INTRODUCTION

The Israelites Escape From Egypt

Bible Point:

Jesus sets us free.

Key Verse:

“I can do everything through God who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Big Picture:

Children will understand what it means to be free because of Jesus.

The Israelites Escape From Egypt

Exodus 11:1-12:36

Young children often hear the word “no,” especially when what they want to do is contrary to what’s best in the situation. Freedom to children often seems like the ability to do everything they want. Use this lesson to help your children understand that real freedom means knowing Jesus loves us, forgives us, and helps us make good choices. When we make mistakes, we can ask Jesus to forgive us, and Jesus always does. Jesus sets us free!

BIBLE TIME!

Exodus 11:1–12:36 tells us about the Israelites leaving Egypt after being enslaved for hundreds of years. They left so quickly that they weren’t able to finish making their bread for the journey. As they were leaving Egypt, their neighbors gave them gold, silver, and other jewelry. God was watching over them and set them free.

KEY VERSE

I can do everything because God gives me strength (adapted from Philippians 4:13).

BIBLE POINT

Jesus sets us free.

PLAY AND PRAY

Ask your preschooler to go into his or her room and choose one thing to take on a trip. Once your child has chosen one item, have him or her explain why that item was chosen over everything else in the room. Then take an imaginary trip through your house together. Your formal dining room with all of your good dishes can be “China.” (Stop and have a tea party!) The kitchen can be “Hungary.” (Grab a snack!) Visit “Greece” in your garage and tidy up. If your child still takes naps, go to a “hotel” (your bedroom or the guest room) so you can rest from your long trip.

ASK

• Where are some places you would like to go someday?

• What are some exciting things you hope to see along the way?

• What would you like to take with you?

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

During a meal, suddenly get up and tell your family that it’s time to go. Don’t let them get too prepared, but explain that shoes will be needed. Make sure the other adults in your family are clued in to this so that you will receive more support. When asked where you are going, just respond that you are headed to a place “flowing with milk and sugar.” Drive to a neighboring town and stop at an ice cream shop for dessert.

ASK

• What were you thinking when I hurried you out of the house?

• How do you think the Israelites felt when they had to leave Egypt quickly?

• Why are you glad that Jesus sets you free?

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that Jesus sets us free. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to remember that he or she can trust Jesus to set them free. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

• Play a game of Freeze Tag with your family and say, “Jesus sets us free.”

• Let something go (like sharing a toy or forgiving a friend) and remember Jesus sets us free.