Moses and the Burning Bush
Scripture: Exodus 3:1-4:17
Theme: God calls ordinary people for extraordinary purposes
Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)
Overview
Lesson Overview: “Crossing the Red Sea , God Makes a Way!” Dear helpers, today’s lesson reminds us that no matter how scary or impossible a situation might feel, God always has a way to help us! We’ll look at how God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites when they were trapped between Egypt and the sea, showing us that He is always ready to give us strength when we’re afraid. Start by reading Exodus 14:10, 14 out loud. Ask the kids: “What did the Israelites feel when they looked at the Egyptian army and the Red Sea?” Many of them were scared, but Moses reminded them to trust God. Share how God often helps us when we feel stuck, like when we’re nervous about a new friend or afraid to try something new. End with a simple activity: Draw or act out the scene where the people cross the “parted” sea (use a toy boat or pretend waves!). Then, remind the kids that just like God helped the Israelites, He’s with them today too! Share how they can trust God in their own lives, maybe when they face a challenge, they can remember, “God makes a way where there is no way!” End with a prayer or song of trust. Encouragement for Volunteers: This lesson is full of hope, God’s power isn’t limited to ancient times! Keep it interactive with questions, props, and a clear message of trust. The kids will love seeing how God can turn “impossible” into “possible” in their hearts. Great job for keeping it simple and exciting!
Bible Story
The Brave Children of Israel Escape Egypt
Once, a long time ago, God led His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt to a land where they could worship Him freely. But the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, was afraid of them and said, “Let my people go!” The king refused, so God sent terrible plagues to punish Egypt. The last plague was the death of every firstborn child in the land, Pharaoh’s own son was in danger too! The Israelites, led by Moses, quickly put lamb’s blood on their doorposts (this became their first Passover). That night, God parted the Red Sea, and the Israelites ran through the water on dry land. Even Pharaoh and his army chased after them!
When the Israelites reached the other side, Pharaoh’s chariots and soldiers rushed to catch up. But God made the sea close up behind them! The Egyptian army was trapped in the water, and God used the waves to crush them all. When the Israelites saw what happened, they shouted, “The Lord has saved us!” Pharaoh’s army was destroyed, and the Israelites knew God was with them.
This story shows us that God is always there to help and protect us, even when we feel scared. When we face big challenges, like standing up for what’s right or trusting God in hard times, we can remember that He will make a way, just like He did for the Israelites. No matter how impossible it seems, God can turn our fears into triumph! Today, let’s ask God to help us trust Him, just like the Israelites did.
Activities
Lesson Activity
Supplies: Paper, Pencils, Bible
- Activity 1: “Walking Through Water” (Movement Game)
- This activity helps kids move like Moses did when he and the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, learning that God can lead them through tough times.
- SUPPLIES:
- – Large sheets of construction paper (one per group of 3-4 kids)
- – Scissors (one per pair)
- – Glue sticks
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions designed to engage early elementary students (ages 6, 8) while gently guiding them to reflect on the Bible story of Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and how it can help them trust God in their own lives:
- 1. How Did God Help Moses and the Israelites?
- “Remember how God made a way for the Israelites to cross the Red Sea? What do you think made it possible for them to walk through the water, even though it looked dangerous? How do you think God helps people when something feels too big or scary, like crossing a river or facing a tough situation?”*
- (This question invites them to think about God’s power and how He works in surprising ways, just like He parted the sea! Encourage them to share what they imagine God might do in their own lives.)*
- 2. Why Were the Egyptians Afraid? What Can We Learn from Their Fear?
- “The Egyptians chased the Israelites, but when they came to the Red Sea, God made them stop! What do you think made them afraid to swim after them? How can we be brave like Moses and trust God, even when things seem scary or hard?”*
- (This question helps them connect God’s parting of the waters to their own fears, whether it’s being afraid of trying something new, facing a friend who’s mean, or worrying about their future.)*
- 3. What Happened When the Egyptians Tried to Follow?
- “When the Egyptians tried to swim through the Red Sea, what happened? How does this remind us that God protects His people, even when they make mistakes? What’s one time in your life when you wished you could ‘part the sea’ (like the water) to avoid a problem?”*
- (This invites them to think about consequences and God’s protection, while also giving them a chance to share real-life examples, maybe something small like avoiding a bully or fixing a broken toy.)*
- 4. How Can We Trust God Like the Israelites Trusted Him?
- “The Israelites had to trust God completely to cross the sea. What does ‘trusting God’ mean? How can we trust Him when things don’t go the way we want? Maybe you’re worried about something today, like homework, a big test, or asking for help. What’s one way you can remember God is always with you, just like He was with Moses?”*
- (This question helps them internalize the lesson: trusting God means believing He’s faithful, even when we don’t see answers yet. You could draw a simple picture of Moses and the Israelites walking on water while the Egyptians get trapped!)*
- Tips for Discussion:
- Keep responses short and validate their ideas (“That’s a great thought! What else do you think?”).
- Ask follow-up questions like “Why do you think God did that?” or “How would you feel if you were in Moses’ shoes?”
- Encourage them to pray together, asking God to help them trust Him more.
- Would you like any of these adjusted for a specific theme (like bravery, fear, or faith)?
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, today we remember how You helped the Israelites. When they were stuck in the desert with no way out, You didn’t let them stay afraid, You made a way through the red, scary water! Like Moses held up His arms, we can trust You to hold our hearts when we feel stuck or scared. Help us remember that You always answer when we call, just like You did for the Israelites. Amen.” Prayer Breakdown for the Class: 1. Start with Trust: “God, we know You always have a plan for us, like You did for the Israelites! When they were trapped, You gave them a sign: ‘Cross the water, but don’t be afraid!’ Help us follow Your lead, just like they did. When we feel stuck, remind us to hold up our arms (or hearts!) to You, trusting You’ll guide us. Amen.” 2. Feel the Fear, Find the Courage: “God, sometimes the ‘red sea’ feels big, like when we can’t choose our friends, our tests are hard, or the world feels too loud. But You turned water into a path! Teach us to ask, ‘What’s Your next step?’ when we’re unsure. Like Moses, let us stand strong for You. Amen.” 3. Celebrate the Miracle: “God, thank You for making a way! Today, let’s share something we trust You for, like sharing a snack, helping a friend, or singing a song. When we do, remind others that You’re always with us. Amen!” How to Use It: – Pause after each line to let kids repeat or act it out (e.g., pretend to hold arms up). – End with a simple ritual: “Let’s all whisper, ‘God, I trust You!’ like the Israelites did.”
Missions Spotlight
The Pacific Island nations have a deep connection to the ocean. Missionaries working in Fiji and Tonga have found that the Red Sea story resonates powerfully with island peoples who understand the sea’s power and God’s sovereignty over it.
To the Cross
The Israelites were trapped, the sea before them, the army behind. God parted the water and made a way through. At the cross, God made a way for us to be free from sin when there was no other way. Baptism pictures this same truth (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).
Teaching Tips
- Engage with Sensory Crafts: Combine the hands-on requirement with l
- Scaffold ‘Hard’ Questions with Visuals: When a child asks a complex
- Split the Group for Dialogue: With a class size of 3-10, break stud
- Dramatize for Early Readers: Use exaggerated storytelling voices an
Family Take-Home
Here’s a simple summary for families: “In the Bible story Exodus 14, Moses leads God’s people through the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army is chasing them. God miraculously parting the waters lets the Israelites cross safely, while the Egyptians drown, showing that God always provides a way when we trust Him!” Perfect for a quick, meaningful takeaway!