.
God asked a very important question: “Who has given me anything first, so that I must pay them back? Everything under the heavens is mine.” Job learned that God made everything and does not need anyone’s help. Job understood that God is far greater than he could ever imagine.
Job felt very small, but he also felt safe. He knew that the God who made the mighty Leviathan was the same God who loved him. When children are scared, they can remember that God is always bigger than any fear.
Read It Together
Job 41:1-2
1 “Can you draw out Leviathan with a fish hook, or press down his tongue with a cord? 2 Can you put a rope into his nose, or pierce his jaw through with a hook?
(WEB)
Point out that God asks Job whether he can catch Leviathan with a hook or a rope. Ask the children to name something they could never control, such as the weather or the tides, and remind them that God controls everything.
Job 41:10
None is so fierce that he dare stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before me?
(WEB)
Show the children that no one is brave enough to wake up such a fierce creature. Explain that God is so powerful that even the mightiest creatures cannot stand against Him, and that helps us trust Him more.
Job 41:33-34
33 On earth there is not his equal, that is made without fear. 34 He sees everything that is high. He is king over all the sons of pride.”
(WEB)
Point out that there is no creature on earth like Leviathan, and that God is king over all the proud. Explain that God is the true King, and that He is in charge of everything.
Talk About It
- What is the biggest animal you have ever seen, and how did it make you feel?
- Why do you think God wanted Job to think about Leviathan?
- What is something that feels too big for you, and how can God help with it?
- Why is it good to know that God made everything, including the strongest creatures?
- When you feel small or scared, what can you say to remind yourself that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Leviathan
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a huge sea creature with scales, a big mouth and a tail. Then have them write or say one word that describes how powerful God is, and put the drawing on the wall as a reminder that God is bigger than any creature.
Strong Like God Freeze Game
You will need an open space, such as a living room or a gym. Call out different sea creatures, and have the children move like each one: crawling like a crab, swimming like a fish, or stomping like a giant. When you shout “God is in charge,” everyone freezes and stands tall with their arms raised.
Take-Home Strength Card
You will need an index card, a marker and a small piece of tape or a clip. Have each child write “God is bigger than my fears” on the card, then decorate it. Encourage them to clip it to a bedroom mirror or backpack, so they can read it each morning and remember that God is always strong and near.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Job 41 shows that God does not owe anyone an explanation, because He made everything and is wiser than all His creatures. The chapter invites us to humbly trust God’s wisdom and power, even when we do not understand what He is doing in our lives.
Be careful not to overstate for children that Leviathan is a real animal or a symbol of any particular thing, since scholars debate what the creature represents. Keep the focus on the truth that God is powerful and in control, which is clear from the text.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for making such big and amazing creatures. We know You are stronger and wiser than anything we see or fear. Help us trust You when we feel small, and remind us that You are always with us. Amen.
