This lesson teaches children that God chose Aaron to lead the priests, and He showed everyone by making Aaron’s dry stick bloom with almonds. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the one who chooses who leads His people, and He shows us His choice in ways we can see. When we trust Him to decide, we can stop complaining and rest in His plan.
Memory Verse
Numbers 17:5
It shall happen, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud. I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you, cease from me.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall like a stick, then slowly raise both arms up over their heads like a branch that is growing and blossoming. Let them say the verse while they stretch their arms high.
The Story: Numbers 17 for Kids
The people of Israel had been wandering in the wilderness for a long time. Some of them were grumbling against Moses and Aaron, saying they did not want to follow them any more. God wanted to settle the matter in a way that everyone could see clearly.
God told Moses to gather twelve wooden sticks, called rods, one from each tribe. Moses wrote each leader’s name on his stick. On Aaron’s stick, which stood for the tribe of Levi, he wrote Aaron’s name. Then Moses placed all the sticks in the Tent of Meeting, where God met with His people.
The next morning Moses went into the tent and found something amazing. Aaron’s stick had sprouted, grown buds, blossomed, and even produced ripe almonds! The other eleven sticks were still dry and lifeless. God had chosen Aaron.
Moses brought all the sticks out so everyone could see them. Each leader came and took back his own stick. God said Aaron’s stick should be kept inside the tent as a reminder, so the people would stop grumbling against Him.
The people were frightened. They cried out, “We are going to die! We are all going to be destroyed!” They were afraid that anyone who came near God’s tent would die. They needed to remember that God was still caring for them.
Read It Together
Numbers 17:8
On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, budded, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.
(WEB)
Point out how the dry stick became full of life overnight. Ask the children what they think it means that God can bring life to something that looked completely dead.
Numbers 17:10
The LORD said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their murmurings against me, that they not die.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God asked Moses to keep Aaron’s stick as a sign. Explain that God gives us reminders of His faithfulness so we can remember who He is.
Numbers 17:12-13
12 The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish! We are undone! We are all undone! 13 Everyone who keeps approaching the LORD’s tabernacle, dies! Will we all perish?”
(WEB)
Point out how the people felt scared and worried about dying. Talk about how God’s people can bring their fears to Him instead of pulling away from Him.
Talk About It
- What do you think the people felt when they saw Aaron’s stick covered with almonds?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to stop complaining against Moses and Aaron?
- How did God show the people that He was the one who chose Aaron?
- What is something in your life that looks dry or empty, but God could bring new life to it?
- When you feel scared, what can you do like the people in this story could have done?
Activity Ideas
Blossoming Stick Craft
Gather a few twigs or craft sticks, glue, paper, and markers. Have each child write a name on a stick and decorate it with paper leaves or flowers. Talk about how God chose Aaron and how He can bring life to anything.
Stand Tall Movement Game
Ask the children to crouch down low like a dry seed. Then call out “Grow!” and have them slowly stand up, stretching their arms high like a blossoming branch. Repeat several times, reminding them that God brings life to what seems dead.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and crayons. Have them draw a stick with almonds or flowers on it and write “God chooses and cares for me” on the back. Encourage them to put it on their nightstand or in their backpack to remember the story during the week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God alone decides who leads His people, and He confirms His choice in a way no one can deny. For adults, it is a reminder to trust God’s authority rather than grumble against those He has placed in leadership. It also shows that God is patient with His people even when they complain.
With children, avoid suggesting that the stick itself was magic or that almonds have special meaning beyond what the text says. Keep the focus on God’s power and His faithfulness to show who He has chosen.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for choosing us and caring for us every day. Help us trust You when we feel scared or unsure, and help us remember that You can bring life to anything. Make our hearts quiet and ready to follow You. Amen.
