Discovering Exodus 16-20: Engaging Activities and Lessons for Kids Teens and Teachers

brucebenedict
Sep 7, 2025
3 min read

In the heart of the book of Exodus, chapters 16 to 20 unfold a powerful narrative that resonates with children, youth, and teens alike. These chapters tell the story of God's provision, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the establishment of a covenant with His people. Understanding these lessons can help young minds grasp the importance of faith, obedience, and community. This blog post will explore the relevance of Exodus 16-20 for different age groups and provide engaging activities for Sunday School teachers to facilitate learning.

Relevance to Children

For children, the stories in Exodus 16-20 can be simplified into relatable lessons about trust and obedience. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they received manna from heaven, teaches kids about God's provision. They can learn that just as God provided for the Israelites, He cares for them too.

Activity for Children: Manna Craft

Objective: To help children understand God's provision.

Materials Needed:

Cotton balls
Blue construction paper
Glue
Markers

Instructions:

Have the children glue cotton balls onto the blue construction paper to represent manna.
Encourage them to write a short prayer thanking God for His provision.

This hands-on activity will help children visualize the story and reinforce the lesson of trust in God.

Relevance to Youth

For youth, Exodus 16-20 presents deeper themes of identity and moral responsibility. The giving of the Ten Commandments is a pivotal moment that establishes a moral framework for the Israelites. Teens can relate to the struggle of making choices and understanding right from wrong.

Activity for Youth: Commandments Discussion

Objective: To engage youth in a discussion about the relevance of the Ten Commandments today.

Materials Needed:

Whiteboard and markers
Printed copies of the Ten Commandments

Instructions:

Start with a brief overview of the Ten Commandments.
Divide the youth into small groups and assign each group a commandment to discuss.
Have them present how that commandment applies to their lives today.

This activity encourages critical thinking and personal reflection, making the lessons from Exodus relevant to their daily lives.

Relevance to Teens

Teens often grapple with their faith and the expectations placed upon them. The covenant established in Exodus 19-20 emphasizes the importance of a relationship with God and the responsibilities that come with it. This can resonate with teens as they navigate their own relationships and commitments.

Activity for Teens: Covenant Commitment Ceremony

Objective: To help teens understand the significance of commitment in their faith.

Materials Needed:

Candles
Paper and pens
A small table for the ceremony

Instructions:

Create a solemn atmosphere with dim lighting and candles.
Discuss the concept of a covenant and what it means to commit to God.
Have each teen write down a personal commitment to God on paper.
Allow them to light a candle as a symbol of their commitment.

This ceremony can foster a sense of community and personal responsibility, encouraging teens to take their faith seriously.

Sunday School Teachers: Classroom Activities

For Children: Manna Memory Game

Objective: To reinforce the story of God's provision.

Materials Needed:

Index cards
Markers

Instructions:

Create pairs of cards with images or words related to the story of manna.
Place the cards face down and have children take turns flipping them over to find matches.
Discuss the story each time a match is found.

This game is not only fun but also reinforces the lesson in a memorable way.

For Youth: Commandments Role Play

Objective: To explore the Ten Commandments through acting.

Materials Needed:

Scripts based on each commandment
Props for role play

Instructions:

Assign each group a commandment and have them create a short skit.
Allow them to perform their skits for the class.
Discuss the implications of each commandment after the performances.

Role-playing can make the lessons more engaging and relatable for youth.

For Teens: Faith and Responsibility Workshop

Objective: To discuss the responsibilities that come with faith.

Materials Needed:

Journals
Pens
A comfortable space for discussion

Instructions:

Begin with a discussion on the importance of faith and responsibility.
Have teens write in their journals about their personal experiences with faith.
Facilitate a group discussion on how they can live out their faith responsibly.

This workshop encourages introspection and community building among teens.

Conclusion

Exodus 16-20 offers rich lessons that are relevant to children, youth, and teens. By engaging with these chapters through creative activities, young learners can better understand the importance of faith, obedience, and community. Sunday School teachers play a crucial role in facilitating this learning, and the activities outlined above can help make these lessons come alive in the classroom.

For those looking to dive deeper into these stories, consider exploring The Sunday School Bible. This resource aligns with the translation philosophy that emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and engagement, making it an excellent tool for both teachers and students. By investing in these materials, you can enhance your Sunday School experience and help your students grow in their faith.