In this lesson, children learn that God gave the prophet Ezekiel a special job: to take God’s words to people, even when those people did not want to listen. Children from about 5 to 11 can enjoy this lesson, which takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God’s words are sweet and good, and we can trust him to help us speak and do what is right, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 3:10
Moreover he said to me, “Son of man, receive in your heart and hear with your ears all my words that I speak to you.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then cup your ears with your hands. Say the verse slowly as you do the actions, so children remember that God’s words go into the heart and the ears together.
The Story: Ezekiel 3 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and called him “son of man.” God told Ezekiel to eat a scroll that had writing on it. Ezekiel opened his mouth, and God gave him the scroll to eat. It tasted as sweet as honey in his mouth.
Then God sent Ezekiel to the people of Israel. God said, “Go and speak my words to them.” The people of Israel were stubborn and would not listen. God said that Ezekiel did not have to fear them, even though they were rebellious. God made Ezekiel’s forehead as hard as a diamond, so he would stay strong.
The Spirit of God lifted Ezekiel up and took him to the people who were living far from home, by a river. Ezekiel sat with them for seven days and felt very troubled. God had a word for him at the end of those days.
God said, “I have made you a watchman. Warn the people when they are doing wrong. If you warn them and they do not turn back, they are responsible for their own choices, but you have done your job.” God wanted Ezekiel to be faithful, even when people did not want to hear.
God then told Ezekiel to go out into the plain, and there Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord. He fell on his face. God told him to go home and shut himself inside, because God would make his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth for a time. God would open his mouth when it was time to speak.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 3:1-3
1 He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat the scroll. 3 He said to me, “Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this scroll that I give you.” Then I ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Ezekiel a scroll and asked him to eat it. Explain that the words of God were so good to Ezekiel that they tasted sweet, which shows that God’s words can bring joy to those who receive them.
Ezekiel 3:17-19
17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the word from my mouth, and warn them from me. 18 When I tell the wicked, ‘You will surely die;’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man will die in his iniquity; but I will require his blood at your hand. 19 Yet if you warn the wicked, and he doesn’t turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.”
(WEB)
Show children that God made Ezekiel a watchman who would warn people. Explain that a watchman is someone who looks out for danger and tells others about it, just as God wanted Ezekiel to care about the people around him.
Ezekiel 3:22-23
22 The LORD’s hand was there on me; and he said to me, “Arise, go out into the plain, and I will talk with you there.” 23 Then I arose, and went out into the plain, and behold, the LORD’s glory stood there, like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar. Then I fell on my face.
(WEB)
Point out that God met Ezekiel in the plain, where he saw the glory of the Lord and fell on his face. Explain that when we see how great God is, we can respond with respect and humility.
Talk About It
- What do you think it would feel like to eat a scroll that tasted as sweet as honey?
- Why do you think God told Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people who would not listen?
- What is one way you can tell someone the truth in a kind way?
- How can God help us when we feel scared or worried about speaking up?
- What did Ezekiel do when he saw the glory of the Lord?
Activity Ideas
Scroll Drawing Craft
You will need a sheet of paper, two pencils, crayons, and a little tape. Roll the paper into a scroll and tape the edges, then let the children write or draw a word from God on it, such as “God is good.” Unroll the scroll together and talk about how Ezekiel received God’s words.
Watchman Game
Pick one child to be the watchman who stands at the front of the room. The other children move quietly around the room while the watchman calls out, “Stop, look out!” when they go in the wrong direction. Explain that the watchman warns others to keep them safe, just as Ezekiel warned the people.
Honey Take-Home Treat
You will need a small jar of honey, a spoon, and a piece of paper with the memory verse written on it. Give each child a small spoonful of honey and read the memory verse aloud. Ask them to take the paper home and share the verse with a family member during dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God calls his people to speak his truth faithfully, even when the listeners are resistant. Ezekiel was not responsible for whether people listened, only for delivering God’s message clearly and with courage. God’s words are described as sweet, reminding us that Scripture is both a challenge and a gift.
Avoid overstating to children that every person who refuses to listen is doomed or that God will make them mute in the same way. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, the call to be honest and brave, and the joy found in God’s Word.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for your words, which are sweet and good. Help us to listen to you and to speak kindly and truthfully to others. Give us courage when we feel afraid, and remind us that you are always with us. Amen.
