This lesson teaches children that God always keeps His promises, even when people do not understand how He is working. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and a short activity.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and He always does what is good and fair, even when we cannot see how.
Memory Verse
Romans 9:8
That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as heirs.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up with palms open, then slowly bring them together in front of your heart as you say the verse, showing that God’s promises hold us close.
The Story: Romans 9 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who loved God and loved the people of Israel very much. Some of his own people did not yet believe that Jesus was the promised Savior, and it made Paul sad every single day. He wished he could do anything to help them know God’s love.
Long ago, God made a promise to a man named Abraham. God said that Abraham would have a family as countless as the stars. Abraham had a son named Isaac, and God kept His word just as He said He would. Isaac’s own sons were twins named Jacob and Esau, and God chose Jacob to carry on the promise.
Some people asked Paul whether God had been unfair. Paul said, “Of course not!” God has the right to show mercy to whomever He chooses, and He is always good. Paul compared God to a potter who shapes clay as He wishes, and no clay can tell the potter what to do.
Paul also explained that God called people from every nation, not only the Jews. People who trust in Jesus belong to God’s family. God’s promises reach to people everywhere, and He is faithful to every one of them.
Paul ended by saying that anyone who trusts in Jesus will never be put to shame. That means God will never leave them behind, because He always keeps His word.
Read It Together
Romans 9:15
For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
(WEB)
Point out that God’s mercy comes from God Himself, not from anything we do to earn it. Explain that mercy means God gives us kindness we do not deserve.
Romans 9:16
So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
(WEB)
Show children that trying hard does not make God love us more. Help them see that God’s mercy is a gift, and He shares it because He is good.
Romans 9:33
Even as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in him will be disappointed.”
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus is like a solid rock we can stand on. Anyone who trusts in Him will not be let down, and this is a promise we can count on.
Talk About It
- What is a promise you have made to someone, and how did you keep it?
- Why do you think God chose Jacob, even though Jacob was not the older son?
- How is God like a potter who makes a clay pot?
- What does it mean that God’s mercy is a gift and not something we earn?
- How can you show someone that you trust God’s promises today?
Activity Ideas
Star Promise Craft
You will need paper, scissors, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace a star on the paper, cut it out, and write or draw one thing God has promised, such as being with us always. Hang the stars on a string or tape them to a window so children can see God’s promises shining every day.
Potter and Clay Game
You will need a small soft ball or a lump of play dough for each pair of children. One child shapes the clay while the other child closes their eyes and guesses what shape it is becoming. Talk about how the potter knows what he is making, and how God knows and cares for each of us in the same way.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card and a marker for each child. Ask children to write “God keeps His promises” on the card and draw a picture of something they can trust God for. Encourage them to place the card on the kitchen table or by their bed so they can read it together with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 9 shows that God’s promises to Israel are firm, even when many people do not yet recognize Jesus. Paul writes from deep love and sorrow, and he trusts that God’s plan is wise and good. The chapter also shows that God’s mercy reaches people from every nation, which gives all believers hope and belonging.
With children, avoid suggesting that God’s choices are arbitrary or that some people are chosen for harm. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, His mercy, and the trust that Jesus offers to everyone who believes.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for keeping every promise You make. Help us trust You when we do not understand what You are doing. Thank You that Your mercy is a gift for everyone who believes in Jesus. Help us to share that good news with our friends and family. Amen.
