In this lesson, children learn that God hears His people, rescues them, and gives them good things, so they can thank Him by giving back. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Teachers can use a simple basket or bowl as a prop to make the story easy to picture.
Big Idea
God remembers us and takes care of us, so we say thank you by sharing what we have with Him and with people who need help.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 26:8
The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs, and with wonders…
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, then sweep them up and open their arms wide, like the Lord bringing His people out. Say the verse together while you do the motion, and let them lead it the second time.
The Story: Deuteronomy 26 for Kids
God’s people had been slaves in Egypt for a long time. Their work was hard, and the Egyptians were cruel to them. The people cried out, and God heard them. He saw their trouble and He did not forget them.
God set His people free with great power. He sent signs and wonders, and He led them out of Egypt. At last, He brought them to a new land, a land full of good food, where milk and honey flowed. Moses told the people that God had kept His promise.
God gave His people a special way to say thank you. When they grew their first crops in that new land, they took some of the best fruit and put it in a basket. Then they walked to the place God had chosen and gave the basket to the priest. Each family said, “Lord, we are bringing You the first of what You gave us.”
The people did not keep everything for themselves. They shared with the Levites, who helped with worship, with the strangers who lived among them, with children who had no father, and with women who had no husband to care for them. God wanted His people to be generous, the way He was generous to them.
The people also promised to obey God. They said they had not forgotten His commands, and they wanted to follow Him with all their heart. God said that His people were His own special treasure. He wanted them to be holy, set apart to love and serve Him.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 26:1-2
1 It shall be, when you have come in to the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance, possess it, and dwell in it, 2 that you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you shall bring in from your land that the LORD your God gives you. You shall put it in a basket, and shall go to the place which the LORD your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s people were not told to bring leftovers. They brought the first and best of what they grew. Ask the children what they might give God first, before they give anything else.
Deuteronomy 26:5-7
5 You shall answer and say before the LORD your God, “My father was a Syrian ready to perish. He went down into Egypt, and lived there, few in number. There he became a great, mighty, and populous nation. 6 The Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and imposed hard labor on us. 7 Then we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers. The LORD heard our voice, and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression.
(WEB)
Show how the people remembered their hard past. Explain that they told God’s story out loud so they would never forget how He rescued them. Invite the children to tell one thing God has done for their family.
Deuteronomy 26:11
You shall rejoice in all the good which the LORD your God has given to you, and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the foreigner who is among you.
(WEB)
Highlight the word rejoice. Notice that the people were told to include the Levite and the foreigner in their happiness. Explain that thankful hearts naturally share their joy with others.
Talk About It
- What did God hear and see when His people were slaves in Egypt?
- What did the people put in the basket, and why did they give it to God first?
- Who did the people remember to share with, and why do you think God wanted that?
- What is one good thing God has given you, and how could you thank Him for it?
- How can you show God you want to follow Him with your whole heart this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Basket Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small paper cup or bowl. Have each child draw fruit or vegetables they are thankful for, then place the drawings in the cup. Talk about how the people put their first harvest in a basket for God, and ask each child to name who they might share their gifts with.
Thank You Walk
Set out a few small objects around the room, such as a cup, a book, or a toy, to represent God’s blessings. Lead the children in a slow walk around the room, stopping at each object to say one thing they are thankful for. End by having them hold up their hands, like giving a gift, and say together, “Thank You, Lord.”
Take-Home Sharing Basket
Give each child a small paper bag or envelope to take home. Ask them to fill it with one thing they can share this week, like a drawing, a kind note, or a toy they will give to someone. Encourage the children to tell a family member how they shared, and to thank God together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people receive everything as a gift, and their response is worship through gratitude and generosity. The offering of firstfruits points to trusting God for the future and remembering the past. Notice how the people recited their own story, reminding themselves that their blessings came from God’s mercy, not from their own strength.
Avoid turning this passage into a rule that children must earn God’s love by giving the right amount. The people gave because God had already rescued and provided for them. Make sure children hear that God loves them first, and that giving is a joyful response to His goodness.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for hearing us when we call and for taking care of us every day. Help us remember all the good things You have given us, and help us share them with others. Make our hearts thankful and kind, so we can love You and love the people around us. Amen.
