This lesson teaches children that God can give them the courage to speak His words even when people do not want to listen. It is made for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
God asks us to be brave and tell the truth about Him, even when it is hard. He gives us what we need to do it, and He never asks us to do it alone.
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)
Teach the children to stand up tall, put both hands on their hearts, then stretch both arms out like a bold messenger. Say the verse together as you do the motions, and repeat it three times until everyone can say it with you.
The Story: Ezekiel 2 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel. God called him “Son of man,” and told him to stand up on his feet. Ezekiel stood up, and God’s Spirit came into him and helped him stand strong.
Then God told Ezekiel where to go. He was not sending Ezekiel to a friendly crowd. He was sending him to the people of Israel, who had turned away from God again and again. God said, “They are a rebellious people.” Some of them would not want to listen.
God did not want Ezekiel to be scared. He told him, “Do not be afraid of them.” Ezekiel might be surrounded by hard things, like thorns and scorpions, but God was with him. God said, “Speak my words to them, whether they listen or not.”
God also told Ezekiel, “Do not be rebellious like they are.” Then God gave him something to take in. A hand reached out to Ezekiel, holding a scroll. God said, “Eat what I give you.” Ezekiel looked at the scroll, and it was written on both sides with sad words about trouble and sorrow.
Ezekiel had to carry God’s message even when it was sad and hard. God gave him the words, and God gave him the courage to say them.
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 the Spirit gave him strength to stand. Ask the children what it feels like when someone helps them get up when they feel weak.
Ezekiel 2:4-5
4 The children are impudent and stiff-hearted. I am sending you to them, and you shall tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD.’ 5 They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse, for they are a rebellious house, yet they will know that there has been a prophet among them.
(WEB)
Show the children that God was honest about the people. Explain that Ezekiel’s job was to speak, and the people’s choice was whether to listen. Ezekiel was faithful either way.
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 that God gave Ezekiel His words in a scroll that he had to take in. Explain that God’s words are good for us, even when they include hard truths about sin and sorrow.
Talk About It
- What is something that might make it hard to tell others about God?
- How did God help Ezekiel feel brave when he had a hard job?
- Why do you think God told Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people?
- What kinds of words do you think God wants us to share with our friends?
- How can you ask God for courage on a day when you feel scared?
Activity Ideas
Scroll Drawing Craft
You will need a sheet of paper, two pencils or markers, and two wooden dowels or paper towel tubes. Have each child draw a picture of something God has taught them to be brave about. Roll the paper around the dowels so it looks like a scroll, then let them carry it home as a reminder to speak God’s words with courage.
Brave Messenger Relay
You will need a small object such as a bean bag, a rolled-up paper scroll, and open space in the room. Set up two lines and have the children pass the scroll down the line while standing tall, saying the memory verse together. Each time the scroll reaches the end, cheer loudly to show that bravery is a team effort.
Take-Home Courage Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a marker. Write “God gives me courage” on each card and let the children decorate it with their favorite colors and shapes. Encourage them to put it by their bed or in their backpack so they can read it on a day when speaking up feels hard.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Ezekiel 2 shows that God calls His people to speak His message faithfully, whether the audience responds well or not. The prophet’s obedience is measured by his faithfulness, not by the reaction he receives. God’s strength is what makes that obedience possible, and that truth applies to every believer who shares the gospel today.
When teaching children, avoid implying that every person who hears God’s words will reject them, or that they should expect constant hostility. Keep the focus on God’s presence and courage, and do not frighten the children with the sad imagery of the scroll. Let them understand that God’s words, even the hard ones, come from a loving God who is always with them.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being with us when we feel scared or unsure. Please give us courage to speak Your words with kindness and truth, even when it is hard. Help us remember that You are always near, and that we never have to be brave alone. Amen.
