The Golden Calf

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-35

Theme: God is holy and cannot tolerate idolatry

Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)

Overview

“God’s Love Is Always with Us!” Little ones, God always loves you! Even when you’re little and can’t see everything yet, He watches over you like a big hug. That means you are safe, and God will finish what He starts, just like He promised Moses! (Repeat back: “God loves you! God sees you!”)

Bible Story

Moses and God’s Promise

God made Moses walk on the earth. He saw a far, far land with beautiful mountains and green fields. It was the land He promised to the people. “This is your home,” God whispered.

Moses smiled at the view. He knew God loved his people so much that He wanted them to live in peace. “God, I love Your land!”

The people were sad to leave. But God told Moses, “Stay here with me. I will take care of you.” Moses hugged his arms close.

God made Moses sleep on a mountain. He rested under the stars, safe and happy. “God is with me,” he thought. “I will never be alone.”

This story reminds us that God loves us too! He promises us a home where we can play, grow, and always be safe. His love is bigger than any mountain. “God loves you!”

Activities

  1. Sit with the kids on the floor. Hold up a Bible and say, “God made Moses look at a beautiful land, just like God loves you!”
  2. Give each child a blue paper and crayons. Say, “Draw clouds like Moses saw, God’s clouds bring love and promises!”
  3. Let them color clouds and write “God loves YOU!” in big letters on the paper (or glue on cut-out letters).
  4. Read the Bible verse: “God made Moses see the Promised Land, just like He sees you!” (Deuteronomy 34:1). Sing “God loves you today” while holding up the colorful sky.
  5. 2. “Moses’ Hand Wave” (Trusting God’s Love)
  6. Show the kids a picture of Moses raising his hands. Say, “Moses trusted God, just like you can trust God!”
  7. Give each child a paper plate. Let them paint it red (sun) and yellow (land). Say, “God is always with us, like the sun and the land!”
  8. Glue the plate to a stick (or tape it) to make a “hand wave.” Hold it up and say, “Wave your hand like Moses, trust God’s love!”
  9. Do the wave together 3 times. Read: “God made Moses see God’s love, He sees you too!” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Sing “God loves you today” while waving!
  10. Tip: Use soft voices, hold hands, and repeat phrases like “God loves YOU!” to keep it simple and loving!

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four simple, open-ended questions about God’s love from the story of Moses seeing the Promised Land:
  2. Moses looked at the land God promised. What color do you think it was?
  3. (Pause for response, repeat: “God loves us and gives us beautiful things!”)*
  4. When Moses saw the land, did he feel happy or sad? Why?
  5. (Repeat: “God is happy for you too! He loves you, just like He loved Moses.”)*
  6. The land was big and green. What else could it have been like? (Clouds? Mountains? Flowers?)
  7. (Repeat: “God makes the world special and safe for you to explore!”)*
  8. Moses lived a long time ago, but God still loves you today. How can we love God back? (Give options like hugging Him, praying, or sharing with others.)
  9. (Repeat: “God’s love is always with you, just like the Promised Land!”*)

Prayer Focus

“Dear God, be with us today. Love us like a baby in a crib. Guide our hearts like Moses saw the land. Thank You for Your love that is always near.” (Repeat softly:) “God is love. God is always with us. Amen!”

Missions Spotlight

The elderly church leaders in rural China have endured decades of persecution. Many have never seen the fruit of their labor in their lifetime. The story of Moses encourages them that faithfulness matters even when we don’t see the full harvest.

To the Cross

Moses led the people for 40 years but wasn’t allowed to enter the Promised Land himself. He pointed the people forward to something greater. Jesus, our greater Moses, not only points the way, He IS the way, and He entered the true Promised Land (heaven) on our behalf.

Family Take-Home

In Deuteronomy 34, God shows Moses the Promised Land, promising his people would inherit it. Though Moses never steps foot inside, he’s allowed one last glimpse before his death, teaching faith and trust in God’s promises.

Download Lesson PDF

Scroll to Top