In this lesson, children learn that God gives us good helpers, and that Moses was wise to let others share his work. Use this lesson for children ages 5 to 11. Plan for 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God helps us, and he gives us friends and family to help us too. We do not have to carry every hard job alone.
Memory Verse
Exodus 18:19
Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God.
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands in front of their chest, then slowly open them outward, like a helper sharing something heavy. Say the verse together while you move your hands. Repeat it three times, speeding up a little each time.
The Story: Exodus 18 for Kids
Long ago, Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. Moses had a father-in-law named Jethro, who was a priest in the land of Midian. When Jethro heard all the good things God had done for Moses and the people, he was glad. He traveled out to the wilderness to see Moses, and he brought Moses’ wife Zipporah and their two sons along with him.
Moses was happy to see his family again. He bowed down and kissed Jethro, and they went into the tent together. Moses told Jethro all the amazing things God had done. He told about the plagues, the hard journey, and how God rescued the people from Pharaoh. Jethro was so thankful that he praised God and offered sacrifices to him.
The next day, Jethro watched Moses work. From morning until evening, the people stood around Moses, waiting for him to settle their problems. Moses was tired, and Jethro could see that the work was too heavy for one man. Jethro said, “What you are doing is not good. You will wear yourself out, and the people will wear out too.”
Jethro gave Moses some wise advice. He told Moses to choose good, honest men who feared God, and to appoint them as leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. The leaders would handle the small problems, and Moses would only handle the big ones. Moses listened to Jethro, and he did just what his father-in-law said. The people were helped, and Moses could rest.
Read It Together
Exodus 18:1-2
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. 2 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away…
(WEB)
Point out that Jethro heard about what God had done and came to visit Moses. Ask children how they feel when a good friend or family member comes to see them. Explain that Jethro came because he cared about Moses and God’s people.
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 children that Jethro told Moses to choose helpers who were honest and who loved God. Explain that God wants us to pick good friends and leaders who will help us do what is right. Ask them who helps them learn about God at home or at church.
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 when Moses shared the work, he would be able to keep going, and the people would be taken care of too. Talk about how sharing jobs at home, like cleaning up toys, makes the work easier for everyone.
Talk About It
- What did Jethro notice about the way Moses was working, and why did it worry him?
- Why do you think Moses needed help from other people to judge the problems of the people?
- What are some jobs at home or school that are easier when people work together?
- What kind of people did Jethro say Moses should pick to help him, and why is that important?
- How can you ask God for help when a job feels too big for you?
Activity Ideas
Helping Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one of their hands on the paper. Inside the hand, have them draw or write one thing they could help someone with this week. Talk about how many hands it takes to share a heavy load, and let children hang their drawings up in the room.
Carry the Load Race
You will need a few light cushions or soft toys, and a blanket. Divide children into two teams. Give one child a heavy-looking bundle, like a stack of books wrapped in the blanket, and let them try to carry it alone to the other side of the room. Then let the team help, each child holding a corner of the blanket. Talk about how much easier it is when everyone helps.
Helper Chart at Home
You will need a sheet of paper, a marker, and small sticky notes. Make a simple chart with each family member’s name at the top. Write a few jobs on sticky notes, such as setting the table, feeding the pet, or folding towels. Let each person choose a job and place the note under their name. Pray together at the end of the week, thanking God for helpers.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that good leadership includes knowing your limits and receiving wise counsel from others. Moses was faithful and humble, and God used Jethro to teach him a better way to serve. The passage also reminds us that God cares about the everyday needs of his people, and that he provides ways to share the work.
When teaching children, avoid making it sound like Moses did something wrong by trying to help everyone himself. Focus on the fact that God gives us helpers and that we can ask for help. Keep the message warm and simple, and do not turn the lesson into a lecture about leadership or organization.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving us helpers and friends. Help us to share the hard jobs and to ask for help when we need it. Teach us to be kind and honest, just like the people who helped Moses. Thank you for always being with us. Amen.
