In this lesson, children learn that God made each of us to bear good fruit, and that a life tied to Him is far more useful than a life that is cut off. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Ezekiel 15 is a short chapter, so keep the pace gentle and let the children picture each part.
Big Idea
God made His people to be fruitful, like a vine that grows grapes. When we stay close to Him, our lives are useful and full of good things.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 15:2
“Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest?
(WEB)
Ask children to hold their hands out in front of them like the branches of a vine, then slowly wiggle their fingers. Say the verse together while they wiggle, and let them shout “Vine!” every time they hear the word.
The Story: Ezekiel 15 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel. He called him “son of man,” which meant a human being whom God was sending with a message. God wanted Ezekiel to think about a vine, the kind of plant that grows grapes. A vine is special because of the fruit it makes, not because of its wood.
God asked Ezekiel a question about the vine. Could anyone use the wood of a vine to build a table or a chair? Could anyone hang a cup or a jar on it? The answer was no. Vine wood is not strong like oak wood. A vine is only good for growing grapes.
Then God talked about a vine that had been burned. The fire had eaten both ends of it, and the middle was burned black. Was that vine good for anything at all? No. A burned vine was not useful for any work. It was only fit for the fire.
God explained what this meant for His people in Jerusalem. They were like that burned vine. They had turned away from Him and had done wrong things. God said He would let the fire of trouble come to the city, because the people had stopped living for Him. He wanted them to understand that they could not do good work apart from Him.
God wanted the people to know that He is the LORD. The people had forgotten Him, and that was why they were in trouble. God was still there, and He was telling them the truth so they could come back to Him.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 15:3
Will wood be taken of it to make anything? Will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel on it?
(WEB)
Point out that the vine wood was not good for building anything. Ask the children what they are good at, and remind them that God made them with special gifts. Explain that a vine is for growing fruit, just as each of us is made for something good.
Ezekiel 15:6
Therefore thus says the Lord the LORD: “As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Show the children how this verse uses the burned vine as a picture. Explain that God used everyday things to help people understand a hard truth. Make clear that the picture is about the people turning away from God, and that God still wanted them to return.
Ezekiel 15:7
I will set my face against them. They will go out from the fire, but the fire will devour them. Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them.
(WEB)
Point out the words “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Explain that God wanted His people to see who He really is. Remind the children that God always tells the truth, and that He wants us to know Him.
Talk About It
- What did God use the vine to show the people of Jerusalem?
- Why was a vine good only for growing grapes and not for building things?
- What happened to the vine after the fire burned it, and what do you think that means?
- How can we stay close to God so that our lives are full of good fruit?
- What is one good thing God has made you able to do?
Activity Ideas
Grape Cluster Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a green or purple crayon for grapes. Have each child draw a vine with branches reaching out across the page. Then ask them to draw grapes hanging from the branches. As they draw, talk about how each grape is a good thing that grows when we stay close to God.
Branch and Vine Movement Game
Gather the children in an open space. Ask one child to be the vine, standing still with arms out. Other children stand close to the vine and hold hands with it, becoming branches. Then call out “Fire!” and have the branches slowly drop their arms and sit down. Talk about how staying connected to the vine keeps the branches growing.
Take-Home Fruit Reminder
You will need a small paper plate, glue, and a few cotton balls or pieces of torn tissue paper. Have each child glue cotton balls onto the plate to look like a bunch of grapes. Encourage them to take it home and place it where they will see it. Ask them to name one way they can stay close to God this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that God’s people are meant to bear fruit by remaining connected to Him. The vine was never valued for its wood but for its fruit, and the people of Jerusalem had lost their purpose by turning from God. The chapter also shows that God is faithful to speak the truth, even when it is hard to hear.
When teaching children, avoid making the fire and judgment sound like something God enjoys or uses carelessly. Keep the focus on God’s love for His people and His desire that they return to Him. Let the children know that God still wants to help us grow good fruit today.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for making us and giving us good things to do. Help us stay close to You, like branches on a vine, so that our lives can grow good fruit. Teach us to listen to You and to love You every day. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
