In this lesson, children learn that God’s words always come true, even when people do not want to listen. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, so we should listen to him and trust what he says.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand still with their hands folded and then slowly lift them up high. Let them whisper, “Be still and know,” as they lift their hands. Repeat it three times together.
The Story: Ezekiel 12 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and told him to be a sign for the people of Israel. The people were stubborn and would not listen to God, even though they had eyes and ears. God wanted them to see something that would make them think about what was coming.
So God told Ezekiel to pack up his bags like a person who was leaving home. He carried his things out in the daytime while the people watched him. That evening, he dug a hole through the wall of his house and carried his things out in the dark. He covered his face so he could not see the land.
The people asked Ezekiel what he was doing. God told him to explain that his actions were a picture of what would happen to the leader in Jerusalem. The leader would also be taken away to a faraway land, and he would not see it. Ezekiel was showing them what was coming.
Ezekiel also ate and drank his food with shaking hands and fear. This showed the people how frightened they would be when hard times came. God said that their land would become empty because of the wrong things they had done.
Some people said that God’s words would never happen, that the days were too long and nothing would change. God told Ezekiel to say that every word he spoke would come true, and it would not be delayed anymore. God always does what he says.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 12:2
“Son of man, you dwell in the middle of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see, and don’t see, who have ears to hear, and don’t hear; for they are a rebellious house.
(WEB)
Point out that the people had eyes and ears but did not really see or hear God. Ask the children what it means to pay attention with our eyes and ears, and why it matters to listen carefully to what God says.
Ezekiel 12:25
For I am the LORD. I will speak, and the word that I speak will be performed. It will be no more deferred; for in your days, rebellious house, I will speak the word, and will perform it,” says the Lord the LORD.’”
(WEB)
Show the children how God says “I will speak, and the word I speak will be performed.” Help them see that God’s words are never empty, and that he always does what he promises to do.
Ezekiel 12:28
“Therefore tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “None of my words will be deferred any more, but the word which I speak will be performed,” says the Lord the LORD.’”
(WEB)
Explain that God’s words will not be delayed any longer. Remind the children that they can trust God to keep every promise he makes, even when they have to wait for it.
Talk About It
- What did Ezekiel do to show the people what was going to happen?
- Why do you think the people did not want to listen to God?
- What is one way you can pay attention when someone is teaching you something important?
- Why is it good to know that God always keeps his promises?
- How can you show God that you trust what he says?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Picture of Ezekiel’s Sign
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask the children to draw Ezekiel carrying his bags out of the house, with a hole in the wall behind him. Let them color the scene and then tell you what is happening in their picture. Hang the drawings on the wall so the children can see them again.
Ears and Eyes Game
You will need a blindfold, a small bell or a clapping sound, and a few small objects. Have one child wear the blindfold and listen for the bell while the others move around quietly. Then have them try to find a hidden object using only their ears. Afterward, talk about how listening carefully helps us know what is going on.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or piece of tape. Have each child write “God keeps his promises” on the card and decorate it. Ask them to keep it in a pocket or on the bedroom mirror. Encourage them to read it aloud each day this week and tell a family member what it means.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s words are not empty. Ezekiel’s strange actions were a living message that the people would face judgment because they had ignored God for a long time. The passage also reminds us that God’s word stands firm even when people say it will never happen.
When teaching children, avoid making the chapter sound frightening or focusing too much on the punishment. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the invitation to listen and trust him. Children should leave understanding that God is trustworthy, not that they should fear him in a way that causes anxiety.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for always keeping your promises. Help us to see and hear what you are saying to us, and help us to trust you every day. Give us ears that listen carefully and hearts that believe you. Amen.
