In this lesson, children learn that when the Israelites grumbled and were bitten by snakes, God gave them a way to be healed simply by looking up in faith. The lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God sees our complaints and still gives us a way to be healed. When we trust Him and look to Him, He takes care of us, even when we have done wrong.
Memory Verse
Numbers 21:8
The LORD said to Moses, “Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
(WEB)
Hold your hand over your eyes like a shade, then slowly lift your face upward as you say the words together. Looking up is the action that helps children remember that God is the One who heals.
The Story: Numbers 21 for Kids
The people of Israel were walking through the wilderness on their way to the land God had promised them. The walk was long and hard, and the people felt tired and discouraged. Their food was only plain bread that they did not like, and they had no water to drink.
The people began to complain. They said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this desert? We have no bread and no water, and we hate this food!” They forgot how God had already helped them so many times.
God sent poisonous snakes into the camp, and many people were bitten and became very sick. The people were scared, and they ran to Moses. They said, “We have sinned by speaking against God and against you. Please pray that God will take the snakes away.”
Moses prayed for the people, and God gave him a special plan. God told Moses to make a bronze snake and lift it up high on a pole. Moses did exactly what God said, and he set the bronze snake where everyone could see it.
God said that anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze snake and live. Those who looked up at it were healed. God gave them a way to be well again, and He showed them that He still cared for them.
Read It Together
Numbers 21:5
The people spoke against God, and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this disgusting bread.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people complained about the food and the journey. Ask the children how it feels when they complain, and remind them that God hears every word, but He still loves His people.
Numbers 21:7
The people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD, and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” Moses prayed for the people.
(WEB)
Show how the people said they were sorry and asked Moses to pray. Explain that saying sorry to God and asking Him for help is always the right thing to do.
Numbers 21:9
Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of brass, he lived.
(WEB)
Point to the bronze snake on the pole and say that everyone who looked at it lived. Help the children see that God gave a clear and simple way to be healed.
Talk About It
- What did the Israelites say when they were unhappy with God and with Moses?
- How do you think the people felt when the snakes bit them and they were so sick?
- Why do you think God asked the people to look at the bronze snake instead of doing something else?
- When do you find it hard to trust God, and what can you do then?
- What is one thing God has given you that you can thank Him for today?
Activity Ideas
Bronze Snake Craft
You will need paper, a pencil, scissors, crayons or markers, and a craft stick or straw. Have each child draw a snake, color it gold or copper, and cut it out. Tape or glue the snake to the top of the stick, then let them hold it up high as a reminder that looking to God brings healing.
Look Up and Move
Choose a clear space in the room where children can move safely. Ask them to walk slowly around like they are tired and grumbling, then stop and look up at a spot on the wall as you say, “Look up and live!” Repeat a few times so the children learn that looking up to God is a fresh start they can choose.
Thank You Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your child write one thing God has given them and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each gift, just as the Israelites could have trusted Him for their needs.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God hears our complaints, yet He still provides a way out of trouble. The bronze snake points forward to Jesus, whom John 3:14 connects with this moment. Adults can see that the healing came from trusting God’s word, not from the snake itself.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always heal every sickness just because they look up or pray. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His loving care, and let children know that He answers in His own good way.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for hearing us when we are tired, worried, or unhappy. Forgive us when we complain and forget all the good things You have done. Help us to look to You in faith and trust Your love every day. Amen.
