Week 111 · about 45 minutes
Exodus 18
Exodus 18 · Memory verse Exodus 18:23
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (Exodus 18), the matching word search and answer key (Exodus 18 word search), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a wooden spoon
Hold a wooden spoon. Read Exodus 18 in about four minutes, stopping at Exodus 18:23: “If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”” Ask, “What does this prop have to do with Exodus 18?” Let two children answer, then say the memory verse together.
Story script
Exodus 18 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.
Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, “What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?”” Exodus 18 opens with these words: “Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that…” The line to keep is Exodus 18:23: “If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”” Carry the word “thing” from that verse into the rest of the day.
The line worth learning out loud is Exodus 18:23: “If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.
What happens first in Exodus 18? Then try this: Read “If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people…” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.
Group game
Walk the room as if you are moving through Exodus 18. Every time you freeze, a child says one word from Exodus 18:23. The last child says the whole verse.
Craft
On a US Letter sheet, draw one picture from Exodus 18 and write Exodus 18:23 under it. Send it home as tonight’s reminder, not as a decoration contest.
Memory verse
Exodus 18:23
“If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.””
Take-home prayer
Father, thank you for Exodus 18. Help us remember Exodus 18:23 when we wake up, and teach us to notice you in an ordinary night. Amen.