This lesson teaches children that God gives good gifts to the people who serve Him, and that He takes care of those who care for His house. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of the people who help Him. He gives them good things to eat and a special place to belong, and we can thank Him for all He provides.
Memory Verse
Numbers 18:7
You and your sons with you shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil. You shall serve. I give you the service of the priesthood as a gift. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if receiving a present. Then have them bring their hands to their hearts while saying the words slowly together. This motion reminds them that God’s gifts are given with love.
The Story: Numbers 18 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel were traveling through the desert on their way to the Promised Land. God had given them a special tent called the Tent of Meeting, where they could worship Him. The priests, led by Aaron, took care of this holy tent, and the Levites, Aaron’s family group from the tribe of Levi, helped them with the work.
God spoke to Aaron and told him that he and his sons had an important job. They would take care of the holy things in the tent. God said that the Levites would help them, so the work would be shared and everyone could do their part.
God also promised to provide for the priests and the Levites. He said, “I am giving you the gifts from the people, so you will always have what you need.” The priests would receive part of the offerings the people brought to God. These gifts were their share, and it was a promise that would last forever.
The Levites did not get land like the other tribes did. Instead, God said, “You will receive the tenth part of everything the people give to Me.” The Levites would take care of the tent, and in return, the people would give them a portion of their harvest. God was their inheritance, and He would take care of them.
God told the people to bring the best of their food and their first fruits to Him. He wanted them to honor Him with the first and best of what they had. The priests and their families could eat these gifts, and everyone in the household who was clean could share in them.
Read It Together
Numbers 18:20
The LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Aaron, “I am your portion and your inheritance.” Explain that God Himself is the best gift, more valuable than any land or food. Ask children what it means to have God as their treasure.
Numbers 18:21
“To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting.
(WEB)
Show children that God gave the Levites the tenth part of what the people gave as their pay for serving. Explain that God wanted His helpers to be cared for, just as a family takes care of the person who helps them at home.
Numbers 18:31
You may eat it anywhere, you and your households, for it is your reward in return for your service in the Tent of Meeting.
(WEB)
Point out that the Levites could eat these gifts anywhere, with their households, because it was their reward. Explain that God rewards faithful service, and that His provision is a blessing to enjoy with the people we love.
Talk About It
- What kinds of jobs did Aaron and the Levites do to help God’s people worship Him?
- Why do you think God wanted to take care of the people who served in the Tent of Meeting?
- What is one way you can help at church, at home, or at school this week?
- How did God say He would be the portion and inheritance for the priests, and what do you think that means?
- What is something good God has given you, and how can you thank Him for it today?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Gift Basket Craft
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, glue, and small pieces of colored paper. Have children draw or glue pictures of food and other good gifts onto the plate, then fold it in half like a basket. Talk about how the priests received gifts from God’s people, and how God gives us good things too.
Helper and Gift Relay Game
Set up two small baskets at one end of a room and a pile of soft toys or balls at the other end. Children take turns carrying one item at a time from the pile to the basket, passing it to a teammate to help. Explain that just as the Levites helped the priests, we work together to serve God and others.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day, have your child write or draw one good gift God has given them and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God out loud for each gift. This helps children see that God provides for them every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God set apart the priests and Levites to serve Him, and He committed to providing for them. The gifts from the people were a way of honoring God and supporting those who ministered in His holy place. Christians today can see in this a picture of God’s faithfulness to those who serve Him in the church.
Avoid overstating to children that every helper will always be given material wealth or comfort. The point is that God is faithful and generous to His servants, and that God Himself is our greatest treasure, not that faithfulness always looks like abundance.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for the good gifts You give us every day. Thank You for taking care of the people who help us learn about You. Help us to serve You and others with joy, and help us to remember that You are our greatest treasure. Amen.
