This lesson teaches children that God sees pride in every heart and that the proud will not stand forever, but God is always the true King. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story and one activity.
Big Idea
Being proud and thinking we are better than God is dangerous. Only God is truly great, and He is the one who should be honored.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up high like a proud king, then slowly bring them down low as they say the words “pride comes before a fall.” Repeat it together, making the hands go up and down each time.
The Story: Ezekiel 28 for Kids
Long ago, God gave a message to His prophet Ezekiel. God told Ezekiel to speak to the prince of a rich city called Tyre. This city was a busy port by the sea, and many ships came in and out with gold, silver, and beautiful things to sell.
The prince of Tyre had become very proud. He had gotten rich through his own trading and clever ideas, and he began to believe he was like a god. He even said, “I sit in the seat of God.” God said to Ezekiel, “He is only a man, not God, and he will not live forever.”
God told Ezekiel to sing a sad song about the king of Tyre too. Long ago, this king had been full of wisdom and beauty, and he lived in a wonderful garden. But his heart grew proud and he started doing wrong things. God said, “I have to remove you from My holy mountain because of your pride.”
God said that the proud city would be brought low. Strangers would come with swords, and the city would be left in ashes. People who once admired the city would be shocked, and the city would be gone forever. God did this because He is holy and He will not let pride stay forever.
Then God sent another message to a nearby city called Sidon. God said, “I am against you too.” But God also said something happy for His people. He promised that one day He would gather His people, Israel, back to their own land, and they would live there safely. God would be their God, and they would know that He is the LORD.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the middle of the seas;’ yet you are man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God—
(WEB)
Point out the words “your heart is lifted up” and “I am a god.” Explain to the children that this is what pride sounds like: thinking we are the ones in charge instead of God. Ask them when they have ever felt like they were better than someone else.
Ezekiel 28:13-14
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. They were prepared in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub who covers. Then I set you up on the holy mountain of God. You have walked up and down in the middle of the stones of fire.
(WEB)
Show the children how God made the king of Tyre beautiful and gave him a special place. Explain that God gives good gifts to people, and that every good gift comes from Him. We should thank God instead of taking credit for ourselves.
Ezekiel 28:25-26
25 “‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob. 26 They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who scorn them all around. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”’”
(WEB)
Point out that God keeps His promises to bring His people home and keep them safe. Remind the children that God is faithful even when people around them are not. This verse shows that God’s plans for His people are good.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means to be proud, and how might it show up at school or at home?
- Why do you think God did not want the king of Tyre to take credit for his riches?
- How can you remember that God is the one who gives us our talents and gifts?
- What is one way you can show God that you trust Him instead of trusting yourself?
- How does it make you feel to know that God keeps His promises to bring His people home?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a crown on paper and cut it out. On the inside of the crown, have them write or draw one thing God has given them, like a family member, a skill, or a favorite food. Tape the crown on their head or on the wall to remind them that everything good comes from God.
Mountain Stomp Game
Clear a space in the room and tell the children they are standing on a high mountain. Let them stand tall and say, “I am so proud!” Then call out, “God brings the proud low!” and have them slowly crouch down to the floor. Repeat a few times, and let them practice standing tall and then humbly bending down.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need a jar, paper strips, and a pen. Give each child some paper strips and ask them to write one thing they are thankful to God for. Place the strips in the jar and have the family read them together at dinner. This helps children practice humility and thanks instead of pride.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that pride is a serious problem before God. Adults can see that the king of Tyre trusted his wealth and wisdom instead of the Lord, and God called it out. The passage also shows that God is holy and will judge sin, but He still keeps His promise to gather and bless His people.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the mythical details about the garden or the stones of fire, since the text uses poetic and symbolic language. Keep the focus on the simple truth that pride is dangerous and God alone deserves honor.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for being the great King over all things. Help us to be humble and to remember that every good gift comes from You. Keep our hearts soft and our hands open to serve You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
