In this lesson, children learn that God sits on the throne in heaven and is worthy of all our worship. Children ages 5 to 11 can follow along, and the lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is in charge of everything, and He is worthy of our praise forever. We can worship Him because He made all things and loves us.
Memory Verse
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall, then slowly raise both arms above their heads as they say the verse together. Lower the arms slowly on the word “created” to show that God made everything. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Revelation 4 for Kids
One day, the apostle John was given a special vision. He looked up and saw a door open in heaven. A voice like a loud trumpet called to him, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen.” John went through the door, and suddenly he was in the Spirit, seeing things most people never see.
In heaven, John saw a throne, and someone was sitting on it. Around the throne was a beautiful rainbow that shone like green jewels. Lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled. Seven lamps of fire burned in front of the throne, and they stood for the seven Spirits of God.
Around the throne were twenty-four other thrones. On them sat twenty-four elders wearing white clothes and golden crowns. In front of the throne was something like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. Four strange living creatures stood close by. They had eyes all over their bodies, and each one had six wings.
The first creature looked like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth looked like a flying eagle. Day and night, these creatures never stopped singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come!”
Each time the living creatures gave glory and thanks to the One on the throne, the twenty-four elders fell down in front of Him. They took off their crowns and laid them at His feet. Then they sang, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, because You created all things!”
Read It Together
Revelation 4:2-3
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne 3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
(WEB)
Point out that John saw the throne and the One sitting on it. Ask the children to notice how bright and colorful the rainbow and the jewels were. Explain that John could not describe God fully, so he used pictures to help us picture His glory.
Revelation 4:5
Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
(WEB)
Show the children that lightning and thunder came from the throne, which reminds us of God’s great power. Explain that the seven lamps stand for the Holy Spirit, who is always with God and with us. Keep the focus on God being powerful and holy.
Revelation 4:8
The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
(WEB)
Read this verse slowly and ask the children to say the words “Holy, holy, holy” with you. Point out that the creatures never stop praising God, even at night. Explain that worship is something we can do all the time, not just on Sunday.
Talk About It
- What was the most amazing thing John saw when he looked into heaven?
- Why do you think the elders took off their crowns and put them at God’s feet?
- What are some words you can use to tell God how great He is?
- How does it make you feel to know that God made everything you see?
- When is a good time for you to praise God during your day?
Activity Ideas
Rainbow Throne Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large throne in the middle of the page. Then have them draw a rainbow arching over the throne and add small green and white circles around it for the jewels. Encourage them to write “Holy” somewhere on the drawing.
Four Creatures Freeze Game
No supplies are needed for this movement game. Pick four children to be the living creatures and have them stand in the corners of the room. Everyone else sings “Holy, holy, holy” while the creatures move like a lion, a calf, a person, and an eagle. When the music stops, everyone freezes and says “Worthy are you, Lord.”
Crown Reminder Card
You will need cardstock or thick paper, scissors, glue, and glitter or stickers. Have each child cut out a small crown shape and decorate it. Ask them to write one reason God is worthy of praise on the back, such as “He made the sun.” Encourage them to put the card on their bedroom door or by their bed as a reminder to worship God at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Revelation 4 presents God as the sovereign Creator seated on the throne of the universe, worthy of worship because He made all things and sustains them. The vision is written in highly symbolic language, reflecting the prophetic imagery common in apocalyptic literature, and it points to God’s holiness, power, and eternal reign.
Avoid overstating the exact meaning of each symbol to children, such as what the living creatures or the elders specifically represent, since scholars and church traditions understand these details differently. Keep the focus on the clear truth that God is holy, powerful, and worthy of praise.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You sit on Your throne in heaven and You are holy and powerful. Thank You for making everything we see, from the sky to our own hands. Help us to praise You every day, just like the creatures and elders in heaven. Amen.
