Big Idea: God has the power to provide, so we can trust that He will give us all that we need.
Bible Basis: The Book of Exodus
Key Verse: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
OPENING PRAYER
God, thank you for giving us this opportunity to come together around your Word. As we pause from the struggles of this sinful world, help us focus on you, trust in your promises, and find peace in your incredible love for us. Strengthen our faith through your Word and keep us always focused on the ultimate gift of eternal life that you have given us through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of the Book of Exodus?
What did you learn about God from the Book of Exodus?
For older kids:
What do you think the Book of Exodus shows us about God?
Why do you think the Israelites complained even though God provided them with everything they needed?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: What do you need? Write a prayer to God and tell Him about it.
Journal Station prompt: After hearing today’s story, what do you want to say to God? Write it down here.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Exodus 16:11-18. Draw a picture of the story or write to God your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a picture of something that God has provided for you. While you’re drawing, pray to God and tell Him “thanks.”
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Zoom Connect Activity
- Set-up: Print the “Zoom: Airplane” picture cards on 8½ x 11 cardstock paper and cut apart.
- Say: Today we’re in the second week of a series called “Zoom.” Do you know what it means to zoom in and out of something? (Take answers.) That’s right—it means you look at something really close up or really far away. We’re going to get started by zooming in and out of a mystery picture. Let’s see if you can guess what it is.
- Directions: Keep the “Zoom: Airplane” pictures turned over until the appropriate time. Each card is numbered 1–4. When ready, turn over the first card. Ask what they think is pictured and why they think that. After everyone has shared, turn over the second card and repeat. Each card will zoom further out on the mystery picture making it easier to identify. Continue until all four cards have been turned over and the mystery picture is revealed. When finished, ask the following question:
- Question: What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken? Where did you go and what did you do?
+ Want or Need (Application Activity)
- Set-up: Place two tape lines parallel to each other on the floor about 15 ft. (4.5 meters) apart. Each tape line should be long enough to fit half of the small group along it. Print the “Want or Need” signs (see Resource Folder) on 8½ x 11 paper and cut apart. Tape the two “Want” signs on either side of a small trash can or bucket. Tape the two “Need” signs on either side of another small trash can or bucket. Place the two trash cans or buckets in the middle of the two tape lines.
- Say: In the Book of Exodus, we learned that God has the power to provide for all of our needs, but sometimes it’s easy to confuse things that we need for things that we want. We’re going to play a game right now that will help us think about the difference between needs and wants.
- Directions: Divide into two teams. Give each person on one team a colored piece of paper. Give each kid on the other team a different colored piece of paper. Tell the kids to crumple their paper into a ball. Have one team line up behind one of the tape lines and the other team line up behind the opposing tape line. Read one of the “Wants or Needs” from the list below, then count to 3. Every kid will have 3 seconds to decide if what you read is a want or a need and throw their paper ball into the corresponding trash can or bucket. Give each team one point for every paper ball that lands in the correct can or bucket. Paper balls that miss receive no points. Afterwards, ask why they targeted the can or bucket that they did. To help promote better discussion, consider asking some “what if” questions. For example, if your child says that new shoes are a need, ask them “What if you already have some perfectly good shoes?” Continue playing rounds until each of the “Wants or Needs” have been discussed. Afterwards discuss the questions below.
- Wants or Needs: A bike; Cell phone; Friends; New shoes; Candy; Pizza; Water; 1st place in a sport; Family; Soda
- Question:: What are some things that you truly need right now?.
- Question:: What are some things that God has provided for you in the past?
+ Bible Verse Blitz (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Set-up: Print out 2 copies of the Bible Verse cards on 8½ x 11 paper and cut apart. (See Resource Folder.) Each of the 8 cards will have a portion of the Bible verse on it.
- Directions: Place 1 set of Bible verse cards in the middle of the group. Each of the 8 cards will have a portion of the Bible verse. Place the cards in the correct order. Read the verse carefully with your child(ren) several times so they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: "“And my God will meet all of your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. Next, divide into 2 teams. Give each team one set of Bible verse cards and tell them to thoroughly mix the cards up. When you say “go,” have the two teams race to put the cards back in the right order. For the first round allow the kids to use their hands to move the cards, but for each additional round, choose a different body part such as forehead, nose, foot, knee, elbow, cheek, etc. The first team to assemble the cards in the right order wins the round and a point for the team. After each round, cover the cards up and have each team take turns reciting the verse from memory.
- Question: This verse says that God will give us all of our needs, not our wants. What do you think is the difference between a need and a want?
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for providing all that I need. Best of all, thank you for sending your Son to be may Savior and taking away all my sins. Help me to trust in your power to provide all that I need. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the different accounts from Genesis that were mentioned as part of this week’s lesson:
Exodus 1-3 (Birth of Moses and the Burning Bush)
Exodus 7-11 (The 10 Plagues)
Exodus 13:17-14:31 (Crossing the Red Sea)
Exodus 15:22-17:7 (God miraculously provides for his people in the desert)
Exodus 20 (The Ten Commandments)
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!