Baby Moses
Scripture: Exodus 1:1-2:10
Theme: God protects those He has chosen for His purposes
Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)
Overview
Lesson Overview: The Passover Lamb , God’s Plan for Us This lesson explores how God provided a way for His people to be saved during the Passover. Using Exodus 12, we’ll see that the blood of the lamb protected Israel from death while pointing to Jesus, who is the true Lamb of God who saves us all (John 1:29). For young children, focus on the simple truth that God’s love is so great that He sent His Son to take away sin, just like the lamb was chosen to protect His people. Lesson Structure: 1. Storytime (10 min): Read the story of the Passover in a kid-friendly way (e.g., “God told Moses to use a lamb’s blood to protect the firstborn sons in Egypt, just like Jesus would protect us!”). 2. Interactive Discussion: Ask, “What did the lamb’s blood do? How does that remind us of Jesus?” Use visuals like a lamb drawing or a symbol (e.g., a red cord) to help them connect the dots. 3. Application: Emphasize that Jesus is the “true Passover Lamb” who died to save us from sin. End with a simple prayer or song (e.g., “Thank You, Jesus, for loving us so much!”). Why It Matters for Kids: Early elementary children respond well to repetition and symbols. Use hands-on elements (like a lamb toy or a “blood” marker) to reinforce the lesson. Keep it heart-focused, teach them that Jesus’ sacrifice is their security, just like the lamb’s blood was for Israel! Encouragement for Volunteers: Praise them for their creativity in making the story tangible. Encourage them to use age-appropriate language and keep the mood joyful and worshipful!
Bible Story
The Story of the Passover Lamb
Long ago, God spoke to Moses and the people of Israel through a special command. He said, “This is a night for remembering!” They were in Egypt, where the people of Israel had been slaves for many years. But God promised to free them. Before their big escape, He gave them a special feast to celebrate.
The Israelites prepared a lamb without any spots or blemishes. They would put some of its blood on the doorposts of their homes. Then, they would eat a meal with unleavened bread and roasted lamb while sitting with their families. The night would be different for the Egyptians, God would pass over their homes, sparing their firstborn children, but the blood on the Israelites’ doors would protect theirs.
That night, the Israelites left Egypt quickly with their families and belongings, following the cloud of God’s guidance. They didn’t know where they were going, but they trusted God to lead them safely. The Passover meal was a reminder that God was faithful to keep His promises.
This story shows us how God protects His people and how we can remember His love through special traditions. Just like the Israelites, we can trust God to guide us and keep us safe, one day at a time!
Activities
- Prepare the Paper Plate: Ask each child to tear or cut the paper plate into a round shape to use as the base of their basket. This will simplify the task and keep it fun.
- Draw and Decorate: Show them pictures of a Passover basket from Exodus 12:21-24. Have them draw what they see, such as bread, herbs, and sometimes a lamb’s blood. Use crayons to color the plate, focusing on the items listed in the Bible.
- Add Small Details: If you have small plastic eggs, have them glue a few on to represent the items that were kept in the basket. Alternatively, write down the items (like the “unleavened bread”) with markers or stickers.
- Decorate and Share: Once decorated, let them display their baskets around the room. Talk about how the basket held food that reminded them of God’s promise to protect His people.
- Explain the Story: Begin by reading Exodus 12:13 in a kid-friendly way. Ask the children to imagine how the blood saved them from the angel of death by marking their doors.
- Make the Blood Stripe: Give each child a strip of white paper or cloth. Have them dip a paintbrush into red paint and carefully draw a long stripe down the middle, about 1 inch wide. Discuss why this blood was important, it reminded God that His people were His.
- Draw a Doorpost: Using markers or crayons, have them draw a simple door or frame on either side of the blood stripe. Label it “Doorpost” or “Mark of Protection.”
- Share and Reflect: Ask each child to show their creation. Talk about how God’s promise in the story is just as true today, Jesus’ blood covers us like the Passover blood once did, protecting us from sin! End with a prayer.
