This lesson teaches children that God blesses people who listen to him and obey his good commands, and that choosing to follow him leads to real blessing. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God blesses those who listen to him and do what he says. Listening to God is good for us, because he always knows what is best for his people.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 28:2
All these blessings will come upon you, and overtake you, if you listen to the LORD your God’s voice.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your chest like you are holding a gift. Then slowly open them and lift them up as you say the word “blessings” together. Repeat this motion each time the class says the verse, so the words and the movement stay linked in memory.
The Story: Deuteronomy 28 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people were getting ready to enter a new land. Moses was their leader, and he spoke to them before they crossed over. He wanted them to remember that God was the one who had rescued them from slavery in Egypt.
Moses told the people that God had a promise for them. If they listened carefully to God and did what he commanded, God would bless them in every part of their lives. Their towns would be blessed, their farms would be blessed, and their families would be blessed. When they came home, God would bless them, and when they went out, God would bless them too.
Moses also told them the truth about the other choice. If they turned away from God and went after other gods, they would not be safe or happy. Their harvests would fail, and they would face hard times. Moses was honest with them because he loved them and wanted them to choose well.
Moses did not want the people to think God was far away or hard to please. He wanted them to know that God was near and that his commands were given to help them. He said, in simple words, “Listen to God and do what he says, and you will find that he takes care of you.”
The people had a big decision in front of them. They could listen to God and receive his blessings, or they could go their own way and miss out on the good things God had planned. Moses wanted them to choose the path that led to life.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 28:1
It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the LORD your God’s voice, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.
(WEB)
Point out the word “diligently,” which means working hard and paying close attention. Ask the children what it looks like to listen carefully to a parent or teacher. Show that God’s blessing comes to people who take his words seriously.
Deuteronomy 28:6
You shall be blessed when you come in, and you shall be blessed when you go out.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s blessing reaches into every part of daily life, from coming home to going out the door. Ask the children to name a few ordinary moments in their own day when they could trust God. This shows that blessing is not only for special events.
Deuteronomy 28:47
Because you didn’t serve the LORD your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things…
(WEB)
Point out the words “with joyfulness” and “gladness of heart.” Explain that God wants his people to love him and serve him happily, not just because they have to. Help the children see that obeying God works best when it comes from a happy heart.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can listen well to God this week?
- Why do you think God wanted his people to remember that he had rescued them?
- How do you feel when a parent or teacher gives you instructions that are meant to help you?
- What are some good things that happen when we obey God’s words?
- Who is someone you can ask to help you listen to God better?
Activity Ideas
Blessing Basket Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a basket and fill it with things that represent God’s blessings, such as a house, a tree, a friend, or a meal. Let them share one item from their basket with the group. This helps children picture the many ways God takes care of his people.
Listen and Move Game
Ask the children to stand in a open space. Call out simple instructions like “touch your head” or “hop twice,” and have them follow carefully. Mix in a few silly commands to make them pay attention. End by saying that listening to a good leader helps us stay safe and happy, just as listening to God does.
Blessing Card for Home
Give each child an index card and a marker. Have them write or draw one way they will listen to God at home this week. Encourage them to place the card somewhere they will see it, like on the fridge or by their bed. Parents can ask about the card during the week to keep the lesson going.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s blessings and his commands belong together. Moses reminded Israel that obedience was a response to God’s faithfulness, not a way to earn his love. The chapter also shows that God takes sin seriously, and his warnings are meant to turn his people back to him.
With children, avoid making the curses the main focus of the lesson. Avoid suggesting that every hard thing in life is a punishment for disobedience, because that is not what the chapter teaches. Keep the emphasis on God’s goodness and his desire for his people to trust him.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you for loving us and for giving us your good words. Help us to listen carefully to you and to follow your ways with joy. Bless our homes, our friends, and our days as we trust you. Amen.
