In this lesson, children learn that God cared about where and when His people worshiped him, and that worship is a way of honoring God every day. This lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants his people to worship him regularly, in a special place, and with hearts that honor him every single day.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 46:13
“‘“You shall prepare a lamb a year old without defect for a burnt offering to the LORD daily. Morning by morning you shall prepare it.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are offering a gift. Then slowly lift them up toward the ceiling. Every time you do this motion, say the verse out loud together.
The Story: Ezekiel 46 for Kids
Long ago, the prophet Ezekiel was given a special vision from God. In this vision, God showed him a new temple with many gates and rooms. God wanted his people to know that he had a plan for how they should worship him.
God said that a leader, called the prince, would come into the temple through a special gate on the east side. The gate was kept shut during the six working days. But on the Sabbath day and on the day of the new moon, the gate was opened, and people came in to worship. The leader had an important job to bring gifts to God.
God told the people to bring lambs, rams, and oil as offerings. These were gifts of thankfulness and love. God said, “Bring a lamb every morning as a daily offering to me.” Every day, morning after morning, the people gave their best to God.
God also made sure the people did not get lost or crowded in the temple. Those who came in through one gate had to leave through another gate. This kept everyone moving in order and made room for others. God wanted everything done with care and peace.
Ezekiel was then shown rooms where the priests cooked the offerings and kept the holy things safe. God wanted the priests to keep the special gifts in their own place, so that the rest of the people did not have to touch them. Every part of worship had its own spot.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 46:1
“‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “The gate of the inner court that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.
(WEB)
Point out that God set a special time for the gate to open. Ask children why it matters that God chose certain days for worship. Help them see that God is worth our time.
Ezekiel 46:15
Thus they shall prepare the lamb, the meal offering, and the oil, morning by morning, for a continual burnt offering.”
(WEB)
Show children the word “continual” and explain that it means something that keeps happening over and over. Talk about how God wanted worship to be steady, like a daily habit that never stops.
Ezekiel 46:18
Moreover the prince shall not take of the people’s inheritance, to thrust them out of their possession. He shall give inheritance to his sons out of his own possession, that my people not each be scattered from his possession.”’”
(WEB)
Point out that God did not want leaders to take things from the people. Explain that God cares about fairness and wants everyone to have a safe place to live and belong.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted his people to worship him on certain days?
- What is one thing you could give to God every morning to show him you love him?
- How does it feel to know that God has a plan for how we come near to him?
- What are some ways your family makes room for God in your daily routine?
- Why do you think God cares about fairness and treating people kindly?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Temple Gate
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall gate with a door that opens on special days. Let them decorate the gate with flowers, stars, or colors. Talk about how the gate was special because God made a plan for it.
Morning Offering Walk
You will need an open space, such as a hallway or a yard. Have children walk slowly in a circle, pretending to carry a gift to God. Each time they reach the middle, they lift their hands up and say, “I give this to you, God.” Remind them that the offering was given every morning.
Gift Jar Reminder
You will need an empty jar, paper, and tape. Cut paper into small strips and let each child write one thing they want to give to God each day, such as a prayer or a kind act. Place the strips in the jar and read a few together each morning as a family reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cared deeply about the order, place, and timing of worship. It teaches that worship is a regular, faithful response to God, not a rare or careless act. It also reveals God’s concern for justice, showing that leaders must not take what belongs to ordinary people.
Avoid overstating the details of the temple design or the exact sizes of offerings to children. Focus on the main truths: God is worthy of our time, our gifts, and our daily attention, and he cares about how people are treated.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us and for showing us how to come near to you. Help us to give you our time and our best every day. Teach us to be fair and kind to others. Amen.
