This lesson teaches children that God is kind and merciful, and that when we turn back to Him, He welcomes us. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is kind and merciful. When we are sorry and turn back to Him with our whole hearts, He is ready to forgive us and bless us again.
Memory Verse
Joel 2:13
Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.
(WEB)
Teach the children to put both hands on their chest for “heart,” then slowly turn their whole body around, as if turning toward someone who is calling them home. Say the verse together while you turn.
The Story: Joel 2 for Kids
A long time ago, a prophet named Joel lived in the land of Judah. He saw that the people had stopped listening to God, and bad times were coming. Joel warned them that a day was near when God would judge the land, and it would be a dark and frightening day. Huge armies would come like a fire that burns everything in its path.
Joel told the people to blow the trumpet in Zion and call everyone together. He asked them to come close to God and fast, which means giving up their meals for a time, while they cried and told God they were sorry. Joel even said that the priests should weep and pray for the people.
God heard their prayers. He said, “Turn to me with all your heart.” God did not want them to tear their clothes to look sad. He wanted them to tear their hearts, which means to really feel sorry inside. God is gracious and merciful, slow to get angry, and full of love.
Then God made a promise. He said He would send grain, new wine, and oil so the people would be full again. He would drive the enemy far away. The land and the animals could be glad, because God had done great things. Joel said that God would give back the years the locusts had eaten, and the people would praise Him for His wonderful work.
Joel also told them something very special. God said that one day He would pour out His Spirit on everyone, sons and daughters, old and young. And he said that anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Read It Together
Joel 2:12-13
12 “Yet even now,” says the LORD, “turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.
(WEB)
Point out that God invites His people to come back to Him with their whole heart. Ask the children to notice that God is described as gracious, merciful, and full of love, and that He is patient and slow to anger.
Joel 2:25-27
25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar, my great army, which I sent among you. 26 You will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied, and will praise the name of the LORD, your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and my people will never again be disappointed. 27 You will know that I am among Israel, and that I am the LORD, your God, and there is no one else; and my people will never again be disappointed.
(WEB)
Show the children how God promises to restore what was lost. Point out the phrase “my people will never again be disappointed,” and explain that God keeps His promises even when we feel lost or sad.
Joel 2:28-29
28 “It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. 29 And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s Spirit was promised to all kinds of people, including sons, daughters, young, old, servants, and maids. Help children see that God’s love and gifts are for everyone, no matter how big or small they are.
Talk About It
- What did God want the people to tear, and why do you think He cared more about their hearts than their clothes?
- How does it feel to say sorry to someone you love, and how do you think God feels when we come back to Him?
- What good things did God promise to give the people, and what does that tell you about who God is?
- Why do you think God says His people will never again be disappointed?
- Who did Joel say God’s Spirit would be poured out on, and what does that tell you about how much God loves everyone?
Activity Ideas
Paper Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw one thing they are sorry for on the inside. Then have them fold the heart closed and place it in a small box or bag. Talk about how God is kind and forgives us when we turn back to Him with our whole hearts.
Trumpet Call and Turn Game
You will need a cardboard tube or a paper towel roll for a pretend trumpet, and an open space to play in. Stand at one end of the room while a child blows the pretend trumpet. Everyone then walks slowly toward the trumpet blower, saying “God is kind and merciful.” Take turns being the trumpet blower.
Blessing Jar at Home
You will need a jar, slips of paper, and a pen. Each day for one week, have the child write one good thing God gave them on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for His blessings, just as the people in Joel’s time praised God for restoring what was lost.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Joel 2 is a call to genuine repentance, a turning of the whole heart toward God rather than outward displays of sorrow. The chapter also points forward to God pouring out His Spirit on all people, which Christians have long read as fulfilled at Pentecost. The overall message is that God’s character is merciful, and He restores what has been lost when His people return to Him.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the dark imagery of the day of the LORD, such as the armies and the darkened sun and moon. Keep the focus on God’s kindness, His forgiveness, and His promise to restore. Children should leave feeling safe in God’s love rather than frightened by the judgment described in the chapter.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are kind, gracious, and full of love. Help us turn our hearts back to You when we are sorry, and help us trust that You forgive us. Thank You for Your promises and for pouring out Your Spirit on all of us. Amen.
