In this lesson, children learn that God wants us to give our best to Him, and that when people give willingly, there is more than enough. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we give to God with a happy heart, He can use our gifts to do amazing things, and He is pleased with our willing hearts.
Memory Verse
Exodus 36:2
Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it…
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are offering a gift. Then bring them to your heart. Say the verse together while you move your hands, and let the motion remind you that God loves a willing heart.
The Story: Exodus 36 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people were traveling through the desert with Moses as their leader. God had told them to build a special tent called the tabernacle, a place where they could worship Him. God chose skilled workers named Bezalel and Oholiab, and He filled them with wisdom to do the work well. Moses called them together, along with everyone whose heart was stirred to help.
The people had already brought gifts for this holy work. Every morning, more gifts came in. Some brought gold, some brought cloth, and some brought wood and other materials. The people were happy to give because they loved God and wanted to help build His house.
Soon, the workers came to Moses with a surprise. They said, “The people are bringing more than we need!” Moses told everyone, “Please stop bringing gifts. We have enough.” The people stopped giving, because there was more than enough for the job.
Then the skilled workers got to work. They made beautiful curtains of blue, purple, and red cloth, with pictures of cherubim, which were special angel-like figures. They made curtains of goat hair for a covering, and wooden boards covered in gold and set in silver bases. They even made a fancy screen for the door of the tent.
Step by step, the tabernacle was built exactly as God had commanded. Every piece fit together just right. The people had given willingly, and the workers had used their skills, so God’s house was ready for worship.
Read It Together
Exodus 36:1
“Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom the LORD has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD has commanded.”
(WEB)
Point out that God chose the workers and gave them wisdom. Explain that every good skill we have is a gift from God that we can use to serve Him.
Exodus 36:5-7
5 They spoke to Moses, saying, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded to make.” 6 Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
(WEB)
Show children how the people gave so much that Moses had to ask them to stop. Talk about how generous hearts can be so full of love that they overflow.
Exodus 36:8
All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them.
(WEB)
Point out the careful work of the skilled workers making the curtains. Remind children that God cares about doing good work, whatever job we have.
Talk About It
- What is something you could give to help someone else this week?
- How do you think the people felt when they gave gifts for God’s tent?
- Why do you think the workers had so many skills to share?
- What did Moses do when the people brought more than enough?
- How can you show God you love Him with the things you have?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Tabernacle Curtain
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a curtain with blue, purple, and red patterns, adding small cherubim shapes. While they draw, talk about how the workers made something beautiful for God. Hang the finished pictures on the wall as a reminder of the tabernacle.
Gift Line Game
You will need a few small items such as blocks, socks, or cups, and a open space. Have children line up and pass one item at a time down the line, like the people bringing gifts. When you say “stop,” the children stop passing. Talk about how we stop when there is enough, and how giving joyfully is what matters most.
Give Something at Home
You will need a small box or jar and some paper. Ask children to choose one thing they can give to someone in the family, such as a drawing, a hug, or helping with a chore. Write it on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Read one slip together each day as a reminder that we give to God and to others with willing hearts.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows God’s care for every kind of work done in His service, from gold and cloth to wood and stitching. It also shows that willing generosity is a gift that God honors. The people gave so freely that the work had more than enough, and the Lord was pleased with their hearts.
Avoid suggesting to children that God rewards good giving with money or treats. The point is that we give because we love Him, and He is pleased with our hearts, not that giving brings a payback.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us gifts and skills to use for You. Help us give with happy hearts, the way Your people did long ago. Show us how to share what we have with others and to do our best in everything we do. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
