Leviticus 8 teaches children that God chose Aaron and his sons to serve Him, and that God makes people holy for His special work. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sets His people apart for special work, and He takes care to prepare them for it. Everything about the day was done the way God said.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 8:36
Aaron and his sons did all the things which the LORD commanded by Moses.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with their hands at their sides, then slowly raise both arms up and cross them over their chest, the way a helper does when they are ready to start a job. Say the words together while you move, then do it again with your eyes closed.
The Story: Leviticus 8 for Kids
God spoke to Moses one day and told him to get ready for a very special job. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was going to become the high priest, the one who would lead the people in worshiping God. God said that Aaron and his sons needed to be prepared first. Moses gathered everything he needed, including clothes, oil, and some bread.
Moses called all the people together at the door of the Tent of Meeting. He told them, “This is what God has commanded us to do.” Then Moses washed Aaron and his sons with water, so they were clean before they put on their special clothes. Each piece of clothing was important, and each one had its own place on the priest’s body.
Next, Moses poured special oil on the tent and on everything inside it, and on the altar too. Then he poured oil on Aaron’s head. The oil showed that these things and these people now belonged to God and were set apart for His holy work. Moses did all of this just as God had told him to do.
Then came an offering. Aaron and his sons placed their hands on the head of a bull, which was an animal given to God. The bull was used as a sin offering, to show that the people needed God’s forgiveness. After that, a ram was offered in a burnt offering, and then a second ram was used to prepare the priests for their service. Moses put some of the blood on Aaron’s right ear, his right thumb, and his right big toe. That was a way of showing that Aaron would listen, work, and walk in God’s ways.
Moses told Aaron and his sons to stay at the door of the Tent of Meeting for seven days. He said, “Keep the LORD’s command, so that you do not die.” They stayed, and at the end of the story, the text says that Aaron and his sons did everything the LORD commanded through Moses.
Read It Together
Leviticus 8:6-7
6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. 7 He put the coat on him, tied the sash on him, clothed him with the robe, put the ephod on him, and he tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod on him, and fastened it to him with it.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses washed Aaron and his sons before they put on their special clothes. Explain that God wanted His helpers to come to Him clean and ready, and ask the children what it feels like to get dressed up for something important.
Leviticus 8:12
He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
(WEB)
Show the children that the oil was poured on Aaron’s head to show that God had set him apart for holy work. Explain that the word “sanctify” means to make something special for God, and invite the children to think about how God has chosen them too.
Talk About It
- What did Moses do first to get Aaron and his sons ready for their special job?
- Why do you think God wanted the priests to be washed and dressed carefully before serving Him?
- What does it mean that God set Aaron apart for holy work?
- How can you show God that you want to listen and obey Him at home or at school?
- What is one way you can serve God and others this week?
Activity Ideas
Priest Dress-Up Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a simple outline of a person drawn on it. Ask them to draw the clothes Aaron wore, such as a robe, a sash, and a turban with a golden plate on the front. Let them color their picture and talk about why each piece of clothing mattered. Hang the finished drawings on the wall so the class can see how God’s helpers were made ready.
Set Apart Ear, Thumb, and Toe Game
Call out “ear,” “thumb,” or “toe,” and have the children touch that body part on their own bodies. Mix up the order quickly so they have to listen carefully. Then say, “Listen to God, work for God, and walk with God,” and let the children act out each one. This helps them remember the three places the blood was placed on Aaron.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child a small index card and a pencil. Have them write or draw one way they can obey God this week, such as helping at home or being kind at school. Show them how to tuck the card into a pocket or pencil case. Encourage them to read it each morning and ask a parent or friend to pray with them about it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Leviticus 8 shows that God does not leave His service to chance. He gave clear instructions for how the priests were to be prepared, washed, clothed, and anointed, and Aaron and his sons obeyed them fully. The chapter points forward to a need for a mediator who stands between God and people, and Christians see that need fulfilled in Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the offerings and the blood rituals in a way that feels frightening or confusing. Keep the focus on God’s holiness, His care in preparing His people, and the joy of belonging to Him. Let the children ask questions without turning the lesson into a lecture on ancient worship practices.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for setting us apart as Your own. Help us to listen to You, to work for You, and to walk in Your ways each day. Make us ready for the good things You have planned for us. Amen.
