The Ten Plagues
Scripture: Exodus 7:14-12:32
Theme: God is greater than any false god or power
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God’s Love Always Loves Us!” “God made us with rules to keep us safe and happy, just like a big hug from Mama or Papa!” “But God’s love is bigger than rules, it’s love that never ends!” (Use soft voices, simple gestures, and let them touch a “law” book or toy to feel it!)
Bible Story
“God’s Kind Rules”
One time, God spoke to people very clearly. He said, “Be good, be kind, and love one another!” God gave them rules, like “Don’t take other people’s things”, so everyone could live safely.
God loves us so much! He wants us to trust Him and follow His way, just like He did for His people long ago.
Why this matters: God’s love is like a big hug for everyone, He wants us to share, listen, and be kind, just like He is kind to us!
Activities
- Show the Bible: Hold up Exodus 20 (Ten Commandments page) and say, “God loves us so much! He gave us rules to follow, like being kind!”
- Color hearts: Give each child red paper and crayons. Say, “Color a big love heart for God!”
- Cut and glue: Let them cut the heart shape and glue it to a paper strip. Say, “Keep this to remember God’s love!”
- Share love: Everyone holds up their heart and says, “God loves me!”
- Draw lines: Write “God’s Way” at the top and draw straight lines (3, 5) with spaces between. Add a circle at the end.
- Trace the path: Show them how to follow the lines like God’s rules (“Be kind, listen, share”).
- Decorate: Let them color the lines or add stickers. Say, “Trace the way God wants us to walk!”
- Circle hug: Have them draw a big circle at the end and shout, “God loves us!” (repeat 2, 3 times).
- Tip: Keep it short, sing simple songs (“Jesus Loves Me”), and repeat “God loves you!” often!
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended questions about God’s love from The Ten Commandments:
- “God said, ‘I am your Father.’ What does that mean? How does it make you feel when you know God loves you?” (Let them share or draw what comes to mind.)
- “In the story, God gave rules to help people. What’s one way you can be kind to others, just like God wants us to be?” (Encourage them to name a small action, like sharing or smiling.)
- “God’s love is like a big hug. What’s one thing you can do to show God you love Him back, even when you’re sad or tired?” (Help them think of ways to pray or thank Him.)
- “If God says, ‘You may not…,’ how can we still trust that He loves us even when we make mistakes?” (Open for them to say, ‘He forgives us!’ or ‘God is kind.’)
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, Love us so much, just like you always do! Be our safe and happy home, always near, always near! Thank you for being good, kind, and full of light for us!” (Repeat: “God is love, always love us!”)
Missions Spotlight
The Karen people of Myanmar (Burma) have a tradition called the ‘Law of the Ancestors’, moral codes passed down for generations. When missionaries share the Ten Commandments, the Karen immediately understand the concept of God’s holy standards.
To the Cross
The Ten Commandments show us God’s perfect standard, and our inability to keep it. That’s why we need Jesus, who perfectly kept the law for us and took the punishment we deserved. The law is our tutor that leads us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
Teaching Tips
- Prioritize “Hard Questions” through Visual Modeling: Instead of ask
- Use Repetitive Songs to Reinforce the Narrative: The concept of the
- Incorporate Sensory Play for Immersion: Since young children learn
- Facilitate Small-Group Interaction via Role-Play: Divide the group
Family Take-Home
“The Ten Commandments” teaches us how to love and obey God, like following His rules for fairness, kindness, and respect. These timeless laws help us live with purpose, honor others, and stay close to Him, just like God’s love guides us every day.