Activities to Go With the Bible Story of Job

The Old Testament story of Job describes him as a wealthy man with several children. The story follows a conversation between Satan and God about Job's righteousness. God gives the devil permission to destroy Job's finances, family and health to prove that even in the face of adversity Job is a righteous man. In the end, God restores Job with more children and possessions. Activities about this story can include the book's main messages about suffering, betrayal and blame.

Research into what life was like during Job's time can provide special insight into the story. Finding out more about what he would have worn, the place he would have lived in and even what he would have looked like with boils all over his body can add a sense of reality to the story. According to biblical scholars, the writer of the book most likely wrote the story between 1800 and 2000 BC. Researching how people lived 5,000 to 6,000 years ago would be a effective activity.

Those who are artistically inclined can draw Job or create a scene from Bible story and share it with the class. The story of Job provides many vivid images that lend themselves to visual art. The intense feelings the story can evoke can provide a creative spark, and class participants of all ages can find a way to express the story through drawing, painting or even sculpture.

Blame and betrayal are themes in the story of Job. Encourage students create a poem or piece of prose reflecting the same feelings that Job had. Taking the long prayers that are found within the book of Job and turning them into spoken word poems, or even putting them to music in the form of a rap song, is an effective way to get them involved in the story.

Writing a play around the Bible story of Job can help readers better understand some of the story's meaning. If you feel like being creative, you may write your own skit or presentation. There are also websites that provide plays. Make sure all of the main characters within the book are represented in the play, so everyone in the class can have a part.

Role-playing gives participants a chance to empathize with or change the actions of a character in the story. In the story, Job's wife encourages him to curse God and die. Role-players can challenge her to respond in a more loving, understanding or sympathetic way. The scene with Job's friends also lends itself to role-playing. In the story, they blame Job for his problems and tell him he must have sinned. Role-players can act as supportive friends instead, and provide a new twist to the story.