Let's put our thinking caps on— now imagine going to the beach with your family, and you see a huge, huge ocean in front of you, so wide that it's too big for anyone to swim across!
In our story today, the Israelites — God's people, were being chased by a very bad king and his army! God's people were so afraid of him that they ran away. Just like when you go to the beach and see a big, big ocean the Israelites came to a huge sea that they couldn't cross! Let's find out how God helped them escape.
let's Pray!
Dear God, thank you for this time together to learn about your wonderful stories. Help us to understand and remember the lessons you teach us. Amen.
sing, dance!
Song Title: When I look
the story
Long time ago, there are people called the Israelites. They are God's people — but they were not free! They used to work very hard as slaves for a bad king in a place called Egypt for a very, very long time. But one day, God said, "Time to go!". So God helped them leave Egypt, and the bad king listened.
God's people followed their leader Moses who knew where to go because God was guiding him! They walked and walked until they reached a big, big water called the Red Sea. They didn't know what to do next, but they trusted God.
Meanwhile, the king of Egypt changed his mind and sent his soldiers to bring the Israelites back! The people got scared when they saw the soldiers coming. They felt stuck between the soldiers and the sea. They were worried and very afraid!
But Moses said, "Don't be scared. God will save you, and God will fight for you!" And then, something amazing happened. God showed His power!!! When Moses lifted his hand over the Sea, God made a path in the water! He divided the Sea, the water stood up like walls, and they walked on dry ground!
The soldiers tried to follow them, but their chariots got stuck and couldn't move. The Israelites reached the other side safely, but when the soldiers tried to follow, the water came crashing down on them. God kept His people safe!
Everyone was so happy and they sang songs and danced to thank God for saving them. When they saw God's power, they knew that God was strong & powerful so they feared & believed God!
let's review!
• How did the Israelites feel when they were in Egypt?
(They felt sad and afraid.)
• Why did the Israelites trust Moses?
(Because God was helping Him.)
• What did Moses say when the Israelites were scared?
(He told them not to be afraid, because God would save them.)
• What happened when Moses lifted his hand over the water?
(God made a special path for them to walk on.)
•Why did the soldiers chase the Israelites?
(They wanted to take them back to Egypt.)
• How did God protect the Israelites from the soldiers?
(He stopped the soldiers from catching them.)
• What did the Israelites do after crossing the water?
(They prayed, sang and danced to thank God.)
• What did the Israelites do when they saw God's power?
(They feared and believed God.)
• What did the Israelites learn about God?
(They learned that God is strong and powerful.)
• How would you feel if you were with the Israelites?
(Allow responses, and answers may vary. Guide as needed.)
let's Play!
Let's play Charades!
Act Out the Story: Write down key elements of the story on cards, or print the template below on a cardstock:
• Moses, Pharaoh, Soldiers, Parting of the sea, Singing & Dancing, Afraid, Praying, Strong.
Children can take turns drawing a card and acting out the scene for others to guess.
let's make!
Things you'll need:
- Construction Papers
- Glue Sticks
- Pictures or Magazines
- Scissors or Craft Scissors
To follow.
let's Pray!