Free Gospel-Centered Sunday School Curriculum
for Elementary Kids

Download biblically sound, Christ-centered lesson plans built for immediate use.

The Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn
(Exodus 11:1 - 12:30)

The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for a long time, and even after nine powerful plagues, Pharaoh still refused to let God's people go. God told Moses that there would be one final plague, the most serious one of all. He promised that after this, Pharaoh would not only let them go but would actually chase them out of the land!

God gave the Israelites very special instructions to keep them safe. Each family was to choose a perfect Passover lamb. They were to stay inside their homes and brush the blood of the lamb on the top and sides of their wooden doorframes. This was a sign of their faith in God's protection. God told them to eat the meal quickly, with their shoes on and their walking sticks in their hands, because God's deliverance was coming suddenly.

That night, the Lord passed through the land of Egypt. In every house that did not have the blood on the door, the firstborn son died. But when God saw the blood on the houses of the Israelites, He passed over them, and everyone inside was safe. This mighty miracle showed that God has power over life and death. At midnight, a great cry went up in Egypt because every Egyptian family was affected, including Pharaoh's. Finally, Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and told them to take the Israelites and leave Egypt immediately. The Exodus story proves that God always keeps His promises to save His people from bondage and lead them to freedom.

Just as the blood on the doorposts protected the families inside, we see how God provides a way for safety when we trust Him. The way the universe is designed with such specific laws and timing shows us that God is a God of order who can be trusted to manage the big things and the small things in our lives.

A Curious Question

If you knew God was about to do something life-changing at midnight, would you be able to sleep, or would you keep your shoes on and your bags packed like the Israelites did?

Jesus Connection

Even though Jesus lived many years after this story, the Bible calls Him the Lamb of God. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelites from death, Jesus gave His life to provide salvation for us. He is the perfect sacrifice who took our place so that we can have eternal life and be free from the power of sin. This story is a picture of the gospel, showing that God provides a substitute to save His children.

Discussion Questions

  • Why do you think God asked the Israelites to eat their meal in a hurry with their shoes on?
  • How did the Israelites show they had faith in God before the plague even happened?
  • What does it feel like to wait for a promise from God to finally come true?
  • Why was the blood on the doorframe so important for the families' safety?

“So What” What Can I do?

  • How can you show God you trust Him this week when you are afraid of something?
  • The Israelites had to be ready to move quickly. How can you be ready to obey God as soon as He asks you to do something?
  • Who is someone you can tell about how God protects and cares for His people?

Memorize God's Word

"The Lord will move through the land... when he sees the blood... he will pass over that doorway." (Exodus 12:23)

Hand Motions:

  • The Lord: Point both hands up to the sky.
  • Move through the land: Sweep your arms in a wide circle in front of you.
  • Sees the blood: Point to your eyes, then touch your wrists.
  • Pass over: Make a "jumping" motion with one hand over the other.
  • That doorway: Use your hands to trace the shape of a square door in the air.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank You for being our protector and our deliverer. Thank You for the story of the Passover that reminds us of Your great power. Most of all, thank You for sending Jesus to be the perfect Lamb who saves us. Help us to trust You and be ready to follow You wherever You lead. Amen.

Craft or Activity

The Passover Doorframe

Kids will create a small cardboard doorframe and use red paint or markers to represent the blood of the lamb, reminding them of God's protection.

  1. Glue three craft sticks onto a piece of cardstock in the shape of a doorframe (two sides and a top).
  2. Use the red paint or a red marker to "paint" the top and sides of the craft sticks.
  3. Inside the doorframe on the cardstock, write the words: "God is my Protector."
  4. Decorate the rest of the paper with pictures of a family or a lamb.

Effective Teaching Techniques

  • Visual Aids: Use a real piece of red cloth or a red ribbon to show how visible the mark would have been on the doors.
  • Sensory Learning: If your church allows, let the kids taste a piece of unleavened bread (like a cracker) to explain why the Israelites didn't have time to let their bread rise.
  • Tone Management: This story has some heavy elements regarding the tenth plague. Focus on God's protection of His people and His justice, while maintaining a sense of awe at His power.