In this lesson, children learn that God cares about every detail of the work His people do for Him, and that even small gifts matter when they are given to Him. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God notices careful work, and He wants us to give Him our very best, whether we are big or small.
Memory Verse
Exodus 38:22
Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms out like they are holding a big box. Then have them slowly lift the box higher and say the words together, showing that every piece of work was done carefully and completely.
The Story: Exodus 38 for Kids
God’s people were traveling through the desert, and they were building a special tent called the tabernacle. It was a place where they could meet with God. Everyone had a job to do, and every job was important. The tent had many parts, and each part had to be made just right.
A man named Bezalel was the leader of the workers. God had chosen him and given him wisdom to do the hard work. Bezalel had a helper named Oholiab, who was good at carving wood and sewing beautiful cloth. Together they made everything God had asked them to make.
One of the first things they built was a large altar, a place where offerings would be burned. They covered the wood with shiny brass, and they made special tools to go with it. The workers made pots, shovels, basins, and forks, all carefully shaped and polished.
Next, they made a fence of linen cloth around the whole courtyard. The cloth was strong and white, and it was held up by tall posts with silver hooks. Some of the metal for the posts came from mirrors that the women had given for the work. Those women gave what they had, and God used it.
When the work was finished, the people counted all the gold, silver, and brass that had been used. Nothing was wasted, and every amount was written down carefully. Moses and the people could see that the job had been done well, just as God had said.
The people of Israel had given freely, and God was pleased with their hearts. Their work showed that they loved Him and trusted Him to lead them.
Read It Together
Exodus 38:1-2
1 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its width was five cubits, and its height was three cubits. 2 He made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with brass.
(WEB)
Point out that the altar was built with care, with each side measured and each corner shaped. Ask children what it might feel like to build something that God would use for His special work.
Exodus 38:8
He made the basin of brass, and its base of brass, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.
(WEB)
Show children that the women gave their mirrors to help make the basin. Explain that even a small thing we own can become part of something important when we offer it to God.
Exodus 38:22-23
22 Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses. 23 With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.
(WEB)
Point out how God chose Bezalel and Oholiab and gave them special skills. Tell children that God gives each of us gifts too, and we can use them to help others and honor Him.
Talk About It
- What is something you have made with your own hands that you were proud of?
- Why do you think God cared so much about how the tent was built?
- What did the women do when they gave their mirrors, and how do you think they felt?
- What special skill or gift has God given you that you could use to help someone?
- How can you show God that you want to give Him your very best this week?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Tabernacle Fence
You will need construction paper, scissors, tape, glue, and a few paper towel tubes or cardboard strips. Have children cut white or light-colored paper into long strips to be the linen fence. Tape the strips between upright tubes to make a small courtyard. Talk about how each piece was placed carefully, just as the workers did.
Carry the Altar Game
You will need a small box or bucket, two wooden spoons or dowels, and a clear space in the room. Have two children hold the spoons like poles and place the box between them. They carry the box together across the room without dropping it, while others cheer them on. Explain that the poles were used to carry the altar, and that God’s people worked together to do His work.
Gift of Gifts Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a small piece of tape or a paper clip. Ask each child to draw one thing they are good at and write or draw how they could use it for God this week. Tape or clip the card to a small object like a mirror or a coin, and suggest they keep it in their room as a reminder that God can use anything they offer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that God pays attention to the details of worship and service, and that He values offerings of every size. The workers came from many backgrounds, and God equipped them with skill and wisdom. The careful accounting shows that God’s people were honest and faithful with what they had been given.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only accepts perfect work or that our gifts must be expensive to matter. The chapter is about faithful hearts and willing hands, not about earning God’s love through flawless effort.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given us and for caring about everything we do. Help us to offer You our very best, big or small, and to use what we have to honor You. Show us how to work together and to trust You in all things. Amen.
