In this lesson, children learn that God gave His people a special way to bring Him their best gifts and to share a meal with Him in peace. The lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants us to give Him our very best, and when we give it to Him with a thankful heart, we are helping each other, too.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 3:1
“‘If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings; if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the LORD.
(WEB)
Stand up tall and hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are carrying a gift. Say the verse slowly while you move your hands up toward the sky as a gift to God.
The Story: Leviticus 3 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His people a special set of rules for worship. One of those rules was about a gift called a peace offering. A peace offering was a gift that a person brought to God to say thank you and to show that they were at peace with Him.
The person who brought the gift could choose an animal from their herd or flock. It had to be healthy and perfect, with no sickness or broken parts. God wanted the very best, not the leftovers. The person would bring the animal to the Tent of Meeting, which was the special place where God met with His people.
Next, the person would lay a hand on the animal’s head. This was a way of saying, “This gift is mine, and I am giving it to God.” Then the animal was put to death at the door of the Tent of Meeting. The priests, who were Aaron’s sons, sprinkled the blood around the altar, the place where the gifts were burned.
Some parts of the animal were burned on the altar, and they rose up as a sweet smell to God. The fat around the inside parts, the kidneys, and the liver were all given to God. The priests burned these on the altar, and the story says it was a pleasant aroma to the LORD.
The chapter also tells about a goat and a lamb as gifts. Each one was brought in the same careful way. The people were learning that every gift mattered to God.
At the end of the chapter, God gave His people one more rule. They were not to eat any fat or blood from these animals. God said this rule was for every generation to follow. It showed that the fat and the blood belonged to God alone.
Read It Together
Leviticus 3:2
He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting: and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar.
(WEB)
Point out that the person laid a hand on the animal’s head before it was offered. Explain that this was a way of saying the gift belonged to them and that they were giving it to God. Ask the children what it feels like to give someone a present that is really theirs.
Leviticus 3:16
The priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is the LORD’s.
(WEB)
Show the children that the verse says the fat belongs to the LORD. Explain that God gave these parts back to Him as a special sign that everything good comes from Him. Remind children that God is the one who provides every good thing in their lives.
Leviticus 3:6-7
6 “‘If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD is from the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without defect. 7 If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before the LORD…
(WEB)
Point out that the person could bring a gift from the flock, and that God wanted it to be without any defect. Help the children see that God cared about the quality of every gift. Talk about how they can bring their best effort to what they do for God and others.
Talk About It
- What is something you own that you would really want to give to someone you love?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to bring Him the best animal, not the sick or broken one?
- How did the people show that the gift was theirs and that they were giving it to God?
- What are some ways you can give God your best in your school work, your play, or your home?
- How does it feel to know that God gives us so many good things every day?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Gift for God
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw one thing they would like to give to God, such as a favorite toy, a book, or a kind act. Let them talk about why they chose it. Hang the drawings on the wall as a reminder that we can offer God our best.
Hands on the Head Game
Have the children sit in a circle. One child takes a turn being the “gift” and sits in the middle while another child lays a gentle hand on their head and says, “This is my gift for God.” Switch turns so everyone takes part. Talk about how it felt to give and to receive.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of paper, markers, and an envelope. Help each child fold the paper into a card and write or draw a thank you note to God for something good in their week. Encourage them to take the card home and place it on the family dinner table as a reminder to share thanks at meals.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that worship was meant to be costly, careful, and joyful. The peace offering was a shared meal before God, showing fellowship and peace with Him. Christians see in these sacrifices a picture of Christ, who gave His own life once for all.
Avoid overstating the details of animal sacrifice to children. Keep the focus on giving God our best and on God’s kindness in receiving our gifts. The fat and blood rules are better explained simply, as God’s way of teaching His people that life and sacred things belong to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for giving us good things every day. Help us to give You our best in everything we do and say. Teach us to thank You with happy hearts, and help us share with others. Amen.
