This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when the people around them are scared or unkind. Children ages 5 to 11 can follow it, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes with a short activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, even when bad leaders make life hard. We can trust God and do what is right, even when we are afraid.
Memory Verse
Exodus 1:17
But the midwives feared God, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall like the midwives, put their hands over their hearts, and then slowly push their hands out in front of them as if they are protecting a baby. Say “God takes care of us” together as they do it.
The Story: Exodus 1 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Jacob moved his family to Egypt. His son Joseph had already helped Egypt and his family, and Jacob’s family grew very big. Their children and grandchildren became a large nation called the Israelites. Many years passed, and Joseph and his brothers all died.
A new king came to power in Egypt, and he did not know about Joseph. He looked at the Israelites and worried. “There are so many of them!” he said. So he made them work very hard, building cities and making bricks. Their lives became sad and heavy, but the Israelites kept growing stronger.
The king then called for two midwives named Shiphrah and Puah. Midwives help mothers when they have babies. The king gave them a terrible order. “If a baby boy is born, you must kill him. But you may let the baby girls live.” The midwives did not want to hurt the babies, so they chose to obey God instead.
When the king asked the midwives why they had let the boys live, they gave him a clever answer. They said the Hebrew mothers were so strong that they had their babies before the midwives could even arrive. The king could not catch them in a lie. God was kind to the midwives, and the people kept growing.
The king was not finished, though. He then ordered all his people to throw every baby boy born to the Israelites into the river. This was a very sad time, but the story shows that God was still watching over His people. The Israelites were in trouble, but God had not forgotten them.
Read It Together
Exodus 1:7
The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.
(WEB)
Point out how the Israelites grew strong and numerous even though they were treated badly. Explain that God was blessing them, even when life felt unfair.
Exodus 1:12
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They were grieved because of the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Show children that the harder the king made things for the Israelites, the more they grew. Help them see that no plan against God’s people can stop what God has promised.
Exodus 1:21
Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.
(WEB)
Point out that God rewarded the midwives for fearing Him and doing what was right. Explain that fearing God means respecting Him and choosing to obey Him above anyone else.
Talk About It
- What did the midwives do when the king told them to hurt the babies?
- How do you think the midwives felt when they had to choose between the king and God?
- Why do you think the Israelites kept growing even when life was hard?
- What is one way you can show that you trust God when you feel scared?
- Who is someone you know who helps keep people safe, like the midwives did?
Activity Ideas
Midwife Handprint Picture
You will need paper, paint or markers, and a few crayons. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and color it in. Inside the handprint, have them draw a small baby, a heart, or a simple cross. Talk about how the midwives used their hands to help babies stay safe.
Protect the Baby Game
You will need a soft toy or a rolled-up towel to act as a baby, plus a few chairs. Divide the children into two teams. One team pretends to be the midwives, and the other team pretends to be the king’s helpers. The midwives must pass the baby along a line of chairs without letting the king’s helpers take it. Celebrate when the baby is kept safe.
Trust God Take-Home Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. Write “God takes care of me” on the front of each card. Let children decorate the card with drawings. Encourage them to take it home and put it somewhere they will see it, such as on the fridge or by their bed, as a reminder to trust God when they feel afraid.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises to Abraham’s descendants keep moving forward even when rulers oppose them. The midwives’ courage points to a deeper truth: fearing God means placing Him above human authority, and God honors that kind of faithfulness. It also reminds us that God’s people can be treated unjustly for a time without being forgotten.
Be careful not to overstate the story to children by suggesting that obeying God always leads to an easy or safe outcome. The midwives were rewarded, but many Israelites suffered greatly in this chapter. Focus on God’s faithfulness and presence rather than promising that good things will always happen right away.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You take care of Your people, even when life is hard and scary. Help us to be brave like the midwives, and to choose what is right even when it is difficult. Thank You for always watching over us and keeping Your promises. Amen.
