🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn’s teacher guide
Learn how to teach the importance of waiting on God as we walk through the end of the flood. Find helpful insights on the Ark Window Scene craft and the symbolic meaning of the dove, along with a look at the Jesus connection that reassures kids that God never forgets His children.
God Remembers Noah & Finishes the Flood
(Genesis 8)
After Noah listened and obeyed God by building the ark, he and his family had to wait through the great storm, trusting that God would keep them safe until the water went away.
After many long months, the rain finally stopped pouring down on the earth. Noah, his family, and all the animals were safe inside the giant ark. It was dark and quiet. They knew the storm was over, but they couldn't see anything but water out the window. The Bible tells us that God remembered Noah and all the living things with him in the ark. It's a wonderful thought: God never forgot them! He sent a big wind to blow across the water, and slowly, the water began to go down.
After more time had passed, the ark came to rest on the top of a mountain called Ararat. Noah could now see land, but he knew it wasn't safe to leave just yet. The ground was still wet and muddy. So, Noah opened a window and sent out a raven. The raven flew back and forth until the water had dried up.
Then, Noah sent out a dove. The dove looked for a dry place to land, but there was nowhere to rest its feet, so it flew back to Noah in the ark. Noah waited another seven days and sent the dove out again. This time, the dove came back in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak! Noah knew this was a sign that the water was going away and new life was growing on the earth. He waited one more week and sent the dove out a final time. This time, the dove did not come back.
Noah took the covering off the ark and saw that the ground was completely dry. Still, he waited. He didn't want to leave until God told him it was time. Finally, God spoke to Noah and said, "Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives, and every animal with you." Noah, his family, and all the animals walked out of the ark onto the dry land. It was a brand new world, and it was all because God had remembered them and kept His promise to save them.
A Curious Question
What do you think Noah and his family learned about God while they were waiting for so long?
Jesus Connection
This story of Noah shows us how God always remembers His promises, even when things look dark. Just as God saved Noah and his family from the flood, He sent Jesus to save us from our sin. The ark was a safe place from the storm, and Jesus is our safe place from sin and death. He is the one who helps us get through the storms in our lives and promises us a brand new life with Him. The dove in this story is a wonderful picture of the Holy Spirit, who was present at Jesus' baptism and helps us know God today.
Discussion Questions
- How do we know that God remembers and keeps His promises?
- Have you ever felt like you were waiting for something from God? How can we be patient while we wait?
- How is Jesus like the ark for us today?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- When you have to wait for something, remember this story and know that God is with you and has a plan. What is something you can pray about while you are waiting?
- Noah obeyed God by getting into the ark and waiting for His signal to leave. How can you show obedience to your parents or teachers this week?
- The dove brought back an olive branch as a sign of new life. What is one new thing you can learn about Jesus this week?
Memorize God's Word
Genesis 8:1: "But God remembered Noah."
Hand Motions:
- But God: Point both thumbs back at yourself, then point both thumbs up to the sky.
- Remembered: Point to your head with your index finger.
- Noah: Make a sweeping motion with your hand to show a large boat (the ark).
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, Thank You for always remembering us, just like You remembered Noah. Thank You for Your promise to save us through Jesus. Help us to be patient when we have to wait and to always obey You. Amen.
Craft: "Noah's Ark" Window Scene
Create a fun window scene showing the ark, Noah, and the dove returning with an olive branch.
Materials Checklist
- Paper plates
- Construction paper (blue, brown, green)
- Blue yarn
- Cotton balls
- Sunday School Scissors
- Glue sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Plate: Give each child a paper plate to serve as the "window" of the ark.
- Create the Water: Cut a blue paper circle slightly smaller than the plate and glue it to the center.
- Add the Ark: Cut a small ark shape from brown paper and glue it onto the blue water.
- Make the Dove: Cut a small white dove and glue a tiny green olive leaf to its beak.
- Add Movement: Attach blue yarn to the back of the dove and tape the other end to the plate so it looks like it is flying.
- Finish with Clouds: Glue cotton balls around the edge of the plate to represent the sky clearing.
Teacher Tips: Effective Techniques
- For Younger Kids: Keep the story focused on the main idea: God remembers His people.
- For Older Kids: Discuss the Holy Spirit symbolism using the dove and the olive branch.
- Visual Aids: Use a picture book or a simple drawing to show what a real olive branch looks like.
- Active Monitoring: Walk around to assist with the yarn and scissors to keep the lesson moving smoothly.
- Reinforce the Truth: Ask, "Why is the dove bringing a leaf back?" to connect the craft to God's promise.