This lesson teaches children that God chose Aaron and his sons to serve Him as priests and gave them special clothes to show that their work was holy. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made special clothes for the priests so everyone could see that they belonged to Him and had an important job to do for Him.
Memory Verse
Exodus 28:2
You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall with their hands at their sides, then gently touch their chest as if putting on a special coat. Say the verse together as they do the motion, and repeat it until they can say it with you.
The Story: Exodus 28 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel were travelling through the desert with Moses as their leader. God told Moses to bring his brother Aaron and Aaron’s four sons near to Him. God chose them to be priests, which means they would serve God in a special way on behalf of the whole nation.
God gave Moses instructions for the clothes the priests would wear. There was a robe, a coat, a turban, a sash, and a special vest called the ephod. Everything was made from gold, blue, purple, and red thread, along with fine linen. These clothes were beautiful because God wanted His priests to look special.
The vest had two shining onyx stones on its shoulders. Each stone was carved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel. Aaron would carry the names of all the people on his shoulders when he served God. Aaron also wore a breastplate with twelve jewels on it, one for each tribe, so the people were always close to his heart.
On the front of the turban was a gold plate with the words “HOLY TO YAHWEH” written on it. God said Aaron would wear this plate so the people would be accepted before the Lord. Little gold bells were sewn onto the bottom of the robe, and their ringing showed that Aaron was coming and going safely before God.
God told Moses that these clothes were meant to honor Him and to help the priests do their work well. The priests were to be dressed carefully, because they were serving the Lord.
Read It Together
Exodus 28:9-10
9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel: 10 six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth.
(WEB)
Point out that the names of the tribes were carved on the stones, so each of the twelve families was remembered. Ask children to say their own family name and explain that God knows and remembers each person.
Exodus 28:29
Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
(WEB)
Show children how Aaron carried the people’s names over his heart. Explain that this picture reminds us that God cares deeply about every person and keeps them close to His heart.
Exodus 28:36
“You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO YAHWEH.’
(WEB)
Point to the words “HOLY TO YAHWEH” and explain that holy means set apart for God. Help children understand that they belong to God too, and that He is good and special.
Talk About It
- What do you think it would feel like to wear a beautiful gold and blue robe to church?
- Why do you think God wanted the priests to look special when they served Him?
- How did Aaron keep the names of the people close to him when he served God?
- What words would you want written on a plate to show that you belong to God?
- How can we show God that we want to serve Him in our everyday lives?
Activity Ideas
Paper Breastplate Craft
Give each child a paper plate, colored pencils or crayons, and a few stickers or small paper gems. Ask them to draw twelve small squares on the plate and write or draw a family member’s name in each one. Let them decorate the plate, then talk about how Aaron carried the names of the tribes on his heart.
Priest Walk Game
Gather a few bells, such as small jingle bells or a bell from the kitchen, and a sash or scarf. Have one child wear the sash and walk slowly around the room while the others listen for the bell. Explain that the bells showed the people that Aaron was safe as he served God.
Take-Home Name Cards
Provide cardstock, scissors, and glitter glue. Have each child write “HOLY TO GOD” or “I BELONG TO GOD” on a card and decorate it. Encourage them to place the card on a bedroom shelf or the fridge as a reminder that God knows and loves them every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cared about the details of worship and the role of the priesthood in Israel. The clothing was meant to set the priests apart and to display the names of the people before God, pointing forward to the way Jesus later serves as our great high priest who carries His people before the Father.
Avoid overstating to children that the clothes themselves made the priests holy. The clothes showed that God had set them apart for service, and the true holiness came from God. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and care for His people.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for remembering each of us and keeping us close to Your heart. Help us to serve You with joy and to know that we belong to You. Thank You for loving us every day. Amen.
