Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1–4:17)

After running away from Pharaoh, Moses lived far away in a place called Midian. He became a shepherd and took care of sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro. One day, Moses led the flock of sheep deep into the wilderness, near a holy mountain called Horeb, which is also known as the mountain of God.

Suddenly, Moses saw an incredible sight! A bush was on fire, blazing with flames, but the fire wasn't burning up the bush. The bush stayed perfectly green! Moses decided, "I must go over and see this strange thing, why the bush does not burn up."

When God saw that Moses was coming closer to look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!"

Moses answered, "Here I am."

God told him, "Do not come any closer! Take off your sandals, because the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then God said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. God is so holy and powerful, we can only stand in awe of Him.

Then the Lord told Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people, the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt. God said, "I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up from that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

God had a plan, and He told Moses: "Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt."

Moses was shocked! "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" he asked. Moses was doubting himself. God responded, "I will be with you."

Moses then asked God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?"

God gave Moses a very special, holy name: "I AM WHO I AM." He said, "Say this to the people of Israel: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" God's name, I AM, means that God is always real, always present, and always powerful. He doesn't change, and He doesn't depend on anyone or anything else. He simply IS. This is a name of great power, showing us that God is the source of all life and truth. Just as the universe expands, full of amazing wonders that point to a Designer, God's Name itself reveals His incredible, never-ending power and presence.

Moses still didn't feel brave enough, so God gave him three signs to show the Israelites that God truly sent him: First, his staff turned into a snake and then back into a staff. Second, his hand became diseased with leprosy and was then healed perfectly. Third, the water he poured on the ground would turn into blood. Even with these powerful proofs, Moses tried to say, "I am not a good speaker." But God gently reminded him, "Who gave man his mouth? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak."

Finally, God allowed Moses' brother, Aaron, to go with him to speak for him. Moses obeyed God and started his journey back to Egypt to rescue God's people.

A Curious Question

The name God gave Moses was "I AM WHO I AM." What does this name teach us about God's power and how He is different from us? How does knowing that God is the great "I AM" help you when you feel worried or unsure about doing something hard?

Jesus Connection

When God called Himself "I AM" at the burning bush, He was declaring that He is the eternal, ever-present God. The amazing thing is that hundreds of years later, Jesus also claimed this divine name! In the Bible, Jesus says things like, "Before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:58) and "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). By using "I AM," Jesus was telling everyone that He is not just a prophet or a good teacher; He is God in the flesh, the very same God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush!

Moses was sent to rescue God's people from slavery to Pharaoh. Jesus, the greater Prophet and Rescuer, was sent to deliver God's people-all who believe in Him-from a far greater slavery: slavery to sin and death. Moses came with three signs to prove his mission, but Jesus performed countless miracles to prove He is the Great I AM, the Son of God, who fulfills all God's promises of rescue and salvation.

Discussion Questions

1. Holy Ground: Why did God tell Moses to take off his sandals? What does it mean for a place to be "holy ground," and how should we act when we know God is present with us?

2. I AM WHO I AM: What does God's name, "I AM," mean to you? How is knowing that God is always present and always powerful a comfort to God's people?

3. Fear and Doubt: Moses didn't want to go back to Pharaoh, and he made excuses like "Who am I?" and "I can't talk well." Have you ever felt too small or scared to do something you knew God wanted you to do? What did God promise Moses to help him?

4. God's Sight: God said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people." What does this tell you about how much God cares for people who are hurting or treated unfairly?

“So What” What Can I do?

1. Obey God’s Call: Moses felt too weak and unsure, but God promised, "I will be with you." When your parents, teachers, or Sunday School leader ask you to do something that feels difficult-like forgiving a friend, sharing your favorite toy, or telling someone about Jesus-how can you remember God’s promise to Moses?

2. Respect God's Presence: Moses took off his sandals because he was on holy ground. How can you show respect and awe for God when you are in church, praying, or reading your Bible? What are some "sandals" you can take off (meaning bad attitudes or distractions)?

3. Trust "I AM": When you are worried about school, a test, or a problem, remind yourself of God's name, "I AM." How can you tell your worries, "I AM is with me, so I don't need to be afraid"?

Memorize God's Word

"I will be with you." - Exodus 3:12

Hand Motions:

  • "I will be" - Point up to God with one hand, then bring that hand over to touch your chest (like God promising to be with you).
  • "with you" - Point straight out to a friend or the class.
  • "Exodus 3:12" - Hold your hands open like a book.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, Thank you for being the great I AM, the God who is always here, always powerful, and always loves us. Thank you for seeing us when we are in trouble, just like you saw the Israelites. Forgive us for the times we doubt ourselves or doubt your power. Help us to be brave and obedient like Moses, and to trust your promise, "I will be with you," no matter what we face this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Craft or Activity: Burning Bush Mobile

Objective: To create a visually engaging mobile that reminds children of the miraculous sight Moses witnessed and God's call to Him.

Materials Checklist

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bush: Cut out a simple, leafy bush shape from the green cardstock. This will be the main part of the mobile.
  2. Make the Flames: Cut out various flame shapes from the yellow, orange, and red construction paper. Make sure they are small enough to look like they are inside the bush, not burning it up.
  3. Assemble the Bush: Use the glue stick to attach the flame shapes to the back of the green bush shape, making them peek out around the edges. This shows the fire but keeps the green "bush" intact.
  4. Add the Twigs: Tape one or two small twigs or sticks to the back of the green bush shape to look like the branches of the bush.
  5. Prepare the Hanger: Take one of the twigs and tie a piece of yarn or string to each end to create a hanger for the mobile.
  6. Write the Name: Use the black marker to write "I AM" clearly on the front of the green bush.
  7. Attach the Memory Verse: Punch a hole at the bottom of the bush. Tie a smaller piece of string through the hole and attach a small paper tag (cut from white paper) with the verse "I will be with you." on it.

Effective Teaching Techniques

Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the green bush shapes and all the flame shapes before class. This will save significant time and ensure the craft is completed within the 30-minute window, especially for younger children (Pre-K/K).

Class Management: Since this story is long, consider using a simple visual aid like a picture book or a large printout of a burning bush image to hold up as you narrate. This helps keep elementary students focused. Pause briefly before the "I AM WHO I AM" section to ask, "Do you want to know God's special, secret name?" to build excitement.

Age Variation: For older kids (Grades 3-5), challenge them to look up one of Jesus's seven "I AM" statements in the book of John (like "I am the light of the world" or "I am the good shepherd") and discuss how that title shows He is the powerful, ever-present God.