In this lesson, children learn that God welcomed the people’s gifts of grain and oil as a way of thanking Him and giving Him their best. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves it when we give Him our very best, and our gifts show that we thank Him for all He gives us.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 2:13
Every offering of your meal offering you shall season with salt. You shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your meal offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands out, palms up, like they are carrying a gift. Then bring their hands together in front of their hearts as they say the words slowly, one phrase at a time.
The Story: Leviticus 2 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His people a special way to bring Him gifts. These gifts were called meal offerings, and they were made from fine flour, which is very smooth and very good flour. The people mixed the flour with oil and sometimes added a sweet-smelling spice called frankincense. Everything was made to honor God.
The gift could be cooked in different ways. Sometimes it was baked in an oven, sometimes it was cooked on a flat pan called a griddle, and sometimes it was fried in a deep pan. Each way was a way to show God that the people cared about giving Him something good. The cakes had to be made without yeast, which is the ingredient that makes bread rise.
The priests were the helpers who took the gift to God’s altar. A small part was burned on the altar, and the rest was kept for Aaron and his sons, the priests. The people were told, “Season every gift with salt.” Salt reminded them of God’s promise to always be faithful to His people.
Some of the gifts were made from the first grain of the harvest. This was like saying, “Lord, the first and best part of what we grew belongs to You.” Those gifts were roasted, crushed, and mixed with oil and frankincense before being offered.
The chapter teaches that God wants His people to give generously and with thankful hearts. Every gift mattered to Him. The people learned that their hard work and their harvest were blessings that came from God.
Read It Together
Leviticus 2:1
“‘When anyone offers an offering of a meal offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it.
(WEB)
Point out that the offering was given to the LORD on purpose. Ask children what it means to bring something to God because we love Him, not because we have to.
Leviticus 2:4
“‘When you offer an offering of a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.
(WEB)
Show how God allowed different kinds of gifts, so even people with simple kitchens could bring something to God. Remind children that God looks at the heart, not only the size of the gift.
Leviticus 2:12
As an offering of first fruits you shall offer them to the LORD: but they shall not rise up for a pleasant aroma on the altar.
(WEB)
Explain that the first fruits were an offering of thanks for the harvest. Talk about the good things God gives us each day and how we can say thank you.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God has given you that you are thankful for?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to give Him the best part of their harvest?
- How can you show God you love Him this week, besides saying words?
- Why is salt used as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in this chapter?
- What is a gift you could give someone that shows you care about them?
Activity Ideas
Thank-You Picture Frame
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, glue, and dried beans or uncooked rice. Have each child draw a picture of something God has given them, such as family, food, or a pet. Glue the drawing to the center of the plate and decorate the edges with beans or rice to look like grain. Talk about how this picture is a gift of thanks to God.
Carry the Offering Relay
You will need two spoons, a bowl of dry cereal or dried beans, and a small cup for each team. Divide children into two teams and have them carry a spoonful of cereal from one side of the room to the altar table, which is a chair or table you have prepared. They should walk carefully, just as the priests did. Talk about how each person’s gift was important to God.
Thankful Harvest Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a pencil. Ask children to write or draw one thing they are thankful for on the card. Help them fold it and place it in a bag or basket at home. Encourage the family to read the cards together at dinner once a week to remember God’s goodness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about the offerings His people bring, and that every gift is meant to be an act of worship and gratitude. The meal offering points forward to the way Christians understand that every good thing we have comes from God and can be given back to Him in love.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of ancient sacrifice practices or treating the rules about yeast and salt as the main point. Keep the focus on God’s generosity and our call to give Him our best with thankful hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for all the good things You give us every day. Help us remember that You love us and that our gifts can show our thanks. Teach us to give You our very best with happy hearts. We love You, Lord. Amen.
