This lesson teaches children that God invited His people to bring Him a special gift to show they loved Him and needed Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory motion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God wants us to come to Him with our whole heart, and He is pleased when we bring Him our best. He always makes a way for us to come close to Him.
Memory Verse
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)
Put your hand flat on your chest, then slowly lift it up and open your palm toward the ceiling, as if you are giving something to God. Say the verse together while you move your hand, and repeat it three times.
The Story: Leviticus 1 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to a man named Moses from a special tent called the Tent of Meeting. God wanted Moses to tell the people of Israel something important. God’s people were His family, and He wanted them to know how to come to Him.
God told Moses that when a person wanted to give an offering, they should bring an animal from their own herd or flock. The animal had to be healthy and without any flaws. This showed that the person was giving God something good, not something they did not want. The person would bring the animal to the door of the Tent of Meeting.
Next, the person would lay a hand on the animal’s head. This was a way of saying, “This gift is mine, and I am giving it to God.” Then the priests, who were Aaron’s sons, would do their special work at the altar. The altar was a place where the offering was burned, and the smoke rose up to God as a sweet smell.
God also made room for families who did not have large animals. If someone could only bring a bird, like a turtledove or a young pigeon, that was still a gift God would receive. The priest would take care of the bird at the altar, just as he did with the bigger animals. God said these gifts were a pleasant smell to Him.
In the story, God is showing His people that He wants them to come to Him with honest hearts. The animals and birds were not magic. They were reminders that God is holy and that His people needed a way to come close to Him. God was making a path for them to draw near.
When the chapter ends, God has explained every step so His people would know how to come before Him. Everyone could bring something, no matter how much or how little they had. The important part was that they came with their hearts.
Read It Together
Leviticus 1:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When anyone of you offers an offering to the LORD, you shall offer your offering of the livestock, from the herd and from the flock.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke first and invited the people to bring Him something. Ask the children who they think started the conversation. This helps them see that God is the one who opens the way to Him.
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)
Show the children the phrase “that he may be accepted before the LORD.” Explain that God wanted the gift to be good and whole, because He wants us to give our best and not leftovers.
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 even a small bird was accepted as a gift. Tell the children that God cares about gifts from people who have very little, and He values what we bring with love.
Talk About It
- What did God want the people to bring when they came to Him?
- Why do you think God asked for animals without any flaws?
- What did it mean when a person laid a hand on the animal’s head?
- How did God make sure that families who were poor could still bring Him a gift?
- What is one gift you can bring to God today, even if it seems small?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Gift for God
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of something they can give God, such as a kind word, a helpful deed, or a song. Let them describe their drawing to the group and explain why it is their best gift for God.
Gift Walk Game
You will need a small object like a stone or a button, and an open room or yard. Have the children walk slowly carrying the object in both hands, as if it were an offering. Call out a pretend priest who says, “Now bring it to the altar,” and have the children place the object in a bowl or box. Repeat a few times so the movement becomes familiar.
Take-Home Gift Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or small piece of tape. Have each child write or draw one thing they will give God this week, such as helping at home or praying for a friend. Encourage them to place the card where they will see it each morning, and ask them to share it with their family at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that worship was never meant to be casual or careless. God gave His people a clear way to draw near, and that way required both obedience and a sincere heart. The offerings pointed forward to the greater sacrifice that the New Testament describes, which is worth explaining in age-appropriate language when children are older.
Avoid telling children that animal offerings are needed today, or that giving something to God earns His love. Instead, emphasize that God invites us to come close to Him through His own provision, and that our gifts are a response to His love rather than a way to buy it.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for inviting us to come close to You. Help us bring You our best, whether it is big or small. Teach us to give You our hearts with love and joy. Amen.
