This lesson teaches children that God rescued his people from Egypt through the Passover, and that he keeps his promises. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, one memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises and protects the people who trust him. When God saves us, we remember what he has done and thank him.
Memory Verse
Exodus 12:13
The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.
(WEB)
Ask the children to put one hand flat on their chest for “the blood,” then wave both hands high in the air for “I will pass over you.” Say the verse slowly together three times, doing the motions each time. Children remember words best when their bodies are moving with them.
The Story: Exodus 12 for Kids
God had a plan to set his people free. Moses and Aaron were the leaders God chose, and they spoke to all the families of Israel. God told them to pick a lamb for each household, a lamb with no spots or broken bones. Each family kept their lamb safe for several days.
On the special evening, every family roasted their lamb over a fire and ate it with bread that had no yeast. They ate standing up, with their sandals on and their walking sticks in their hands. God told them they were ready to leave Egypt in a hurry. Then God said he would pass through Egypt that night.
The families dabbed some of the lamb’s blood on the top and sides of their doorframes. When the Lord saw the blood, he passed over those homes, and no one inside was harmed. That night was very sad in Egypt, because the Lord took the lives of the firstborn sons and animals there. Pharaoh was so upset that he called for Moses and Aaron in the middle of the night. He told them, “Go! Take your people and leave!”
The people of Israel packed quickly. The Egyptians even gave them gold, silver, and clothing as they left. God led his people out of Egypt that very day, just as he had promised Abraham long before. God told them to remember this night forever and to tell their children why they celebrated it.
Read It Together
Exodus 12:1-2
1 The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Moses and Aaron the first instructions before the rescue happened. Ask children to notice that God spoke first and his people then obeyed. This shows that God leads his people step by step.
Exodus 12:23
For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.
(WEB)
Point out that the blood on the doorframe was a sign that a family belonged to God. Explain that God protected the people who trusted his word. Ask children what it means for God to be a protector.
Exodus 12:42
It is a night to be much observed to the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.
(WEB)
Point out the word “remember.” God wanted his people to keep telling the story of his rescue. Explain that families still remember what God has done for them today.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted each family to pick a lamb that had no spots?
- How did the families know that God would protect them that night?
- What did the people of Israel do to show they trusted God’s words?
- Why do you think God wanted his people to remember this night for their whole lives?
- What is one way you can remember and thank God for something he has done for you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Doorframe Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, glue, and red paint or red marker. Have each child draw a simple doorframe on a sheet of paper. Ask them to dab or draw red marks on the top and sides, then glue a small paper lamb inside. Talk about how the red sign showed that God’s people were safe.
Passover Walk Game
Clear a space in the room or a hallway. Have the children walk slowly around the room, pretending they are eating in a hurry with their sandals on and sticks in their hands. Call out “Pass over!” and have them freeze when they hear it. This helps children feel the urgency of that night and the way God rescued his people.
Take-Home Remember Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a hole punch with yarn. Write the memory verse on one side of the card and draw a small lamb on the other. Punch a hole and tie the yarn so the child can hang it on a doorknob at home. Encourage families to say the verse together each morning as they leave the house.
Teacher Notes
For adults, the Passover shows that God’s rescue depends on his promise and his provision, not on human strength. The lamb’s blood marked the families who trusted God’s word, and the story looks ahead to the way God later provided salvation through Jesus, the Lamb of God. Adults can also see how Israel was called to remember this night as a lasting act of worship.
Avoid overstating the connection between the Passover lamb and Jesus for young children. You can mention that Jesus is sometimes called the Lamb of God, but keep the focus on what the children can understand: God keeps his promises and protects his people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to your people. Help us trust you like the families in Egypt did, and help us remember all the good things you have done for us. Keep us safe under your care every day. Amen.
