The Bible is full of impactful stories that can teach kids how to live God's way. These 10 Key Old Testament Bible lessons for kids cover some of the most famous ones. This article gives an overview of the ten lessons and there is a link to each one.

From the Creation, to Noah and the Ark, to Abraham’s promise, to Moses and the burning bush, to David and Goliath, to Jonah and the Big Fish, to Daniel in the Lion’s den, to Ruth’s faithfulness, to Esther the queen, and all the way to the Widow's Oil.

May you find space here to pause, reflect, and abide.

Important note to Bible lesson facilitators

Whether you're a ministry leader, a volunteer, or a parent; you are so welcome to use this free Old Testament curriculum that I made for you. The most important thing we can do is lead kids to encounter Jesus. Children's ministry is real discipleship, it is not just entertainment!

Here's what you need to know:

• The program elements include a name game, memory verse, song, lesson, Q&A, and prayer.

• Some memory verses are repeated so that kids can actually memorize them.

• You won't need any props; just a physical Bible.

• This curriculum does not include crafts, take-home-elements, or group work activities.

• It is written with 1 facilitator in mind, so if you have a team of volunteers, you might want to split up who does what to keep kids more engaged.

10 Key Old Testament Bible Lessons

Below you will find the link to each of the 10 Old Testament Bible Lessons, along with a brief overview of each one. (Each title is a clickable link to the free lesson)

1 - The Creator & His Creation

This lesson starts at the very beginning - on the first page of the Bible. It is foundational for kids to understand their God as Maker, and their own identity as His children.

2 - Noah's Flood

Walking forward a few generations, we pick up with Enoch who lived close to God and see his impact changes the narrative. God is seen as a promise-keeper when He protects Noah and his family from the flood.

3- Abraham's Promise

God's big story is introduced, and we look at how Abram (Abraham) was invited to become part of God's story. We see how the Old Testament connects with the new and how Jesus fulfills God's big promise.

4 - Moses's Call

The kids meet Moses on Holy Ground, next to the burning bush. We hear about how God saved His special people, the Israelites, and understand the role Moses played in that.

5 - David and Goliath

In this story, we pause to consider the 'giants' in our own lives (A.K.A. bullies). Learning from David's example, the kids practice proclaiming God's name over their own great fears.

6 - Jonah and the Big Fish

Going deeper into the Old Testament, we learn about how God called Jonah and how he ran the other way! The kids consider what it means to obey God and do what He asks us to. They learn about a prophet and get to know God as One who Sends.

7 -Daniel in the Lion’s den

Daniel's story of faithfulness to God's ways teaches kids the importance of standing up for Jesus, even when the world is against them. They get to know God as protector.

8 - Ruth’s faithfulness

This lesson focuses on Ruth (not Boaz). It teaches kids faithfulness, sticking with God's people, and being loyal. Ruth chooses to be part of God's big story - and the kids can do the same.

9 - Esther the queen

Another book of the Old Testament we cover in a Sunday School lesson, is the book of Esther. Kids learn about Esther's bravery and courage when she realized her part in God's big story.

10 -  Widow's Oil

For the last lesson in this series, the kids learn about another prophet- someone named Elisha. They learn about the miracle of multiplication and sees how it applies to their own lives.

Where do these 10 stories fit into God’s big story?

God’s Big Story is that He was close to people (in the Garden of Eden), then they turned away from Him (and chose sin). But God promised to make a plan so that people could live close to Him again (that plan was Jesus).

Here’s a simple timeline:

1. God creates people in the Garden of Eden in His own image Lesson 1

2. People rebel against God (choosing themselves)

3. God promises to set the relationship right Lesson 2, 3

4. He sends messengers (prophets) with His promise Lesson 4, 6, 7, 10

5. God’s promise plays out over many generations Lesson 8, 9

6. The promise is fulfilled - Jesus comes to Earth

7. Jesus dies on a cross & conquers death

8. Jesus spends another 40 days on Earth & goes to Heaven

9. The Church builds God’s Kingdom on Earth

10. He’s coming back!

Vine Creative Studio holds a collection of what I like to call 'encounter tools', resources connecting hearts with Jesus. You're welcome to try one out with my free Coloring page on the Fishes & Loaves Miracle.

P.S. If you enjoyed this lesson and would like to stay in touch, I want to invite you to join my newsletter by leaving your email below.