This lesson teaches children that God chose Ezekiel to speak His message even when the people did not want to listen, and that God’s messengers do not need to be afraid. It works well for children aged 5 to 11, and the full lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God sends us to tell the truth, and He is with us even when people do not want to listen. We do not have to be scared, because He is right beside us.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 2:6
You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall like Ezekiel did, then hold their hands over their ears and then cover their eyes, shaking their heads slowly. Then have them place both hands on their hearts and say the words together, reminding themselves that they do not need to be afraid.
The Story: Ezekiel 2 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel. God said, “Son of man, stand on your feet.” Ezekiel had been lying down, but he stood up so he could hear God. Ezekiel’s body was not strong enough to stand by itself, so God’s Spirit came into him and helped him stand up tall.
God told Ezekiel that He was sending him to the people of Israel. These people had turned away from God for a long time, and many of them did not want to listen. God said, “They may refuse to hear you, but they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
God did not want Ezekiel to be afraid. Some of the people would be like thorns and scorpions, sharp and stinging, and they would look at Ezekiel in angry ways. God said, “Do not be afraid of their words, and do not be scared of their faces. Just say what I tell you to say.”
Then God told Ezekiel to open his mouth. A hand came out to Ezekiel holding a scroll, a long roll of writing. God said, “Eat what I give you.” Ezekiel looked at the scroll and saw that it was full of sad words, weeping, and warning. But when Ezekiel ate it, the scroll tasted as sweet as honey, because it was God’s word.
Ezekiel had a hard job, but God gave him everything he needed. God gave him courage, and God gave him the words to say. Ezekiel had to trust that God was with him every step of the way.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 2:1-2
1 He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2 The Spirit entered into me when he spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard him who spoke to me.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Ezekiel to stand up, and that God’s Spirit gave Ezekiel strength to do it. Ask the children how God helps us when we feel weak or tired, and remind them that God gives us strength for the things He asks us to do.
Ezekiel 2:7
You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse; for they are most rebellious.
(WEB)
Show the children that God’s messengers must speak God’s words, even when people do not want to hear them. Explain that our job is to be faithful and tell the truth, and that the results belong to God.
Ezekiel 2:8-10
8 But you, son of man, hear what I tell you. Don’t be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth, and eat that which I give you.” 9 When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was in it. 10 He spread it before me. It was written within and without; and lamentations, mourning, and woe were written in it.
(WEB)
Point out the scroll filled with words, and explain that God’s words are important enough to take into our hearts. Help the children see that God wants us to fill ourselves with His word, so we can share it with others.
Talk About It
- What did God ask Ezekiel to do, and how do you think he felt about it?
- Why do you think God told Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people?
- How did God help Ezekiel stand up when he could not do it on his own?
- What does it mean to take God’s words into your heart, like Ezekiel did with the scroll?
- When is a time you felt scared to tell someone something true, and how can God help you be brave?
Activity Ideas
Scroll Drawing
You will need paper, markers or crayons, and two wooden dowels or paper towel tubes. Have each child draw a picture of something God has done for them, then roll the paper onto the tubes to make a scroll. Let the children carry their scrolls around and talk about the good words God has given them to share.
Stand Tall Game
Play a simple game where one child is the leader and says, “Stand tall, do not be afraid.” The others copy the motion of standing up straight with their shoulders back and hands at their sides. Every few rounds, the leader shouts “Thorns!” and the children must keep standing tall without flinching, reminding them that God helps them stay strong even when things feel scary.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one way God can help them be brave this week, like telling the truth at school or helping a friend. Encourage them to place the card by their bed or in their backpack so they can read it each day and remember that God is with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God calls ordinary people to speak His message, even when the listeners are stubborn and the job feels heavy. God does not promise that people will always respond, but He does promise that His word will be spoken and that He will give His messengers what they need. The passage also points to the importance of taking God’s word in deeply before we share it with others.
Be careful not to suggest to children that obeying God will always make people happy with them or that being brave means you will never feel scared. Ezekiel was told that people might refuse to listen, and he was not promised an easy path. Focus instead on God’s presence and faithfulness, which is the true comfort the passage offers.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being with us every day. Help us stand up tall and not be afraid when we need to tell the truth. Fill our hearts with Your words so we can share them with others. Give us courage, and help us trust that You are always beside us. Amen.
