Moses and the Burning Bush

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-4:17

Theme: God calls ordinary people for extraordinary purposes

Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)

Overview

“God is so kind! He loves you so much, just like a big hug from Mommy or Daddy. When people were afraid, God made a way, like a path through the water! He’s always with you, always kind, always good!” (Encourage gentle repetition: “God makes a way!” with hand motions or simple gestures.)

Bible Story

God’s Big Love , The Red Sea

The children of Israel were in a big, scary place. The Egyptians chased them, and the water looked deep and dark. But God was with them!

“God will help you!” He whispered. The wind blew, and the water made a path. The children crossed safely, and the Egyptians couldn’t follow. “God makes a way!”

The Egyptians tried to chase them back into the water, but the waves closed like a wall. God made the water stand still! “God protects you!”

Then the Egyptians screamed, “Run, run!”, but the water crashed down on them. God saved His people and sent them home. “God loves you always!”

Why this matters: God always keeps His promises. When you feel scared, trust Him, He will help!

*(Sing: “God is big, God is strong, He will help me every day!”)*

Activities

  1. Prep: Put down 1 sheet of paper per child. Show them crayons and say, “God makes big things small!”
  2. Paint waves: Give each child crayons to draw waves, then let them splash watercolors (if using) to make “watery” waves. Say, “Just like God made the sea part for Moses!”
  3. Storytime: Read Exodus 14:10-11 in a baby-friendly way (skip hard parts). Sing “God is love” while kids wave their arms like waves.
  4. Wrap-up: Glue crayon waves to paper. Ask: “Who helped us today? God!”
  1. Set up: Lay blue paper (sea) on the floor. Place green paper (land) nearby. Say, “The Egyptians were scared. God said, ‘I will help!’”
  2. Build the sea: Kids stack blocks to make a tower on the blue paper. Say, “The sea was big and dark.”
  3. Make a bridge: Pull green paper away from blue and say, “God made a way for Moses! Now we can cross!” Kids stack blocks to build a bridge over the “sea.”
  4. Storytime: Act out Moses leading a donkey/animals across. Sing “God is love” while crossing. End: “God always makes a way, just like He did for Moses!”
  5. BONUS TIP: Both activities use simple repetition: “God makes a way!” or “God is love!” to reinforce the lesson. Keep it short and let kids play!

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four simple, open-ended questions to help babies and toddlers explore God’s love from the Crossing the Red Sea story:
  2. “When the people were afraid, God said, ‘I will make a way.’ What did He help them do?”
  3. (Let them share or act out: “Cross the big water!”)*
  4. “God is like a superhero who helps people even when they’re scared. Can you tell me how He helped the Israelites?”
  5. (Encourage them to mimic the waves splitting or shout, “He did it!”)*
  6. “Sometimes we feel stuck or lost, like the Israelites were. What do you think God wants us to do in those times?”
  7. (Repeat: “Trust Him. He’s always there.” with hand motions.)*
  8. “God loves us like a big hug! What’s something He promises to do for us, just like He helped the Israelites?”
  9. (Pause for simple answers like: “Make a way! Help me!” or “Keep me safe!”)*
  10. Tip: Use props (e.g., waves in a bath), songs (“God Is Love”), or actions to reinforce!

Prayer Focus

“Dear God, We thank You for always being there to help us. You make a big, safe way for us to cross, just like You did for the Israelites. You love us so much, and You watch over us every day. Amen.” (Optional repetition for toddlers:) “God loves you! God helps you!”

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).

Family Take-Home

In Exodus 14, God led the Israelites safely through the parted Red Sea while the Egyptians drowned, showing His power and promise to guide them through even the darkest storms. This lesson reminds families that God always makes a way when we trust Him, turning fear into faith and uncertainty into hope.

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