This lesson teaches children that God wants His people to worship Him, and Him alone, in the way He has chosen. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is good and worthy of our worship, so we worship Him only and the way He asks. We do not copy the people around us who worship false gods. We trust that God knows what is best for us.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 12:32
Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up, palms out, like you are holding a big book. Then slowly bring your hands together and say the words in a whisper, and then loudly. Doing the motion helps you remember that God’s words are what we keep and follow.
The Story: Deuteronomy 12 for Kids
Long ago, Moses stood with the people of Israel. They were about to cross the Jordan River and enter a new land that God was giving them. Moses wanted them to remember one important thing: how they should worship God. He told them the rules were not optional.
In the new land, there were many other nations. Those nations worshiped false gods on high hills and under big green trees. They built altars and carved statues to their gods. Moses told the Israelites to tear down every one of those places. Nothing from those false gods should remain.
Then Moses explained where God wanted His people to worship. God would choose one special place, and His people were to bring their offerings there. Moses said, “There you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice.” The families were to be glad together, sharing good things God had given them.
Moses also told them not to do whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Some people might think they knew a better way. But God said, “Be careful that you don’t do what seems right to you.” God wanted His people to listen to Him, not to their own ideas.
The people were also not to eat blood, because the blood is the life. Moses said, “Only be sure that you don’t eat the blood.” Instead, they were to pour it out on the ground like water. The Levites, who served God’s house, were not to be forgotten either. The people were to care for them.
Moses ended by telling the people to listen carefully. He warned them not to copy the nations who burned their children as gifts to false gods. He said, “You shall observe to do whatever I command you. Do not add to it, and do not take away from it.” God’s word is complete and good.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 12:5
But to the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and there you shall come.
(WEB)
Point out that God chose one special place for His people to worship Him. Ask children to notice that God was the one who decided where and how. This shows that worship is about God’s plan, not our own preferences.
Deuteronomy 12:7
There you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which the LORD your God has blessed you.
(WEB)
Show children that God wanted worship to bring joy. Families were to eat together and rejoice in the good things God had given them. Remind them that God’s blessings are a reason to be glad.
Deuteronomy 12:28
Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in the LORD your God’s eyes.
(WEB)
Point out that God promised good things for those who obey Him. Explain that obedience is not about earning God’s love, but about trusting that His way leads to life. Connect this to how children can trust their parents’ guidance.
Talk About It
- What are some things people in the world worship instead of God?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to worship in one special place?
- How does it feel to know God’s rules are good for us?
- What are some good things God has given your family that you can rejoice about?
- When is it hard to trust God’s way instead of doing what seems right to you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Special Place
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a place where they like to worship God, such as at church, at home, or outside under a tree. Have them write one thing they can say to God there. Hang the drawings on the wall to remind everyone that God is worthy of worship everywhere they go.
Follow the Leader
Gather the children in an open space. Choose one child to be the leader and have them call out simple movements, like “hop,” “clap,” or “spin.” Everyone must follow only the leader’s instructions. Afterward, explain that God’s people follow God, not every voice around them. Talk about why listening to the right leader matters.
Take-Home Memory Card
You will need index cards or plain paper, a marker, and tape. Write Deuteronomy 12:32 on the card in large letters, along with a simple doodle of a book. Have each child decorate the card. Encourage them to tape it to their bedroom door or bathroom mirror so they can read it each day and remember that God’s word is complete and good.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about how we worship Him, not just that we worship. Moses urged Israel to avoid the practices of surrounding nations and to honor the place God chose. Believers today can see God’s desire for faithful, joyful, and obedient worship centered on Him alone.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the specific rules about sacrifices and blood, since these belonged to Israel’s ancient covenant setting. Focus instead on the heart of the chapter: God is worthy, His ways are good, and we trust Him rather than following our own ideas.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You are good and that You show us how to worship You. Help us to trust Your ways and not follow what seems right in our own eyes. Teach us to rejoice in all the good things You give us, and to listen carefully to Your words. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
