In this lesson, children learn that God can use ordinary things and ordinary people to do his work, even when we feel unsure. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us and will help us do the things he asks, even when we feel scared or not good enough.
Memory Verse
Exodus 4:12
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are ready to receive a gift. Then slowly bring them to your chest as you say the words together, reminding the children that God is always close to them.
The Story: Exodus 4 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Moses from a burning bush and asked him to go to the king of Egypt and bring the people of Israel out of slavery. Moses did not feel brave at all. He worried that people would not believe him, so God gave him a special staff that could turn into a snake and back again.
Moses still felt nervous. He told God that he was not good at talking, and he asked God to send someone else. God was not angry in a mean way. God told Moses that he would help him speak and tell him exactly what to say. God also said that Moses’ brother Aaron would go with him to help.
So Moses packed up his wife and sons and set off for Egypt, carrying the special staff in his hand. On the way, something frightening happened, but Moses’ wife Zipporah acted quickly to protect her family. Then Moses met Aaron, and the two brothers went together.
When they gathered the leaders of Israel, Aaron told them everything God had said and did the signs in front of the people. The people believed them. They bowed their heads and worshiped God, because they knew he had seen their hard work and heard their cries.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that Moses told God he was not good at speaking, and God answered that he made our mouths and would help Moses. Ask the children what they feel unsure about and remind them that God knows exactly how he made each of us.
Exodus 4:19-20
19 The LORD said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return into Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.” 20 Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God’s rod in his hand.
(WEB)
Show the children that Moses obeyed God and started the journey back to Egypt with his family. Explain that obeying God sometimes means taking a big step, even when we do not know everything that will happen.
Exodus 4:30-31
30 Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.
(WEB)
Point to the moment the people believed and worshiped. Talk about how God used Aaron and Moses together, showing that God often works through friends and family who help one another.
Talk About It
- What did God ask Moses to hold in his hand, and what did it turn into?
- How do you think Moses felt when God asked him to go and talk to the king?
- What helped Moses feel ready to go, even though he was still nervous?
- Who did God send to help Moses, and why do you think God gave him a helper?
- What is one thing God might be asking you to do that feels a little scary right now?
Activity Ideas
Draw Moses’ Staff
Give each child a sheet of paper and a crayon or marker. Ask them to draw the staff on the ground and then draw it turning into a snake, then back into a staff. Let them color their pictures and write one word about how God helps us when we feel unsure.
Tall and Strong Game
Have the children stand in a circle. Call out “staff” and have them stand tall with arms straight up. Call out “snake” and have them wiggle on the floor. Call out “Aaron helps” and have them hold hands with a partner. Play a few rounds and talk about how God helps us in different ways.
Take-Home Helper Card
Cut a piece of cardstock into a small card for each child. Write “God is with my mouth” on one side and “God will help me” on the other. Ask the children to take the card home and place it where they will see it in the morning, such as on the bathroom mirror or by their bed. Encourage them to read it aloud with their family during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God does not wait for us to feel perfectly ready before he calls us. Moses resisted and made excuses, yet God patiently provided help, his own presence, and a partner in Aaron. The chapter reminds us that God’s call and God’s equipping come together.
Avoid suggesting to children that God promises to make every task easy or that doing what God asks will always feel comfortable. Moses faced danger and opposition on the road to Egypt. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and presence rather than on guaranteed results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being with us when we feel small or scared. Help us trust that you can use us, just like you used Moses. Please give us courage to do what you ask and friends to help us along the way. Amen.
