In this lesson, children learn that God wants our whole heart, so we should stay close to him and not follow anyone who tries to lead us away from him. This lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is our one true God, and we love him with our whole heart. We listen to him, not to people who tell us to follow other gods.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 13:4
You shall walk after the LORD your God, fear him, keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and cling to him.
(WEB)
Stand up tall, put one hand on your heart, and point up with the other hand each time you say the words “walk after the LORD your God.” Do the motion together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Deuteronomy 13 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to live in a new land. Before they arrived, Moses gave them important rules to help them stay faithful to God. He wanted them to remember who had rescued them from slavery in Egypt.
Moses warned them about people who would try to lead them away from God. Sometimes a person would say they had a special dream or could do a amazing sign, and then ask everyone to go and worship other gods. Moses said, “Do not listen to that person. God is testing you to see if you really love him with all your heart.”
Even if the person was a close friend, a brother, or a member of your own family, God’s people were not to go along with them. They were to say no and stay true to the Lord. Moses explained that God had brought them out of Egypt, and only he deserved their loyalty.
Moses also told them what to do if a whole city turned away from God. The people would need to look carefully and find out if it was really true. God’s people were to deal with this seriously, so that everyone would learn to fear God and to keep following him. God promised to show mercy to his people when they obeyed him.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 13:6-8
6 If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend, who is as your own soul, entices you secretly, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods,” which you have not known, you, nor your fathers; 7 of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near to you, or far off from you, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth; 8 you shall not consent to him, nor listen to him; neither shall your eye pity him, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal him…
(WEB)
Explain that this verse says even a close friend or family member might try to lead us away from God. Help children understand that they can say no kindly but clearly when someone asks them to do something wrong.
Deuteronomy 13:17-18
17 Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand, that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show you mercy, and have compassion on you, and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers; 18 when you listen to the LORD your God’s voice, to keep all his commandments which I command you today, to do that which is right in the LORD your God’s eyes.
(WEB)
Show children that God shows mercy and compassion to those who keep close to him. Point out that obeying God is what helps us grow close to him and enjoy his kindness.
Talk About It
- What are some ways we can show God that we love him with our whole heart?
- Why do you think it is important to stay close to God when our friends want to do something different?
- How did God take care of his people when they left Egypt, and how does he take care of us today?
- What could you say if a friend asked you to do something you know God does not want you to do?
- When we listen to God’s voice, what kind of help can we expect from him?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart on the paper and cut it out. Ask them to write or draw one way they can love God with all their heart inside the shape, then hang the hearts on the wall as a reminder.
Follow the Leader Game
Gather the children in an open space. Choose one child to be the leader, who makes simple movements like clapping or stomping. Everyone copies the leader, then talk together about how we should only follow God, the true leader, and not someone who leads us away from him.
Take-Home Prayer Card
Give each child an index card or a small piece of paper and a pencil. Ask them to write “I will walk after the LORD” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Encourage them to place the card by their bed or in a pocket and read it aloud with their family each evening.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people must remain faithful to him alone and reject any teaching that pulls them away from him, even when it comes from someone they love. The strong language about judgment reflects the ancient setting of Israel’s covenant with God, and it points to God’s holiness and the seriousness of loyalty to him.
With children, avoid overstating the harsh penalties described in this chapter. Focus instead on God’s love, his faithfulness, and the importance of choosing him every day, rather than frightening children with punishment or suggesting that they must judge others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we want to love you with our whole heart. Help us listen to your voice and walk closely with you each day. When friends or others try to lead us away from you, give us courage to say no. Thank you for your kindness and mercy to us. Amen.
