Moses and the Burning Bush

Children's Sermon: Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-15)

Pre-cut the construction paper into flame shapes. Cut the bulletin board paper into a bush shape and hang it on the wall where kids can reach.

Shoes come in all types and sizes. There are dress shoes like we might wear to church. There are athletic shoes like we wear when we play sports. There are sandals or flip-flops for summer. Show everyone the shoes you have on now.  (Pause.) We have all kinds of shoes!

But why are we talking about shoes you might be wondering. Well, shoes protect our feet, but they can also serve another purpose. Raise your hand if you wear your shoes inside most of the time. (Pause.) Raise your hand if you take your shoes off when you’re inside. (Pause.)

People might take off their shoes to keep from tracking dirt inside. And in some places, people always take off their shoes and leave them at the door when they enter a house as a sign of respect. Respect means to show someone you think that person is important. And that reminds me of today’s Bible lesson.

God told a man named Moses to take off his shoes (Exodus 3:5). To get ready to hear about what happened to Moses, let’s take off our shoes now. I think that’ll help us understand why God told Moses to take off his shoes. I'm going to do that. If you wish, join me.

Take off your shoes and show children the “bush” paper on the wall. Explain that they’ll make a “burning bush” by adding color and flames.

God called Moses from a burning bush to get his attention and talk to him. God had an important job for Moses. He told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Let’s hear what happened.

Give each child a cut-out flame and a marker. As you read aloud Exodus 3:3-6, have kids write their name or draw a picture on their flame.

At first, Moses was confused and wasn’t sure God could really be speaking to him. God wanted Moses to lead His people, but Moses wasn’t sure he was the right guy for the job. But God wanted to get Moses to pay attention.

Move kids to the bush on the wall. Have kids choose where to add construction paper flames while you tape.

Why did the burning bush get Moses to pay attention to God?

You didn’t know how our bush would turn out, but you listened to my instructions. God did the same thing with Moses—he gave Moses important instructions. Just like God spoke to Moses, God speaks to us, too.

God, thank You for giving us instructions. Thank You for speaking to Moses and for speaking to us. Help us remember to listen to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.