Free Gospel-Centered Sunday School Curriculum
for Elementary Kids

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

Jethro’s Wise Advice (Exodus 18)

After God led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, Moses’ father-in-law, a man named Jethro, came to visit him in the desert. Jethro brought Moses’ wife and two sons with him. When they met, Moses told Jethro all the amazing things God had done to rescue them from Pharaoh. Jethro was so happy. He praised God and said, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods." They had a big feast together to celebrate God's goodness.

The next day, Jethro watched Moses work. From morning until evening, Moses sat in a chair while a huge line of people waited to talk to him. Everyone had a problem or a fight that they wanted Moses to settle. Jethro saw that Moses was getting very tired, and the people were getting tired of waiting too. Jethro asked, "Why are you doing this all by yourself?" Moses explained that the people wanted to know God’s will for their lives.

Jethro gave Moses some very wise advice. He said, "What you are doing is not good. You will wear yourself out. You cannot handle this alone." Jethro told Moses to keep teaching the people God’s laws, but to choose capable helpers to lead groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. These leaders would handle the small problems, and only the hardest cases would come to Moses. This was a great example of how God designed us to work together. Just like the parts of a clock or the members of a family, every person has a role to play. Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he suggested. This godly leadership made the whole camp much more peaceful and healthy.

A Curious Question

If you had to carry a giant, heavy box all by yourself, would it be easier or harder than if five of your friends helped you carry it? Why do you think God likes it when we help each other instead of trying to do everything alone?

Jesus Connection

In this story, Moses needed helpers because he could not carry the burden of the people alone. This points us to Jesus Christ, who is our Great High Priest. While Moses needed leaders to help him, Jesus is the perfect leader who invites us to come to Him when we are weary. Through the gospel, we see that Jesus did not just give us advice; He took the heavy burden of our sin upon Himself so we could have salvation and rest in Him.

Discussion Questions

  • Why was Jethro so happy when he heard Moses' stories about Egypt?
  • What did Jethro notice when he watched Moses working all day?
  • What kind of qualities did the new leaders need to have (trustworthy, hating dishonest gain)?
  • How does listening to wise advice from older people help us grow?
  • Think of a time when you tried to do something alone but it worked better when someone helped you?

“So What” What Can I do?

  • Is there a job at home or school that you can help someone else with this week?
  • When you feel overwhelmed or tired, who is a wise person you can talk to for advice?
  • How can you be a "capable helper" in your family or your church?

Memorize God's Word

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Hand Motions:

  • Carry: Pretend to lift something heavy onto your shoulder.
  • Each other’s: Point to the people around you.
  • Burdens: Stoop down low as if weight is pressing on you.
  • Fulfill: Move hands in a wide circle to show completeness.
  • Law of Christ: Open hands like a book (the Bible).

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank You for giving us people to help us and walk alongside us. Help us to be humble enough to listen to wise advice, just like Moses did. Show us how we can help carry the burdens of our friends and family today. We thank You for Jesus, who carries our greatest burdens. Amen.

Craft: The "Helping Hands" Wheel

Create a wheel that shows different ways kids can help share the load at home or church.

Materials Checklist

Instructions

  1. Cut out two large circles of construction paper or use two paper plates.
  2. On the top circle, cut out one "pie slice" wedge so you can see the circle underneath.
  3. On the bottom circle, divide it into four sections. In each section, have the kids draw a way they can help (like setting the table or picking up toys).
  4. Connect the two circles in the center using a metal brad so the top circle spins.
  5. Write "I Can Help Carry the Load" on the top circle.

Effective Teaching Techniques

  • Visual Demonstration: Start the lesson by trying to pick up a very large pile of books. Let them fall. Then, ask two students to help you. This illustrates Jethro's point.
  • Role Play: Have one student act as Moses sitting in a chair, and have a long line of students pretend to complain about small things. This helps kids see how exhausting it was.
  • Highlight Humility: Emphasize that Moses was the leader, but he was still willing to listen to his father-in-law. Being a leader means being a good listener too.