This lesson teaches children that God is faithful, so we should remember what He has done and love Him with all our hearts. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, so we remember His good works and love Him with our whole hearts every day.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore you shall love the LORD your God, and keep his instructions, his statutes, his ordinances, and his commandments, always.
(WEB)
Put your hand on your heart when you say “love.” Then open your arms wide like you are hugging God. Say the verse together three times, once softly, once loudly, and once while you hop in place.
The Story: Deuteronomy 11 for Kids
Moses was getting ready to say goodbye to the people of Israel. They had been walking in the wilderness for many years, and soon they would cross the river into a new land. Moses wanted them to remember everything God had done for them.
He reminded them about Egypt, where Pharaoh had refused to let God’s people go. God sent many signs and wonders, and at last the people were set free. Moses also told them how God parted the Red Sea so His people could walk across on dry ground. When the army of Egypt chased them, God closed the waters over the enemy.
Moses reminded them that God took care of them in the wilderness, even when food and water were hard to find. He told them about Dathan and Abiram, who turned against Moses and against God, and how the ground opened and swallowed them. Moses said, “Your eyes have seen all the great things the LORD has done.”
Then Moses told the people a new land was waiting for them. It was a good land with hills, valleys, and rain from the sky. God would take care of that land too. Moses told them to love God, keep His commands, and remember these things for a long time.
Moses said God wanted His people to teach these words to their children. They should talk about God when they sat at home, when they walked along the road, when they went to bed, and when they got up in the morning.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 11:8-9
8 Therefore you shall keep all the commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, where you go over to possess it; 9 and that you may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspring, a land flowing with milk and honey.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives His people strength and a home. Ask children to notice the words “land” and “promise,” and explain that God keeps His promises even when we wait a long time.
Deuteronomy 11:13-14
13 It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.
(WEB)
Show how God sends rain in its season so the crops can grow. Explain that God’s gifts are like the rain, coming at the right time, and that loving Him and listening to Him is how we respond to those gifts.
Deuteronomy 11:18-19
18 Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
(WEB)
Point out the words “teach them to your children” and “when you walk by the way.” Explain that God’s words belong in everyday life, not only on Sunday, and that families can talk about God at breakfast, in the car, and at bedtime.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God did for His people that you can remember?
- How can you show God that you love Him at home?
- Why do you think Moses wanted the people to remember God’s works?
- What is a good time of day to talk about God with your family?
- How does it feel to know God keeps His promises?
Activity Ideas
Remembrance Rock Craft
You will need small smooth stones, washable paint or markers, and a shallow tray. Ask each child to draw one thing God has done for them, such as a sunny day or a family meal. Let the stones dry, then place them on a windowsill or shelf as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Red Sea Crossing Game
You will need a long strip of blue fabric or paper, and some chairs or pillows. Lay the fabric on the floor as the sea. Children walk across the “dry ground” on the chairs or pillows while the rest of the group cheers, then switch roles. Pause to say the memory verse together before each crossing.
Family Rain Jar
You will need a clean jar, small slips of paper, and a pencil. Each family member writes one blessing God gave them this week and drops it into the jar. At dinner, pull out a few slips and read them aloud. Keep the jar near the table so it becomes a habit of remembering.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is Moses urging the people to remember God’s past faithfulness so that they will love and obey Him in the future. The call to teach these words to children and to keep them visible in daily life shows that faith is meant to be lived out in ordinary moments, not only in worship.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that obedience guarantees rain or good crops. The chapter describes blessing and warning as the people’s covenant relationship with God, and it is best presented to children as a reminder that God is faithful and worth loving, not as a formula for getting what they want.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for taking care of us the way You cared for Your people long ago. Help us remember the good things You have done, and help us love You with our whole hearts. Teach us to talk about You every day at home, on the way, and before we sleep. Amen.