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions for early elementary children (ages 6, 8) about the story of Passover and the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12). These questions encourage them to think deeply, connect with the story, and explore how its lessons apply to their lives in simple, relatable ways:
- What Would You Have Done if You Were a Slave in Egypt?
- Imagine Moses and the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, working long hours and living in hard conditions. The Passover story tells us that God chose the Israelites to be His special people. Why do you think God chose them? What kind of kindness or love do you think God has for you, like He did for His people? How can you show love or kindness to others in your family or school today?
- (This question invites them to reflect on God’s protection, His love, and how to follow His example of care.)*
- Why Did the Family Eat a Lamb at the Passover Seder?
- At the Passover meal, the family ate a lamb, sometimes roasted or boiled. The Bible says the lamb’s blood was put on the doorposts to protect the family from the angel of death. What do you think the lamb symbolizes? How is it like a shield or a helper in our lives today? Do you know of anything that helps you feel safe or protected, like the blood of Christ protects believers from sin?
- (This encourages them to explore the symbolic meaning of the lamb and relate it to their own faith in God’s protection.)*
- How Did the Israelites Prepare for the Passover?
- The story says the families had to prepare everything carefully, sacrificing the lamb, eating it with unleavened bread, and celebrating together. What does “preparing” mean in your life? Do you think God expects us to do special things to remember Him? For example, do you have a favorite meal or tradition that reminds you of family or faith? Why is it important to spend time together as a family?
- (This question connects preparation to faith, family traditions, and the importance of memory.)*
- What Would You Have Done If You Were Part of the Passover Feast?
- Picture yourself at the Passover meal, eating the lamb, telling the story, and sharing with your family. If you could ask God one question or thank Him for something He had done for the Israelites, what would it be? Maybe you’d ask, “How can I help others like You helped us?” Or you might thank Him for being with you every day. What would you want to say or thank God for?
- (This question sparks personal reflection, gratitude, and a desire to follow God’s example of love and service.)*
- Tips for Discussion:
- Let children share their answers in pairs or groups before discussing as a whole class.
- Use simple drawings or objects (like a lamb toy or a bread cracker) to help visualize the story.
- End with a prayer or a short Bible verse (e.g., “I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved” , John 10:9, if appropriate).
- Would you like any of these adjusted for a specific focus (e.g., more on kindness, faith, or family)?
Prayer Focus
Here’s a simple and heartfelt prayer for young children (ages 6, 8) about the Passover Lamb, inspired by Exodus 12. You can pray this together as a class after reading the story: “Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus like a Passover Lamb. He gave His life so that no one would ever be afraid to die or forgotten. Just like the Israelites remembered the lamb for protection, we remember Jesus as our Savior, always protecting us with His love. When we feel scared or worried, like the Egyptians felt, we can trust in Jesus instead. He’s our shield, our light, and our home. Help us to be kind to others, like the Israelites were to their friends, so everyone feels safe and loved. One day, when we grow up, we’ll celebrate Passover again, but even better, we’ll celebrate Jesus forever! Help us to always follow Him and show others how much You love them, just like You loved the lambs in the Bible. Amen!” Application for the Class: – Ask: “What did the lamb do for the Israelites?” (Sacrificed itself for them.) – Hold up a small paper lamb and say: “Jesus gave His life for us too! He’s our Passover Lamb!” – End with a group hug or a handshake to remind them: “You are never alone, Jesus is always with you!”
Missions Spotlight
In many parts of North Africa and the Middle East, the concept of sacrificial lambs is deeply understood. Missionaries working among the Amazigh (Berber) people of Morocco use the Passover story as a bridge to explain Jesus as the Lamb of God.
To the Cross
The Passover lamb’s blood on the doorposts saved the Israelites from death. Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), His blood saves us from the death that our sin deserves. Every Passover pointed forward to the cross.
Family Take-Home
Here’s a simple summary for families: “In the story of The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12), God led His people out of Egypt by instructing them to sacrifice a lamb, paint its blood on their doors, and eat it with bitter herbs, a reminder that Jesus would later become the true Passover Lamb, saving us from sin. This lesson teaches faith, obedience, and hope in God’s plan.” Short enough to share during a car ride or quick family chat!