This lesson teaches children that God gave his people ten clear rules to show them how to love him and love the people around them. It is best for children aged 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gave his people ten good rules because he loves them and wants them to live in a way that honors him and cares for others.
Memory Verse
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall and reach their hands toward the sky as they say the verse together. Then have them bring their hands down slowly to their hearts. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Exodus 20 for Kids
God’s people had been slaves in Egypt for a very long time. God rescued them and brought them out into the wilderness. Now they had come to a big mountain called Sinai, and God wanted to talk to them.
Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and smoke covered the mountain. The people were scared and stayed far away. They said to Moses, “Please, you talk to God for us, and we will listen.” Moses told them not to be afraid, because God wanted them to learn to trust and obey him.
Then God spoke ten important rules. The first rules showed children how to love God. He said, “You shall have no other gods before me.” He also told them to rest on the seventh day and to keep it special for God.
The other rules showed how to treat people well. God said children should honor their father and mother. He told his people not to hurt others, not to take things that belonged to someone else, and not to tell lies about their neighbors.
God gave these rules to his people so they could live as his family. They were not meant to make life hard, but to help everyone live happily and safely together.
Read It Together
Exodus 20:2-3
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
(WEB)
Point out that God begins by reminding the people who he is and what he has already done for them. Ask children to notice that he rescued them first, and the rules came after that.
Exodus 20:8-11
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 You shall labor six days, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; 11 for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.
(WEB)
Explain that the Sabbath was a day to stop working and remember God as Creator. Show children that God rested on the seventh day, and he invites his people to rest too.
Exodus 20:13-16
13 “You shall not murder. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
(WEB)
Point out the simple rules about not hurting others, not stealing, and telling the truth. Help children see that each one protects people and keeps relationships strong.
Talk About It
- What do you think God wanted his people to remember when they saw the thunder and the smoke?
- Why do you think God told his people to rest on the seventh day?
- How does honoring your mom and dad help your family feel happy?
- What is one way you can tell the truth this week, even when it is hard?
- Which of God’s rules do you think is easiest to keep, and which one is hardest?
Activity Ideas
Ten Stone Tablets Craft
You will need ten small paper or cardboard rectangles, markers, and glue. Have each child write or draw one of the commandments on a rectangle, using simple pictures like a heart, a sun, or a book. Stack the finished tablets together and talk about what each one means.
Follow the Leader Commandments Game
Choose one simple action for each commandment, like pretending to rest for the seventh day or raising hands to show honor. Call out a commandment and have children do the matching motion. Mix up the order to keep everyone listening carefully and having fun.
Take-Home Family Promise Card
You will need an index card and a pencil for each child. Ask children to write or draw one way their family can keep a commandment this week, such as sharing toys or resting together on Sunday. Send the card home so families can talk about it together during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, the Ten Commandments show that God’s rules are rooted in his grace. He first reminds his people that he rescued them, and then he shows them how to live as a free and loving community. The commandments address both our relationship with God and our relationships with one another.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God’s love depends on how well they keep the rules. The commandments come after God’s rescue, so present them as a loving guide for living, not as a way to earn his favor.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for rescuing your people and for giving us good rules to help us love you and each other. Help us remember that you are our God and that you care about us. Teach us to rest, to honor our families, and to tell the truth. Amen.
