This lesson teaches children that God brings down anyone who becomes proud and forgets that all good things come from him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is the one who makes things grow, and he does not like it when anyone thinks they made themselves great. Being proud leads to a fall, but God always stays in charge.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 31:2
“Son of man, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness?
(WEB)
Stand tall with your arms stretched up high like a big tree, then slowly lower them as you say “Who is like you?” Let your arms drop low when you say the words, so children feel the tree falling down.
The Story: Ezekiel 31 for Kids
God gave Ezekiel a message to share with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and all the people who served him. God asked the king a question: who is as great as you? Pharaoh thought his kingdom was the most powerful in the world, and he looked around and felt very big and important.
To help Pharaoh understand, God told Ezekiel to describe a giant cedar tree in Lebanon. This tree was tall and beautiful, with thick branches that spread wide. Birds made their nests in its branches, and animals rested in its shade. Many nations lived safely under its shadow, because the tree was so strong.
But the tree grew proud. Its top reached up among the thick branches, and its heart was lifted high. God said, “I will hand this tree over to the strongest of the nations, and it will be cut down.” The tree that once stood so tall was chopped down and left lying on the ground. Its branches fell onto the hills, and everyone who once sat in its shade walked away.
God wanted every other tree near water to learn a lesson from this. No tree should lift itself up as if it had made itself great. Everything that grows and lives is in God’s hands, and all of it returns to him in the end.
The chapter ends with God speaking about Pharaoh. God said that Pharaoh and all his people would also be brought low, lying among those who had been struck down. God was telling Pharaoh that his pride would lead to his fall, just like the tree.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 31:3
Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches, and with a forest-like shade, of high stature; and its top was among the thick boughs.
(WEB)
Point out the beautiful tree with its strong branches and wide shade. Ask children what they like about shady trees at a park or in their yard, and help them see how the tree looked impressive from the outside.
Ezekiel 31:10-11
10 “Therefore thus said the Lord the LORD: ‘Because you are exalted in stature, and he has set his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; 11 I will even deliver him into the hand of the mighty one of the nations. He will surely deal with him. I have driven him out for his wickedness.
(WEB)
Show children the words where the tree’s heart became proud. Explain in simple terms that pride means thinking we are greater than we really are, and that God sees this clearly.
Ezekiel 31:14
To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves in their stature, and don’t set their top among the thick boughs. Their mighty ones don’t stand up on their height, even all who drink water; for they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, among the children of men, with those who go down to the pit.’
(WEB)
Point to the warning that no tree should exalt itself. Help children see that this is a reminder for everyone, including grown-ups and children, to stay humble before God.
Talk About It
- What do you think made the tree look so big and beautiful at the start of the story?
- Why do you think the tree began to feel proud of how tall it had grown?
- Who do you think really made the tree grow, and how can we tell?
- What are some good things in your life that God has given you that you did not make yourself?
- How can we remember to be thankful and humble when we do something well?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tree Craft
You will need brown paper, green paper, glue, scissors, and crayons. Have children draw or cut out a tall tree trunk and glue on green leaves and branches. As they work, talk about how the tree shelters birds and animals, and remind them that every good thing a tree has comes from God.
Tree Tall, Tree Fall Game
Have children stand up and reach their arms high like proud branches. Call out “Tall tree!” and let them stretch up, then call out “Fall down!” and let them slowly crumple to the floor. Repeat several times, and after each round ask, “Who holds the tree up?” so children answer “God does.”
Take-Home Leaf Reminder
Gather a few fallen leaves from outside, or use paper leaves if it is not the season. Give each child one leaf to take home and tape on the fridge or bedroom wall. Encourage them to look at it during the week and say a thank you to God for something he has given them.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that pride and self-exaltation lead to downfall, and that God is the source of all greatness. Adults can see that the chapter speaks to every kind of human power, including nations and leaders, and that God’s authority over the rise and fall of kingdoms is central to the message.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God punishes every success or that being proud of anything is always wrong. Keep the focus on humility before God and gratitude for his gifts, rather than on fear of losing what we have.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for making the trees and for helping everything in the world grow. Help us to remember that every good thing we have comes from you. Keep us humble and thankful, and help us always to trust you more than ourselves. Amen.
