This lesson teaches children that Moses could talk with God as a friend, and that God’s presence is what makes his people truly special. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn it in about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God is with his people, and he is always ready to listen when we talk to him, just as a friend listens to a friend.
Memory Verse
Exodus 33:14
He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall, then bend their knees a little as they say “My presence will go with you” and reach both arms forward like a person walking ahead. Repeat it together three times, getting slower each time.
The Story: Exodus 33 for Kids
The people of Israel had left Egypt, and God was leading them toward a new land. God told Moses that he would send an angel ahead of them to help drive out the people already living there. But God also said something sad: he would not go up with them himself, because the people had been stubborn and had turned away from him.
When the people heard this, they were very sad. Nobody wanted to wear their jewelry anymore. God told Moses to tell the people to take their jewelry off, so they could show that they were sorry. They did as God asked, and they took off all their jewelry.
Moses had a special tent that he set up outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting. Anyone who wanted to talk to God went out to that tent. When Moses walked into the tent, a pillar of cloud came down and stood at the door, and God talked with Moses there. Everyone watched from their own tent doors and bowed down to worship.
Moses asked God to show him the way forward. Moses said, “Please do not take us up from here if you are not going with us.” God answered, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” God was saying that he would be right beside them on the journey.
Moses asked to see God’s glory. God said he would let his goodness pass by and would cover Moses with his hand in a safe place in the rock. Moses could not see God’s face, but he could trust that God was near and kind.
Read It Together
Exodus 33:7
Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and he called it “The Tent of Meeting.” Everyone who sought the LORD went out to the Tent of Meeting, which was outside the camp.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses had a special place to meet with God, and that anyone who wanted to seek the Lord could go there. Ask children where they might go to talk with God today, such as their bedroom, a quiet corner, or the church.
Exodus 33:11
The LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn’t depart from the Tent.
(WEB)
Show children that God spoke with Moses like a friend talks with a friend. Explain that God wants to be close to us too, and that we can talk to him at any time.
Exodus 33:19
He said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the LORD’s name before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
(WEB)
Point out that God said he would be gracious and merciful to whom he chooses, showing that his love is generous and kind. Help children see that God’s goodness is something to be thankful for, not something we earn.
Talk About It
- What did the people do when they felt sorry, and why do you think they took off their jewelry?
- Where did Moses go to talk with God, and what do you think it felt like to be close to God?
- How can you tell that God is with you when things feel hard or scary?
- What is something you would like to ask God if you could talk with him like Moses did?
- Who is a friend you like to talk to, and how is talking to God similar?
Activity Ideas
Tent of Meeting Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw the Tent of Meeting outside the camp, with a cloud above it and Moses walking inside. Let them add the people standing at their tent doors. Talk together about what they see and what they think Moses was saying to God.
Follow the Leader Walk
You will need an open space and a few sheets of paper to mark the route. Have one child be Moses and lead the group around the room, while the others follow closely behind. Stop at a few spots and say, “My presence is with you.” Explain that just as the group stayed close to their leader, God wants us to stay close to him.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small piece of tape or a ribbon. Have each child write or draw one thing they want to talk to God about this week. Help them tape the card to their bedroom door or bathroom mirror. Encourage them to look at it each day and say a short prayer about what is on it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s presence is the heart of what it means to be his people. Moses does not simply want a safe journey; he wants to know God and be sure God is with them. The passage reminds us that God invites relationship, speaking with Moses as a friend while also keeping his distance in holiness, since no one can see his face and live.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God will remove all difficulty from our lives. The text says God’s presence brings rest, but it does not promise that the journey will be easy. Keep the focus on God being near and faithful, rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us wherever we go. Help us to talk to you like a friend, and to know that you listen to us. Thank you for your goodness and your kindness. We love you. Amen.
