This lesson teaches children that God invites every person to bring what they have to help build something good for Him, and that giving from a willing heart matters. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves it when we give happily and willingly, and He can use every gift we bring, big or small.
Memory Verse
Exodus 35:5
‘Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, the LORD’s offering: gold, silver, brass…
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together in front of their chests, as if carrying a gift. On the word “offering,” lift the cupped hands up toward heaven, then open them slowly. Say the verse together three times, lifting and opening your hands each time.
The Story: Exodus 35 for Kids
The Israelites had been traveling in the wilderness for a long time. God had given them many instructions, and Moses gathered all the people together to share them. God wanted His people to build a special tent called the tabernacle, a place where they could worship Him and feel close to Him. It was a very important job.
Moses told the people that God wanted an offering. An offering is a gift brought to God. He said that anyone whose heart was willing could bring one. The gifts were things like gold, silver, bronze, colorful cloth, animal skins, and wood. Some people also brought special stones and oil for the lamps.
So the people went home and came back with their gifts. Men and women both came, and everyone who wanted to help brought something. Some women spun thread with their own hands, and they brought the blue, purple, and red yarn they had made. Even the leaders brought precious stones. The people gave so much that God’s work had plenty of what it needed.
Then Moses said that God had chosen a man named Bezalel to lead the building. God had filled Bezalel with His Spirit, giving him wisdom and skill to make beautiful things out of gold, silver, and wood. God also chose a helper named Oholiab. Together they would teach others how to do the work, so everyone could help build the tent.
Read It Together
Exodus 35:21
They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought the LORD’s offering, for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments.
(WEB)
Point out that the people came because their hearts moved them to give. Ask children what it might feel like to bring a gift to someone you love, and why God wants our hearts to be ready to give.
Exodus 35:25-26
25 All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen. 26 All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats’ hair.
(WEB)
Show children that the women used the skills God had given them, spinning thread with their own hands. Remind them that everyone has something they are good at that can help others.
Exodus 35:30-31
30 Moses said to the children of Israel, “Behold, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship…
(WEB)
Explain that God chose Bezalel and filled him with wisdom and skill. Point out that God gives different abilities to different people, and that each ability is a gift from Him.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you have that you could share with someone who needs it?
- How do you think the people felt when they brought their gifts to God?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to give from a willing heart instead of being forced?
- What special skill or talent has God given you, and how could you use it to help others?
- What did the women do to help build the tent, and how can you help at home or church?
Activity Ideas
Build a Tabernacle Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw or cut out one item from the story, such as a lamp, a piece of cloth, or a stone. Glue them together on a large sheet of paper to make a picture of the tent. Talk about how each piece was a gift from a different person.
Hand-to-Heart Gift Game
Gather a small object like a pebble or a button. Sit the children in a circle and pass the object around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding it says one thing they could give to God or someone else. Keep the game moving and let everyone take a turn.
Gift Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, a marker, and a few coins or small treats. Decorate the jar together and label it “Willing Hearts.” Each day for a week, have the child drop in a coin or write a kind act they did on a slip of paper. At the end of the week, talk about how God used their gifts and how they felt when they gave.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God values every willing gift, and that He equips people with the skills needed for His work. The tabernacle was built through the combined generosity and talents of the whole community, not just a few leaders. It reminds us that God involves ordinary people in His purposes.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God only cares about the size of a gift or that giving earns His love. The story is about willing hearts and God’s generosity to His people, not a formula for getting blessings. Keep the focus on joyful, thankful giving.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given us. Help us to give from willing hearts, just like Your people did long ago. Show us how to use what You have given us to help others and to honor You. Thank You for loving us and wanting us to be part of Your work. Amen.
