This lesson teaches children that God wants His people to be generous and open-handed toward people who are in need. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God loves people who have little, and He wants us to share what we have with them, just as He shares His good gifts with us.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you to surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and hold out both hands, palms up, like they are holding a gift. Say the verse together, and each time you say the word “open,” have them lift their hands higher. Then bring them down slowly as you say “your poor.”
The Story: Deuteronomy 15 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His people, the Israelites, a special plan for money and debts. Every seven years, they were to cancel the debts that people owed to one another. This was a year of rest and release, a time to remember that God is the one who provides for everyone.
God also knew that some people would be poor. He told His people not to close their hearts or their hands to their poor neighbors. If someone needed help, they were to lend what was needed. God said, “Open your hand” to your brother who is in need. Sharing is what God wants from His people.
The Israelites also had rules about helping people who had fallen on hard times and had to work for others. After six years, a servant was to be set free. God told them not to send that person away empty-handed. They were to give generously from the flock, the harvest, and the wine so that the freed servant could start again.
Why did God want them to be so kind? God reminded His people of their own story. They had once been slaves in Egypt, and God had rescued them. Because God had been so kind to them, they should be kind to others. God’s rescue was the reason for their generosity.
Finally, God gave a rule about the firstborn animals. These were to be set apart for God, and the people were to eat them together before the Lord. Even these special animals had to be healthy and without defect. God wanted His people to give Him their very best.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
7 If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; 8 but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.
(WEB)
Point out the words “do not harden your heart” and “open your hand.” Ask the children what it might look like to shut our hand toward someone who needs help, and what it looks like to open it wide.
Deuteronomy 15:10
You shall surely give, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because that for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to.
(WEB)
Show the children that God promised a blessing when His people give freely. Explain that giving is not meant to make us sad or grumpy, but that God can bring joy to a generous heart.
Deuteronomy 15:15
You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today.
(WEB)
Point out that God reminded His people of how He rescued them from Egypt. Explain that remembering what God has done for us helps us want to share with others.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you have that you could share with someone who needs it?
- How did God take care of the Israelites when they were slaves in Egypt?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to open their hands instead of closing them?
- How do you feel when someone is generous to you?
- What is one way you can show God’s kindness to a friend or neighbor this week?
Activity Ideas
Open Hand Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace their hand on the paper and cut it out. On the palm, they can draw or write one thing they could share with someone in need. Glue the hands onto a poster titled “God Helps Us Open Our Hands.”
Pass the Gift Game
Gather a small object like a stuffed animal or a rolled-up sock. Have the children sit in a circle while one child holds the object and says a way to be generous. Then they pass the object to the next child, who must say another way. Keep going until everyone has had a turn to share an idea.
Share Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar or container and some paper slips. Ask your child to write or draw one kind thing they did for someone each week. Place the slips in the jar. At the end of the month, read them together and thank God for the chance to be generous.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s care for the poor is central to His covenant with His people. The release of debts and generous lending reveal a community shaped by God’s own character. Generosity is a response to God’s rescue, not a way of earning it.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only blesses people who give money, as this can confuse generosity with a transaction. Keep the focus on God’s love and His desire for His people to reflect that love to others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and taking care of us. Help us to open our hands and share with people who need help. Teach us to be kind and generous, just as You are. Amen.
