Exodus 18 teaches children that Moses was wise to ask for help, and that God gives us good people to share hard work with us. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God helps us do hard things, and sometimes He helps us through the wise words and hands of other people. We do not have to carry everything alone.
Memory Verse
Exodus 18:18
You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone.
(WEB)
Have the children hold their arms out wide like they are carrying something heavy, then slowly lower them as they say “the work is too heavy” together. Then bring their hands together in front of their chest and say “we can share it.” Repeat it three times, adding one motion each time.
The Story: Exodus 18 for Kids
Moses had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, and God had done amazing things along the way. One day, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro came to visit him in the wilderness. His name was Jethro, and he was a priest of Midian. Moses’ wife Zipporah and their two sons came with him. Moses was glad to see his family again.
Moses told Jethro everything that God had done. He told about Pharaoh, the hard journey, and how God rescued the people. Jethro was so happy to hear it. He said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has saved you!” Then Jethro offered a sacrifice to God, and Aaron and the leaders ate a meal with him before God.
The next day, Jethro watched Moses at work. Moses was sitting all day, from morning until evening, judging the people’s problems. The line of people was very long. Jethro looked at Moses and said, “This is not good. You will wear yourself out.” Jethro was worried about his friend.
Then Jethro gave Moses a plan. He said, “Choose wise and honest men who fear God. Put them in charge of groups of people, some over thousands, some over hundreds, some over fifties, and some over tens. Let them judge the small problems. You can bring only the big problems to God and to me.” Moses listened carefully to his father-in-law’s words.
So Moses chose good leaders, just as Jethro had said. Now the work was shared, and the people were helped more quickly. Moses could rest a little, and everyone could go home in peace. Then Jethro went back to his own land.
Read It Together
Exodus 18:1
Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.
(WEB)
Point out that Jethro heard about God’s great works and came to see Moses. Ask the children how they feel when they hear good news about someone they love.
Exodus 18:21
Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men which fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
(WEB)
Show the children the kinds of people Jethro told Moses to look for: people who are true, honest, and who fear God. Ask them what makes a good helper.
Exodus 18:23
If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jethro said that if Moses did this, he would be able to keep going and the people would go home in peace. Remind the children that wise plans from God help everyone.
Talk About It
- What did Moses do all day long, and why did it make him so tired?
- Why do you think Moses listened to Jethro’s advice instead of keeping on alone?
- What are some ways you can share a hard job with your family or friends?
- How did God use Jethro to help Moses and the people of Israel?
- When you feel like something is too big for you, who can you ask for help?
Activity Ideas
Helping Hands Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one hand on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write the name of a person who helps them, such as a parent, teacher, or friend. Display the hands on the wall as a reminder that we share our work with others.
Carry the Load Relay
You will need a few small, light objects like cups, blocks, or stuffed animals, and a open space. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass the objects one by one down a line. Explain that no one should carry the whole pile alone, just as Moses needed help. Afterward, talk about how it felt to share the work.
Take-Home Helper Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small envelope for each child. Have each child write or draw one way they can help someone at home this week, such as setting the table or helping with a chore. Encourage them to take the card home, place it in the envelope, and keep it where they will see it each day as a reminder to help and to ask for help.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that good leadership includes knowing when to delegate. Moses was faithful and gave himself fully to the people, but Jethro’s counsel reminded him that God designed community so that burdens are shared. The passage also shows God’s care for His people through the wisdom of others, and Jethro’s praise of the LORD as greater than all gods is a moment of genuine recognition.
Avoid overstating to children that every hard job will become easy when we ask for help. Children may take this as a promise that help always fixes problems. Focus instead on the truth that God provides helpers and wise guidance, and that asking for help is a good and humble thing to do.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for helping us and for giving us good friends and family. Help us to ask for help when we need it, and help us to share the work when others need us too. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
