The story of crossing the Red Sea teaches children that God rescues His people and keeps them safe, even when they feel trapped. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God rescues His people when they are scared, and He keeps His promises even when the way looks impossible. We can stand still and trust Him to fight for us.
Memory Verse
Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you, and you shall be still.”
(WEB)
Teach children to stand tall with feet together, then fold their arms and gently rock side to side like a boat on water. Say the verse together while rocking, then sit down quietly with hands in their lap to show being still.
The Story: Exodus 14 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, had lived in Egypt for many years. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, did not want them to leave. But God told Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, and they obeyed God and set off on their journey.
After they left, Pharaoh changed his mind. He gathered his best chariots and soldiers and chased after the Israelites. When the people saw the Egyptians coming toward them, they were very scared. They were stuck between the sea and the army, with nowhere to run.
The people cried out, “Moses, why did you bring us here to die?” Moses answered, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see how the LORD will save you today.” Moses trusted God, even though the situation looked hopeless.
Then God told Moses to lift up his staff and stretch his hand over the sea. Moses did, and God sent a strong wind that blew all night. The waters split apart, and the people walked across on dry ground with walls of water on each side.
The Egyptian army followed them into the sea. But when the morning came, God made the waters return. The sea covered the chariots and the soldiers, and not one of them was left. God saved His people that day.
Read It Together
Exodus 14:13
Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses told the people not to be afraid before they could see the rescue. Ask children to notice that God’s help came after the people trusted Him to act.
Exodus 14:21-22
21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.
(WEB)
Show children how God used the wind and the water to make a path. Help them picture the wall of water on each side as the people walked through safely.
Exodus 14:31
Israel saw the great work which the LORD did to the Egyptians, and the people feared the LORD; and they believed in the LORD, and in his servant Moses.
(WEB)
Explain that the people saw God’s great work and began to trust Him and Moses. Point out that seeing God’s faithfulness can lead us to believe in Him more.
Talk About It
- How do you think the Israelites felt when they saw the Egyptian army coming?
- What did Moses tell the people to do, and why do you think that was hard?
- What is something that feels scary to you right now?
- How did God take care of His people in this story?
- What can you do when you feel afraid and want God to help you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Red Sea Craft
You will need a paper plate, blue and brown paint or crayons, glue, and cotton balls or tissue paper. Have children paint or color the plate blue for the sea, then glue a dry path of brown paper down the middle. Add small cotton ball figures for the people and draw walls of water on each side to show the path God made.
Stand Still and Trust Game
Clear an open space and have children pretend to be the Israelites walking forward. Call out “Egyptians coming!” and have everyone freeze in place for a count of five while saying “The LORD will fight for you.” Repeat several times, then let the children walk slowly like they are crossing a path between two pretend walls.
Take-Home Sea Jar
You will need a clear jar, water, a few drops of blue food coloring, and a small plastic toy or paper boat. Fill the jar with water, add the food coloring, and place the toy inside. Send it home with a note asking the family to talk about a time God helped them stay calm and trust Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God acts to save His people even when they can see no way out, and that He is in control of nature and armies alike. It also reveals that God fulfills His purposes through people who choose to trust Him, as Moses did when he stood before the sea.
Be careful not to suggest that children should expect God to split a body of water for them whenever they are afraid. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and near, even when His help comes in ways we do not expect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us when we feel scared or trapped. Help us to stand still and trust You, just like the people in the story. Thank You for keeping Your promises and always taking care of us. Amen.
