This lesson teaches children that God wants His people to come back to Him, and that He keeps His promises even when we wander. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is faithful, so we should turn back to Him, be kind and fair to others, and trust Him every day. When we get off track, He always invites us home.
Memory Verse
Hosea 12:6
Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.
(WEB)
Teach the verse with a “come home” motion. Stand up, turn your body around as if you are walking back to a friend, and open your arms wide on the word “turn.” Have children repeat the verse while they do the motion, then say it once more sitting down.
The Story: Hosea 12 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel, also called Ephraim and Jacob, forgot about God. They chased after things that could not help them, like wind that blows away. They made deals with other nations instead of trusting the LORD. Their hearts were not honest, and they often cheated people to get rich.
God remembered His people. Long before, Jacob had grabbed his brother Esau’s heel when they were still babies in their mother’s womb. As a grown man, Jacob wrestled with an angel all night. He would not let go until he received a blessing. He cried and asked for mercy, and God met him at a place called Bethel. God wanted Jacob to know that He was with him.
The people of Israel were getting proud. One of them said, “I am so rich. Nobody can find anything wrong with me!” But God reminded them, “I am the LORD your God. I brought you out of Egypt, and I took care of you.” God had sent prophets to speak to His people, and even used stories and pictures to help them understand.
God was sad, because the people had turned away from Him. He was not going to forget them, though. He called them to come back. He said, “Turn to your God. Be kind, be fair, and keep waiting on Him.” God does not give up on His children, even when they make mistakes.
Read It Together
Hosea 12:2
The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his deeds he will repay him.
(WEB)
Point out that God is fair. He does not ignore wrong choices, but He also does not forget His promises. Ask children to notice the words “according to his deeds,” and talk about how God is always honest and just.
Hosea 12:4-5
4 Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us, 5 even the LORD, the God of Armies; The LORD is his name of renown!
(WEB)
Show children that Jacob held on to God even when it was hard. Point out that God met Jacob at Bethel and spoke to him. Remind children that God still speaks to His people today through His Word and through prayer.
Hosea 12:9
“But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.
(WEB)
Remind children that God says, “I am the LORD your God.” Explain that this is a promise. God had rescued His people from Egypt, and He is the same God who loves them now. Help them see that God is always faithful to bring His people home.
Talk About It
- What did God want the people of Israel to do when they had wandered away from Him?
- How can you show kindness and fairness to your friends and family this week?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel like you have made a wrong choice?
- Why do you think Jacob kept holding on to God during his long night of wrestling?
- How do you know God is still with you, even when you cannot see Him?
Activity Ideas
Homecoming Path Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a winding path that starts far away from a little house and ends at the front door. Along the path, have them draw things that might pull us away from God, like a shiny toy or a busy day. At the house, have them draw God waiting with open arms. Talk about how God always welcomes us home.
Turn Around Game
You will need an open space and a small bell or clapping hands. Have children walk around the room while you play the bell. When the bell stops, they must turn around, then keep walking. Each time they turn, say one word from the memory verse. This helps children remember that turning back to God is a choice they can make every day.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Have children write one kind or fair action they can do this week on each strip, such as sharing a snack or helping clean up. They place the strips in the jar and read one each day with their family. This reminds them that God wants His people to be kind and honest all week long.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Hosea 12 shows that God is both just and merciful. He calls His people to account for their sins, yet He never stops loving them or inviting them back. The chapter reminds us that faithfulness to God means honest living, kindness to others, and steady trust in Him, not just religious words.
With children, avoid overstating the harsh parts of the chapter, such as the talk of punishment and the people’s sins. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His invitation to come home. Children do not need the full weight of Israel’s history to understand that God loves them and wants them close.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always welcoming us back when we wander away from You. Help us to be kind and fair to others, and to trust You every day. Remind us that You are faithful, even when we make mistakes. We love You and want to come home to You. Amen.
