This lesson teaches children that God is with them even when they feel weak or afraid, and that he can use ordinary people to do great things. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God is with you, even when you feel small and scared. He can use you to do brave things for him, just as he used Gideon.
Memory Verse
Judges 6:12
The LORD’s angel appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of their chests, then stand tall and raise them over their heads as they say the verse together. The big motion helps them remember that God calls us to be brave.
The Story: Judges 6 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel started doing things that made God sad. Because of this, God let the Midianites come and take over their land. For seven years, the Midianites took the people’s food, sheep, cows, and donkeys. The people were so scared that they hid in caves and dens in the mountains.
The people cried out to God for help. God sent a prophet to remind them that he had rescued them from Egypt and had always been faithful. The people had not listened to God’s voice, and they needed to remember who he was.
One day, a young man named Gideon was hiding in a winepress, beating out wheat so the Midianites would not find it. An angel of the Lord came and sat under a nearby oak tree. The angel said to Gideon, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon felt small. He said, “My family is the poorest in our town, and I am the least important in my father’s house.” God said, “I will be with you.”
Gideon asked God for a sign, and God answered him with fire from a rock. Later, God asked Gideon to tear down the altar to Baal, a false god, in his own town. Gideon was afraid of his family and the townspeople, so he did it at night. In the morning, the people were angry, but Gideon’s father said that if Baal was a real god, Baal could defend himself.
Gideon still wasn’t sure. He asked God for two more signs with a wool fleece, one wet and one dry. God answered him both times. Then Gideon was ready to lead the people to fight the Midianites, and God helped him win.
Read It Together
Judges 6:14
The LORD looked at him, and said, “Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Haven’t I sent you?”
(WEB)
Point out that God told Gideon to go in the strength he already had. God does not wait for us to feel perfect before he sends us. Ask the children what strength God might have given them.
Judges 6:16
The LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
(WEB)
Show the children the promise God made to Gideon. Gideon did not have to win on his own, because God said he would be with him. Remind the children that God makes the same promise to them.
Judges 6:23
The LORD said to him, “Peace be to you! Don’t be afraid. You shall not die.”
(WEB)
Gideon was afraid he would die after seeing the angel. God told him not to be afraid. Explain that God often says “do not be afraid” in the Bible because he wants us to trust him.
Talk About It
- What do you think Gideon was feeling when the angel first called him a mighty man of valor?
- Why did Gideon say he was too small to help save Israel?
- What are some things that make you feel scared or unsure?
- How did God show Gideon that he was really with him?
- What is one way you can trust God this week when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Gideon’s Fleece Painting
You will need white paper, a cotton ball for each child, watercolor paints or diluted food coloring, and a cup of water. Have each child dip a cotton ball in water and dab it on the paper to make a wet spot, then let it dry. Then they can paint over the paper and watch how the dry and wet areas look different. Talk about how God gave Gideon two signs to build his trust.
Mighty Man of Valor Freeze Game
Clear some space in the room and play a simple freeze game. Call out “Midianites!” and have the children crouch down low like they are hiding in the caves. Then call out “Mighty man of valor!” and have them stand up tall, flex their arms, and shout “The Lord is with me!” Repeat a few times, mixing up the calls, and end by reading the memory verse together.
Take-Home Brave Heart Card
You will need construction paper, markers, scissors, and a pencil. Trace a heart shape on the paper for each child and help them cut it out. On one side they can write or draw something they feel scared about, and on the other side they can write “God is with me.” Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it, like by their bed, and to read it when they feel afraid.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God often calls people who feel unqualified or weak. Gideon’s words about his family and his own size reveal real insecurity, yet God meets him with patience and gives him repeated signs. The chapter also shows the danger of idolatry, since the people had turned to Baal and the Asherah pole, and God called Israel to return to him.
Be careful not to make the story sound like a lesson that only brave people get to serve God. The point is that God’s presence, not our confidence, is what makes the difference. Also avoid suggesting that asking God for signs is always the right response, since the chapter presents Gideon’s requests as a real but imperfect part of his faith journey.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are with us, even when we feel small and afraid. Help us remember that you can use us to do brave things for you. Give us courage to trust you today and every day. Amen.
