Explore how God called Moses through the burning bush and gave him a mission. A lesson that helps children understand calling, courage, and obedience.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, children will:
- Understand that God can speak to us in unexpected ways.
- Recognize that God knows our hearts and our fears.
- Learn that God calls ordinary people to do great things.
- See that when God gives us a task, He also gives us help.
Introductory Activity
Activity: “Strange Sight” Challenge
Show kids a few strange or surprising pictures (like a tree growing out of a rock or an animal in a funny spot) and ask, “What would you do if you saw something like this?”
This sets the stage for Moses’ surprise when he saw the burning bush—and prepares their hearts for hearing how God speaks in amazing ways.
Memory Verse
“I will be with you.” — Exodus 3:12a (NIV)
This short and powerful verse reminds children that no matter how big the task, God is always with us—just like He was with Moses.
Bible Story (Exodus 2-4)
Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, but one day he saw an Egyptian hurting an Israelite, and Moses acted in anger. He ended up running away to a faraway land called Midian, where he became a shepherd. He lived there for many years, but God hadn’t forgotten him—or His people in Egypt.
One day, while Moses was taking care of his sheep, he saw something incredible: a bush that was on fire—but it wasn’t burning up! When he went to take a closer look, God called to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” Moses answered, “Here I am.”
God told Moses He had seen how the Israelites were suffering in Egypt and wanted Moses to go back to Pharaoh and lead the people out of slavery. Moses was scared. He didn’t feel brave or important enough for such a big job.
Moses asked many questions: “Who am I to go to Pharaoh?” “What if they don’t believe me?” “What if I can’t speak well?” But each time, God patiently answered. God gave Moses signs and promised, “I will be with you.”
God also gave Moses a helper—his brother Aaron—to speak with him. Even though Moses didn’t feel ready, God chose him anyway and gave him everything he needed to do the job.
Important Lessons from Exodus 2–4
- God sees our pain and hears our prayers – Exodus 2:24–25
- God speaks to us and calls us by name – Exodus 3:4
- God is holy and we should listen carefully – Exodus 3:5
- God has a purpose for each of us – Exodus 3:10
- Even when we feel unsure, God is with us – Exodus 4:12
- God gives us help when we need it – Exodus 4:14–15
Creative Ideas to Teach This Lesson
- Fun and engaging worksheets: Use worksheets that promote learning and independent work.
- Burning Bush Craft – build a 3D “burning bush” craft. Add a sign that says, “God speaks to us!”
- Prayer calendar: Make a prayer calendar where you mark each day you talk to God. This way, children will develop the habit of talking to God every day.
- Footprint Prayers – Trace each child’s foot and have them write a message or prayer about where they think God might be calling them to go or do for Him.
- Excuse Busters – Make a game where kids draw cards with Moses’ excuses and then match them with God’s answers.
Closing Encouragement
Moses didn’t feel brave or ready—but God didn’t choose Moses because he was perfect. He chose Moses because He had a plan. God has a plan for each of us too, and when He asks us to do something, He gives us the help we need. Just like Moses, we can say, “Here I am!” and trust God to do great things.
Printable Resource for Teaching Moses and the Burning Bush
Bring the story to life with this hands-on, engaging printable lesson pack!
It includes memory verse tools, storytelling visuals, crafts, coloring pages, comprehension activities, and more—available in both English and Spanish.
Click here to explore the Moses and the Burning Bush Printable Pack
