This lesson teaches children that God alone rescues us, and that trusting anything else leaves us empty. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is the only one who can truly save us. When we chase other things instead of trusting him, we end up like morning mist that disappears in the sun.
Memory Verse
Hosea 13:4
“Yet I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; and you shall acknowledge no god but me, and besides me there is no savior.
(WEB)
Hold both arms out wide like you are opening your hands to receive something good, then bring them together in front of your chest like a hug. Say the words slowly while you do the motion, so children can feel the message of God holding them close.
The Story: Hosea 13 for Kids
God’s people, the tribe of Ephraim within Israel, had become proud. Ephraim was a powerful group, and many people looked up to them. But the people began to trust in idols made of silver and gold instead of trusting the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt.
The people carved little statues and bowed down to them. They even said terrible things, claiming that some of these idols wanted children sacrificed to them. God was not pleased. He reminded the people that he had taken care of them in the hot, dry wilderness, when they had nothing to eat or drink.
When the people were full and comfortable, they forgot the Lord. God said that their faithfulness would disappear like morning mist that vanishes when the sun comes up. The Lord said, “I am the one who saved you, and there is no other savior.” Those are his own words, and they are still true today.
Sadly, the people did not listen. Their leaders and kings could not save them, and trouble came their way. God said that he would not stand by while they walked away from him. The story is hard, but it shows how much God wants his people to come back to him.
Even in this sad chapter, God’s heart is shown. He said that he would rescue them from the grave, which means he is more powerful than death itself. God never stops loving the people he made, even when they wander away.
Read It Together
Hosea 13:5-6
5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. 6 According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted. Therefore they have forgotten me.
(WEB)
Point out that God remembered the people in the wilderness and cared for them there. Ask children to notice what happened after the people were filled up, and why forgetting God was a problem.
Hosea 13:9
You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your help.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s help is our true help, and that turning against him hurts us. Show children that when we run from God, we are running away from the one who can help us most.
Hosea 13:14
I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death! Death, where are your plagues? Sheol, where is your destruction? “Compassion will be hidden from my eyes.
(WEB)
Tell children that God promises to rescue his people even from death. Point out how this shows God is stronger than anything that frightens us, and that his power is far greater than any enemy.
Talk About It
- What are some things people sometimes trust instead of God, and why might those things let us down?
- How did God take care of the Israelites when they were in the dry wilderness?
- Why do you think the people forgot about God when they had plenty to eat?
- What does it mean that God is the only one who can really save us?
- How can we remember to keep trusting God every day, even when life feels easy?
Activity Ideas
Morning Mist Painting
You will need paper, watercolor paints or markers, and cotton balls. Have children paint a simple scene of hills and a sun, then dab soft cotton balls with a little paint to make mist. Talk about how the mist disappears as the sun rises, and how God’s care never disappears.
Savior Says Freeze
Play a version of freeze tag in a open room. One child is the Savior, and everyone else runs around pretending to chase things that cannot help them, like toys or snacks. When the Savior calls “Come to me!” everyone runs to the Savior and freezes in a hug. Explain that only God can truly gather us safely to himself.
Trusted Helper Jar
Give each child a clean jar, some paper strips, and a pen. Ask them to write one way God has helped them this week and place it in the jar. Read a few slips together at the end of the week, and remind children that God’s help is something to remember and thank him for.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that idolatry is a real temptation, because we can quietly place our hope in success, comfort, or possessions instead of God. Hosea’s warning is also a loving call back to the Lord, who keeps offering rescue to people who have wandered away. The chapter reminds us that God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our security.
Avoid overstating the harsh imagery at the end of the chapter to children. Keep the focus on God’s rescue and his love, and handle the vivid language about violence gently and briefly, without frightening them.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being our only Savior and for taking care of us every day. Help us to trust you more than anything else, and keep our hearts close to you. Thank you that you never forget us, even when we forget you. Amen.
