This lesson teaches children that God chooses who leads his people, and that he can make something dead come alive again. It is meant for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God chose Aaron to lead, and he showed everyone by making Aaron’s dry stick grow new flowers and almonds overnight. God is the one who decides, and nothing is too hard for him.
Memory Verse
Numbers 17:5
It shall happen, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud. I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you, cease from me.”
(WEB)
Have children hold up one hand with the fingers spread, then slowly close it into a fist and open it again like a flower blooming. Say the words together while you move. Repeat it three times so the motion helps them remember who God chooses.
The Story: Numbers 17 for Kids
The people of Israel were complaining again. Moses and his brother Aaron were leading them through the wilderness, and some of the people did not like it. They said Moses and Aaron were not the right leaders. God heard them, and he was not happy about it.
God told Moses to do something special. Moses was to take twelve sticks, one from each tribe, and write each leader’s name on his stick. Aaron’s name was written on the stick for the tribe of Levi. Then Moses put all the sticks in the tent where God met with his people, and he left them there overnight.
The next morning, Moses went into the tent and looked. Aaron’s stick had grown new buds, flowers, and ripe almonds, even though it was only a dry piece of wood. The other eleven sticks were still just sticks. God had shown everyone who he had chosen.
Moses brought all the sticks out so the people could see for themselves. Each leader took his own stick back. God told Moses to put Aaron’s stick back in the tent so it could be kept as a reminder for the people. God said this would stop them from complaining against him.
The people were scared. They said, “We will all die! Everyone who gets close to God’s home dies!” They were afraid because they knew God was holy, and they knew they had sinned by complaining.
Read It Together
Numbers 17:8
On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, budded, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.
(WEB)
Point out that the dry stick did not grow on its own. God made it bud, blossom, and produce almonds in just one night. Ask children what they think a dry stick should do, and then talk about what God did instead.
Numbers 17:10
The LORD said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their murmurings against me, that they not die.”
(WEB)
Show children that God wanted Aaron’s stick kept as a sign, a reminder for the people. Explain that sometimes God gives us things to help us remember who he is and what he has done.
Numbers 17:12-13
12 The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish! We are undone! We are all undone! 13 Everyone who keeps approaching the LORD’s tabernacle, dies! Will we all perish?”
(WEB)
Let children see that the people felt afraid and worried they would die. Explain that they were scared because they knew how holy God is. Talk about how God was still patient with them even when they got scared.
Talk About It
- What do you think the people felt when they saw Aaron’s stick covered in almonds?
- Why do you think God wanted to show everyone who he had chosen?
- What is something that seems impossible for people, but is easy for God?
- Why do you think the people were complaining, and what could they have done instead?
- How can you show that you trust God to lead the people in your life?
Activity Ideas
Blooming Stick Craft
You will need a few craft sticks or small twigs, paper, markers, glue, and cotton balls or tissue paper. Have each child write a name on a stick, then glue on paper leaves and cotton ball flowers at the top. Let them take the stick home and tell someone the story while they show it.
Flower Bloom Movement Game
Have children crouch down low like dry sticks, then slowly stand up and spread their arms out like blossoming branches each time you call out “God chose Aaron!” Mix it up by calling out other phrases so they have to listen carefully. You need only an open space and your voice.
Take-Home Almond Reminder
Give each child a few almonds in a small paper bag or cup, plus a sticky note. Ask them to write or draw one thing God has chosen for them to do this week. Encourage them to eat an almond at dinner and tell the family what the story taught them about God’s choice.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that leadership belongs to God, and he confirms his choice in ways no one can dispute. The people had grumbled against Moses and Aaron, but God answered the rebellion with a sign that brought the dead wood to life. It also reveals God’s holiness, which made the people fear for their lives.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always answer every complaint with a miracle like this one. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his right to choose, and let them know he is still patient and close to his people today.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are the one who chooses who leads and helps us. Help us trust you when things seem dry and hard, just like Aaron’s stick. Thank you that you can bring life where there seems to be none. Help us to listen to you and not complain. Amen.
