This lesson teaches children that God came to his people in a powerful way after Aaron and his sons obeyed him carefully, and that God’s glory is something to be amazed by. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When God’s people do what God asks, God shows up in glory, and we can trust him to be with us. Obeying God matters because he is holy and good.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 9:6
Moses said, “This is the thing which the LORD commanded that you should do: and the LORD’s glory shall appear to you.”
(WEB)
Put your hands together in front of your chest, then slowly open them wide as you say “glory” to show the glory of the Lord opening up and shining out. Do this motion each time you say the verse together.
The Story: Leviticus 9 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel were living in the wilderness, and God had given them special rules for worship. Moses was the leader, and his brother Aaron was going to be the first priest. Aaron had sons too, and they would help him serve God. This was a very big day, the eighth day, when all of this was going to start.
Moses called Aaron, his sons, and the leaders of Israel to come together. He told Aaron to bring a calf and a ram for special gifts to God. Aaron had to offer them with care, because God had told them exactly how to do it. Then Moses told Aaron to bring gifts for the people too, including a goat, a calf, a lamb, a bull, and a ram.
All the people gathered near the Tent of Meeting, and they stood in front of the Lord. Moses said, “This is what the Lord told you to do, and his glory will appear to you.” Aaron did everything the way God had asked. He offered each gift carefully, one step at a time, just as Moses had commanded.
When Aaron finished, he lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. Then Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting and came back out to bless the people again. Suddenly, the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came down from heaven and burned up the offering on the altar.
When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell down on their faces. They knew that God was really with them. God had shown them his glory because they had obeyed him.
Read It Together
Leviticus 9:23
Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people: and the LORD’s glory appeared to all the people.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses and Aaron blessed the people, and then God’s glory appeared to everyone. Ask children to notice that blessing comes from God, and God’s glory was seen by all of them together.
Leviticus 9:24
Fire came out from before the LORD, and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
(WEB)
Show children how the fire came from the Lord and burned up the offering, and how the people responded with shouting and falling down. Explain that this was a sign of God’s power and holiness.
Leviticus 9:7-8
7 Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.” 8 So Aaron came near to the altar, and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
(WEB)
Point out that Aaron had to do things for himself first, then for the people. Explain that God wants his leaders to be prepared and careful, and that everyone needs God’s mercy.
Talk About It
- What do you think the people felt when they saw fire come from heaven?
- Why do you think God wanted Aaron to follow every step exactly?
- How can you show respect when you come into God’s presence in church or during prayer?
- What is one thing God has done for you that made you feel close to him?
- How does it help you to know that God is holy and good?
Activity Ideas
Glory Light Drawing
Give each child a sheet of black paper, a white crayon or chalk, and a yellow or orange crayon. Have them draw the Tent of Meeting in white, then add rays of yellow or orange coming from the center to show God’s glory shining out. Talk together about how God’s light is bright and good.
Follow the Leader Steps
Play a simple game where you give a series of movements, like touch your head, clap twice, then stand still. Children must follow the steps exactly in order, just as Aaron followed God’s instructions. Praise children who listen carefully and follow each step, and talk about why careful obedience matters.
Blessing Card to Take Home
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Have them write or draw a blessing for someone in their family, like “The Lord bless you and keep you.” Encourage them to share the card at home and to bless someone that day. Explain that Aaron blessed the people, and we can bless others too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s presence is holy and that worship must be done in the way God has commanded. The priests’ careful offerings point forward to the need for a mediator and a sacrifice that would truly cleanse sin. God’s glory appearing to the people is a moment that reminds us he is both near and far beyond us.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always send fire or visible signs when they pray or worship. Be clear that God is present with us through faith, and that the dramatic moments in Scripture are special, not a pattern every believer should expect.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being holy and good and for being with us. Help us to listen carefully to you and to follow your ways, just as Aaron did. Show us your glory in our lives, and help us to bless others with what you give us. Amen.
