This lesson teaches children that God keeps his promises, and that he wants his people to listen to him and trust him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises. When we listen to him and obey, he blesses us. When we turn away, he still loves us and calls us back to him.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 26:12
I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you will be my people.
(WEB)
Teach the children to put two fingers on one hand and walk them across the palm of the other hand, slowly, like a little person taking steps. Say “I will walk among you” as they walk. Then point to yourselves and say “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” Repeat it together three times.
The Story: Leviticus 26 for Kids
God spoke to his people, the children of Israel, through Moses on Mount Sinai. He had just rescued them out of slavery in Egypt, and now he was giving them his rules for living well. He wanted them to know who he was. He told them, “I am the LORD your God.”
God made them a promise. If they walked in his ways and kept his commands, he would send rain at the right time. Their fields would grow food, and they would have plenty to eat. They would live in peace, and no one would make them afraid. God said, “I will walk among you, and I will be your God.” What a wonderful promise that was!
But God also told them the truth. If they turned away from him and chose idols instead, things would go badly. The crops would fail, and their enemies would win battles. God’s people would be sad and scattered, and their land would rest while they were far away.
Even then, God did not forget them. He told them that if they admitted they had done wrong and turned back to him with humble hearts, he would remember his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is faithful, even when his people are not.
So the chapter ends with a clear picture. God gives us choices. He wants us to listen and love him, and he is always ready to forgive and welcome us home. These were the rules and laws God gave his people through Moses.
Read It Together
Leviticus 26:3-4
3 “‘If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; 4 then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
(WEB)
Point out the word “if” at the start. God gives his people a choice to walk in his ways. Ask the children what they think God would give them when they obey him.
Leviticus 26:9
“‘I will have respect for you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and will establish my covenant with you.
(WEB)
Show the children that God says “I will have respect for you.” Explain that God chooses to be close to his people and to bless them as he keeps his covenant.
Leviticus 26:40-42
40 “‘If they confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me, and also that, because they walked contrary to me, 41 I also walked contrary to them, and brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled, and they then accept the punishment of their iniquity; 42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacob; and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham; and I will remember the land.
(WEB)
Point out that when the people confess their wrong and turn back, God says he will remember his covenant. Remind the children that God always makes a way back to him.
Talk About It
- What did God promise his people if they obeyed him?
- Why do you think God told the people about both the blessings and the consequences?
- How can you show God that you want to listen to him this week?
- What does it mean that God says he will “walk among” his people?
- What is one way God has kept a promise to you or your family?
Activity Ideas
Covenant Promise Banner
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Have each child draw a picture of something God gives us, such as rain, food, or friends. Write “God keeps his promises” across the top of the paper. Let the children add their own words or small drawings around the edges. Hang the banners in a classroom or hallway where the family can see them.
Walk With God Game
You will need a open space in a room or yard and a few pieces of tape or string. Make a simple path on the floor with the tape. Have children walk along the path slowly and quietly, saying “I will listen to you, God.” Then let them try walking with a pretend backpack or while balancing a cup of water to show how we stay close to God. Keep the game gentle and fun.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small piece of ribbon or yarn for each child. Have each child write or draw one way they will obey God this week. Punch a hole in the top of the card and tie the ribbon through it. Encourage children to keep the card in a pocket, backpack, or on the refrigerator as a reminder that God keeps his promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Leviticus 26 shows that God’s covenant with Israel was real and came with clear responsibilities. The blessings and warnings reveal God’s holiness and his faithfulness. Even in judgment, God keeps his promise to remember his covenant and restore his people when they turn back in humility.
Avoid overstating the idea that obedience earns God’s love or that hardship always means a person has sinned. Children can easily misunderstand this, so emphasize that God’s love and forgiveness are steady and that he is the one who keeps his promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to us. Help us to listen to you and walk in your ways. When we make mistakes, help us come back to you with honest hearts. Thank you that you always welcome us home. Amen.
