In this lesson, children learn that God can provide water in a dry place, even when the people around them complain and forget who helped them. It is written for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, even when they are thirsty and afraid. We can trust Him to give us what we need, even when we feel like giving up.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Have children put one hand on their heart and slowly lift the other hand up toward the ceiling as they say the words together. Then have them hold both hands still and pause for a moment to show what it means to be quiet and trust God.
The Story: Numbers 20 for Kids
The people of Israel had walked a long way through the wilderness. It was hot, dry, and dusty. Miriam, Moses’ sister, died and was buried at a place called Kadesh. Her family and friends were very sad.
Soon there was no water for the people or their animals. The people grew angry and started to complain to Moses and Aaron. They said, “Why did you bring us out here to die?” They even wished they had died back in Egypt instead.
Moses and Aaron went to the Tent of Meeting and fell on their faces before God. God’s glory appeared to them. God told Moses to take his walking stick and speak to a rock, and water would pour out for everyone to drink.
Moses gathered the people in front of the rock. He was so frustrated that he spoke harshly to them. Then he lifted his stick and struck the rock two times. Water came gushing out, and everyone and every animal had plenty to drink.
God told Moses and Aaron that because they did not trust Him and show His holiness in front of the people, they would not lead the people into the Promised Land. Later, Aaron died on Mount Hor, and his family and the people mourned him for thirty days.
Read It Together
Numbers 20:2-5
2 There was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses, and spoke, saying, “We wish that we had died when our brothers died before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals? 5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.”
(WEB)
Point out how the people quickly forgot the good things God had done for them and started complaining. Ask children what they do when they feel scared or thirsty. Remind them that God hears us when we are upset and still cares for us.
Numbers 20:8
“Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God told Moses exactly what to do. Explain that God wanted Moses to speak to the rock, not strike it. Talk about how following God’s instructions carefully is an act of trust.
Numbers 20:11
Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice, and water came out abundantly. The congregation and their livestock drank.
(WEB)
Point to the water pouring out of the rock. Remind children that God provided for everyone, even the animals. Help them see that God’s generosity is bigger than our fears and frustrations.
Talk About It
- What do you think the people felt when they were thirsty and had no water?
- Why did the people blame Moses and Aaron instead of asking God for help?
- How can you tell when someone is trusting God rather than complaining?
- What is one thing God has given you that you sometimes forget to thank Him for?
- What can you do the next time you feel worried or thirsty for something you need?
Activity Ideas
Rock Painting Craft
You will need small smooth stones, washable paint, paintbrushes, and paper towels. Have each child paint a stone to look like the rock in the story, adding blue water drops coming out of it. As they paint, talk about how God provided water for His people even in a dry and dusty place.
Thirsty Traveler Game
Set out two cups of water at one end of the room and invite children to pretend they are the Israelites walking across a hot desert. Have them move slowly, pretending to be tired, and then reach the cups together. Pause to talk about how God met the people’s need, and celebrate by letting everyone take a sip.
Take-Home Trust Card
Give each child an index card and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of something they need and write or draw one way they can trust God to take care of it. Encourage them to keep the card on their nightstand or in their backpack as a reminder that God hears and provides.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God remains faithful even when His people struggle with doubt, complaining, and discouragement. Moses and Aaron’s failure to honor God in front of the people is a serious warning that leaders must represent God faithfully. Adults can see both God’s patience with His people and the seriousness of God’s holiness.
Avoid overstating to children that Moses was punished simply for hitting the rock. The text focuses on the fact that Moses and Aaron did not trust God and did not honor Him as holy before the people, so keep the emphasis on trust and obedience rather than on a single action.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us when we are thirsty and scared. Help us remember that You hear us and You always provide what we need. Teach us to trust You even when things are hard. Amen.
