This lesson teaches children that God invites every person to give what they can for His work, and that He loves a willing heart. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, a few Bible readings, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God loves it when people give happily and freely, using whatever gifts and talents they have to help build something good for Him.
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if receiving a gift. Then have them bring their hands slowly to their hearts while saying the verse together. Each time they do the motion, they show that their giving starts in the heart.
The Story: Exodus 35 for Kids
God’s people, the children of Israel, were traveling through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. God had given them a special plan for a tent where they could worship Him, called the tabernacle. Moses gathered everyone together and shared God’s instructions with them. He told them to remember that the seventh day was a holy day of rest for the Lord.
Then Moses said, “Take an offering to the Lord from among you. Whoever has a willing heart, let him bring it.” The people could bring gold, silver, bright colored cloth, and wood. Some brought jewelry, rings, and bracelets made of gold. Some women spun thread with their own hands and brought it to be used in the work.
Everyone who wanted to help went back to their tents and gathered what they had. Nobody was forced to give. They brought their gifts gladly, because their hearts wanted to help build a place for God to be with His people.
Moses then told the people that God had chosen a man named Bezalel to lead the work. God had filled him with wisdom and skill to make beautiful things out of gold, silver, stone, and wood. Bezalel was ready to teach others how to help.
Many people had a part to play in this work. Some gave their gold, some gave their hands, and some gave their skills. All of it mattered, because it was offered to the Lord with a happy heart.
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 the words “whose heart stirred him up” and “whom his spirit made willing.” Ask the children to notice that the giving came from inside a person, not from being told what to do.
Exodus 35:22
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to the LORD.
(WEB)
Show how both men and women came to help, and how every kind of gift was welcome. Explain that God values children, grown-ups, and every person who wants to serve Him.
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)
Point to the fact that God gave Bezalel his skills. Remind the children that the talents they have, big or small, are gifts from God that they can use to help others.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you could bring to God if your heart was ready to give it?
- Why do you think God cared about people giving with a willing heart?
- How did the people in the story show that they were happy to help?
- What talents or skills has God given you that you could use to help your church or family?
- What makes it hard to give something to someone, and how can we ask God to help us?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Tent Mosaic
You will need a large sheet of construction paper, glue sticks, and scraps of colored paper, fabric, or yarn. Draw a simple tent shape on the paper. Let each child glue on a piece of “gift” material in a color they choose, reminding them that every piece adds to the whole tent. Hang the finished pictures where the class can see them.
Hands Full of Gifts Game
You will need a few small objects such as a button, a crayon, or a sock. Have the children stand in a circle and pass the objects around while singing a simple song. When the music stops, the child holding an object says one thing they could give to God. Keep it lively and let each child take a turn.
Take-Home Heart Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a heart on one side of the card and write or draw one gift they would like to offer to God this week. Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see each day, such as on the refrigerator or bedside table.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God invites His people to participate in His work with generosity and skill. The offerings in Exodus 35 were not a tax or a demand but a free response from hearts moved by gratitude and devotion. It also shows that God gives different gifts to different people, and that every gift is needed to accomplish His purposes.
With children, avoid suggesting that God only values giving money or possessions. The point is the willing heart and the use of whatever God has provided, whether that is time, kindness, creativity, or money. Keep the focus on joyful participation rather than pressure to give.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for loving us and giving us gifts to use. Help us give with happy hearts, just like the people in the story. Show us the talents You have given us, and help us use them to serve You and others. We love You, Lord. Amen.
