The Golden Calf
This week’s Redemption Kids lesson is about the story of the Golden Calf!
Sunday Story Time
Each Sunday we have a story time, discussion time, worship time, and close by recapping the lesson.
Story Time
Start by reading this week’s lesson to your children, or by having them read it to you. Then watch this week’s lesson video.
Read the Passage: Exodus 32; 34 (ESV)
If you’re looking for the story in one of the many incredible children’s Bibles, check these out:
Big Picture Story Bible: A Good Word (p132)
The Beginner’s Bible: God’s Rules (p124)
Jesus Storybook Bible: Ten Ways to be Perfect (p100)
Gospel Story Bible: The Golden Calf (p72)
Action Story Bible: The Golden Calf (p166)
Watch the Video: Check out this morning’s lesson from Pastor Robin about idolatry.
Discussion Time
After watching the video, ask the following questions to further teach and apply today’s lesson.
Minis/Littles Discussion Questions
Ask the following questions, leading discussion as suggested:
Where did God talk to Moses? (on a mountain)
What did God’s people worship? (a golden calf)
How did God feel about what the people were doing? (angry)
Who asked God to forgive the people? (Moses)
Who talks to God for us when we sin? (Jesus)
What is worship? Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
Bigs/Elementary Discussion Questions
Ask the following questions, leading discussion as suggested:
Why did the people decide to worship an idol? (Moses took a long time on the mountain, and the people assumed he was not coming back; Ex. 32:1)
Why did God choose to show the people mercy? (Moses remembered God’s promise to Abraham and asked God to be merciful, Ex. 32:12-13)
Did God leave the Israelite’s sin unpunished? (no, He promised to hold them accountable; Ex. 32:34)
How can God be both just and merciful? Discuss how God was just to punish the people for their sin, but merciful because He chose not to destroy all of them. Remind them that Jesus is the perfect example of God’s justice and mercy. Jesus took the punishment for sin so that we could enjoy God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Why does God command us to worship Him alone? Discuss the fact that God is the only One who deserves worship. He created everything and has authority over everything. Nothing He created is as good or powerful as Him, so worshiping anything else is a waste of time and energy.
What are some things we worship besides God? How do we worship those things?
Discuss the ways people pursue things like comfort, control, acceptance or power. Talk about the ways people may worship money, celebrities, or knowledge. Remind the kids that if we place anything in our lives in a place above God, we are worshiping that thing as an idol.
Worship Time
Let’s stand up, lift our voices, raise our hands - and SING!
Minis/Little - Printable Lyrics
Bigs/Elementary - Printable Lyrics
The Lord is My Strength and Song
Let’s Recap
We close each Sunday by recapping the the lesson with this week’s question & answer, big idea, and Bible verse that we’ll come back to throughout the week.
Big Picture Question: What is worship?
Big Picture Answer: Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
Big Idea: God disciplined His people for worshiping a golden calf.
Bible Verse to Memorize - The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him - Exodus 15:2a
Tuesday’s Tales
Story Time
Each Tuesday we take some time to watch a video that reinforces this week’s lesson.
Minis/Littles: Bible Story Video
Bigs/Elementary: The Golden Cafe; Questions From Kids
Let’s Recap
Take some time to review this week’s question & answer, big idea, and Bible verse with your children
Big Picture Question: What is worship?
Big Picture Answer: Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
Big Idea: God disciplined His people for worshiping a golden calf.
Bible Verse to Memorize - The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him - Exodus 15:2a
Friday Family Fun
Activity Time
Each Friday we have some fun! Print out the activity sheets and use the Family Discussion & Activity Tips to engage with this week’s lesson.
Minis/Littles: What Does Not Belong (p23-24)
Bigs: Cause and Effect (p23-24)
Elementary: Stained Glass Secret (p23-24)
Let’s Recap
Let’s see how much of this week’s lesson everyone remembers!
Big Picture Question: What is worship?
Big Picture Answer: Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
Big Idea: God disciplined His people for worshiping a golden calf.
Bible Verse to Memorize - The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him - Exodus 15:2a
