Ideas for Teaching Children About Isaiah 61:1

In Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah the prophet writes that God anointed him to help others and tell them about the Lord. Children can understand this section of Scripture with the concept that they are also chosen by God and can help others in many ways. Help children learn all or parts of the meaning of Isaiah 61:1, using Christian group activities or Bible-based family projects.

Depending on the ages of the children in your group, type the entire verse of Isaiah 61:1, or summarise it. For younger children, choose part of the verse to print. Use a decorative font. Give each child a copy of the verse and a half-sheet of poster board in any colour. Have the children glue the verse page onto the poster board. Provide markers, including gold and silver colours, or glitter glue pens, so the children can decorate the poster board background. Another decorative touch is to spread thinned glue over the entire verse portion and sprinkle iridescent glitter over the glue. Punch a hole in each of the top two corners of the poster board and tie gold or silver cording through the holes to make a hanger for the poster.

Have older children help create a song that uses the verses to a familiar tune. They can use all or parts of the Isaiah verse. For younger children, make up a song ahead of time to teach them. An example is to sing the first complete sentence of the verse to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus." The song would be similar to this, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, is on me, is on me. The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has anointed me." The children may also enjoy a chant rather than a song.

Refer the children to the sentence that says, "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted." Let older children help plan a service project, perhaps gathering food for local food pantries or raking leaves for some elderly people. Involve younger children in a service project, like bringing mittens and gloves to give to other children in the community.

The verses mention preaching and proclaiming God's good news. Children can be involved in telling others about God, as well as adults. Have younger children colour invitations to a church event or simply to attend the church, and ask parents to help their child give out one or more invitations. Involve older children in preaching and proclaiming God's Word in the church. Have them plan a skit or song to perform for another class or at a nursing home. They can also decorate paper place mats to tell others how much God loves them. Gather the place mats and take them to a food kitchen or homeless shelter.