In this lesson, children learn that God is holy and that He wants His people to honor Him in the way they come close to Him. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is holy and special, so we honor Him and do things His way. When we follow His rules, we show that we love and respect Him.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 44:23
They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and hold their hands together in front of their chests, then slowly lower them as if setting something sacred on a table. Say the verse together while you make the motion, and repeat it three times.
The Story: Ezekiel 44 for Kids
Ezekiel was a prophet who lived far from home, in a land called Babylon. God showed him a vision of a huge temple, and God Himself was there in the building. Ezekiel was taken to a gate on the east side of the temple, and it was shut tight.
God told Ezekiel that this gate would stay closed because God had walked through it. Nobody else was allowed to go through it. Even the prince, a leader of the people, could only sit inside the gate to eat his bread before the Lord.
Then God took Ezekiel to the north gate. Ezekiel looked, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. Ezekiel was so amazed that he fell on his face. God spoke gently to him and said, “Son of man, pay close attention to everything I show you and tell you.”
God was sad because His people had brought foreigners into His holy place. The people had also broken His promises and let other things take the place of Him. God said that some Levites, who had turned away to idols, would still serve in the temple, but they would carry the weight of their wrong choices. The sons of Zadok, who had stayed faithful, would come near to God and serve Him.
God gave clear rules for the priests. They wore plain linen clothes, they did not drink wine before going into the inner court, and they kept themselves clean. They taught God’s people the difference between what is holy and what is common. God said that He Himself was their inheritance.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 44:4
Then he brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and behold, the LORD’s glory filled the LORD’s house; so I fell on my face.
(WEB)
Point out that Ezekiel fell on his face because God’s glory filled the house. Ask children what it might feel like to be in a place so full of God’s presence that you want to bow down.
Ezekiel 44:9
Thus says the Lord the LORD, “No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Show children that God set clear rules about who could enter His holy place. Explain that these rules were not meant to be mean, but to protect how special and holy God is.
Ezekiel 44:28
“‘They shall have an inheritance. I am their inheritance; and you shall give them no possession in Israel. I am their possession.
(WEB)
Tell children that God said He was the inheritance of the priests. Help them see that God Himself is the greatest gift a person can have, more than any land or possession.
Talk About It
- What does it mean that God is holy, and how is that different from the way we are?
- Why do you think God wanted His temple to be kept clean and special?
- How can we show respect for God when we come to church or pray?
- Why did God say He was the inheritance of the priests, and what does that tell us about Him?
- What is one thing you can do this week to honor God the way He asked His people to do?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Holy Gate
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a tall gate with a closed door and write the word HOLY across the top. Let them decorate it with bright colors while you talk about how God keeps His special places set apart for Him.
Holy and Common Relay
Set two baskets across the room, one labeled HOLY and one labeled COMMON, using paper and tape. Hand children simple household items like a spoon, a book, a cup, and a toy. Have them run and place each item in the correct basket, talking about what makes something special or ordinary.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards and give one to each child along with a marker. Ask them to write or draw one way they will honor God this week, such as praying before meals or helping quietly at church. Encourage them to place the card on their bedroom door or by their bed as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows adults that God takes His holiness seriously and that He invites His people into a relationship that involves reverence, obedience, and faithfulness. The chapter also reminds us that God Himself is the true inheritance of His people, a truth that goes deeper than any earthly possession.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of temple rules and priestly garments, since these are specific to Israel’s worship and not a model for everyday church life today. Focus instead on the broad lesson that God is holy and worthy of our respect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are holy and special, and we want to honor You with our words, our actions, and our hearts. Help us to remember that You are our greatest gift, and help us to follow Your ways each day. Thank You for loving us and keeping us close to You. Amen.
