This lesson teaches children that God can use anyone, even someone who feels weak or afraid, when they trust him. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a short Bible reading, and an activity.
Big Idea
God can use even a scared, small person to do big things when that person trusts him. He is always with us, even when we feel weak.
Memory Verse
Judges 6:12
The LORD’s angel appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall with their arms stretched wide like a mighty warrior, then bring their hands down to their hearts. Say the verse slowly together, and do the same motion each time you repeat it.
The Story: Judges 6 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel did what was wrong in God’s eyes. Because of this, God let the Midianites come and take over their land. The Midianites were strong and mean, and they came every year to steal the crops, the sheep, and the donkeys. The Israelites were so scared that they hid in caves and dug holes in the mountains.
One day, a young man named Gideon was hiding wheat in a winepress, which is a stone pit used for pressing grapes. He was trying to keep the Midianites from finding it. Suddenly, an angel of the LORD sat under a nearby oak tree and spoke to him. The angel said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior!” Gideon could hardly believe his ears, because he did not feel strong at all.
Gideon answered, “Oh, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why has all this bad stuff happened to us?” He told the angel that his family was the poorest in the whole tribe, and that he was the least important person in his family. But God said, “I will be with you, and you will defeat the Midianites.” God was patient with Gideon and gave him signs to help him believe.
Gideon obeyed God, even though he was afraid. He tore down the altar to a false god in his own town, and he did it at night because he was scared of what people might do. God kept helping him. Gideon asked God for a sign with a wool fleece, and God answered him in a surprising way, so that Gideon knew God was keeping his promise.
God chose Gideon, a small and scared man, to lead his people. Gideon learned that God was faithful even when Gideon felt like the weakest person around. The story shows that God’s power is greater than our fears.
Read It Together
Judges 6:14
The LORD looked at him, and said, “Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Haven’t I sent you?”
(WEB)
Point out that God told Gideon to go in the strength he already had, and then he asked Gideon a question. Ask the children what strength they think God can give them when they feel weak.
Judges 6:16
The LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
(WEB)
Show the children the word “surely.” Explain that God was making a firm promise to Gideon, and that he keeps every promise he makes.
Judges 6:23
The LORD said to him, “Peace be to you! Don’t be afraid. You shall not die.”
(WEB)
Point out that God told Gideon not to be afraid, and that he gave Gideon peace. Talk about a time the children felt scared and how God can calm our hearts too.
Talk About It
- What did Gideon feel when the angel called him a mighty warrior?
- Why do you think Gideon hid the wheat in a winepress?
- What is something that makes you feel small or scared?
- How did God show Gideon that he was really with him?
- What is one way you can trust God this week?
Activity Ideas
Mighty Warrior Crown Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons, tape, and gold or yellow stickers. Have each child write “Mighty Warrior” on a paper strip and decorate it with crayon and stickers. Tape the ends to fit around their head. As they wear the crown, remind them that God sees them as strong because he is with them.
Stand Tall and Be Brave Game
Play a simple game where the children stand tall and pretend to be brave like Gideon. Call out “Hide in the winepress!” and have them crouch low, then call out “Mighty warrior!” and have them stand up tall with their arms out. Repeat quickly a few times and talk about how God helps us stand up when we feel small.
Take-Home Fleece Reminder
You will need a cotton ball and a small card for each child. Have them glue the cotton ball to the card and write “God is with me” underneath. Encourage them to keep it on their nightstand or in their backpack, and to show it to a family member when they feel nervous this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God often calls ordinary and fearful people to serve him. Gideon’s story is a reminder that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, and that God patiently builds our faith through repeated signs and promises. It also shows that obedience can happen even when we are afraid.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God will make them feel brave every time they are scared. Gideon still felt afraid, and the story is about God’s faithfulness rather than a promise that we will never feel nervous. Keep the focus on God being with us, not on guaranteed feelings.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are always with us, even when we feel small or scared. Help us to trust you like Gideon did, and to remember that you can use us for big things. Give us your peace when we feel nervous, and help us to be brave for you. Amen.
