In this lesson, children learn that God gives people special skills to help with his work, and that he also invites his people to rest on the seventh day. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us gifts and skills, and he wants us to use them for him and to rest with him each week.
Memory Verse
Exodus 31:3
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship…
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together like a bowl, then slowly lift them up high as they say the words. The motion helps them picture God filling a person with good gifts.
The Story: Exodus 31 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel were travelling through the wilderness with Moses as their leader. God wanted them to build a special tent where they could meet with him. This tent is called the Tent of Meeting, and it was going to be full of beautiful things made by skilled hands.
God spoke to Moses and said, “Look, I have chosen a man named Bezalel. I have filled him with my Spirit so that he knows how to do fine work.” Bezalel could work with gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. God also chose a helper named Oholiab, and he gave wisdom to many other people too.
God also gave Moses an important rule for his people. He said, “Keep my Sabbath day. It is a sign that I am the one who makes you holy.” The Sabbath was a day of rest, a day to stop working and remember that God takes care of his people.
God explained that he made the heavens and the earth in six days. On the seventh day he rested. So his people would rest on the seventh day too. This rest was a gift from God, not something to be feared.
When God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him two stone tablets. God had written on them with his own finger. They were a reminder of God’s promise and his rules for his people.
Read It Together
Exodus 31:2-3
2 “Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship…
(WEB)
Point out that God calls Bezalel by name and knows him well. Ask children to notice that God chose him personally, which shows that God knows each of us by name too.
Exodus 31:6
Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you…
(WEB)
Show that God gave wisdom to many people, not only to Bezalel. Explain that every person who works hard for God can ask him for wisdom and skill.
Exodus 31:13
“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
(WEB)
Explain that the Sabbath was a sign between God and his people. Tell children that God wants his people to remember him and to know that he makes them holy.
Talk About It
- What special skill do you think God has given you, and how could you use it to help someone?
- Why do you think God wanted his people to build a special tent to meet with him?
- What helps you remember that God is with you every day?
- How do you feel when you get to rest after a busy week?
- What is one way you can thank God for the gifts he has given you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Gift Box
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and markers. Ask them to draw a box and then draw inside it a skill or talent God has given them, such as drawing, singing, helping, or building. Let them share their picture with the group and say a short thank you prayer for their gift. This helps children see that God gives everyone something useful.
Seven Day Rest Game
Have children walk around the room like they are busy workers for six counts, then stop and sit down quietly on the seventh count. Repeat the pattern a few times and talk about how God rested on the seventh day. This movement game helps children feel the difference between work and rest.
Sabbath Reminder Card
Give each child a small piece of cardboard or card stock, a pencil, and some stickers. Ask them to write Remember the Sabbath on one side and decorate it with a drawing of a sun or a resting bird. Send the card home so the family can keep the reminder on a kitchen table or in a bedroom. It helps families talk about resting with God during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God gives skills and wisdom to people for the good of his whole community. The Tent of Meeting and the Sabbath both point to God’s desire to be close to his people and to make them holy. Adults can see God’s care in the details of his instructions and in his gift of rest.
With children, avoid making the Sabbath rules sound harsh or frightening. The chapter does contain serious warnings, so focus on God’s love and the joy of rest rather than on punishment. Keep the emphasis on God’s faithfulness and generosity.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for the gifts you give us and for the skills you put in our hands. Help us use them to serve you and others. Thank you also for the gift of rest, and help us remember that you are always with us. Amen.
