Deuteronomy 16 teaches children that God’s people remember what he has done for them and celebrate together with joy. This lesson works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a story, a memory verse, a few discussion questions, and one simple activity.
Big Idea
God rescued his people from Egypt, so his people remember, thank him, and celebrate together. Remembering is a way of saying thank you to God for his care.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 16:3
You shall eat no leavened bread with it. You shall eat unleavened bread with it seven days, even the bread of affliction; for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste; that you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are carrying a basket. Then pull them slowly toward your heart as you say the verse together. Each time you do it, you are “carrying” the memory of God’s rescue close.
The Story: Deuteronomy 16 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people had lived as slaves in the land of Egypt. Their work was hard, and they had no freedom. God heard their cries, and he did not forget them. He told Moses to lead the people out, and God brought them out of Egypt in the middle of the night.
God gave his people a special way to remember that day. Once each year, in the month called Abib, they were to keep the Passover feast. For seven days they ate bread without yeast. It was a plain, simple bread, the kind people eat when they are in a hurry. God wanted them to remember that they left Egypt in haste.
The people did not celebrate alone. God told them to gather in the special place he would choose. There they would sacrifice, eat, and rejoice together. Families, servants, helpers who had no land of their own, and even children who had no father or mother were all included. Everyone was welcome at the table of joy.
God also gave his people two more feasts. One was the Feast of Weeks, which came after they finished the harvest. The other was the Feast of Tents, which came when they gathered in their crops from the fields and the grapevines. Each feast was a time to thank God for food, for work, and for his blessing. Their God said, in effect, “Do not come to me empty-handed. Bring a gift as you are able, because I have blessed you.”
God also asked the people to be fair. He told them to choose judges who would treat everyone the same way. No one could take a bribe or favor the rich over the poor. God wanted his people to live in a way that was right and good, so that they could enjoy the land he was giving them.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 16:11
You shall rejoice before the LORD your God: you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite who is within your gates, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are among you, in the place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there.
(WEB)
Point out the word “rejoice.” Ask the children who is invited to celebrate, and notice that the list includes children, servants, and people who had no family to care for them. Explain that God welcomes everyone into his joy.
Deuteronomy 16:12
You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt. You shall observe and do these statutes.
(WEB)
Remind the children that God’s people were once slaves. Explain that God asked them to remember this, so they would never forget how much they needed him and how kindly he had rescued them.
Deuteronomy 16:19
You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous.
(WEB)
Talk about the phrase “do not pervert justice.” Explain simply that being fair means treating people the same way, and that God cares a great deal about fairness in how we treat each other.
Talk About It
- What is something God has done for you that you want to remember and thank him for?
- Why do you think God wanted his people to eat plain bread during their feast?
- Who were some of the people God invited to celebrate with his family, and why do you think he included them?
- How can you show thankfulness to God when you feel happy, like the people did at their feasts?
- What does it look like to treat others fairly, the way God asked his people to do?
Activity Ideas
Thankfulness Basket Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small basket or cup. Have each child draw one thing God has given them, such as food, family, a friend, or a sunny day. Fold the drawings and place them in the basket. Talk about how the basket is a way of gathering up our thanks to God, just as the people gathered for their feasts.
Passover Walk and Rejoice
Clear a space in the room or yard. Line the children up and have them march slowly, pretending they are leaving Egypt in a hurry. When you clap your hands, they stop, turn around, and cheer “Thank you, God!” Repeat several times, then finish with a simple shout of joy together, reminding the children that God’s people rejoiced when they remembered his rescue.
Take-Home Remembrance Card
You will need index cards and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one way they can remember God’s care this week, such as saying a thank-you prayer at dinner. Help them tuck the card into a pocket or bag so they can look at it during the week. Explain that God’s people kept reminders like this to help them remember.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people are called to remember his saving work and respond with worship, generosity, and joy. The feasts were not only religious duties but also a way of holding the whole community together, including the vulnerable. Justice in the courts is part of this same life of faithfulness to God.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the ancient feasts or the exact way they were carried out, since the chapter gives instructions that children may find confusing. Focus instead on the heart of the lesson: God rescued his people, he invites everyone to rejoice, and he asks us to be fair and thankful.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for rescuing your people and for remembering us too. Help us to remember all the good things you have done, and to share our joy with others. Teach us to be fair and kind, just as you are. Amen.
