This lesson teaches children that God remembers His promises and keeps them, even when His people feel stuck and nobody seems to be listening. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises. He heard His people crying, He remembered what He had said, and He came to rescue them.
Memory Verse
Exodus 6:7
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of them, then slowly bring them together and clasp them, like a promise being kept. Say the verse together while you do the motion, then let the children try it on their own.
The Story: Exodus 6 for Kids
The people of Israel had been living in Egypt for a very long time. By now they were slaves, and the Egyptians made them work very hard under heavy loads. They were tired, scared, and sad. They cried out to God, and God heard every single cry.
God spoke to a man named Moses. He told Moses, “I am the LORD. I remember the promise I made to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” God had promised to give their family a land of their own. Now the time had come to keep that promise.
God told Moses what He was going to do. He would bring His people out from under the heavy burdens. He would set them free from slavery. He would take them to be His own people, and He would be their God. Moses was excited to tell the people the good news.
But when Moses told the Israelites, they did not listen. They were too worn out and too sad to hope for anything better. Moses felt unsure too. He said to God, “Why would Pharaoh listen to me? I am not a good speaker.” He was afraid the king of Egypt would never agree.
God did not get angry with Moses for being afraid. God spoke to Moses and to his brother Aaron, and He gave them a command. They were to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let the people go free. God was still in charge, and His plan was still happening.
Read It Together
Exodus 6:2-3
2 God spoke to Moses, and said to him, “I am the LORD; 3 and I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name the LORD I was not known to them.
(WEB)
Point out that God introduces Himself as “I am the LORD.” Explain that His name tells children He is the one who is always present and who always keeps His word, even when they cannot see what He is doing yet.
Exodus 6:5
Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant.
(WEB)
Point out that God heard the groaning of His people. Help children see that God notices when people are hurting, and that they can always bring their sadness and worries to Him.
Exodus 6:6
Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments…
(WEB)
Point out the words “I will bring you out” and “I will redeem you.” Explain that God does not just feel sorry for His people. He acts to set them free, which is what He promised to do.
Talk About It
- What do you think the Israelites felt like when they were working so hard for the Egyptians?
- How do you think God felt when He heard His people crying out to Him?
- Why do you think the people did not listen to Moses at first?
- What is a promise someone has made to you, and how did it feel when they kept it?
- What is one thing you can tell God about today, knowing that He hears you?
Activity Ideas
Promise Keeper Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a promise God has kept, or a picture of a time they feel God is with them. Let them color it and write one word on the bottom, like “faithful” or “rescue.” Hang the drawings on the wall so the class can see how God’s promises shine in many different ways.
Freedom Walk
Set up a path of pillows or chairs in the room to look like a long road out of a hard place. Have children carry a heavy book or small bag while they walk slowly. Then have them drop the bag at the end and cheer. Afterward, remind them that God set His people free from heavy burdens, and He cares about the weight we carry too.
Promise Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pen, and a rubber band. Write “God keeps His promises” on one side of each card and let children decorate the other side. Help them punch a hole in the corner and attach the card to a rubber band or string for their bedroom or backpack. Encourage them to read it aloud each morning this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still active centuries later. God hears the suffering of His people, remembers His covenant, and commits to rescue them with His own power. Moses’ hesitation also reminds us that God works through imperfect people who feel unsure of themselves.
Avoid suggesting to children that every prayer will be answered in the exact way we want or on the exact timeline we expect. Focus instead on the truth that God is faithful and remembers His people, while being honest that waiting can be hard.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we cry out to You. Thank You for always keeping Your promises, even when we feel tired or scared. Help us remember that You are with us and that You are faithful. Amen.
