This lesson teaches children that God keeps his promises, even when people do not expect it, and that God chooses to love people as a gift, not because they earned it. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, questions and one activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, and he loves us because he chooses to, not because we are perfect.
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)
Have children hold both hands out flat, palms up, then slowly bring them together in front of their chest as if closing a gift box. Each time they say “promise,” they do the motion together so the word and the gesture stick.
The Story: Romans 9 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Abraham had a big family tree with many children and grandchildren. Abraham’s special son was named Isaac, and God had promised that Abraham’s family would become a great nation. Some people in that family were proud and thought being born into it was all they needed. The apostle Paul wanted them to know that God’s promise was about faith, not just being born into the right family.
Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Before either boy was born, God told their mother, Rebekah, that the older son would serve the younger one. God chose Jacob, not because Jacob had done anything good, but because God had decided to show mercy. Children may be surprised that God chose the younger brother, and that is a good place to pause and talk.
Paul then reminded his readers about a story of Moses and Pharaoh. God showed his power through Pharaoh so that many people would know about God’s name. Paul explained that God shows mercy to whom he wants to show mercy. Some people might wonder if this is fair, and Paul said we should trust God, the potter, who shapes the clay.
Paul also said something wonderful. God called people not only from the Jewish family but also from the non-Jewish nations, so that everyone could become God’s people. Paul shared that the people who trusted God by faith found righteousness, even though they had not been looking for it in the same way. He ended with a promise that anyone who believes in God will not be disappointed.
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 says he will have mercy on whom he has mercy. Explain that mercy means God gives us kindness we do not deserve, and that God is always good and fair even when we cannot understand his choices.
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 this verse says God’s mercy does not depend on how fast we run or how hard we try. Ask them to think about a time when they got a gift they did not earn, and how it felt to receive it.
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 the stone in this verse is a picture of Jesus, a solid place to stand. Point out the last words, that no one who believes in him will be disappointed, and remind children that trusting Jesus is a safe place to rest.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you have been given that you did not earn, and how did it make you feel?
- Why do you think God chose Jacob, the younger brother, instead of Esau?
- How can you show someone mercy this week, like God shows mercy to us?
- What does it mean that God is like a potter who shapes clay, and why can we trust him?
- When you feel worried that God has forgotten you, what can you remember about his promises?
Activity Ideas
Clay Promise Pots
Give each child a small lump of modeling clay or play dough. Ask them to shape a simple pot or bowl and then press a small paper heart into the side as a reminder that God’s promises are shaped by love. Let the clay dry overnight, and talk about how God is the potter who makes something good out of ordinary material.
Mercy Relay Game
Set up two cones or chairs at one end of the room and invite children to run toward them. Each time a child reaches the chairs, cheer for everyone, even children who are slower, and say, “God’s mercy is not about how fast you run.” This helps children feel the difference between earning something and receiving it as a gift.
Promise Card for Home
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Have them draw a picture of something God has promised, such as a rainbow, a home or a family, and write a simple sentence or ask a parent to help write “God keeps his promises.” Encourage children to tape the card to their bedroom door or refrigerator so they can see it each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 9 deals with the mystery of God’s choice and his faithfulness to his promises, even when Israel as a whole did not accept Jesus. Paul is not teaching that God is unfair but that God’s purposes are larger than human pride, and that salvation comes by faith in God’s mercy. Adults may find this chapter challenging, so it helps to focus on God’s steady love and his faithfulness to his word.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God chooses some people and rejects others, since young learners can easily misunderstand this as God being unkind. Keep the focus on God’s mercy, his faithfulness, and the invitation to trust Jesus, which is good news for every child.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping every promise you have made to us. Help us remember that your love is a gift, and that we can trust you even when we do not understand everything. Teach us to show mercy to others the way you show mercy to us. Amen.
