This lesson teaches children that God wants everyone to turn from wrong and live, and that God uses people who warn others to help them do it. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God does not want anyone to be lost. He sends people to warn us so we can turn back to Him and live.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 33:11
Tell them, ‘“As I live,” says the Lord the LORD, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why will you die, house of Israel?”’
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then slowly turn them over and back again, like a page turning. Say “Turn, turn!” each time you turn your hands. Repeat the verse together three times, doing the motion every time you say “turn.”
The Story: Ezekiel 33 for Kids
God spoke to a prophet named Ezekiel and gave him a special job. He said, “Ezekiel, you are a watchman for my people.” A watchman stood high on the city wall and looked out for danger. When an enemy army came, the watchman blew a loud trumpet so everyone could hear and run to safety.
God told Ezekiel that his job was to warn the people. If a watchman sees danger and blows the trumpet, the people have a chance to save themselves. If they ignore the warning, that is their choice. But if the watchman stays silent, God will hold him responsible. Ezekiel had to speak God’s words clearly.
The people of Israel had done many wrong things. They said, “Our sins are on us, and we are stuck in them. How can we ever live?” God answered them with a loving promise. He said, “I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who does wrong. I want them to turn around and live.”
So God called out to the people, “Turn, turn from your evil ways! Why would you choose to die?” God wanted them to change their hearts and walk in His ways. He said that anyone who turns away from sin and does what is right will live.
The people did not always listen. They came to hear Ezekiel speak, and they seemed to enjoy his words like a pretty song. But they did not really obey. God was sad about this, but He still kept sending His messages, so that they would know a true prophet had been among them.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 33:7
“So you, son of man: I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the word from my mouth, and give them warnings from me.
(WEB)
Point out that God chose Ezekiel as a watchman and told him to hear God’s words first. Ask the children who God might choose today to share His message with others.
Ezekiel 33:19
When the wicked turns from his wickedness, and does that which is lawful and right, he will live thereby.
(WEB)
Explain that when someone turns from doing wrong and does what is right, they will live. Help the children see that it is never too late to turn back to God.
Talk About It
- What did the watchman do when he saw danger coming, and why was it important?
- How do you think the people felt when Ezekiel warned them about their sins?
- What does God say He wants more than anything for the people who do wrong?
- What are some ways we can turn away from doing wrong and do what is right?
- Who are some people in your life who help you know when you are going the wrong way?
Activity Ideas
Watchman Tower Craft
You will need an empty paper towel tube, paper, crayons, and tape. Have each child decorate the tube to look like a tower and draw a small watchman at the top. Then ask them to write or draw one way they can warn a friend about something good, like helping them stay safe or telling them about Jesus.
Trumpet Warning Game
Gather a few toy trumpets, kazoos, or even a wooden spoon and a pot. Choose one child to be the watchman who stands at the front of the room. Everyone else walks slowly around the room, and when the watchman makes a loud noise, they must stop and turn around, showing that they heeded the warning. Switch watchmen so everyone gets a turn.
Turn Around Take-Home Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small piece of string or yarn. Write “Turn and Live” on one side of each card and draw a simple arrow pointing up on the other side. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn through it so the child can hang it on a doorknob or bedpost. Ask the family to read Ezekiel 33:11 together during the week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God takes sin seriously, but His deepest desire is that people turn back to Him and live. Adults can see that God holds every person responsible for their own choices, and He also calls His people to speak up and warn others with honesty and love. The watchman image reminds us that caring for one another sometimes means saying hard things gently.
Be careful not to frighten children with talk of death or judgment. Keep the focus on God’s loving invitation to turn back, and remind them that God is patient, kind, and always ready to welcome us home.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and wanting us to live. Help us turn away from doing wrong and follow You every day. Give us kind hearts so we can help our friends and family find their way back to You too. Thank You for always being patient with us. Amen.
