In this lesson, children learn that God sees His people, hears their cries, and keeps His promises, even when the job seems too big. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God sees us, hears us, and always keeps His promises. When we feel small, He is still with us and He can use us to help others.
Memory Verse
Exodus 3:12
He said, “Certainly I will be with you. This will be the token to you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands near their ears like they are listening hard, then point up to the sky on the word “with.” Say the verse together three times, and let each child make a big, slow pointing motion on every line.
The Story: Exodus 3 for Kids
Moses was a shepherd. He took care of his father-in-law’s sheep out in the wide, quiet wilderness, far from the busy cities. One day he walked all the way to a mountain called Horeb, which is also called God’s mountain. There he saw something strange. A bush was on fire, but the fire did not burn it up. The leaves stayed green and the branches stayed whole.
Moses said, “I will go closer and see this great sight.” When he came near, God called to him from inside the bush. “Moses! Moses!” Moses answered, “Here I am.” God told him to take off his sandals, because the ground where he stood was holy. Then God said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses was so afraid that he covered his face. He did not want to look at God.
God said, “I have seen how my people are suffering in Egypt. I have heard their cries, and I know how much they hurt.” God had a plan. He would bring His people out of Egypt and lead them to a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey. God was not far away. He was watching and listening.
Then God said, “Come now, Moses. I will send you to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so you can bring my people out.” Moses felt small. He asked, “Who am I, that I should do this?” God answered, “I will be with you.” God promised to be right there with Moses the whole way. Moses did not have to be strong on his own.
Moses asked God what His name was, so he could tell the people who had sent him. God said, “I AM WHO I AM.” He said, “Tell them I AM has sent you.” God was telling Moses that He is always present and always faithful. God also told Moses that the king would not let the people go easily, but God would act with His mighty power, and the people would leave Egypt with good gifts from their neighbors.
Read It Together
Exodus 3:7-8
7 The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey; to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
(WEB)
Point out that God says He has seen and heard His people. Ask children to show with their faces what it looks like to be sad, then what it looks like when someone helps.
Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and he said, “You shall tell the children of Israel this: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
(WEB)
Explain that God’s name shows He is always there and never changes. Have children say “I AM” together in a strong, clear voice, and then talk about how God is with us every day.
Talk About It
- What did Moses see when he went closer to the bush, and why do you think he wanted to look?
- How did God show that He had seen and heard His people who were suffering?
- Why do you think Moses felt too small to do the job God gave him?
- What did God promise Moses when he said he could not do it alone?
- When have you felt small or scared, and what could you remember about God being with you?
Activity Ideas
Burning Bush Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, orange and yellow tissue paper, and glue. Have each child draw a bush with green leaves and brown branches. Then glue small squares of orange and yellow tissue paper on the branches to look like flames, with the green leaves still showing. Talk about how the fire did not burn the bush, and how God was in the middle of it.
Holy Ground Freeze Game
Mark a small square on the floor with masking tape or a folded towel and call it “holy ground.” Play music while children move around the room. When the music stops, they freeze, and anyone who steps onto holy ground must stop and say “God is here.” Keep it short and gentle so children remember that holy ground is a place of respect.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a marker. Have children write or draw “God is with me” on one side and “I AM” on the other. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket, backpack, or by their bed. Ask them to read it aloud before school or bedtime for a week and tell you one time they remembered God was with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God is not distant from the suffering of His people. He sees, hears, and acts, and He calls ordinary people like Moses to take part in His work. The name “I AM” reveals God’s eternal, faithful presence, and Moses’ hesitation shows that God’s call comes with God’s own presence rather than human confidence.
Avoid suggesting to children that obeying God will always be easy or that they will never feel afraid. Moses was afraid and asked hard questions, and God still met him there. Be careful not to imply that a child will get whatever they ask for, because the passage is about God’s faithfulness, not a guarantee of outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for seeing us and hearing us when we feel small or scared. Help us remember that You are with us, just as You were with Moses. Give us courage to do what You ask, and help us trust that You are always faithful. Amen.
