This lesson teaches children that God is holy, which means He is special and deserves our respect, and that we should come to Him God’s way. It is suitable for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Because the story is serious, keep the tone calm and reverent, and focus on God’s goodness and the care He gives His people.
Big Idea
God is holy, so we come to Him carefully and respectfully, and He always does what is right and good.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD spoke of, saying, ‘I will show myself holy to those who come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” Aaron held his peace.
(WEB)
Put your hands over your heart as you say, “God is holy.” Then hold both palms out wide, like you are showing how big and special God is. Repeat the motion together three times so the children remember the words and the feeling behind them.
The Story: Leviticus 10 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in a camp in the desert. God had given them special rules for worshiping Him, and He chose a family of priests to lead the worship. Aaron was the first high priest, and his sons Nadab and Abihu helped him. God had told them exactly how to bring their offerings to Him.
One day, Nadab and Abihu decided to do something different. They took their fire pans, put fire in them, and offered it to God in a way He had never asked them to. God had not told them to do this, and it was not the way to come near Him. Suddenly, fire came out from God’s presence, and both of the young men died.
Aaron must have felt very sad and shocked. Moses came to him and said, “This is what the LORD meant when He said He would show Himself holy to those who come near Him.” Aaron stayed quiet, because he knew God’s ways are good, even when they are hard to understand. Moses then asked some relatives to carry the bodies outside the camp.
God then spoke to Aaron and told him something important. The priests were to tell the difference between what is holy and what is common, and between what is clean and unclean. They had a job to teach all of God’s people His laws. God wanted His people to learn to honor Him in everything they did.
Later, Moses noticed that a goat from a sin offering had been burned instead of eaten. He was upset with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s other sons, because they should have eaten it in the holy place. Aaron explained that his family had been through a terrible day, and he asked whether eating it would have pleased God. When Moses heard this, he understood, and he was content.
Read It Together
Leviticus 10:1-2
1 Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. 2 Fire came out from before the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that Nadab and Abihu chose their own way instead of God’s way. Explain simply that God is holy and must be approached in the way He has said. Be honest that this story is serious, and reassure children that God always acts with perfect fairness.
Leviticus 10:8-11
8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, 9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. 10 You are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean. 11 You are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD has spoken to them by Moses.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave clear instructions to Aaron and his sons, so they would know how to serve Him rightly. Point out the words about teaching others, and talk about how parents and teachers today help us learn God’s ways. Emphasize that God loves to guide His people.
Leviticus 10:19-20
19 Aaron spoke to Moses, “Behold, today they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things as these have happened to me. If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in the LORD’s sight?” 20 When Moses heard that, it was pleasing in his sight.
(WEB)
Note that Aaron was honest about his feelings, and that Moses listened and understood. Help children see that God welcomes honest questions and sincere hearts. Point out that Moses was pleased with Aaron’s answer, which shows that God cares about our hearts.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means that God is holy?
- Why do you think God wanted the priests to follow His instructions exactly?
- How can we show respect when we come to God in prayer or worship?
- How did Aaron respond when he was sad, and what can we learn from him?
- What are some ways we can tell the difference between good choices and choices that do not honor God?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Holy Place
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few glue sticks. Ask the children to draw a picture of a place where they feel close to God, such as a church, their bedroom, or a park. Talk about how God is with them everywhere, and remind them that they can come to Him with respect and honesty. Let them write one word on their drawing that describes God.
Follow the Leader Obey
You will need a open space and a few simple cones or chairs to mark a path. Play a game where you give one instruction at a time, such as “Walk forward,” “Touch your toes,” or “Sit down,” and the children must follow exactly. Explain that just as they followed the leader carefully, God’s people follow His instructions. Keep the game light and cheerful.
Holy Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write “God is holy” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Encourage them to take the card home and place it where they will see it, such as by their bed or on the fridge. Suggest they read it aloud each morning as a way to start their day remembering God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s holiness is real and serious, and that worship must be offered according to His word, not our own ideas. It also shows that God’s justice and mercy work together, and that His people are called to teach His ways faithfully to the next generation. Aaron’s response reminds us that grief and faith can exist side by side.
Be careful not to overstate the details of the death of Nadab and Abihu to children, since the text does not explain every reason. Avoid suggesting that God punishes children for small mistakes, and focus instead on His goodness and the call to honor Him with respect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are holy and good. Help us to come to You with respect and honesty, and to follow Your ways every day. Thank You for loving us and guiding us. Help us to remember that You are with us always. Amen.
