In this lesson, children learn that God wants his people to hear and tell the truth, and that false messages lead people away from God. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always tells the truth, so we should listen to his true words and never follow made-up messages that sound nice but are not from him.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 13:9
“My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who utter lying divinations. They will not be in the council of my people, neither will they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither will they enter into the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord the LORD”
(WEB)
Put your hands together in front of your chest, then slowly open them wide like a book. Say the verse together while you move your hands. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Ezekiel 13 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and told him to speak to the prophets of Israel. Some of these people said they were speaking for God, but they were really just saying what they wanted to say. They had not heard anything from God at all. God called them foolish and said they were like foxes hiding in empty places, not helping the people.
The people of Jerusalem wanted to hear good news. The false prophets said, “Everything will be peaceful.” But there was no real peace. God compared their words to a wall that someone covered with whitewash. It looked nice on the outside, but it was weak and would fall down in a storm. God said that the wall would break, and everyone who trusted it would be hurt.
God also spoke about some women who made pretend charms and pillows to trick people. They used these things to lead people away from God for small rewards, like a little food. God said He was against these tricks. He would tear the pillows and charms away, and He would rescue His people from those who lied to them.
In the end, God said that people would finally know that He is the Lord. The lies would stop, and the people who told them would no longer be able to fool anyone. God’s truth would stand strong, even when false words looked pretty for a time.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 13:2
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the LORD’s word…
(WEB)
Point out that Ezekiel was told to speak against people who said things that came from their own hearts and not from God. Ask the children how they can tell when someone is really speaking for God, and remind them that God’s word is the place to check.
Ezekiel 13:10-11
10 “‘Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, “Peace;” and there is no peace. When one builds up a wall, behold, they plaster it with whitewash. 11 Tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be an overflowing shower; and you, great hailstones, will fall. A stormy wind will tear it.
(WEB)
Show the children how a wall covered in whitewash looks nice but cannot hold up in a storm. Explain that a message can sound happy and still be false, just as paint can hide a crack. The strong, true message is the one that stands when things get hard.
Ezekiel 13:22-23
22 Because with lies you have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive. 23 Therefore you shall no more see false visions, nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
(WEB)
Help the children see that God cares about people who are sad and honest, and that He wants to rescue those who are being fooled. Point out the phrase “Then you will know that I am the LORD” and explain that God wants His people to truly know Him.
Talk About It
- What did the false prophets say that made the people feel happy?
- Why do you think God called the false messages a wall covered in whitewash?
- How can we check whether a message really comes from God?
- Why was it a bad thing for the false prophets to trick people for food or small gifts?
- How does it feel to know that God always tells the truth?
Activity Ideas
Whitewash Wall Painting
You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, watercolor paint, and a cup of water. Have children draw a brick wall, then paint over it with light gray or white paint to cover the bricks. Once it dries, gently scratch a crack through the paint with a toothpick to show how the cover does not make the wall strong. Talk about how true strength comes from honest words.
Truth or Trick Movement Game
You will need two chairs and a small bell or clap. Set the chairs at opposite ends of the room. One child stands between them and calls out a short message. If it sounds like something God would truthfully say, the children stand on one chair. If it sounds like a trick, they stand on the other. Keep the messages simple and fun, and celebrate every good guess.
Take-Home Truth Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with yarn. Have each child write “God tells the truth” on one side and draw a small open Bible on the other. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the yarn so they can hang it on a doorknob or backpack. Encourage them to show it to their family and explain what the words mean in their own way.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a warning about false teaching that sounds comforting but does not come from God. The prophets in this passage claimed to speak for the Lord while serving their own interests, and God judged them for it. The chapter reminds believers today to test every message against Scripture and to value truth more than pleasant words.
When teaching children, avoid making the passage sound like every disagreement is a lie or that adults should be feared. The focus should stay on God’s faithfulness and the value of hearing His true word. Keep the emphasis on trusting God, not on naming people as enemies.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always tell the truth. Help us listen to your true words and not be fooled by things that only sound nice. Give us wisdom to know what is real and courage to follow you. We love you, and we want to know you more every day. Amen.
