This lesson teaches children that God sees proud hearts and that pride never makes a person as great as they think. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and a short activity.
Big Idea
When we think we are better than God, we forget that every good thing we have comes from Him. God cares about humble hearts, and He always keeps His promises, whether they are promises of blessing or promises of justice.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands flat in front of them, then slowly lift them up high, then drop them down low. Say “pride” as the hands go up and “fall” as they come down. Repeat it together three times until the motion and the words feel familiar.
The Story: Ezekiel 28 for Kids
God sent a message through a prophet named Ezekiel. Ezekiel was not a king or a soldier. He was a man God chose to speak His words to the people. This time, God told Ezekiel to speak to the prince of a rich city called Tyre. Tyre was a busy trading city by the sea, full of ships, gold, and silver.
The prince of Tyre had become very proud. He had grown rich from his trading, and he began to think that he was a god. He sat in his seat and said, “I am a god. I am wise, and nothing is hidden from me.” But God reminded him that he was only a man. A man cannot make himself a god, no matter how much money he has or how clever he thinks he is.
God told the prince that his pride would bring trouble. His enemies would come, and he would not be able to save himself. God was clear that the prince would have to face the results of his choices, and that his proud boasting would not change what was true.
Then God spoke a sad message about a king of Tyre, using words of mourning. The king had once been beautiful and full of wisdom. He had lived in a wonderful garden with many precious stones around him. God had made him good and blessed him, and for a while he lived rightly. But wrong things grew in his heart, and he began to do harm and to act unfairly.
Because of his pride, God said that He would bring this king down. God is not fooled by fancy clothes, big buildings, or rich treasures. He looks at the heart. The king who thought he was so strong could not hide from God, and God’s judgment was real and certain.
The chapter also tells about the city of Sidon, which is near Tyre. God said that Sidon would also face judgment for its wrong ways. God also made a promise to His people, Israel. One day He would gather them home to their own land, and they would live there safely. God always finishes what He starts, both in judging wrong and in keeping His good promises to His people.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the middle of the seas;’ yet you are man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God—
(WEB)
Point out the words “your heart is lifted up” and “I am a god.” Explain to children that this is what pride sounds like. Ask them to notice that the prince was not God, even though he talked like he was. Help them see that pride tries to take God’s place.
Ezekiel 28:13-14
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. They were prepared in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub who covers. Then I set you up on the holy mountain of God. You have walked up and down in the middle of the stones of fire.
(WEB)
Show children how the king was once full of beauty and blessing, living in God’s garden. Point out that good gifts come from God, and that what He gives can be lost when a heart turns away from Him. Remind them that God is the one who made everything beautiful.
Ezekiel 28:25-26
25 “‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob. 26 They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who scorn them all around. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”’”
(WEB)
End with God’s promise to bring His people home and let them live safely. Tell children that even when God’s people are far away, God remembers them. Point out that God keeps His word, and this is good news for every child who trusts Him.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes people feel proud, and how can we remember that every good gift comes from God?
- Why do you think God wanted the prince to remember that he was only a man?
- How do you feel when someone brags about being better than everyone else?
- What did the king in the garden have that was beautiful, and what do you think God wants us to do with our good gifts?
- How can we be humble like the people who trust God and wait for His help?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw a crown and decorate it with bright colors and shapes. On the back, have them write or draw one thing God has given them. Talk about how a crown can make us feel important, but God is the one who gives us true value.
Stand Tall, Bow Low
You will need an open space and no special supplies. Call out “stand tall” and have children stretch up as high as they can. Then call out “bow low” and have them bend down to the floor. Repeat several times, mixing up the commands. Explain that pride tries to stand above God, but humble hearts bow before Him.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need a jar, slips of paper, and a pen. Place the jar somewhere the family sees each day. Each time someone notices a good gift from God, they write it on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each one. This helps children practice humility and gratitude.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a serious warning about pride. Pride is the sin of placing oneself in God’s place and forgetting that all wisdom, wealth, and beauty are gifts from Him. The passage also shows that God judges wickedness, and that He remains faithful to His people, bringing them home and blessing them in their own land.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the cherub, the garden, or the stones. These images are rich and symbolic, and scholars and churches have understood them in different ways. Keep the focus on the clear truths: God sees pride, God is the true giver of good things, and God keeps His promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for every good gift You have given us. Help us remember that we are not gods, but people who need You each day. Keep our hearts humble and close to You. Thank You that You always keep Your promises and love us. Amen.
