This lesson teaches children that God chose Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, and that He cared about every detail of how they dressed to serve Him. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for the story, a Bible reading, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God picks special helpers and gives them good things to wear for His work. God cares about our service and wants us to honor Him with our best.
Memory Verse
Exodus 28:2
You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your heart, then lift them up like you are putting on a beautiful robe. Say the words slowly with the motion, saying “glory” and “beauty” as you lift your arms high.
The Story: Exodus 28 for Kids
Long ago, God spoke to Moses and told him something special. God wanted Aaron, Moses’ brother, to be a priest. A priest is a helper who serves God in a special tent called the Tent of Meeting. God also chose Aaron’s four sons to help him.
God said, “Tell the wise and skillful people to make holy clothes for Aaron.” These clothes would show that Aaron was set apart for God’s work. The people brought gold, blue, purple, red, and fine white linen to make them. Every piece was made with great care.
Aaron’s special vest was called an ephod. On the shoulders were two beautiful onyx stones. Each stone had the names of six of Israel’s tribes carved on it. God wanted Aaron to carry the names of his people on his shoulders when he served.
Over Aaron’s heart was a square pocket called the breastplate. It had twelve colorful stones set in gold, one for each tribe. God said, “Aaron shall carry the names of the children of Israel on his heart.” So every time Aaron walked into God’s presence, the people were close to his heart.
The robe had little golden bells and pomegranates sewn around the bottom. God said, “The sound of the bells shall be heard when Aaron goes in and comes out.” The bells let the people know their priest was near and serving God. Aaron also wore a golden plate on his forehead that said “Holy to the LORD.”
God gave Aaron’s sons coats, sashes, and headbands too, so they could serve Him with honor. God’s care for each detail showed that He loved His people and wanted them to draw near to Him.
Read It Together
Exodus 28:1
“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.
(WEB)
Point out that God chose Aaron and his sons by name. Ask the children what it means to be picked by God, and remind them that God knows each person by name.
Exodus 28:12
You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for a memorial.
(WEB)
Show how Aaron carried the names of the tribes on his shoulders. Explain that God remembers His people, and that we can pray for our friends and family as we carry them in our hearts.
Exodus 28:36
“You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO YAHWEH.’
(WEB)
Point to the words “Holy to the LORD” on the golden plate. Explain that holy means set apart for God, and that God’s people are invited to belong to Him.
Talk About It
- What do you think Aaron felt when he got to wear such beautiful clothes for God?
- Why do you think God wanted the bells on Aaron’s robe to make a sound?
- How can you show God that He is important to you in your everyday life?
- What is one way you could help someone in your family or class, like Aaron helped the people?
- Why do you think God cared so much about small details like colors and stones?
Activity Ideas
Decorate a Paper Breastplate
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, colored tape or stickers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a large square on the paper and divide it into four rows. Let them add twelve colorful circles, then write the name of a family member or friend inside each one, just as Aaron carried the tribes’ names.
Priest Bell Walk
You will need a few small bells, a jingle toy, or even a spoon tapping a cup. Have one child be the priest who walks slowly across the room while the others listen for the sound. Talk about how the bells let people know the priest was coming close to God.
Holy Thing Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, a gold pen or yellow marker, and a little glue or tape. Have each child write “Holy to the LORD” on the card and decorate it with gold trim. Encourage them to tape it to their bedroom mirror or their lunchbox as a reminder that God wants them to belong to Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God takes worship and service seriously, and that He is the one who chooses and equips His servants. The garments were not just decoration but a visible sign of holy calling, and the names carried on the priest’s shoulders and heart point forward to the idea that God’s people are continually before Him. Adults can reflect on how God prepares us for the tasks He gives.
Avoid overstating to children that the clothing itself made Aaron holy or that God needs fancy outfits to be pleased. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on His desire for a people who belong to Him. Make clear that God loves us as we are and welcomes us to draw near.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for choosing us and for caring about every part of our lives. Help us remember that we belong to You and that You know our names. Teach us to serve You with joy and to carry our friends and family close to our hearts. Amen.
