This lesson teaches children that God is near to His people, so they should remember all He has done and never forget Him. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn it in about 20 to 30 minutes, using a Bible, a few craft supplies, and a little movement.
Big Idea
God is close to us and has shown us His love in many ways, so we should remember Him and teach our children to remember Him too. Every good thing He does is worth telling again and again.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children’s children…
(WEB)
Cup your hands by your eyes like looking through binoculars, then bring your hands down and place them on your heart. Say “Remember” as you move, and have the children copy you until they can say it without looking.
The Story: Deuteronomy 4 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, were camped on the far side of the Jordan River. Moses was their leader, and he was about to say goodbye to them. He had been their teacher for many years, and he wanted them to remember everything God had done for them.
Moses reminded them of the day they stood at the mountain called Horeb. The mountain was covered in fire and smoke, and the people heard God’s voice speaking from the middle of the fire. God gave them His ten commandments, written on two stone tablets. Moses told them, “Listen to God’s words and do them, so that you will live well in the land God is giving you.”
Moses also warned them not to make idols. He said, “Be very careful, because God did not show you any form when He spoke to you. Do not carve an image and bow down to it.” He told them that God is not like the sun, moon, or stars, which God made for all the nations to see.
Moses told the people that God had rescued them out of Egypt, out of the hard, hot place where they had been slaves. God had made them His own people. Moses said, “Remember, the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no one else.”
Moses then told the people that if they ever forgot God and turned away, they would have trouble. But he also said that if they searched for God with their whole heart, they would find Him. God is merciful and would not forget the promise He made to their ancestors.
Finally, Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan where a person who accidentally hurt someone could run and be safe. This showed that God cared about fairness and kindness. Then Moses finished his teaching, and the people listened carefully.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 4:7
For what great nation is there, that has a god so near to them, as the LORD our God is whenever we call on him?
(WEB)
Point out that God is near to His people whenever they call on Him. Ask the children to think of a time they felt close to God, or a time they wanted to call out to Him when they were scared.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you shall seek the LORD your God, and you shall find him, when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
(WEB)
Show the children that when we look for God with our whole heart, we will find Him. Explain that searching for God means talking to Him, reading His Word, and asking Him for help.
Deuteronomy 4:31
For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not fail you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which he swore to them.
(WEB)
Tell the children that God is merciful and does not forget His promises. Point out that even when people make mistakes, God is patient and keeps His word to them.
Talk About It
- What are some good things God has done for you that you want to remember?
- Why do you think Moses wanted the people to tell their children about God?
- How can we remember God when we are busy or having a hard day?
- What did the Israelites do when they forgot about God, and what can we learn from that?
- How does it feel to know that God is always near to us?
Activity Ideas
Remember Stones Craft
You will need small smooth stones or paper circles, markers, and a basket. Have each child write or draw one thing God has done for them on a stone. Place the stones in the basket and explain that, like the Israelites, we can keep these reminders to tell others about God’s goodness.
Follow the Leader Movement Game
Play a simple game where one child leads the others in a movement, such as clapping, stomping, or reaching up high. Each time the leader changes, pause and say “Remember God is near!” Explain that God was always with His people, just as the leader is always there to guide the group.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write Deuteronomy 4:29 or a simple phrase like “Search for God with all your heart” on the card. Encourage them to place it on their bedside table or in a lunchbox and read it aloud with their family each evening.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is Moses’ final sermon before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. He urges them to remember God’s faithfulness, avoid idols, and pass their faith to the next generation. The chapter ends with God’s mercy and the promise that He will not forget His covenant, which shows that the whole passage is centered on God’s character and His relationship with His people.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the warnings about judgment and scattering. Focus on God’s nearness, His mercy, and the invitation to seek Him, so that children hear good news rather than fear. The idol section can be explained simply as “God wants us to love Him above everything.”
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being near to us whenever we call on You. Help us remember all the good things You have done for us, and help us tell others about You. Keep our hearts close to You every day. Amen.
