In this lesson, children learn that God promises to give His people a new heart that wants to follow Him. This lesson works for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God can change our hearts. When we ask Him, He gives us a soft heart that wants to do what is right and love Him.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 11:19
I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh…
(WEB)
Have the children place one hand over their heart and slowly turn it palm up, as if receiving a gift. Say the verse together while they do the motion, then repeat it twice more.
The Story: Ezekiel 11 for Kids
God’s prophet Ezekiel was taken far away from his home in Jerusalem. He was living with his people among the people of Babylon. But God’s Spirit lifted Ezekiel up and carried him back to the temple in Jerusalem, to the east gate.
At the gate, Ezekiel saw twenty-five men. Two of them were leaders named Jaazaniah and Pelatiah. These leaders were giving bad advice to the people. They said that the city was like a pot, and the people inside were like meat that would be safe from danger. They did not think God would punish them.
God told Ezekiel to speak to these men. The people had filled the city with wrong and violence, and they had stopped obeying God’s commands. God said that the sword they feared would come upon them. He would bring them out of the city and judge them, so they would know that He is the Lord.
While Ezekiel was speaking, Pelatiah fell down and died. Ezekiel was very sad and asked God if He would finish off the people who were left. God answered him with good news. He said that even though the people had been scattered far away, He would still be their sanctuary, a safe place for them.
God made a promise. He would gather His people back to their land. He would take away their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh, soft hearts that could feel and love. They would walk in His ways, and He would be their God. The people who kept their hearts turned away from God would have to face what they had chosen.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 11:14-16
14 The LORD’s word came to me, saying, 15 “Son of man, your brothers, even your brothers, the men of your relatives, and all the house of Israel, all of them, are they to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Go far away from the LORD. This land has been given to us for a possession.’” 16 “Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet I will be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they have come.”’
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to Ezekiel directly, even when the people were far away. Remind children that God still hears them wherever they are and never stops caring for them.
Ezekiel 11:17
“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”
(WEB)
Show children that God does not give up on His people. He promises to gather them back and bring them home, which shows how faithful He is.
Ezekiel 11:20
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
(WEB)
Explain that God wants His people to walk in His ways and keep His commands. Ask children how they can show that they belong to God in their everyday choices.
Talk About It
- What did God promise to give His people in place of their stony hearts?
- Why do you think the leaders were giving the people bad advice?
- How does it feel to know that God can make our hearts soft and kind?
- What is one choice you can make this week to follow God’s ways?
- How can we help our friends who may feel far away from God?
Activity Ideas
Paper Heart Craft
You will need red or pink paper, scissors, crayons, and glue. Have each child trace and cut out a large heart, then write one thing God helps them do with a soft heart, like sharing or being kind. Hang the hearts on a wall or fridge as a reminder of God’s promise.
Stone and Soft Game
Gather a few small rocks and a soft cloth or sponge. Have children stand in a line and pass the rock down the line while the teacher says “stone heart.” When the teacher says “soft heart,” they pass the sponge instead and gently squeeze it. Talk about how God changes us from hard to soft.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to draw a heart on one side and write “God gives me a new heart” on the other. Encourage them to read the card with their family at dinner or bedtime this week, and to share one way they felt God helping them be kind.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s judgment and His mercy go together. He confronts sin plainly, but He also promises to gather His scattered people, cleanse their hearts, and be their God. The promise of a new heart points forward to the inner change God works by His Spirit, which is a central theme of the whole Bible.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will punish every bad action in a direct, immediate way, or that they must earn a new heart by their own effort. Keep the focus on God’s faithful promise to change hearts, and speak of His grace as a gift He offers, not a reward children must win.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for promising to give us new hearts that are soft and kind. Help us to listen to You and walk in Your ways every day. Thank You that You never leave us and always bring us home to You. Amen.
