INTRODUCTION

The Israelites Escape From Egypt

Bible Point:

Jesus sets us free.

Key Verse:

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

Big Picture:

Children will believe that Jesus sets them free.

The Israelites Escape From Egypt

Exodus 11:1-12:36

Your 5- and 6-year-olds know what it means to want their freedom. They know the feeling of being cooped up in a car or stuck inside because of a timeout. Kids this age often want more freedom than their dependence on others can allow. It’s important for kids this age to realize that their connection with God is their own. Use this lesson to help kids understand that sin traps us, and it’s Jesus’ forgiveness that sets us free.

BIBLE TIME!

This week’s Bible passage (Exodus 11:1—12:36) tells us that Jesus sets us free. The Israelites were slaves in Egypt, trapped in a place they didn’t want to be and feeling very sad. Finally, Pharaoh saw God’s power and let them go. The Israelites quickly packed their things and escaped from Egypt. Your child learned God’s freedom lasts forever because Jesus sets us free from our sin!

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

Have a spontaneous hike with your child. Say, “Quick! Let’s pack for a long walk. We need to leave in five minutes.” Then set the kitchen timer. Help your child pack a backpack with items such as a jacket, water bottle, snack, and camera. As you walk (perhaps around your neighborhood), talk about the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Remind your child that God’s freedom lasts forever because Jesus sets us free from our sins. We can remember to quickly ask God’s forgiveness when we sin. Because Jesus died for our sins, we can be set free and live forever with him in heaven!

ASK

• What were you thinking as you packed quickly for our hike?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Ask your child to help you prepare an easy-to-make meal for your family. It can be as simple as adding a cup of hot water to a package of noodle soup. You can add more ingredients to the simple soup, such as crackers and vegetables. As your family eats the simple meal, talk about the simple food the Israelites must have packed to go on their trip—no ovens or refrigerators where they were going! Say a prayer of thanks to God who set the Israelites free from Egypt and to Jesus who sets us free from our sin.

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that Jesus sets us free. He or she committed to one of the following challenges to remember that he or she is free because of Jesus. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

1. When you make a mistake this week, tell Jesus you’re sorry and thank him for forgiving you.

2. Pack a small bag at home with three things you’re thankful for and thank Jesus for setting you free.

3. At bedtime one night, tell your family one way Jesus helps you make good choices.