In this lesson, children learn that God can bring new life to things that seem completely hopeless, because nothing is too dry or too broken for him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and one activity.
Big Idea
God can make dead things live again, and that includes hope for people who feel like they have no hope left.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 37:5
Thus says the Lord the LORD to these bones: “Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you will live.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with arms at their sides, then slowly raise their arms and wiggle their fingers as if they are coming back to life. Say the verse together while they do the motion, then repeat it again, moving a little faster each time until they are cheering.
The Story: Ezekiel 37 for Kids
God took the prophet Ezekiel to a valley far away. The valley was full of bones, and they were very old and very dry. Nobody had been alive in that place for a long time, and the bones were scattered everywhere.
God asked Ezekiel a question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel was honest. He said, “Lord God, only you know the answer.” Ezekiel knew that only God could do something so amazing.
Then God told Ezekiel to speak to the bones. Ezekiel did exactly what God asked. As he spoke, there was a loud rumbling noise, and the bones began to move and join together. Muscles and skin covered them, but at first there was no breath inside.
God told Ezekiel to speak to the wind. Ezekiel called out, “Come, breath, and breathe into these bodies so they may live!” Then the breath came into them. They stood up on their feet, and there was a huge, strong army where the dry bones had been.
God explained that the bones stood for his people, who felt lost and far from home. God promised to bring them back to their own land and to put his Spirit in them. He wanted them to know that he is the Lord who keeps his promises.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 37:3
He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I answered, “Lord the LORD, you know.”
(WEB)
Point out that Ezekiel gave God an honest answer, saying that God alone knew. Tell children that it is fine to bring our honest questions and feelings to God, even when we do not understand everything.
Ezekiel 37:12-14
12 Therefore prophesy, and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 You will know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, my people. 14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live. Then I will place you in your own land; and you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’”
(WEB)
Show children how God describes opening graves and bringing people home. Explain that God promises to give new life and to place his people in their own land, which shows how much he cares for them.
Ezekiel 37:27-28
27 My tent also will be with them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 The nations will know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forever more.”’”
(WEB)
Point to the words about God living among his people. Tell children that God wants to be close to them, and that the nations will see how faithful he is.
Talk About It
- What did the bones look like at the start of the story, and how do you think Ezekiel felt when he saw them?
- Why do you think Ezekiel told God that only God knew if the bones could live?
- What did God do to bring the bones back to life, and who helped him by speaking?
- What does this story tell us about God when something seems completely hopeless?
- Can you think of a time when you felt like something good could never happen, and how did God help?
Activity Ideas
Paper Bone Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, a pencil and a crayon or marker. Ask them to draw a simple valley with scattered bones, then add a few colorful drawings showing life coming back, such as green plants, a bright sun and smiling people standing tall. Talk about how God can change a dry, sad place into a place full of life.
Wind and Stand-Up Game
Have children lie down on the floor like dry bones. Ask a leader to say “Breath of God, come!” and then have children slowly sit up, stand up and cheer. Repeat the game a few times, and let each child take a turn being the wind by blowing softly toward the others.
Take-Home Hope Card
Give each child an index card and a pen. Ask them to write or draw one thing they are hoping God will do in their life this week. Encourage them to take the card home and put it somewhere they will see it, such as a bedroom mirror or a fridge, as a reminder that God brings new life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God restores his people even after they have experienced loss, exile and despair. The vision of the dry bones points to God’s power to bring a broken nation back to life, and later Christians have also read it as a picture of God’s power to give new life through his Spirit.
Try not to overstate the details of the vision to children, such as trying to explain exactly what each bone or stick represents. Keep the focus on the main truth that God keeps his promises and gives life, which children can understand and remember.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that nothing is too dry or too hard for you. When we feel stuck or hopeless, help us remember that you can bring new life. Breathe your Spirit into our hearts and help us trust you every day. Amen.
