Baby Moses in the Basket & The Nile
(Exodus 2:1–10)

In the land of Egypt, life was very hard for God's people, the Israelites. The wicked Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, was afraid because there were so many Israelites, so he gave a terrible command: every baby boy born to an Israelite family must be thrown into the Nile River to drown! Imagine how sad and afraid the families were.

One family from the tribe of Levi had a beautiful new baby boy. His mother and father loved him very much and bravely kept him hidden for three months, but soon it became too dangerous. The mother, named Jochebed, decided she had to trust God and find a way to keep her son safe. She took a basket made of papyrus reeds, which are like giant grass stalks that grow near the river. She carefully sealed the basket with sticky tar and pitch to make it completely waterproof, just like someone might seal a wooden boat with modern caulking to make sure no water leaks in. She put her sweet baby boy inside, wrapped him up snugly, and placed the basket among the reeds right near the bank of the Nile River.

The baby's older sister, a girl named Miriam, watched from a distance. She stayed hidden among the reeds to see what would happen. Soon, a group of royal women came down to the river to bathe. It was Pharaoh’s own daughter! When the princess saw the basket hidden in the reeds, she sent her maid to go and get it. When the princess opened the basket, she saw the baby crying. Her heart was filled with pity for the little boy. Even though she knew he was one of the Israelite children her father wanted to be killed, she decided to save him.

At that exact moment, Miriam stepped out of the shadows. She was very brave! She asked the princess, "Would you like me to find an Israelite woman to nurse the baby for you?" The princess agreed right away. Miriam quickly ran off and brought back the baby’s own mother, Jochebed! The princess told Jochebed, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you."

What an amazing plan God had! The baby's own mother got to care for him and teach him about the one true God, and she was even paid for it! When the boy was old enough, Jochebed brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter. The princess adopted the boy as her own son and named him Moses, which means "drawn out," because she drew him out of the water. God was working through this whole situation to save His chosen leader, Moses, who would one day lead all of His people out of Egypt!

A Curious Question

Jochebed and Miriam had to be very brave to go against Pharaoh’s cruel rule. Even though they were scared, they trusted God to protect Moses. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave to do the right thing, even if it was hard or a little scary?

Jesus Connection

Even though Moses' story happened hundreds of years before Jesus was born, it shows us how God always has a plan to save His people. Pharaoh tried to kill all the Israelite boys, but God protected Moses so he could become the one who would lead Israel out of slavery and into freedom. This points us to Jesus. When Jesus was a baby, a wicked king named Herod also tried to kill all the baby boys in the area of Bethlehem, but God protected Jesus and His family (Matthew 2:16-18).

Moses grew up to be a rescuer who led God’s people out of slavery in Egypt. Jesus is the ultimate Rescuer! He leads all of God’s people out of slavery to sin and death. Moses gave the Law, but Jesus gave us grace and forgiveness. Jesus is God's perfect Son, sent to rescue us forever.

Discussion Questions

  • What risky things did Moses' mother, Jochebed, and his sister, Miriam, do to try and save baby Moses? What does this tell us about their faith and love for him?
  • How did Pharaoh’s own daughter end up helping to save the very baby her father wanted to destroy? What does this show us about God's power to use anyone to complete His plans?
  • Jochebed got to teach Moses about God before he went to live in the palace. Why was it important for Moses to know about the God of Israel, even though he lived among the Egyptians?
  • Think about the name "Moses" meaning "drawn out." How was Moses drawn out of the water, and how does Jesus draw us out of something even more dangerous?

"So What" What Can I do?

This story shows us that even when we are in a hard or scary situation, God is working and watching over us. He gave Jochebed wisdom and courage. When you feel afraid or worried, what is one thing you can do to remember that God is watching over you?

Miriam was paying close attention and acted at the perfect time. How can you be more watchful for ways God might want you to help someone else in your family or class this week?

Memorize God's Word

Verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28

Hand Motions:

  • And we know: Tap forehead with index finger.
  • that in all things: Make a sweeping circle with both arms.
  • God works for the good: Thumbs-up sign with both hands.
  • of those who love him: Cross hands over the heart.
  • who have been called according to his purpose: Point index finger up to the sky.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father,

Thank you that you are always watching over us, just like you watched over baby Moses. Thank you for giving us a plan of rescue through your Son, Jesus. Please give us the same courage and wisdom you gave to Jochebed and Miriam to trust you and do the right thing, even when we are scared. Help us to always remember that you are working all things for our good because we love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Craft or Activity

A Basket for Baby Moses (Floating Craft)

A simple craft to represent the ark Jochebed made to protect her son.

Materials Checklist

Instructions

  1. Help the children cut the brown paper into a small, oval, basket-like shape, about 3-4 inches long.
  2. Have the children fold up the sides of the "basket" slightly to give it a little depth.
  3. Have the children color the small paper baby Moses cutout.
  4. Secure the baby Moses cutout inside the basket using a tiny piece of blue tack or clay to keep him from falling out.
  5. Optional: For extra stability, tape a small wooden craft stick underneath the basket (but ensure the basket still floats).
  6. The teacher will fill the shallow aluminum foil pan with a little water (this is the Nile River).
  7. Let the children gently place their Moses baskets on the water. Discuss what Jochebed used to make the real basket float and stay waterproof.

Effective Teaching Techniques

  • Prop Idea: Before the lesson, create a simple 'ark' prop by lining a small wicker basket or shoebox with dark brown construction paper and painting the inside with black tempera paint (representing pitch/tar). Keep a baby doll inside and use it during the story summary.
  • Age Variation (Younger): Focus heavily on the Craft/Activity. Instead of cutting a basket, use half of an empty walnut shell or a paper boat template and have them just draw Moses inside it with a marker.
  • Age Variation (Older): After the discussion questions, have the kids do a quick role-play of the scene where Miriam speaks to Pharaoh's daughter. Emphasize how quick-witted and brave she was to think of the idea and speak up to royalty.
  • Class Management: During the Story Summary, have the kids make the motion of 'tossing' a baby into the river (gently) and then the motion of 'hiding' (hands over eyes). This engages them with the contrast between the danger and God's protection.