This Romans 11 Sunday school lesson teaches children one simple truth: God keeps his promises, and he never stops loving his people. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for the story, a few verses, a discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises. Even when his people wander away, God does not forget them, and he welcomes everyone into his family through his mercy.
Memory Verse
Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them outward as they say “to him be the glory.” Let them do the motion together three times so the words and the movement become linked in their minds.
The Story: Romans 11 for Kids
Long ago, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Rome. Some people in the church wondered whether God had given up on the Jewish people, the family Abraham began. Paul wanted them to know the answer right away. He said, “May it never be!” God had not thrown his people away. Paul himself was a Jewish man, and he knew God still loved his family.
Paul told a story about the prophet Elijah. Elijah felt alone and sad because many people had turned away from God. He thought he was the only one left who still loved God. But God told Elijah that he had saved seven thousand people who had not bowed down to a false god. Elijah was not alone, and God had not forgotten anyone who trusted him.
Paul then used a picture that children can see. He compared God’s people to an olive tree. Some of the branches were broken off because they did not believe. Other people, who were not from Israel, were grafted in like wild branches. Paul told them not to brag about being added to the tree. Instead, they should remember that the tree still belongs to God, and God is the one holding it up.
Paul said that God is kind, but God is also fair. He told the people that if God did not spare the first branches, they should be careful and stay close to God’s goodness. Paul also said that God is able to graft the broken branches back in again. God is always able to bring people back to himself.
At the end of the chapter, Paul stopped and praised God for how wonderful he is. Paul said that no one can fully understand God’s wisdom, and everything comes from him, goes through him, and returns to him. God’s plan is bigger than we can imagine, and everything belongs to him.
Read It Together
Romans 11:1-2
1 I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God didn’t reject his people, which he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asks whether God rejected his people, and he answers with a firm no. Ask the children to say “God did not reject his people” together so they remember this answer.
Romans 11:17-18
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree; 18 don’t boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.
(WEB)
Show the children a picture of an olive tree or draw one on a board. Point to the root and the branches, and explain that the tree is held up by the root, not by the branches. This helps children see that God is the one who holds everyone up.
Romans 11:32
For God has shut up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.
(WEB)
Explain that God lets everyone see that they need his mercy, so that he can show mercy to all people. Help the children understand that every person can be part of God’s family, and God is always ready to show kindness.
Talk About It
- What did Elijah think when he felt alone, and what did God show him?
- How can you tell that God keeps his promises in your own life?
- Why do you think Paul told the people not to brag about being part of the tree?
- What does it mean that God is both kind and fair?
- How can you show thankfulness to God for how wonderful he is?
Activity Ideas
Paper Olive Tree Craft
Gather brown construction paper, green tissue paper, scissors, and glue. Have each child cut out a tree trunk and a few branches from the brown paper, then glue tissue paper leaves onto the branches. Write “God holds us up” on the trunk so children remember that the root supports the tree. Children can take the tree home to remind them of this truth.
Branch Balance Movement Game
Ask the children to stand in a circle and pretend to be branches on a tree. Call out “root” and have them stand tall with their arms out. Then call out “broken” and have them crouch low. Finally call out “grafted in” and have them stand back up. Play several rounds so children connect the movements with God’s power to bring people back.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Ask them to draw a picture of themselves with God holding them up. On the back, have them write or draw “God keeps his promises.” Encourage the children to place the card somewhere they will see it each morning, such as on a bedroom mirror or by their breakfast plate, and to say the card’s words aloud before school.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s faithfulness is not limited by human failure. Paul affirms that God’s gifts and call are irrevocable and that he is able to restore people who turn away. The passage also warns believers against pride, reminding them that they stand by grace and not by their own merit.
Avoid overstating the complex teachings about Israel and the future of God’s people to children. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, his mercy, and his power to bring people home. Save deeper questions for older children or adult study, and let the main truth shine through simple words and images.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for keeping your promises to us. Thank you that you never forget your people and that your mercy is for everyone. Help us to stay close to you and to remember that you hold us up. Help us to be kind and humble, and to praise you for how wonderful you are. Amen.
