This lesson teaches children that God stays faithful even when His people keep turning away from Him. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the activity.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, even when we forget Him. He is patient, He is faithful, and He always wants His people to come back to Him and follow Him.
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands up, palms out, like they are stopping traffic. Then slowly bring their hands down to their hearts while they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting slower each time.
The Story: Ezekiel 20 for Kids
A long time ago, some leaders from the people of Israel came to ask the prophet Ezekiel a question. They wanted to hear from God. Ezekiel was a prophet, which means he was a messenger who spoke God’s words to the people. But God told Ezekiel that He would not answer their question, not yet.
God wanted Ezekiel to remind the people of their history. Long ago, God had rescued the people of Israel out of Egypt, where they had been slaves. He had promised to bring them to a good land full of milk and honey. God told them, “Do not follow the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” But the people did not listen. They kept following other gods, and they did not keep God’s Sabbath rest.
Even so, God was patient. He did not destroy them in the wilderness, even though they deserved it. He gave their children a chance to choose differently. God said to them, “Walk in my ways, and keep my Sabbath holy, so that you will know that I am the LORD.” But the children also turned away from God, just like their parents had.
Still, God kept His promise. He said He would one day gather His people back from all the places where they were scattered. He said they would come home to the land He had promised them. There they would remember how they had turned away, and they would be sorry. God would be faithful to them, even though they had not been faithful to Him.
So God’s message to Israel was clear. He had not forgotten them. He would bring them back, and He would show them who He really is.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 20:5
Tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “In the day when I chose Israel, and swore to the offspring of the house of Jacob, and made myself known to them in the land of Egypt, when I swore to them, saying, ‘I am the LORD your God;’
(WEB)
Point out that God chose His people and made Himself known to them. Ask the children to notice that God was the one who started the relationship, long before the people did anything good.
Ezekiel 20:19-20
19 I am the LORD your God. Walk in my statutes, keep my ordinances, and do them. 20 Make my Sabbaths holy. They shall be a sign between me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’
(WEB)
Show the children that God gives a clear instruction: walk in His ways and keep His Sabbaths holy. Explain that the Sabbath was a special day set apart to rest and remember that God is the Lord.
Ezekiel 20:44
You will know that I am the LORD, when I have dealt with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, you house of Israel,” says the Lord the LORD.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God does not treat His people according to their evil ways. He acts for His own name’s sake, showing that He is faithful even when they are not. Ask the children what it means to be treated with kindness when you do not deserve it.
Talk About It
- What did God do to rescue the people of Israel from Egypt?
- Why do you think the people kept turning away from God?
- How did God stay patient with His people even when they disobeyed?
- What is one way we can remember to keep God first in our day?
- Why is it good to know that God keeps His promises even when we forget Him?
Activity Ideas
Promise Keeper Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a time when someone kept a promise to them, like a parent coming to a game or a friend sharing a toy. Then talk about how God keeps His promises in the same way, but even better. Let the children share their drawings with the group.
Follow the Leader Sabbath
Clear a space in the room or yard. Play a simple game of Follow the Leader where the leader calls out a movement, like hopping or stretching. Stop after a few minutes and say, “This is how we rest and remember God.” Then have everyone sit quietly for thirty seconds and think about one thing God has done for them.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card or a piece of cardstock, plus a marker. Ask them to write or draw one promise they can keep this week, such as helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Have them put the card somewhere they will see it each morning, like a bedroom mirror or the refrigerator. Encourage them to show it to a parent at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s faithfulness does not depend on Israel’s faithfulness. The people repeatedly rebelled, yet God acted for the sake of His own holy name and kept His covenant promises. It also teaches that God’s judgment and His restoration both serve the goal of making His people know that He is the LORD.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the harsh parts of the chapter, such as the fire imagery or the talk of judgment. Keep the focus on God’s patience, His rescue, and His promise to bring His people home. Children should leave knowing that God is faithful, not feeling afraid of Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your promises. When we forget You, help us remember that You never forget us. Help us walk in Your ways and keep You first in our day. Thank You for Your patience and love. Amen.
