This lesson teaches children that God wants us to bring Him our very best, and that a burnt offering was a gift given to God with a whole heart. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants our best gifts, and He is pleased when we give them to Him with a whole and happy heart, just as the Israelites did long ago.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 1:3
“‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before the LORD.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if carrying a gift to someone they love. Then have them bring their hands close to their chest and say the verse together, slowly and clearly.
The Story: Leviticus 1 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were traveling through the wilderness. God spoke to Moses from the Tent of Meeting, which was a special tent where God’s presence was. God had a message for the people, and Moses was to share it with them.
God said that when a person wanted to give a gift to the LORD, they could bring an animal from their herd or flock. The animal had to be healthy and without any flaws. This was a way of showing God that they were giving Him their very best.
The person would bring the animal to the door of the Tent of Meeting. They would lay their hand on the animal’s head. This showed that the gift belonged to them and that they were giving it to God. Then the animal was offered on the altar, and the whole thing was burned up as a sweet smelling gift to God.
God also made a way for people who were poor. If a person could not afford a cow or a sheep, they could bring a dove or a young pigeon instead. God cared about every family, rich or poor, and He welcomed every gift given with a faithful heart.
Each step was done carefully and in order, because the people were learning how holy and good God is. Ask the children, “What does this tell us about how God wants us to treat Him?” Let them think for a moment before you move on.
Read It Together
Leviticus 1:4
He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
(WEB)
Point out how the person laid their hand on the animal’s head. Explain that this was a way of saying, “This gift is mine, and I am giving it to God.” Ask children what it might feel like to give something special to someone you love.
Leviticus 1:9
But its innards and its legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall burn all of it on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to the LORD.
(WEB)
Show children that the whole offering was given to God, not just a part of it. Explain that giving God everything shows our full trust and love for Him. Help them think about what it means to give God our whole heart.
Leviticus 1:14
“‘If his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering of turtledoves or of young pigeons.
(WEB)
Point out that God accepted gifts from people who had less to give. Remind children that God looks at the heart and loves every faithful offering. Encourage them to think about how they can give what they have, no matter how small it seems.
Talk About It
- What is one of your favorite gifts that someone has ever given you, and how did it make you feel?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to bring their very best to Him?
- How did the people show that the gift belonged to them when they laid their hand on the animal?
- What would you like to give to God, and how can you give it with a happy heart?
- Why do you think God cared about the poor family who brought a bird instead of an animal?
Activity Ideas
Gift Box Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small box or envelope. Ask each child to draw something they would like to give to God, such as a favorite toy, a helpful act, or a song they can sing. Place the drawing inside the box and talk together about how each gift shows love for God.
Offering Walk
Set up a simple path in your room with a table at the end to represent the altar. Ask children to walk the path one at a time, carrying a small object like a toy or a pinecone to represent their gift. As they arrive at the table, have them place the object down and say, “This is my gift to God.”
Take-Home Thankful Jar
Give each child a small jar or cup and some slips of paper. Ask them to write or draw one thing they can give to God each day this week, such as a kind word, a prayer, or a helping hand. Encourage them to place a slip in the jar each day and share one of their gifts at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reveals how seriously God took the worship of His people and how He called them to draw near to Him with trust and reverence. The burnt offering pictured complete dedication and atonement, pointing forward to the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave Himself fully for us.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the sacrificial system or implying that God requires gifts to earn His love. Keep the focus on the joy of giving our best to God because He first loved us.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for loving us and wanting our hearts. Help us to give You our very best every day, with happy and thankful hearts. Thank You that You accept our gifts, big or small, because You love us. Amen.
