In this lesson, children learn that God helps us do hard things, even when we feel unsure of ourselves. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God can use us even when we feel scared or not good enough. He promises to be with us and to help us know what to say and do.
Memory Verse
Exodus 4:12
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”
(WEB)
Put both hands on your mouth, then open them out wide like a book. Say the words slowly together while you do the motion, and repeat it three times so the children can feel the rhythm of the promise.
The Story: Exodus 4 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Moses from a bush that was on fire. God told Moses that he was going to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. Moses felt nervous and asked God, “What if the people do not believe me?” God wanted Moses to know that He was with him.
God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” Moses said, “A stick.” God told him to throw it on the ground, and it became a snake! Moses ran away from it. Then God told him to pick it up by the tail, and it turned back into a stick. God gave Moses this sign so the people would know that God had really sent him.
God showed Moses another sign. He told Moses to put his hand inside his cloak. When Moses took it out, his hand had turned white with a skin problem. God told him to do it again, and his hand was healed and looked normal. God was showing Moses that He had power over everything.
Moses still felt unsure. He said to God, “Please, I am not good with words. I speak slowly.” God answered, “Who made your mouth? I am the one who helps people speak. Now go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what to say.” Moses still asked God to send someone else.
God did not get angry at Moses for being scared, but He did let Moses know that his brother Aaron would go with him. Aaron could speak well. Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and asked to leave. Jethro told him, “Go in peace.” Moses took his wife and sons and went back to Egypt, carrying the stick that God had given him.
Read It Together
Exodus 4:2-4
2 The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” 3 He said, “Throw it on the ground.” He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it. 4 The LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand, and take it by the tail.” He stretched out his hand, and took hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand.
(WEB)
Point out how God used something very ordinary, a plain stick, to do something amazing. Ask the children what ordinary things they have in their hands that God could use.
Exodus 4:10-12
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” 11 The LORD said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Moses told God that he was not good at talking, and God answered that He would help him. Explain that God made every person, including the ones who feel shy or nervous.
Exodus 4:14-16
14 The LORD’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 16 He will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Moses a helper, his brother Aaron, to work alongside him. Remind the children that God often gives us friends and family to help us do hard things.
Talk About It
- What do you think Moses felt when God asked him to go back to Egypt?
- What is something you feel scared to do, and how could God help you with it?
- Why do you think God used a stick to show His power to Moses?
- How did God answer Moses when Moses said he was not good with words?
- Who is a helper in your life, like Aaron was for Moses?
Activity Ideas
Stick Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few craft sticks or pencils. Have each child draw a picture of something they feel God could help them with, then glue or tape it to a craft stick. Let them hold their stick while they tell you what they drew and how God can help.
Snake and Stick Game
Have the children stand in a circle. Call out “snake” and they wiggle like a snake on the floor. Call out “stick” and they stand up tall and straight. Mix the words quickly, and when you say “God is with you,” everyone raises both hands high. This helps children connect the story’s actions with the idea that God is always near.
Take-Home Helper Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one person who helps them, like a parent, teacher, or friend. Have them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it during the week. Encourage them to thank that person and to remember that God gives us helpers too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God calls people who feel unready or unable, and He does not require them to be perfect before He acts. Moses offers several reasons why he is not the right person, and God answers each one with His own power and presence. The chapter also reminds us that God provides support through other people, such as Aaron.
Avoid suggesting to children that God always removes fear or that doing God’s work will always feel easy. Moses still had to face Pharaoh and many difficulties ahead, and the story does not promise a smooth path. Focus on God’s faithful presence rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being with us when we feel scared or unsure. Help us remember that You can use us, even with our small voices and ordinary things. Give us courage to try the things You ask of us. Amen.
