This lesson teaches children that God always keeps His word, even when His message is hard to hear. Children aged 5 to 11 can learn it in about 25 minutes, using a simple story, a memory verse with motions, and a few hands-on activities.
Big Idea
God tells the truth, and what He says always happens. He is faithful even when it is sad, and He always keeps His promises, both the hard ones and the good ones.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 24:14
I, the LORD, have spoken it. It will happen, and I will do it. I won’t go back. I won’t spare. I won’t repent. According to your ways, and according to your doings, they will judge you,” says the Lord the LORD.’”
(WEB)
Put one hand flat on your heart, then slowly move it forward like a promise going out. Say the words “I will do it” while you make the motion, so children link the words with God’s faithfulness.
The Story: Ezekiel 24 for Kids
One day, God spoke to a prophet named Ezekiel. God told him to write down the exact day, because something important was happening. The king of Babylon had come to attack the city of Jerusalem, and God wanted His people to know it was real.
God gave Ezekiel a picture to act out. He told him to fill a big pot with water and meat and bones, then set it on a hot fire to boil. The people watched, and they knew the pot was a picture of their city. God said the city was like a pot full of rust and dirt that would not come clean.
Then God told Ezekiel that his own dear wife would die very soon. This was very hard for Ezekiel. But God told him not to cry out loud or show the usual signs of mourning. Ezekiel obeyed God and did not weep when his wife died.
The people asked Ezekiel why he was acting so strangely. Ezekiel told them God was going to take away the things they loved most, including their city and their temple. Ezekiel was a sign to them, and they would not weep either, because God was telling the truth.
In the end, God said that one day a messenger would come to Ezekiel and tell him the bad news. Then Ezekiel’s mouth would be opened, and he would speak again. God wanted the people to know that He is the Lord, and that He keeps His word.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 24:2
“Son of man, write the name of the day, this same day. The king of Babylon drew close to Jerusalem this same day.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Ezekiel the exact day, which shows that God knows exactly what is happening. Ask children what it means that God knows everything that will happen.
Ezekiel 24:16-18
16 “Son of man, behold, I will take away from you the desire of your eyes with a stroke: yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears run down. 17 Sigh, but not aloud. Make no mourning for the dead. Bind your headdress on you, and put your shoes on your feet. Don’t cover your lips, and don’t eat mourner’s bread.” 18 So I spoke to the people in the morning; and at evening my wife died. So I did in the morning as I was commanded.
(WEB)
Explain that Ezekiel obeyed God even when it was very painful. Help children see that following God can be hard, but He still asks us to trust Him.
Ezekiel 24:27
In that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped, and you shall speak, and be no more mute. So you will be a sign to them. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
(WEB)
Show children that God promised Ezekiel would speak again, and that God gave the people a clear sign they could understand. God does not leave His people without help or hope.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for Ezekiel to obey God when he was so sad?
- Why do you think God used a pot of boiling meat to show the people what was going to happen?
- How can you tell when someone keeps their promise to you?
- What is one thing you can trust God to do, even when you feel scared?
- When something hard happens, how can remembering that God keeps His word help you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Promise Pot
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a big pot on their paper, then draw one thing God has promised, such as His love or that He is always with us. Let them color the pot and talk about what God keeps safe inside it.
The Faithful Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a few friends or family members. One person calls out a true thing God does, like “God keeps His promises!” and everyone moves in a fun way. When the leader says “Stop!” everyone freezes, showing that we can stop and trust God. Play several rounds to keep it lively.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of tape or string. Help the child write the memory verse on the card, or draw a simple heart with the words “God keeps His word.” Tape the card to a mirror or tie it to a bag so the child can see it and remember God’s faithfulness during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s judgment on Jerusalem was certain and that the prophet’s obedience, even in personal grief, was a living sign of God’s word. The chapter reminds us that God’s promises stand firm, whether they bring comfort or warning.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that every hardship is a direct punishment from God. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His truthfulness, rather than trying to explain every detail of the judgment or the events of the chapter.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for always telling the truth and keeping Your word. Help us trust You when things are hard, and help us obey You even when it is difficult. Thank You that You are always faithful to us. Amen.
