Three Simple Spring Bible Lessons for Kids
By contributing writer Lisa:
Warm weather has arrived and with it picnics, trips to the park, and plenty of time outdoors.
Our family has been soaking up as much vitamin D and warmth from the sun as possible this week. The mornings are for chores and school lessons, but the afternoons are for lunch outside, water gun fights, playing in the mud kitchen, bike riding, nature hikes, and the like.
The time outdoors is also perfect for conversations about God and short lessons about Bible truths. While we do incorporate Bible study and memorizing verses into our school time, I really think that our children learn a great deal simply from the questions they ask and the conversations we share.
Intentionally talking about God in the everyday moments, taking the time to answer questions, and pointing out reminders about His truth in daily life form a foundation of understanding in children’s hearts and minds. These habits demonstrate to kids that God is not confined to a lesson on Sunday or a short devotional reading before bed.
God is in the kitchen as we day in and day out prepare our families food. He is in the bedroom when we clean and take care of our things. He is in the living room as we love each other and enjoy the relationships He has given.
And God is all around in nature, in the world He so wondrously created.
Spring is full of ways to point our children to God and His truth. Here are three simple ways you can do just that in your everyday life– into activities you likely already do.
3 Simple Spring Bible Lessons for Kids
I’m calling these lessons “simple” because that’s exactly what they are. A conversation (and then occasional reminders) is enough to plant the seeds of truth and God has already given plenty of beautiful illustrations without needing additional resources. However, I have also included an easy activity to bring the lesson indoors to serve as a further reminder of the truth you discuss.
1. Winter to Spring. Life for death. Beauty for ashes.
We were sitting outside on our driveway yesterday when my kids began talking about how the trees were starting to grow green leaves again. Our dogwood is also starting to bloom. It won’t be too long before wildflowers pop up everywhere and a simple drive down the road becomes a rainbow of colors.
The changing of the seasons can be a wonderful illustration of gospel truth for young eyes. They watch the barren trees and fields give way to life and beauty.
We can teach our children as we drive down the road that this is an example of what God does in our hearts. He takes what was formerly without life spiritually and gives it new life. He takes what was ugly to look at and transforms it into something beautiful that reflects His glory.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ…” Ephesians 2:4-5
Easy activity ideas:
- Memorize the verse(s) together
- Take a piece of drawing paper and fold it in half. On one side, draw an illustration of winter with barren trees and few plants. On the other side, draw an illustration of Spring with plenty of flowers and budding trees. Display the picture where it can be a reminder of what God does.
2. Spring is full of wonderful sights and beautiful scenery. But Jesus is better.
One of the greatest things we can do for our kids is to give them a BIG picture of God. Teach them to see His hand in the little and big moments in their lives, and to trust Him in each. Help them begin to understand that all the good and beautiful things in their lives are meant to serve as pointers to God’s greater goodness and beauty.
When you see a sky radiant with sunlight beaming through the clouds, when you hike to a waterfall and wonder at the rushing water, when you count the stars or watch an eagle in the sky or admire the beauty of a flower– remember the One who created each.
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1
“O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” Psalm 8:1
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16
Easy activity ideas:
- Memorize the verse(s) together
- Gather flowers together and make a pretty centerpiece on your table to remind everyone to appreciate the beauty in God’s creation
- Listen to Fairest Lord Jesus (lyrics/listen) and How Great Thou Art (lyrics/listen) together and discuss the verses. Learn to sing the hymns together.
3. God feeds the birds and clothes the fields. He is faithful to take care of us.
Jesus often taught the people using their surroundings and examples from life with which they were familiar. In the same way, we can use concrete things like birds and flowers to teach our kids about God’s faithfulness.
Jesus pointed out how the birds of the air are fed by God and how the lilies of the field grow– and how much more important are we to God?!
In a simple conversation, we can point out a cluster of birds gathering seeds and the beauty of wildflowers and share with our kids what Jesus said. We do not need to worry about our food, clothing, or anything else because God has promised to take care of our needs if we seek Him first.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
Easy Activity Ideas:
- Memorize the verse together
- Go on a picnic together to observe the birds and flowers, and talk about how you are thankful for God’s provision
- Read Matthew 6:25-34 together
- The {Real} Magic Kingdom :: Outdoor Series from This Pilgrim Life
- Three Free Daily Bible Resources for Kids :: This Pilgrim Life
- 10 Ways to Involve your Toddler or Preschooler in the Garden :: Intentional by Grace
This was very helpful. I will certainly be incorporating these ideas with my Sunday school kids. Thanks so much and be blessed.