Exodus 3:1-22 · Exodus 4:1-17

Moses and the Burning Bush Bible lesson for kids

A complete Moses and the Burning Bush lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.

Jump to Ages 4–6Jump to Ages 6–9Jump to Ages 9–12

Preschool & Kindergarten

Ages 4–6

Objective

Children will know that God called Moses by name and promised to help him do a hard job.

Opening question

What would you do if you saw a bush on fire that did not burn up?

Tell the story

Read Exodus 3:1-22 and Exodus 4:1-17 together. Moses was caring for sheep when he saw a burning bush that did not burn up. God called his name, told him the ground was holy, and sent him to help God’s people leave Egypt. Moses felt afraid, but God promised to be with him and sent Aaron to help.

Hands-on activities

Bright Burning Bush

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons, small pieces of red, orange, and yellow paper, glue

  1. Show our free printable coloring page.
  2. Color Moses, the sheep, and the ground.
  3. Glue bright paper pieces over the flames.
  4. Point to Moses and say, God knew his name.
  5. Point to the bush and say, God was with Moses.

What Is in Your Hand

Materials: wooden spoon or cardboard tube, open floor space

  1. Hold the spoon like Moses held his staff.
  2. Walk slowly as if guiding sheep.
  3. Freeze when you hear, Moses, Moses.
  4. Answer, Here I am.
  5. Lift the staff and say, God will help me.
  6. Pass the staff to the next child.

Talk about it

  1. What was strange about the burning bush?
  2. What did God ask Moses to do?
  3. Who promised to help Moses?

Closing prayer

God, help us listen to you and trust that you are with us, amen.

Early Elementary

Ages 6–9

Objective

Children will explain how God answered Moses’s fears and identify one way they can obey God courageously.

Opening question

Have you ever wanted to make an excuse because a job felt too hard?

Tell the story

Read Exodus 3:1-22 and Exodus 4:1-17 together. While Moses cared for sheep near Horeb, he saw a bush burning without being consumed, and God called him by name. God sent Moses to Pharaoh to lead Israel out of slavery, but Moses raised several fears and excuses. God promised to be with him, gave signs using his staff, taught him what to say, and provided Aaron as his spokesman.

Hands-on activities

Excuse and Answer Match

Materials: scrap paper, pencil, bowl, wooden spoon or cardboard tube

  1. Write simple Moses questions on separate papers.
  2. Write matching God answers on other papers.
  3. Mix the papers in a bowl.
  4. Draw one paper at a time.
  5. Match each fear with God’s answer.
  6. Hold the pretend staff and say, God will be with me.

Courage in Color

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons or markers, pencil

  1. Color our free printable coloring page.
  2. Circle the staff in Moses’s hand.
  3. Write God will be with me near Moses.
  4. Draw Aaron approaching to help.
  5. Share one hard but right thing you can do this week.

Talk about it

  1. Why do you think Moses kept making excuses?
  2. How did God answer Moses’s fear about speaking?
  3. What ability or ordinary object could you use to help someone?

Closing prayer

God, give us courage to obey and remember that you are with us, amen.

Upper Elementary & Preteen

Ages 9–12

Objective

Students will examine Moses’s doubts and plan a courageous response to one need God has placed before them.

Opening question

When does feeling unqualified become an honest concern, and when does it become an excuse?

Tell the story

Read Exodus 3:1-22 and Exodus 4:1-17 together. God met eighty year old Moses during an ordinary day of shepherding and revealed that he had seen Israel’s suffering. God called Moses to confront Pharaoh, but Moses questioned his worth, God’s name, the people’s belief, and his own speaking ability before asking God to send someone else. God answered each concern, promised his presence, provided signs through Moses’s staff, and appointed Aaron to speak with him.

Hands-on activities

Fear, Truth, Next Step

Materials: three sheets of paper, pencils, tape

  1. Label the papers Fear, God’s Truth, and Next Step.
  2. Name situations involving school, friendship, or helping someone.
  3. Write one honest fear for each situation.
  4. Add a truth from Moses’s story.
  5. Choose one safe and loving next step.
  6. Share only what you are comfortable sharing.

Calling Comic Notes

Materials: our free printable coloring page, colored pencils or markers, pencil

  1. Study our free printable coloring page.
  2. Color details that show Moses’s fear and God’s holiness.
  3. Add short thought bubbles showing one concern Moses raised.
  4. Write God’s answer beside each concern.
  5. Add a caption naming one way courage can include accepting help.

Talk about it

  1. Why did God call Moses even though Moses felt unqualified?
  2. How does God’s concern for enslaved Israel shape the purpose of Moses’s calling?
  3. When might courage mean speaking up, accepting help, or taking one small step?

Closing prayer

God, help us notice others’ needs, trust your presence, and take the next right step, amen.

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