This lesson teaches children that God sees his people, keeps his promises, and is in charge of everything, even when things look scary. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of his people, and he is always in control. Even when bad things seem to win for a little while, God has the final word and his plan will not fail.
Memory Verse
Revelation 11:15
The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall and lift both arms high like a king lifting a crown. Then bring their arms down slowly as they say “He will reign forever and ever!” together. Repeat it three times so the motion sticks with the words.
The Story: Revelation 11 for Kids
John was an old follower of Jesus who was living on a lonely island called Patmos. One day God gave John a vision, which is a special picture shown in his mind. In the vision, an angel handed John a long stick like a ruler and said, “Go and measure God’s temple, and count the people who worship there.” John measured carefully, just as the angel asked.
God also showed John two special helpers he called witnesses. These two men spoke God’s words to the people for a long, long time. They were brave, and they told everyone about God’s love and his truth. Some people did not like what they said, and they tried to hurt them. But God protected his two witnesses, and no one could stop them from speaking until their work was finished.
Then a wild beast came up out of a dark pit and fought against the witnesses. The beast won the battle for a little while, and the people on earth were happy and gave each other presents. They thought the witnesses were gone forever. The bodies of the witnesses lay in the street for three and a half days, and people stared at them.
After three and a half days, God breathed life back into the witnesses. They stood up on their feet! A loud voice from heaven called to them, “Come up here!” So they rose up into the clouds while their enemies watched. Everyone was amazed.
Next, a loud voice in heaven sang out, “The kingdom of the world now belongs to our Lord and his Christ! He will reign forever and ever!” The twenty-four elders bowed low before God and worshiped him, thanking him for his great power. God showed John that his temple was open in heaven, and his promise was kept.
Read It Together
Revelation 11:3
I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
(WEB)
Point out that God gave his two witnesses power to speak his message. Ask children what they think it means to be a witness for God in their own school or home. Remind them that God gives his people strength to speak the truth.
Revelation 11:11-12
11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them.
(WEB)
Show children that God brought the witnesses back to life after they seemed to be defeated. Explain that God can do what people think is impossible. This shows that God has power even over death itself.
Revelation 11:17
Saying: “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned.
(WEB)
Point out how the elders thanked God for his power and for reigning over everything. Talk about things children can thank God for today. Encourage them to thank God out loud before the lesson ends.
Talk About It
- What did God show John in this vision that made John feel safe?
- Why do you think God kept his two witnesses safe while they were speaking?
- How do you think the people on earth felt when the witnesses stood up alive again?
- What is one way you can be brave for God this week?
- When something scary happens, how can remembering that God is in charge help you feel calm?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Heavenly Scene
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw the picture they imagine when they think about God’s temple opening in heaven, with clouds and gold light. Let them describe their drawing to you and explain what makes them feel safe about God’s power.
Stand Tall for the King
You will need an open space and a small bell or a clap. Call out “Stand tall!” and have children lift their arms high like a king. Call out “Kneel!” and have them bow low like the elders. Keep switching back and forth quickly, then end by saying the memory verse together while standing tall.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards or scrap paper, a marker, and a rubber band. Have each child write “God is in charge” on one side and draw a small crown on the other. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack and read it aloud at bedtime for the rest of the week.
Teacher Notes
Revelation 11 is a vision given to John that shows God’s authority over history, the faithfulness of his people, and the certainty that God’s kingdom will prevail. Adults can see that the passage encourages believers to remain faithful even when opposition seems overwhelming. The scene of the witnesses being raised and taken up to heaven points to God’s power over death and his vindication of those who serve him.
Avoid trying to explain every symbol in the chapter to young children, such as the exact meaning of the beast, the 42 months, or the measuring rod. Keep the focus on the big picture that God is in control and his people are safe with him. Let children enjoy the drama of the story without pressing them to decode details they cannot yet grasp.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the King of everything and you are always in charge. Help us to be brave witnesses for you and to trust you when things feel scary. Thank you that you keep your promises and that we belong to you forever. Amen.
