This lesson teaches children that God wants our whole hearts, not just our outside actions, and that He is faithful when we turn back to Him. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants all of our heart, so we should turn away from anything that pulls us away from Him and come back to Him.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 14:6
“Therefore tell the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Return, and turn yourselves from your idols! Turn away your faces from all your abominations.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then slowly turn your whole body around, like turning away from something. Do this together while saying “Turn back to God” and children will remember the message.
The Story: Ezekiel 14 for Kids
God spoke to a prophet named Ezekiel, who was a messenger for God. Some of the leaders of Israel came to visit Ezekiel and sat down in front of him. They looked like they wanted to hear from God, but their hearts were not really close to Him.
The leaders had idols in their hearts. An idol is anything people love and trust more than God, like a statue they bow down to. God said, “These men have put their idols in their hearts, and they still want me to answer them. That is not right.”
God told Ezekiel to tell the people, “Turn away from your idols and come back to me. I want all of your heart.” God promised that He would answer people who truly came to Him with an honest heart, and He would not let them stay lost in their sin.
God also reminded the people that even the best and most faithful men, like Noah, Daniel, and Job, could only save themselves by their own goodness. Their goodness could not save their sons and daughters. God is the one who saves, and He wants His people to trust Him.
God said that some of the people would be left in Jerusalem, and they would come out and show the people how they had changed. God said, “You will see their way and their doings, and then you will know that I did not do all these things without a reason.” God was still loving and faithful, even when He had to correct His people.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 14:3
“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face. Should I be inquired of at all by them?
(WEB)
Point out that the men had idols in their hearts while still wanting God’s help. Ask children what kinds of things can take the place of God in our hearts, like toys, games, or wanting to be popular.
Ezekiel 14:14
Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only their own souls by their righteousness,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Explain that Noah, Daniel, and Job were known for being good and faithful. Remind children that being good does not make us our own savior, but God still loves us and helps us.
Ezekiel 14:22-23
22 Yet, behold, there will be left a remnant in it that will be carried out, both sons and daughters. Behold, they will come out to you, and you will see their way and their doings. Then you will be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it. 23 They will comfort you, when you see their way and their doings; then you will know that I have not done all that I have done in it without cause,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Show children that even after hard things happen, God leaves a way for people to come back to Him. Point out the words “you will be comforted” and talk about how God comforts His people.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that might try to take God’s place in our hearts?
- How can we tell when something is more important to us than God?
- What does it mean to turn away from something?
- Why do you think God wants our whole hearts instead of just our words?
- How does it feel to know that God is willing to welcome us back when we turn to Him?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a big heart and write or draw one thing they love in the middle. Then ask them to think about how God should always be at the center of their heart, and help them move that picture or sticker to the middle.
Turn Around Game
Gather the class in an open space. Call out things like “toys” or “friends” and have children stand still, but when you call out “God,” they turn all the way around and face the other direction. Talk briefly about how turning toward God is always the right choice.
Heart Reminder at Home
Give each child a paper heart and a sticky note to take home. Ask them to place the heart on their bedroom door or by their bed, and to say “Turn back to God” each morning before school. This helps the lesson stay with them throughout the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God looks at the heart, not just outward religious actions. Ezekiel warns that people can come to God for help while still holding onto idols, and God makes clear He wants undivided devotion. The chapter also shows that righteousness saves only the one who has it, while God remains merciful and promises a remnant.
When teaching children, avoid implying that they must be perfect before God will accept them. The focus should be on turning toward God with an honest heart, since the passage shows God’s patient and faithful love.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and wanting all of our hearts. Help us to turn away from anything that takes Your place and to come back to You each day. Thank You that You are always ready to welcome us home. Amen.
