This lesson teaches children that God invites His people to bring their gifts to Him with a willing heart, and that He wants to live with them. It suits children about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God asks His people to bring Him gifts from willing hearts, because He wants to dwell with them. Anything given to God can be used to show His love and His presence.
Memory Verse
Exodus 25:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you shall take my offering.
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if carrying a gift. Then bring their hands to their hearts and say the verse together, moving the hands slowly as they speak. The motion helps them link the words to giving from the heart.
The Story: Exodus 25 for Kids
God spoke to Moses on a mountain. The Israelites had left Egypt, and they were traveling through the wilderness with Moses as their leader. God wanted them to build a special place where He could live among them, a holy tent called the tabernacle.
God told Moses to ask the people for gifts. He said, “Ask the people to bring me an offering, and let each person give from a willing heart.” The people brought gold, silver, and bronze. They brought beautiful blue, purple, and red cloth, along with fine linen, goats’ hair, and wood that would last a long time.
God gave Moses a plan for everything. Moses had to make a chest called the ark, and it was covered with pure gold inside and out. On top of the ark was a golden cover, and two golden angels called cherubim stood at each end, facing one another. God said, “There I will meet with you.” This was the place where God would speak to His people.
Next, God described a table covered in gold, with dishes, spoons, and bowls. A golden lampstand with seven lamps was also to be made, shaped like flowers and buds. Each piece had to match the pattern God had shown Moses on the mountain. Nothing was to be made in a way God had not planned.
The people had a job to do, and they could do it together. Each gift, big or small, helped build a home where God would be near. The story shows that God cares about every part of His people’s worship.
Read It Together
Exodus 25:8
Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s reason for the whole project was to live among His people. Ask the children what it means that God wanted to be close to them, and let them name ways they feel God near.
Exodus 25:22
There I will meet with you, and I will tell you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the testimony, all that I command you for the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Show the children that God said He would meet with Moses from above the mercy seat. Explain that this was a special meeting place, and that God is always ready to hear His people.
Exodus 25:40
See that you make them after their pattern, which has been shown to you on the mountain.
(WEB)
Help the children see that God gave careful instructions and expected the people to follow them. Talk about how God’s plans are good, and how trusting Him means doing things His way.
Talk About It
- What did God ask the people to bring, and why do you think He wanted their gifts?
- What is something you could give to God or to someone else with a happy heart?
- Why do you think God wanted a special tent where He could live with His people?
- What did the cherubim and the mercy seat remind the people about God?
- How can you let God be close to you during your day?
Activity Ideas
Gold Treasure Box Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw the ark of the covenant or the golden lampstand, and to color it with gold or yellow. Talk about how each part was made with care and planned by God. Let the children share their pictures with the group.
Carry the Offering Relay
You will need a small box or bowl and a few household items such as cups, spoons, and a small toy. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass the items down a line, carrying each one carefully. Explain that the people carried the holy things with great care in the wilderness. Finish by praising the team that moved the items most carefully.
Gift from the Heart Card
You will need a sheet of paper, scissors, glue, and colored pencils. Have each child fold the paper in half and draw a heart on the front. Inside, the child writes or draws one thing they want to give to God or to someone else this week. Encourage them to place the card where they will see it each day as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God takes worship seriously and that He wants His people to bring their best from willing hearts. The detailed instructions reveal that God is holy and that He is worthy of careful obedience. At the same time, the chapter points forward to God’s desire to dwell with His people, a truth fulfilled in Christ.
Avoid suggesting to children that God needs gold or fancy things to be pleased. Make clear that the important part is the willing heart, and that God’s presence matters far more than the beauty of the furniture.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for wanting to live with us. Help us give to You and to others with willing and happy hearts. Teach us to trust Your plans and to follow Your ways each day. We love that You are always near. Amen.
