This lesson teaches children that God takes care of His people every day, even when they are hungry and worried, and that He gives us enough for each day. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of us every day, so we can trust Him to give us what we need, one day at a time.
Memory Verse
Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands together as if holding something small, then lift them up toward the ceiling as they say the verse. Ask them to lift their hands every time they hear the word “bread” in class.
The Story: Exodus 16 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, had left Egypt a while before. They were walking through a big, dry wilderness, far from any towns or farms. Their food was running out, and they were scared. Some of them even said they wished they were back in Egypt, where they at least had bread to eat.
The people complained to Moses and Aaron, their leaders. They were hungry and tired, and they did not know what would happen next. But God had heard every word they said. He loved them and was ready to help them.
God told Moses, “I will rain bread from the sky for you.” Each morning, when the dew dried up, there was a small, round, flaky food lying on the ground, white and sweet like honey wafers. The people had never seen anything like it. They asked each other, “What is it?” Moses told them, “This is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.”
God gave a simple rule. Each person could gather only as much as they needed for that day. Some people tried to save extra for the next day, but it spoiled and grew worms. On the sixth day, God told them to gather twice as much, so they could rest on the seventh day. On that day there was no bread on the ground, because God wanted His people to rest and trust Him.
God’s people ate this bread every day for forty years, until they reached a land where they could grow their own food. God took care of them the whole way, and He never forgot them.
Read It Together
Exodus 16:14-15
14 When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. 15 When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.”
(WEB)
Point out that the bread was small and round and appeared on the ground after the dew was gone. Ask the children to notice that the people did not know what it was, and that God still gave it to them. Explain that God often gives us good things we did not expect.
Exodus 16:18
When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They gathered every man according to his eating.
(WEB)
Show the children that everyone gathered a different amount, but everyone had enough. Explain that God is fair and makes sure that no one goes without what they need. Use a small pile of blocks or pennies to show how the amounts can be different but still enough.
Exodus 16:29
Behold, because the LORD has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.”
(WEB)
Point to the Sabbath rest as a gift from God, not a punishment. God gave the people extra bread on the sixth day so they could stop and rest on the seventh. Help children see that God knows we need rest, and He cares about that too.
Talk About It
- How do you think the Israelites felt when they were hungry in the wilderness?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel worried about having enough?
- Why do you think God gave the people just enough bread for each day?
- How does God take care of you each day, even in small ways?
- What is something good that God has given you that you did not ask for?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Manna Art
You will need a paper plate, white paint or white crayon, cotton balls or small white beads, and glue. Have each child glue small white dots across the plate to show the bread lying on the ground in the morning. Add a few drops of yellow paint to show the honey-like taste. Talk about how God gave the people food every morning.
Gather Just Enough Game
You will need a bowl of small candies or dried beans and a few empty cups. Set a timer for one minute. Let children gather as many beans as they can for the group, but tell them to take only what they need for today. Afterwards, discuss how some people had more and some had less, but everyone had enough. End by sharing the extra beans so everyone has the same amount.
Daily Bread Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small envelope. Have each child write or draw one thing God gives them each day, such as food, family, or sunshine. Place the card in the envelope to take home. Encourage them to read it each morning when they wake up and thank God for providing for them that day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God hears the complaints of His people and still meets their needs with patience and generosity. The manna was a daily reminder that we must depend on God rather than trying to store up our own security. The Sabbath rest shows that God cares for both our bodies and our souls.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God will always give us exactly what we want or that hunger is a sign of weak faith. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and care rather than promises about specific outcomes. Let children know that it is okay to feel worried, and that God still takes care of us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us every day. When we feel worried or hungry, help us remember that You hear us and You provide for us. Help us trust You one day at a time, and thank You for the gifts we have each morning. Amen.
