In this lesson, children learn that God wants His people to be generous and to help those who are poor, because God Himself is good to us. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of people who have less than we do, and He wants us to share what we have with them. When we open our hands to others, we show that we love God.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you to surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.
(WEB)
Have children stand, hold out both hands palms up, and then open them wide as they say the verse together. Each time they say “open your hand,” they should stretch their arms out, showing a giving heart.
The Story: Deuteronomy 15 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His people, the Israelites, a set of rules to help them live well in the new land He was giving them. God knew that some families would fall on hard times and need to borrow money. He wanted His people to be kind to those families, not to be hard on them.
God said that every seven years, people should cancel the debts their neighbors owed them. It was like a fresh start for everyone. God wanted His people to remember that He was the one who had blessed them, so they should bless others too.
God also told the people to help a poor brother who came to them for help. He said, “Do not shut your hand against your poor brother. Open it wide and lend him what he needs.” God knew that some people would feel unhappy about giving. But He told them that giving with a glad heart would bring a blessing from Him.
God reminded His people of something important. They themselves had once been slaves in Egypt, and God had set them free. So they should remember how God rescued them and treat others with the same kindness. God wanted His people to be generous because He had been generous to them.
God also gave rules about firstborn animals. These animals belonged to God, and the people were to honor Him with them. The people were not to use the animals that were hurt or sick for worship, but to offer the best ones to God.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
7 If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; 8 but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.
(WEB)
Point out how God tells His people not to close their hands to a poor brother. Ask the children what it looks like to “open your hand” in everyday life, like sharing a snack or helping a classmate.
Deuteronomy 15:10
You shall surely give, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because that for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to.
(WEB)
Show the children that God promises to bless the people who give with a happy heart. Help them see that giving is not about getting something back, but about trusting God to take care of us.
Deuteronomy 15:15
You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today.
(WEB)
Remind the children that God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt. Explain that when God helps us, we can help others in the same way, because we remember how much He has done for us.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you have that you could share with someone who needs it?
- How do you think the poor man felt when someone helped him?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to remember that they had been slaves in Egypt?
- What does it feel like to give something away with a happy heart?
- How has God taken care of you this week?
Activity Ideas
Open Hand Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons. Have them trace one of their hands and then draw something they could share, like food, toys, or a kind word, inside the outline. Talk together about how an open hand can help someone else. Let children take their drawings home to remind them of the lesson.
Share the Snack Game
Gather a few bags of crackers or small snacks. Have children sit in a circle and pass a bag around, but tell them that each person must take out one snack and give one to the person next to them before passing the bag on. Talk about how it felt to give and how God wants us to share with others. End by singing or reciting the memory verse together.
Giving Jar at Home
Provide an empty jar or small box and some colored paper. Ask the family to decorate the jar and place a small coin or note inside each week for a person in need. Explain that this is one way the family can open their hands like God asks. At the end of the month, the family can decide together how to use the money to help someone.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God cares deeply about the poor and wants His people to share generously. It reveals that God’s generosity to us is the foundation for our own generosity toward others. The chapter also points to a heart posture of trust, since God promises to provide for those who give.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always make them rich or that giving guarantees earthly rewards. The passage speaks of blessing in a broad sense, and children may be confused if they think being generous always leads to more possessions.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for taking care of us and giving us everything we need. Help us to open our hands and share with others, just as You share with us. Make our hearts glad when we give, and remind us that You love every person in the world. Amen.
