In this lesson, children learn that God gives people a warning before trouble comes, and that God really wants everyone to turn back to him and live. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is like a good watchman who warns us when we are going the wrong way, because he loves us and wants us to come back to him and live.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 33:11
Tell them, ‘“As I live,” says the Lord the LORD, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why will you die, house of Israel?”’
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands up like a watchman looking far away, then slowly turn their palms around and bring their arms down, as if they are turning back home. Say the verse together as they move.
The Story: Ezekiel 33 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and gave him a special job. Ezekiel was like a watchman standing on a high wall in a city. A watchman’s job was to look out for danger and shout a warning when enemies came near.
God told Ezekiel that if a watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow his trumpet, the people in the city will not be warned. Some of them might be hurt. But God also said that if the watchman blows his trumpet and people still refuse to listen, the people are responsible for what happens to them.
God gave Ezekiel the job of warning the people of Israel. Ezekiel was to tell them, “God says, turn from your evil ways and live!” Some people said, “God’s way is not fair.” But God said that he is fair, and that he does not enjoy seeing anyone die.
God explained that if a good person turns away from doing right and does wrong, that person will be in trouble. But if a bad person turns away from doing wrong and starts doing right, God will forgive that person and let him live. God always wants people to turn back to him.
Later, news came that the city of Jerusalem had been defeated. Ezekiel’s mouth had been closed for a long time, but now God opened it again, and Ezekiel could speak freely once more. God kept telling Ezekiel to keep warning the people and to be a true messenger.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 33:7-9
7 “So you, son of man: I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the word from my mouth, and give them warnings from me. 8 When I tell the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you don’t speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man will die in his iniquity, but I will require his blood at your hand. 9 Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn’t turn from his way; he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.
(WEB)
Point out that God called Ezekiel a watchman who must give warnings from God’s own mouth. Explain that being a faithful helper means passing on what God says, even when it is hard to say.
Ezekiel 33:14-16
14 Again, when I say to the wicked, “You will surely die;” if he turns from his sin, and does that which is lawful and right; 15 if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that which he had taken by robbery, walk in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity; he will surely live. He will not die. 16 None of his sins that he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done that which is lawful and right. He will surely live.
(WEB)
Show the children that when a person stops doing wrong and starts doing what is right and good, God does not hold their old mistakes against them. Let them hear how much God wants people to change and live.
Ezekiel 33:31-32
31 They come to you as the people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don’t do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain. 32 Behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they don’t do them.
(WEB)
Talk about how the people liked to listen to Ezekiel’s pretty words but did not actually obey them. Ask the children how it feels when someone says nice things but does not do what they say.
Talk About It
- What job did God give Ezekiel, and why did a watchman need to warn people?
- How did God feel about people who were doing wrong things, according to what he told Ezekiel to say?
- What does God want people to do when they realize they have been doing wrong?
- Why is it important to listen to God’s warnings and then actually do what he says?
- How can you be a good watchman for your friends and family when you see them making a bad choice?
Activity Ideas
Watchman Tower Craft
You will need paper cups, construction paper, crayons, glue, and tape. Have each child decorate a cup to look like a tower, then glue on a paper trumpet cut from construction paper. Talk about how the watchman blows the trumpet to warn the city, and ask each child to say one way they can warn someone about something dangerous.
Turn Around Game
Gather the children in an open space and call out “Turn around!” They must spin in a full circle and then keep going the right way. Play a few rounds, then pause to talk about how God calls people to turn from wrong ways and come back to him. Keep it simple and loud, and let everyone laugh.
Take-Home Watchman Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Have them draw a picture of a watchman on one side and write or draw a warning on the other, such as “Stop and turn back to God.” Encourage them to show the card to someone at home and explain what God wants us to do. Keep the cards in a pocket or on the fridge as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is both just and merciful. He holds people responsible for their choices, yet he takes no pleasure in anyone’s death and calls every person to repent and live. The watchman image reminds us that faithful speaking of God’s truth matters, and that people are accountable for how they respond to it.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God will judge or punish in detail, since the chapter’s focus is God’s desire for people to turn and live. Keep the emphasis on God’s love and his invitation to come back to him, and avoid frightening children with the sword imagery.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us and warning us when we go the wrong way. Help us listen to you, turn back to you when we make mistakes, and be good helpers to our friends. We want to live with you forever. Amen.
