This lesson teaches children that proud people who think they are the greatest will be brought low, but God is always in control. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a story, a memory verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
God is the one who makes things grow and who brings down anyone who thinks they are bigger than He is. We should never be proud, because only God is truly great.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 31:2
“Son of man, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness?
(WEB)
Hold both hands up tall like a tree, then slowly bring them down to your sides as you say “Who is great like God?” Let the motion of rising and falling remind you that God is the one who lifts up and brings down.
The Story: Ezekiel 31 for Kids
God sent a message to Ezekiel, a prophet who lived far away from home. God told Ezekiel to speak to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and all the people who followed him. Pharaoh was a powerful king who thought he was very great and very strong.
God wanted Pharaoh to think about a tall cedar tree that grew in Lebanon. The tree was beautiful, with thick branches and a shady top. Its roots drank from many rivers, so it grew bigger and bigger. Birds made their nests in its branches, and many animals lived under its shade. Every tree in the garden of God envied how grand it was.
But the tree became proud. It stood so tall that it forgot where its strength came from. God said that He would hand this tree over to a strong ruler, and that ruler would cut it down and throw it away. The beautiful branches fell onto the mountains and into the valleys. The birds and animals that once rested in its shade had to find new homes.
God said that the tree was sent down to the grave, where all the other trees that once stood tall were also brought low. The other trees felt sad, and the whole earth seemed to mourn. Even the great waters stopped flowing, as if they were sorry to see such a grand tree fall.
God then asked Pharaoh a question. “To whom are you like in greatness?” God was telling Pharaoh that he, too, would be brought down, just like the proud cedar. God wanted Pharaoh to remember that every king and every person must answer to Him.
This story shows children that pride leads to a fall. God sees when people think they are better than others, and He is always the one who truly rules.
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 that the tree was beautiful and tall, and ask the children what they think makes something beautiful. Explain that God made the tree, so its beauty was really a gift from Him.
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 the children the words where God says the tree’s heart was lifted up. Explain in simple words that being proud means thinking you are better than you really are, and that God does not like pride.
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)
Help the children see that the tree was not the only one that grew tall. Explain that every person, no matter how strong or big, must remember that God is the one who gives life and strength.
Talk About It
- What did the tall tree have that made it so beautiful and strong?
- Why do you think the tree started to feel proud of how big it was?
- How did the birds and animals feel when the tree was cut down?
- What is a time when you wanted to be better than someone else, and how did it feel?
- What can we do to remember that God gives us everything we have?
Activity Ideas
Paper Cedar Tree Craft
Gather brown construction paper, green tissue paper, scissors, and glue. Have each child cut out a tree trunk and branches from the brown paper, then glue on small pieces of green tissue paper to make leaves. As they work, talk about how the tree was made by God and how it can teach us to stay humble.
Tree Tall and Tree Low Game
Ask the children to stand tall with arms stretched up like a proud tree. Call out “Tall tree!” and then “Fall down!” so they slowly crouch to the floor. Play a few rounds and remind them that God is the one who lifts up and brings down, so they should always stay humble.
Take-Home Pride Check
Give each child a small card and a pencil. Ask them to draw a tree and write one thing they are thankful God gave them. Encourage them to put the card on their bedroom door or in their lunch box so they can remember that everything good comes from God and not from themselves.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage warns against the sin of pride, which is thinking we are the source of our own greatness. Ezekiel uses the picture of a mighty tree to show that worldly power and prestige are temporary, and that God alone holds final authority over nations and people. The chapter also reminds us that God takes the humble seriously and calls the proud to account.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God wants to punish every proud person or that a child who feels proud will suffer something terrible. Keep the focus on God’s greatness and His gift of humility, and let children know that God loves them and wants them to trust Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for making everything good and beautiful. Help us to remember that every good thing comes from You. Keep our hearts humble and our hands ready to help others. We love You, Lord. Amen.
